Why is the "once a runner" book so popular?

If you were running during that era you saw tons of what it was like to run seriously in OAR. If you didn't run during that era but are interested in the "glory years" OAR is a great source.

I think I'm just a tad younger than HRE as the guys John Parker hung with were the next generation up. I always sort of wondered what it was like for those guys and it seems as though the book really gives it to you straight. Living in the cabin wasn't the whole deal BTW. Single-minded focus on the pursuit of excellence was. Wait, I guess diching everything and moving out of town WAS actually the whole thing. Anyway, I like it and have the book and sequel both on the shelf AND will read them again.

Great book, which captures our single-mindedness. If one happens to read JW by accident, Once will be a life-saving antidote.

I think you've really got to look at HOW the book is written that makes it as good as it is. Sure, the story may seem bland on the surface, but it's written in a language that every runner can relate to. The descriptions and the drives of the main character are something every passionate runner can relate to.

If you have to ask, you just don't get it.

Kind of like non-runners who ask "Why do you run?"

It helped me understand why my coach calls elite runners "arrogant pricks", being an ex "arrogant prick" himself.

I still love y'all!

You obviously didn't run in college. If you ran in college then you would get it.

No one has ever said it's a Great American Novel. It's not Hemingway. But it captures the essence of the singular obsession of distance running in that era. As former college distance runners, we can reminisce about our college running days while at the same time dream that we are Quentin Cassidy taking down the best miler in the world at a time when distance running was much more respected and popular to the general public than it is today. It has its place.

If you were actually a runner you would love it. There isn't anywhere near the amount of actual runners these days. Just people in nike gear running a 5k in the morning and calling it running.

Well, you did better than me.

I couldn't finish that heap of drivel.

It's not really a matter of good writing. I think it's just that it gets into our heads. Most people don't understand that mindset so it's kind of nice to have an entire novel that's centered around it.

I loved it. I finished my collegiate career in 5 years ago and thought the descriptions of the interactions between team members, football coaches, camaraderie among the distance guys was just so dead on. I also had an season where I isolated myself to train which ended up being a huge breakout for me, although I wasn’t as isolated and didn't run nearly as fast... Anyway I liked the book because it brought me back to running in college with all my old buddies.

What is the sequel's name, Again To Carthage?

Yet to read that.

OAR I thought was a great read.

Though never quite an elite runner in my college days, I found it to be realistic with the challenge of juggling; classes, studying for exams, assignments, training and the time this all took. Dealing often with sub par or disappointing races, as well as a few good races (a bonus) this was quite the lifestyle.

Never little or no pressure from our coach or from outside politics this was for me more of an eye opener revealing what it was like for elite U.S. runners who were around in the 70's.

xenonscreams wrote:

It's not really a matter of good writing. I think it's just that it gets into our heads. Most people don't understand that mindset so it's kind of nice to have an entire novel that's centered around it.

Exactly. There is your answer. Simple as that.