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I've loaded up with running related books for my summer reading. I think reading about running is a great way for me to be excited about running. Being excited about running helps me get all my workouts done as a triathlete. It is fun to share another runners experiences or thoughts about running. First book up for review is running classic, "Once a Runner" by John L. Parker Jr.
John L. Parker Jr is a former elite runner, capturing the
Southeastern Conference mile championship three times and was the United States
Track and Field Federation National Steeplechase Champion.
So when he weaves a story about elite miler Quenton Cassidy
it feels authentic. Once a Runner
follows the story of Cassidy as running slowly takes over his life in the quest
to become the very best.
The story begins in the mid 60’s as he trains with his
college track team. Parker gives us a
glimpse of the friendship and pranks involved in a college track team and the
unique personalities that make up each track discipline.
He meets and is mentored by Olympic Champion Bruce Denton.
He and his best friend are the only two runners that can handle the rigorous
workouts that Denton
does. Denton
takes an interest in Cassidy’s training.
When Cassidy is suspended from the track team for his
involvement with a petition protesting the athletic department dress and
conduct code, his training begins to take over his life.
Under the direction of his mentor, he drops out of school,
gives up his girlfriend and moves to the country where he can concentrate on
his training.
Because the author trained with elite champions and Olympic
runners he provides a unique insight into the training it takes to succeed in
the elite world. He also takes us inside the mind of an elite runner.
It is a fascinating to read about his single-minded pursuit
of his and his thoughts as he prepares for the biggest race of his life, one
that he hopes to take him to the elite level. It is a glimpse on the physical
and mental effort it takes to achieve excellence.
This book was originally self-published and sold at road
races out of the author’s car. It has become a classic among runners and reading this book is a rite of passage for
many track teams. Hope you add it to your sunmmer reading list.
************
 |
| Author racing for the U.S. at PATCO Dallas 2014 |
Chris
Wodke
Founder
& Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com
Chris is
a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the
Boston Marathon. She was the 2012
National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member
of the Team USA Duathlon Team and was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age
Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain . She chose instead to represent the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American
Triathlon Championship in Dallas ,
Texas
She is
the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a
CMT affected athlete.
Team CMT
is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure
for CMT. We have 151 members in 30 states. We also have members in Australia , Canada ,
Vietnam , Turkey , Finland
and Iran .
If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com
or www.hnf-cure.org
CMT or
Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It
affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS). It is a disease of the
nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of
normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.
Symptoms
include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor
balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual
dexterity.
Structural
foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.
Poor
tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold
hands and feet.
Additional
symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing
loss.
Additional Link
Keywords: Running, Running and
CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT,
paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for
CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
CMT and running, CMT and
triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running,
Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA
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