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Review
‘It’s a pleasure to accompany him on that journey’ (Independent on Sunday 20110312)
‘Inspirational story’ (Athletics Weekly )
‘Honest, frank and inspirational’ (The Journal (Newcastle) )
‘Inspirational story’ (Athletics Weekly )
‘Honest, frank and inspirational’ (The Journal (Newcastle) )
Product Description
Charlie Spedding describes himself as ‘not particularly talented’ – at least, compared to the group of people he had chosen to find himself among. These were the athletes in the Olympic marathon. So how did he end up with a bronze medal? How did he win the London Marathon? And why does he still hold the English record for the distance? In this remarkable autobiography he explains how – how someone who was almost bottom of the class when he first went to school, and even worse at sport, eventually turned himself into a genuinely world-class athlete, competing in top marathons all over the world, and genuinely going from last to first. As well as the enthralling life story of one of our finest distance runners, this book is a wonderfully clear and inspiring piece of life coaching for anyone who wants to make the most of their talents. But more than this, as Spedding says at the start, ‘I believe that on occasions you can create the circumstances in which you can perform at a higher level than your talent says you can’. Spedding’s own story, and his chronicle of the big races he excelled in, proves it’s true. For anyone aspiring to run a marathon, or indeed anyone who wants to set themselves a goal they think beyond their reach – and achieve it – this is an essential book. (20110327)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
And did you ever do some training to try and be a better runner? Maybe tried a Marathon once or twice?
You should read this to get an idea of what it takes to be a world class runner.
I'm pretty sure Charlie had more natural talent for running than he admits in the book - but he's still pretty convincing that the right approach and a deal of hard work can get you a long way. Like winning the London Marathon and taking a medal at the Olympics.
Still the fastest ever Englishman at the distance.
"Remarkable!", as David Coleman might have put it.
You should read this to get an idea of what it takes to be a world class runner.
I'm pretty sure Charlie had more natural talent for running than he admits in the book - but he's still pretty convincing that the right approach and a deal of hard work can get you a long way. Like winning the London Marathon and taking a medal at the Olympics.
Still the fastest ever Englishman at the distance.
"Remarkable!", as David Coleman might have put it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An extremely enjoyable read from beginning to end.
I have read dozens of books on athletics over the last 45 years and this is one of the very best.
Charlie clearly sets out the reasons how he managed to achieve great success even though (as he would be the first to admit) he was not the most naturally gifted of athletes.
His Olympic marathon run and London Marathon were two of the gutsiest performances I have ever seen and it was great to relive these races in his excellently written book.
I have read dozens of books on athletics over the last 45 years and this is one of the very best.
Charlie clearly sets out the reasons how he managed to achieve great success even though (as he would be the first to admit) he was not the most naturally gifted of athletes.
His Olympic marathon run and London Marathon were two of the gutsiest performances I have ever seen and it was great to relive these races in his excellently written book.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I can't recommend this book highly enough to anyone who has wondered what their potential as a runner might be. I used to spend a lot of time concentrating on the training schedules, shoes, energy gels etc without ever working out the 'why am I doing this?'.
Charlie's story is exceptional as he truly gets to the heart of what it takes to give a great performance, all set against the background of his own career and Olympic success. It also contains some excellent descriptions of what racing at the sharp end is like.
I've been been running for nearly 20years but never that quickly. After reading Charlie's book I decided that I was going to run the race of my life at the Reading Half Marathon this year and, following his example from the book, I didn't know how good that could be. Concentrating on the why allowed me be to beat my previous best ( 1.38 at the Great North Run when I was 27). After six months of focussed training I did 1.24.52 at 42 years old @ Reading HM.
A great story and insight into getting the best out of yourself.
Charlie's story is exceptional as he truly gets to the heart of what it takes to give a great performance, all set against the background of his own career and Olympic success. It also contains some excellent descriptions of what racing at the sharp end is like.
I've been been running for nearly 20years but never that quickly. After reading Charlie's book I decided that I was going to run the race of my life at the Reading Half Marathon this year and, following his example from the book, I didn't know how good that could be. Concentrating on the why allowed me be to beat my previous best ( 1.38 at the Great North Run when I was 27). After six months of focussed training I did 1.24.52 at 42 years old @ Reading HM.
A great story and insight into getting the best out of yourself.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant and straightforward book
Before I ordered this book I read pro and contras that made me very curious. Starting the first chapter as "In medias res", Charlie guided me how he reached his dreams and goals. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bardos Robert
Very good book
It is a very good book and very easy to read the whole of it. I mostly enjoyed the first chapter where the author describes the race in the 1984 Olympic Games in a great way with... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Nikolaos Oikonomidis
Fabulous book not just for runners
Great book didnt want it to end. Fabulous insight into the world of an elite runner with ideas and info for anyone interested in sport, business,coaching and general interest. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ian H
Great insight.
Great insight from someone who has performed at the highest level. Makes you realise how much psychology is involved in the sport. Read more
Published 6 months ago by J. D. Epstein
Fast runner, dry humour
Only a couple of comments to add.
1. Great title, but just to dampen it down very slightly, Charlie Spedding wasn't last for long! Read more
1. Great title, but just to dampen it down very slightly, Charlie Spedding wasn't last for long! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Chirpy Les
Whats wrong with the printing?
I'm upto chapter 3 on this, and I'm really enjoying the book, however the person who proofed it before printing didnt do a very good job! Read more
Published 12 months ago by R Snaith
An honest personal story and useful mental training tool
This book really does give a great personal perspective on how to break down your mental barriers and set up clear objectives on how to succeed in distance running. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Matthew Sharp
One of my favourite running books ever
I have read many books about running and Charlie Spedding's offering is certainly my favourite.
I found the book enjoyable to read and at times I laughed out loud. Read more
I found the book enjoyable to read and at times I laughed out loud. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by Running Trout
A book that I did not really take to
I bought this book in earnest but really could not get into it!!.
Sorry it was just not for me!
Shame I bought it.
Sorry it was just not for me!
Shame I bought it.
Published on 20 Feb 2010 by David HARWOOD
Excellent read
It may have taken nearly 20 years to write, but it was worth the trouble. I can't really add much to the other reviews. Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2010 by Magnitio
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