Book Review: Fire on the Track

 

If you are looking for a great book on women in running, or women in sports in general, Fire on the Track: Betty Robinson and the Triumph of the Early Olympic Women is a must read! I loved this book. It's the story of 3 women athletes that competed in the 1938, 1932 & 1936 Olympics. 

Written by Roseanne Montillo, this book follows the amazing story of Betty Robinson as she is discovered, trained, and sent to the 1928 Olympic games to compete in the 100 yard Dash. This was the frst olympics that allowed for women track athletes and it was almost the last. 

In addition to Betty Robinson's career, which I won't spoil, the book also tells the tales of Mildred Didrikson, Stella Walsh and Helen Stephens. 

What was so shocking to me, was the mentality of the people at the time. There was actually concern that not only would sports make women "manly" but that participation may even turn them into men! What the heck? I was mortified. 

Another not-so shocking part of the book talked about how the women's 800 yard run was incredibly hot and the women gave their all and some collapsed at the finish line. People that were against women in sports used this as fuel and "proof" that women didn't belong in sports. However, nobody said a word when in the Men's 800 yard, the same thing happened to the men. Many collapsing at the finish due to the heat. 

If you love running and want a good way celebrate women's history month, you should definitely pick up a copy of Fire on the Track: Betty Robinson and the Triumph of the Early Olympic Women. 

By using the links in this blog, I do want to give full disclosure and inform you that I will earn a small commission from your purchase

Happy trails! 

Book Review: The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb

 

I recently finished The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It by Neal Bascomb. It's the story of three runners, each trying to be the first one to break the 4 minute mile. The book follows England's Roger Bannister, Australia's John Landy and the USA's Wes Santee as they each train, compete and believe that will be the one to do the impossible.

As a runner, you will love this book! However, I think any sports enthusiast would appreciate the detailed descriptions of the races. Neal Bascomb did such a great job, that it actually feels like you are there watching these runners compete. 

There's so much I want to say about this book and the runners but I don't want to spoil it for you. I think we all know which one was successful if you know your running history, but still...the book is so well written that at times I found myself ever so briefly wondering if the others would do it first. 

If you would like to read this book, please support this blog and use the affiliate link above. I do receive a small commission just so you know. 

Review of Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins

In January, I finished reading David Goggins' book "Can't Hurt Me". It's his personal story of perserverance as he struggled with a rough childhood, as well as an adult life that felt like he was going nowhere fast. In this book, he goes into detail on what it was like growing up with an abusive father, then with a single mother and his battle with being overweight but wanting to join the military. 

His story is absolutely fascinating! The best part for me, is that rather than being just another self-help book, this was actually (in my opinion) a running book. I had no idea that this man was a god when it came to pushing himself to the limits. Running ultras, triathlons, etc. and all of it basically because he wanted to show he could. That he could take the pain and keep going.

If you want a book that will get you off the couch and strive to be more than you currently are, this is THE book for you. It has really put things into a whole new perspective for me. In this book, I not only was reminded of why I started running, but felt a sort of kindred spirit in David. No, I'm not a Navy SEAL or an Army Ranger, but I had a rough childhood with an abusive father and I used that pain and channeled it into my running. I felt like I came to terms with it long ago, but after reading this book, it brought a lot back and gave me some new reflections and a sense of forgiveness where before I just preferred to forget.

If you only read one book this year, read "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. Please use the link below. I do receive a small commission from Amazon which helps support this site. I could not put it down. I usually read a couple of books per year and I've already finished two books this year and it's not even the middle of February. 

The next book I'll be reviewing is The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It. It's the story of Roger Bannister, Wes Santee and John Landy, each trying to be the first person to break the 4 minute mile.

What Are Some Good Running Magazines

If you are like me, you always want to be learning the newest techniques and strategies for runner faster and better.  Two great resources for this are the magazines Runner's World and Running Times.

I'll admit, my preference is Runner's World, but Running times does have some really great articles too.  They actually did an amazing write-up on Steve Prefontaine several years ago.

I also have to admit I'm partial to Runner's World because they actually called me and asked if I'd write a small commentary on "How to Stay Cool While Running on a Treadmill".  You can read it here.

Running Times seems to focus more on the sport while Runner's World covers not only the sport, but also diet, exercise, cross training, equipment and more.

You can get a subscription via these links:

Runners World - 12 Issues/1 Year

Running Times - 10 Issues/1 Year