The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner is one comparatively unfit 39-year-old Londoner's humorous account of his attempt to run the New York marathon from scratch. Inspired by the charity running of his friends, Russell Taylor decided to spare himself the post-event trauma of trying to extract money from reluctant sponsors by writing this book and donating the proceeds to charity instead. This account follows our intrepid runner from the treadmills of a north London gym to the mean streets of Manhattan as we discover what lurks within the breast of the endurance athlete: an unreasonable hatred of his fellow runners (except nubile females of the species), a contempt for the idiocy of stadium announcers and a strange fear of spectators inanely shouting, "Keep going," by way of encouragement. Written with panache and self-deprecating humour, this is ideal entertainment for anyone who has ever run any distance on their own two legs.
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About the Author
Russell Taylor is the copy-writing arm of the partnership that produces the "Alex" cartoon strip in The Daily Telegraph. He likes his sport but until this challenge not quite enough to get him out of the pub and into a gym. He lives in Muswell Hill, north London. In addition to the annual collection of Alex cartoons, he has also written books on Russia and the City of London.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By marina baker
Format:Paperback
There's more to running a marathon than buying new trainers and jogging around your local park a few times. A lot more.
Mr Taylor gives you the marathon low down, with humour and humility, giving the impression that if he can do it, so can anyone. Which, judging by the description of his previous lifestyle, is absolutely spot on. So long as the wannabe marathon runner is dedicated, realistic and gets themselves fit, of course.
Don't even contemplate crossing the starting line without reading this book. Or read this book and enjoy an adventure at someone else's expense without having to leave the comfort of your own sofa.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By "idallas"
Format:Paperback
This is without a doubt one of the most honest and funny books ever written about running. Apart from the name, the author could be me!!! We even seeemed to run the same races!
I was howling when I read teh thoughts he had during a race. I thought it was just me who thought like that!
If you want to know the truth about training for a marathon then is definitely the book for you. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Tzctlpc
Format:Paperback
This is the perfect book for anybody who is into running but specially if interested in the grueling marathon.
If all that was not enough the book also gives some historical context about the race, how it is to be a regular runner and how it feels to cross a finish line, or to come last in the attempt.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
It is good and a fun Read
I am planning on doing a marathon soon and like any interested marathoner, I spent time buying books and all the related accessories we runnners love to hoard. Read more
Published on 25 May 2005 by Dan
5.0 out of 5 stars
<->
This is Russell Taylor's first book. All I can say to him after having read it, is this:
Keep going!
Published on 28 Aug 2004
2.0 out of 5 stars
OK
This book is written by the man who draws the Alex cartoons for the Daily Telegraph and is funny in the same goodnatured slightly lame English way. Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2004 by J MCSHANE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant - inspirational!
I came across this book entirely by accident as I was training for my first marathon (Frankfurt 2003). Read more
Published on 28 Feb 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspirational cracker!
i read this book about two months before i crossed the finishing line at the 2003 london marathon, and what inspiration i found amongst its pages. Read more
Published on 1 May 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a runner
This book takes the thoughts and feelings you tend not to give any form to and puts them down in words -- the irrational loathing of other people whom you find irritating -- the... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
please read this book
This book is perfect for anyone who has run a marathon, is considering running a marathon or would just like to be brilliantly amused and informed. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2003 by contented
4.0 out of 5 stars
But why didn't you enjoy it?
Why did I buy it? I ran New York myself a few years ago and I wanted a nostalgia trip. Until near the end of the book I was with the author every step of the way during training... Read more
Published on 6 Feb 2003 by DEK
5.0 out of 5 stars
An easy way to the New You...
It's the New Year. You've made a list of unachievable resolutions, which no doubt include exercising more, becoming a better person and changing the world. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2003
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