The full title of this excellent book is Run! 26.2 stories of blisters and bliss. I originally bought it as a present for my dad, which he then recommended I read. (The same thing happened when he got Born to Run by Christopher McDougall on Father’s Day. It’s only a matter of time before he catches on…)
When I read it, I had no idea that Dean Karnazes had as big a following as he does, and now that I’ve read it, it’s easy to see why. The man is a machine, and a startlingly humble one at that. While his achievements seem superhuman, at the heart of his writing is something that even the newest and slowest runner can relate to – a sheer, heart-encompassing love of running.
Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book. Note that some of them are quotes that ‘Karno’ himself collected…
“When all else fails, start running.”
“As the runner fights the urge to stop, she masters her very own mind. In overcoming adversity, she better understands the inner workings of her own psyche. Life becomes bigger, bolder, filled with greater potential.”
“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the more you discover.” – Michael Phelps.
“Make voyages. Attempt them. There is nothing else.” – Tennessee Williams.
“You cannot grow and expand your capabilities to their limits without running the risk of failure.”
And my personal favourite…
“Now, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was going somewhere, I was running!” – Forrest Gump
