IS "ONCE A RUNNER" WORTH READING ?

Okay, i normally think grammar pedants are a pain in the ass but ****, you're really irritating. Please don't write anything else.

If you are a runner, and you are semi-literate, you MUST read Once A Runner. It will blow you away.

On the other hand, if you are fully literate, you may be somewhat underwhelmed.

What isa the big deal about this book ? I read it, and it is just average or below average. Plot development is almost nil. If it had not been about track I would give it an F.

Final grade: C-

The chapter with the interval workout makes the book worth reading. I reread that chapter once every couple of months.

Yes I do... email sk26two@zoom-dsl.com

If you think you might like "Once a Runner", then you will most surely like the book "Juggernauts". I liked that the book listed work-out schedules, training times, race times, race tactics, and the overall philosophy of this kid as he matured through HS in the 70's and lead his team to 2 state titles. They had 5 or 6 kids that ran sub 10:00 in the 2 mile Regional his senior year. There are plenty of funny stories that involve the unique individuals surrounding this Kentucky HS team, so you don't get bogged down and look forward to turning the pages. A very mature read.

i think there is a lot of filler, however if you are a serious runner there will be a lot of the feelings that go on in cassidys head that you can relate too,

the interval workout chap. definitely makes it worth it, as well i have probably read the breakdown chapter about 5 times when i was upping mileage and intensity and beginning to feel a breakdown of my own and it has helped me through it, it really helps get your mind back on track

....funny with again to carthage coming out....when i first read OAR in my twenties it had a great impact on how i perceived the sport (well mostly solidifed my thoughts), but as i grew older the story lost some of its excitemnt (probably becuase i had read it too many times), but with again to carthage it's almost like the book is perfect timning for where i am life at this moment in time...

As a long-term runner who reads almost everything that I can get my hands on related to running - Once a Runner is truly one of the best and deserves to be read - an then read again, and again. Favorite chapters - "Demons", "Breaking down" and "the Interval workout" are 3 of my favorite chapters. John Parker's classic reads better as it ages -and the good news is that it will be back in print very soon if not already - the hope is to have it in Fleet Feet stores for the Holidays, so would check around. Otherwise you will end up paying many $$$ on ebay or other used book sites for an early edition. Would suggest as well the sequel - "Again to Carthage" and become inspired for a late-career come back.

oh man, The Interval Workout. every time.

This is the "classic" of running books, and I mean that in the literary sense of the term.

I read the book once and thought it was decent but definitely not worth the hype. I read it again a year later and thought it was brilliant. I now read the "Breaking Down" chapter every couple months. You should not read this book really for the story, but for Parker's comments on running that aren't really involved with the actual plot. That is why I think you have to read it multiple times; its difficult to catch the sublties the first time through. It really does capture the sacrifice of being a competetive runner trying to become as good as possible.

After 30 yrs or so I'd have to say I have no desire to read it again. It was a good not great read back then. The book about the guy getting shot during the Oly 1500m final was better. Non fiction like Gordon Pirie, My race be won, The four minute mile, the unforgiving minute, Clarkes book, Tullohs book, anything by Cerutty or Lydiard were far better and more informative.