Runner biographies: Kara Goucher got me thinking

samcallan · 2023-02-27T10:39:43-05:00

Kara Goucher has a book coming out. I have met Kara a couple of times. Seems nice enough. Her accomplishments are certainly impressive. At the same time, nothing of what I know about her (or almost any other elite runner) would compel me to buy a biography on any of them. Aside from her medals she is mostly known for being part of the Salazar scandal. A scandal that is pretty well documented already. In thinking on this, I was trying to think of the runners whose lives I think are interesting enough to warrant a book. I came up with Roger Bannister, Billy Mills, and Louie Zamperini. I have had the great luck to have met all three although I cannot say I spent a ton of time with any. Bannister is interesting in part because he was the first to do something, but to me it was what he did after and even the idea of being in medical school (and doing some research that interests me while there) is part of the appeal. I will say Perfect Mile to me is a great read but I also did not see enough about Santee or Landy to warrant a book just about as individuals.) Mills gets in for his being a Native American. I almost added Jim Thorpe, but I do not think of his as a "runner". Track athlete yes (and the greatest American athlete of the 20th century in my book). Zamperini---my fondness for him cannot be measured. But my interest in him is more because of his experience in WW2 and also the life he led after more than his track accomplishments. If WW2 never happens and Zamperini goes on to win a lot of medals and maybe set some WRs, I don't think I would be interested in an entire book on him. Again, I enjoy reading about runners. A chapter in a book or a long form article about an individual runner, but a book? Not many are going to reach that threshold for me. As soon as I hit "Create thread" I will probably think of another runner or two who might fit the bill for me. Anyone come to mind for you? And this needs to be someone well known and regarded as a runner, not a well known person who runs.

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3 years ago 03/02/2023 12:19pm EST

re: Luther Poach

I think it's as much about how well the book is written as how interesting the writer's life is. The exception is perhaps Lopez Lomong. I didn't necessarily find his book to be particularly well written, but it's still fabulous and well worth reading simply because his life is so extraordinary.

In terms of running inspiration, I really enjoyed Running With the Buffaloes. It's a must-read. I also recommend 26 Marathons by Meb.

In terms of female runners, I enjoyed Deena's Let Your Mind Run. I know people on Letsrun love to hate on Alexi Pappas, with good reason in my opinion, but her book Bravey is actually kind of extraordinary. I highly recommend it. I also loved Running Home by the ultrarunner Katie Arnold.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 1:19pm EST

re: samcallan

My 2 cents.

I have met Kara several times over the years and she comes off as kind and humble, not as an arrogant opportunist as some have suggested. She has a story to tell and she deserves to be heard. She was an inspiration to me as a runner, and in current days I enjoy her race commentary + her podcast with Des Linden. I pre ordered Kara's book and look forward to it.

My book recommendations are:

-Staying the Course (Dick Beardsley/Maureen Anderson)

-Run to Overcome (Meb Keflezighi)

-Duel in the Sun (John Brandt)

Dick Beardsley is a personal hero to me for his running, his inner strength and his faith. Meb has an amazing backstory to his running success. Sadly, I was a huge fan of Alberto Salazar before the scandals hit.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 1:36pm EST

re: ioane

ioane wrote:
Aouita 84 wrote:
Yep!
It amazes me that someone and or some people actually suggested to Kara that she should write a book. That being said, maybe there's a story and or "Hook" in this book that is appealing. If so, I haven't heard about it. If someone suggested to me to write a book about myself, I would have to SERIOUSLY consider why. How will my story impact someone's life. There needs to be a message, a plot, something that goes beyond the obvious subject matter (Pro Runner).
Again, Kara doesn't know when to shut up and stop seeking the spotlight.
I completely disagree with this. Unlike Lauren Freshman, Kara actually WAS at the center of some serious controversies and I believe she has a lot of story to tell and wisdom to pass on.
Maybe I had been living under a rock but I was completely in shock in 2015 when she came out against Salazar. She gave no indication that there was any issue before. To go from America's Running Sweetheart to whistleblower is quite a transition, and I think it warrants a story.
I think there's a lot of stories she can tell about the pro running world from the inside since she's started just as it was building up.
Also be careful about the "she doesn't know when to shut up" dreck. There are a lot of running influencers and attention seekers out there, but Kara is a bona fide runner. Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with?

Let me clarify as I believe you missed my point. In no way did I question and or minimize Kara's credentials as a runner. I do respect her accomplishments. Writing self-biographies can be really tricky due to them being self absorbed and narcissistic. Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.

Finally, this statement:

"Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with"?

Please don't muddy the waters with sexist accusations, let's be adults, if you're capable.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 2:25pm EST

re: Aouita 84

Aouita 84 wrote:
ioane wrote:
I completely disagree with this. Unlike Lauren Freshman, Kara actually WAS at the center of some serious controversies and I believe she has a lot of story to tell and wisdom to pass on.
Maybe I had been living under a rock but I was completely in shock in 2015 when she came out against Salazar. She gave no indication that there was any issue before. To go from America's Running Sweetheart to whistleblower is quite a transition, and I think it warrants a story.
I think there's a lot of stories she can tell about the pro running world from the inside since she's started just as it was building up.
Also be careful about the "she doesn't know when to shut up" dreck. There are a lot of running influencers and attention seekers out there, but Kara is a bona fide runner. Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with?
Let me clarify as I believe you missed my point. In no way did I question and or minimize Kara's credentials as a runner. I do respect her accomplishments. Writing self-biographies can be really tricky due to them being self absorbed and narcissistic. Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.
Finally, this statement:
"Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with"?
Please don't muddy the waters with sexist accusations, let's be adults, if you're capable.

I think Kara has a story to tell, if she decides to reveal all. I can't imagine Shelby doing a tell all book, maybe in 10 years.

I have not read Nick Simmonds' book yet, but running at a DIII, butting heads with all authority figures along the way, fighting for athletes' rights, sounds like a good read.

Also, Molly Huddle and Sara Slattery has a book about women's running too, 'How She Did It'.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 2:26pm EST

re: Aouita 84

This thread has caused me to purchase half a dozen new running books mentioned above. Thanks guys!

3 years ago 03/02/2023 3:19pm EST

re: Runner10287

Runner10287 wrote:
A Shelby autobiography would be interesting.

I'd rather not read something authored by shelby herself - she has explained her position just fine in her instagram caption thoughtpieces. And she's already admitted to lying about the case so far. I'd only read it if she actually had nothing left to lose, or was years removed from the event.

Gimme an investigative piece any day. I want to know what happened but I don't know why you'd ask Lance to write the book on the doping scandal.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 4:25pm EST

re: Aouita 84

Aouita 84 wrote:
ioane wrote:
I completely disagree with this. Unlike Lauren Freshman, Kara actually WAS at the center of some serious controversies and I believe she has a lot of story to tell and wisdom to pass on.
Maybe I had been living under a rock but I was completely in shock in 2015 when she came out against Salazar. She gave no indication that there was any issue before. To go from America's Running Sweetheart to whistleblower is quite a transition, and I think it warrants a story.
I think there's a lot of stories she can tell about the pro running world from the inside since she's started just as it was building up.
Also be careful about the "she doesn't know when to shut up" dreck. There are a lot of running influencers and attention seekers out there, but Kara is a bona fide runner. Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with?
Let me clarify as I believe you missed my point. In no way did I question and or minimize Kara's credentials as a runner. I do respect her accomplishments. Writing self-biographies can be really tricky due to them being self absorbed and narcissistic. Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.
Finally, this statement:
"Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with"?
Please don't muddy the waters with sexist accusations, let's be adults, if you're capable.

So you went from “it amazes me that someone actually suggested kara to write a book” and questioned that she could even have a message and plot and then said she needs to stop seeking the spotlight…

to she has too many stories to tell and so if she tries to tell them all she will fail?

admit you’re jealous or have some weird fixation. This isn’t about her/ it’s about you

3 years ago 03/02/2023 5:29pm EST

re: samcallan

"Just Call Me Jock" by Jock Semple, John J Kelley, and Tom Murphy. Largely about Jock Semple, but also a lot about John J Kelley. There is a lot more to Jock than what happened in '67, and "Young" John Kelley never received the recognition he should have had.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 5:37pm EST

re: Aouita 84

Aouita 84 wrote:
Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.

I will never quite understand why people choose to spout off about things they could easily just... look up straight from the source.

simonandschuster.com

The Longest Race

Kara Goucher, Mary Pilon

In this unvarnished and affecting memoir, Olympian Kara Goucher reveals her experience of living through and speaking out about one of the biggest ...

Open link

3 years ago 03/02/2023 7:56pm EST

re: ask her

ask her wrote:
umm have you ever heard of Nikki Hiltz?

She doesn’t impress me at all. I wouldn’t read a book about her if you paid me to do it.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 8:45pm EST

re: crwnikeboy

I've just been asked to read a pre published copy of David Sharpe new autobiography (Crammys Training partner) for my thoughts .From a couple of stories Ive heard it should make for a very interesting read. I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the running autobiographies I have read.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 9:41pm EST

re: Luther Poach

Luther Poach wrote:
Would love to read a biography on Billy Mills, Paavo Nurmi or Mary Decker Slaney, but I'm not aware of any for those people.

Justice, Lee S. Champion Billy Mills. Houghton Mifflin, 2004.

Henderson, Jason. Collision Course. Berlinn Ltd, 2016.

Keiderling, Kyle. Olympic Collision. University of Nebraska Press, 2016.

Kolkka, Sulo, and Helge Nygren. Paavo Nurmi: The Flying Finn. Otava, 1974.

Mills, Billy. Lessons of a Lakota. Hay House, 2005.

Mills, Billy, and Nicholas Sparks. Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and
Self-Understanding. Hay House, 2003.

Newman, Matthew. Mary Decker Slaney. Crestwood House, 1986.

Here are a few titles about or written by those athletes. The Paavo biography was translated from Finnish and hard to find; it and on my to obtain list. The Lee Justice biography of Mills and the Newman biography of Slaney were written for young readers. While not a Olympic Collision and Collision Course, both released in 2016, are about the LA'84 3,000 meters incident with Slaney and Budd. If my memory is correct, Olympic Collision does have information on the early life of both. The two listings by Mills are more spiritual in nature. A new work written by him is scheduled to be released in 2024.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 9:45pm EST

re: Paige Turner

I am a better book collector than proofreader. -PT

Here are a few titles about or written by those athletes. The Paavo biography was translated from Finnish and hard to find; it is on my to obtain list. The Lee Justice biography of Mills and the Newman biography of Slaney were written for young readers. While not biographies, Olympic Collision and Collision Course, both released in 2016, are about the LA'84 3,000 meters incident with Slaney and Budd. If my memory is correct, Olympic Collision does have information on the early life of both women. The two listings by Mills are more spiritual in nature. A new work written by him is scheduled to be released in 2024.

3 years ago 03/02/2023 11:31pm EST

re: Aouita 84

Aouita 84 wrote:
i
Let me clarify as I believe you missed my point. In no way did I question and or minimize Kara's credentials as a runner. I do respect her accomplishments. Writing self-biographies can be really tricky due to them being self absorbed and narcissistic. Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.
Finally, this statement:
"Ask yourself some critical questions before tossing that out there. Are you mad that it's someone who craves attention or are you mad that it's a woman saying something you disagree with"?
Please don't muddy the waters with sexist accusations, let's be adults, if you're capable.

Jeez you really like to hear yourself talk.

3 years ago 03/03/2023 1:08am EST

re: all gums

Steve Jones biography would be cool

3 years ago 03/03/2023 3:39am EST

re: Arthur Mile

Jenn Shelton and Scott Jurek are subjects of probably the best-selling and arguably the most interesting runners' biography.

3 years ago 03/03/2023 7:00am EST

re: same same

How about a book from the N Az. St. U. coach. Probably some great stories in there.

Maybe some of the Kenyans that became USA citizens through WCAP. They probably have some cool things to talk about, and maybe even some tough times leaving Kenya.

3 years ago 03/03/2023 7:44am EST

re: 52345

52345 wrote:
How about a book from the N Az. St. U. coach. Probably some great stories in there.
Maybe some of the Kenyans that became USA citizens through WCAP. They probably have some cool things to talk about, and maybe even some tough times leaving Kenya.

NAU book is coming out in the fall- Running Up The Mountain.

3 years ago 03/03/2023 7:48am EST

re: N.o'body

N.o\'body wrote:
Steve Jones - because he's Steve Jones!!

"The Outlaw Jonesy Wales"

3 years ago 03/03/2023 9:20am EST

re: oke

oke wrote:
Aouita 84 wrote:
Yes, Kara has a story to tell, but what story? Her trials and tribulations with Alberto? Her upbringing? Her journey to becoming a world-class runner? Her glory days with Colorado? Being a mom and world-class runner? There's a lot going on here, and if she and or her publisher try to cover it all in depth they will fail. Kara would be best served if she were to focus on one defining time in her life that lends insight and a story we can relate to. I would be more inclined to read of her detailed account with Alberto and how it tested her resolve as a woman and world-class runner.
I will never quite understand why people choose to spout off about things they could easily just... look up straight from the source.
Link:www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Lon...

Thanks for posting--it sounds interesting! I will definitely be reading this.

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