Why do runners always look like they are suffering so much pain? According to
Chris Pavey’s book, Running Against Time, it is probably because they are injured, full
of self-doubt, or in desperate need of a toilet break. Why do they put
themselves through so much pain and self-doubt? Are they slightly mad and more
than slightly masochistic? After reading Running
Against Time you will understand why a truly committed runner runs.
Running
against Time is no ordinary book about running. It is one man’s journey
from being a she’ll be right, unhealthy McDonald’s addict, to becoming a driven,
fund-raising marathon runner. Apart from its fitness and health benefits, Chris
comes to love running for its adventure and because it allows him to be alone
with his thoughts and nature.
against Time is no ordinary book about running. It is one man’s journey
from being a she’ll be right, unhealthy McDonald’s addict, to becoming a driven,
fund-raising marathon runner. Apart from its fitness and health benefits, Chris
comes to love running for its adventure and because it allows him to be alone
with his thoughts and nature.
The book begins in Japan where Chris
had a job teaching English to the Japanese. Each day ended with junk food and too
much sake. That was until he wound up at a hospital desperate to discover why
his gut was behaving so strangely. He then vowed to get fit and took up
running. Ten years, and many injuries later, he was running marathons.
had a job teaching English to the Japanese. Each day ended with junk food and too
much sake. That was until he wound up at a hospital desperate to discover why
his gut was behaving so strangely. He then vowed to get fit and took up
running. Ten years, and many injuries later, he was running marathons.
Many marathons are run with
particular charities benefitting from the participant’s entry and their fund-raising
activities. Chris enthusiastically threw himself into raising funds for those
charities. And when tragedy struck, he decided to turn the death of a loved one
into a positive by running up Mount Fuji and raising money in her memory.
particular charities benefitting from the participant’s entry and their fund-raising
activities. Chris enthusiastically threw himself into raising funds for those
charities. And when tragedy struck, he decided to turn the death of a loved one
into a positive by running up Mount Fuji and raising money in her memory.
The book is written in a
conversational style, as if Chris is holding court at a BBQ and enthusiastically
telling stories about his latest running adventure, in between sips of a light
beer. His enthusiasm for running and life will inspire many readers to finally
undertake their own personal challenges.
conversational style, as if Chris is holding court at a BBQ and enthusiastically
telling stories about his latest running adventure, in between sips of a light
beer. His enthusiasm for running and life will inspire many readers to finally
undertake their own personal challenges.
Each chapter of the book ends with tips:
on running, on overcoming injuries, on stretching, on fund-raising, even tips
on how to design a website to promote fund-raising activities.
on running, on overcoming injuries, on stretching, on fund-raising, even tips
on how to design a website to promote fund-raising activities.
Running Against
Time has many riveting descriptions of Chris’ races that let a reader get
into the head of a runner. They will find a runner who is full of fears of coming
last or not finishing because of injuries. But they will also see the almost
meditative quality of running and moments of ecstasy as the finish line is
crossed.
You don’t have to be a runner to
enjoy this book. Anyone who wants to know what drives the driven will be
inspired by Chris’ determination to overcome injury and other personal
setbacks, and live a well-run life. Running
Against Time is an very enjoyable and inspirational book. I am proud to have helped edit the book.
Time has many riveting descriptions of Chris’ races that let a reader get
into the head of a runner. They will find a runner who is full of fears of coming
last or not finishing because of injuries. But they will also see the almost
meditative quality of running and moments of ecstasy as the finish line is
crossed.
You don’t have to be a runner to
enjoy this book. Anyone who wants to know what drives the driven will be
inspired by Chris’ determination to overcome injury and other personal
setbacks, and live a well-run life. Running
Against Time is an very enjoyable and inspirational book. I am proud to have helped edit the book.
0 Responses
Definitely a great book and not being a runner, found it very inspiring. I lent it to my sister who I think will also benefit.
Congrats on the work you did too. Hope its selling well though sales never equate to quality.
Thanks Anthony.
Thanks so much Graham! What a fantastic review! 🙂
I'm really pleased you enjoyed reading it the second time round as a 'reader' as opposed to the sometimes tedious role of editor.
I think you've summed up this book better than I ever could!!