Review
In one section of this book Martin Bulger explores the different reasons why many people run. The answer us that there are many and varied reasons/ Indeed, a further question might be why so many of us continue to run even in circumstances when our brains tell us that we shouldn't. At least, after watching the 2 Olympic marathon races it is good to see that even Radcliffe and the Baldini chose to run their respective events shortly after sustaining serious injuries. We may be crazy but we are in good company. The main charm of Martin's book for me is that it contains accounts of many of the smaller marathons that so many of us in the hundred club have run so frequently. Whereas most books on running concentrate on the major marathons, Martin gives just as much prominence to the Neolithic, Three Forts, Beachy Head, Steyning Stinger and Isle of Wight marathons. It is about time that someone trumpeted the glories of the lesser-known events. It is evident as you turn the pages of this book that Martin loves running and is determined to communicate his enthusiasm to all who will listen. There are many books that tackle the subject of running in a very dry manner, but this book approaches the subject with humour and I found it an entertaining (and often thought provoking) read. The book is published by Olympia publishers (www.olympiapublisher.com) and is very reasonably priced at £7.99. If you are looking for a present for the runner in your life or just a good read then I recommend it. --Jack Brooks, 100 Marathon Club
Peter Graham (London, UK) sent us an autographed copy of the book Living Makes You Run Longer written by the 100 Marathon Club UK member Martin Bulger. He is a school teacher from Seaford, East Sussex in England and the avid runner with a total of 140 marathons, 7 ultra and many shorter races. The book is well written and interesting as Martin describes his running autobiography which includes his philosophy and 30 years of running experiences. He also includes stories from 16 running friends about their running experiences. Anyone interested in this book could get information from the publisher at www.olympiapublishers.com. --100 Marathon club News Letter
About the Author
Martin Bulger has spent his working life as a schoolteacher in Seaford, East Sussex and although for many years he played club football, cricket and volleyball, it is his interest in running, which began while a youngster at primary school, that has lasted and led him to run his first marathon in 1978. Now, after 140 marathons, 7 ultras (that's events that are longer than 26.2 miles) and 1000 other shorter distance races, he can reflect on a wealth of running experiences that have enriched his life. He cites the amazing camaraderie that exists in the running world as one of the main reasons for his continued involvement in the sport… that, and the thrill of running on the South Downs on any day in the year. A significant milestone in his commitment to running happened in 1986 when, along with friends Pete Forster and Nigel Collins, he established the Seaford Striders Running Club. His sporting heroes are Ron Hill because of his matchless dedication to running for over half a century and Ian Botham for his all-round cricketing skills and 5-star entertainment, not forgetting his mammoth walking feats in aid of charity. After three decades of running marathons, which include winning 7 of them, occasions when he started right at the front and other times when he began as a back marker in marathons that have been hilly, flat, hot (above 100 F), cold (through snowdrifts), in torrential rain, fast, slow, overseas and underwater!!…he really should have enough experience to write a book of advice about running marathons but he condenses it all down to one sentence - "enjoy the journey as well as the arrival."
