The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Has Taught Me about Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart

by Amby Burfoot

Book Overview

"One of the five best books on running."--Benjamin H. Cheever, Runner's World Magazine. Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot, one of running's wisest voices, presents 15 life lessons about passion, courage, materialism, failure, and regeneration, all learned during his more than 35 years of experience in running.

Here Amby Burfoot discusses a runner's essential traits--qualities necessary for everyone striving to reach a long-term...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1602391858
• ISBN13: 9781602391857
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

An Easy Run

Amby Burfoot, winner of the Boston Marathon, has written a wonderful little book about running and life. He looks at his running life from a variety of angles, all from the perpective of years spent on his feet. This is great read that really captures how we live life through running. A beautiful book!!

I am giving the book as a birthday gift

I probably won't read the book, as I don't run. The birthday gift will be given June 14, so I won't hear about it until after then. I am giving 5 stars for the good delivery servicde.

Burfoot Delivers Again

Burfoot's "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life" is so simple yet so thorough. It's such a quick read, but the depth and variety of each short, powerful chapter is incredible. I literally could not put it down.I particularly connected with the chapter on traditions (the need for anchors in this fast-paced world). Amby talks about the draw of Manchester and it's annual Thanksgiving day Road Race, which he has done 37 consecutive times. This fall will be my 17th straight. Like Amby, I make the pilgrimage back to Connecticut (despite now living in Chicago) because of the opportunity to re-connect with family and friends for this one "magic" day.As a father of three daughters, I also appreciated his perspectives on his children and how he came to the realization that they must choose their own paths. While I would love for my daughters to share my passion for running, I have learned through Amby that it is OK if they don't. Finally, the chapter titled "Materialism - what you really need you already have" is right on and should be "must read" for our entire society. This is a book much like "Tuesday's With Morrie" that I will refer back to from time to time to put life - and running - in perspective.Thanks Amby and see you in Manchester!Todd GothbergGurnee Il.<

A runners must have

The perfect book to lift the spirits and give you the motivation to get out and give it your best. It's a small and easy to read companion that is ideal for taking along to races and whipping out when the nerves start to set in. Every runner should have this in their kit bag or beside the bed.

Wonderful Mental Run for the Heart and Spirit!

What a wonderful book by Amby Burfoot to fuel the spirit and heart of the runner in each one of us. The book is inspirational, caring and sharing of running and life that we run. It has quotes, stories, heros, thoughts about goals, courage, finishing, victory and yes stopping to smell the roses along the way or maybe even a majestic view on the race course. Amby shared thoughts and philosophies that made me laugh, put the book down to do my own reflection and even brought me to tears. The story of Amby's 30th annversary Boston Marathon race was so touching when his brother joined him on the run. I plan on giving this book to all of my running friends. This book is just what you need to fuel or maybe even refuel your own running spirit. Whether you are a beginner or elite runner there is something in this book that will touch your mind and heart. It is a book for the runner in each of us. Amby teaches us the winning attitude so well in the book. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Thanks for all you do for the running world.