Best Running Book Ever??

Sounds like you're just bitching to me. I mean...retail has been taking a hit with the internet sales boom...and...well...they probably thought you were an internet buyer who wanted to just use their fitting services. They fit you for free, and give knowledge and advice for free, then you go buy off Road Runner Sports. And I'm sure he was just being friendly, trying to get you to realize this, and maybe you misinterpreted it. You did go in there for long periods of time, twice, and they gladly helped you. Yet, it turned out to have no return value to them. All he was doing was trying to "close the sale", not dupe you into anything. A used car salesman tries to heckle you and make deals. He was basically telling you...look, we'll be glad to help you, but please, reward us for our service. And if that rubbed you wrong, you're a fickle person. Get over it. Go back, do business with them. They obviously do a good job, and if you're gonna let that stop you from going there, you're short changing yourself, because I doubt you'll get comparable service elsewhere. But, hey, it's your choice. Go for it. Just my thoughts.

Is this a real book. I'd love to get a copy

If anyone knows of a copy of Ron Daws "Self Made Olympian" please let me know as I have been wanting to read it for some time now.

also maybe another great if it has not come up?

The Olympian by Brian Glanville

Ron Clarke's book, Pain by Middleman, The Olympian by Brian Glanville, Lore of Running by Tim Noakes, well you get my notions right?

the silence of great distance by frank murphy

Listen I bought two of the Silence.. books for two women I know just last week I have not read it. I'll bet it is is one of the best although it bucks up against a male readership huh?

The Silence of Great Distance is an excellent book (so far, as I'm only about half way through it)-really puts the development of womens' running into perspective. Little did I realize as a 12 year old runner in 1973 how unusual is really was for girls to run then. All I knew is that it was fun and I was good at it. Many of the women discussed in the book were my childhood idols and it's great to reminisce! Can't wait to finish the book.

R-babe send me your pic, if you will. my two woman friends are up to or beyond the MDS chapters, they love the book also. talk to you.

Sorry for the delay in responding to this

And that may be what the person was thinking, however it was not the case. Additionally the person in question before making a comment like that should at least make some attempt to engage a customer in a civil manner or at a minimum talk to their salespeople about it. He had no idea what conversations I had with these people. As so many times is the case on message boards tone does not come across. His tone was not friendly it was possibly on the edge of being antagonistic, and yes it did rub me the wrong way, as I think it would do anyone. But perhaps I am mistaken there. I don't think that makes me a "fickle" person, I am also not an easily offended person so take that how you will. There are plenty of other specialty stores with excellent service so I would have to disagree on your last point as well. Anyway probably shouldn't tie up the boards with this anymore we all have much more important tings to discuss like training plans and NCAA's and the Worlds from this past weekend I felt this deserved a response though.

Humbly agreeing to disagree,

Kurt

I second the opinion of "Purple Runner". Its another tough one to find but interesting, esp. if you've been to Hamstead Heath. I've had my girls XC team read it and its falling apart at the seasms from so much use.

And "Once a Runner" is probably even a better written book. Sometimes I just reread the first chapter I like it so much.

my personal favorite is "the loneliness of the long distance runner". has anyone ever read it? no one has ever mentioned this book before.