The impetus for this book is based on the powerful epiphanies of two men who have pushed their limits in running and in life to discover secrets they couldn’t hold back from sharing with the world.
The four time NCAA Champion and Olympian over 5,000 meters, Adam Goucher, and his former Colorado teammate Tim Catalano, created a one of a kind self-improvement book that transcends generations, and athletic abilities by employing a theme everyone can identify with: The Pursuit of Excellence.
One thing is certain, you will walk away speaking a different language, using terms like ’distance maven’ and ‘throwing down the gauntlet’, all while encouraging people to subscribe to a life philosophy of Be-Do-Have!
Breakdown
In Part I the authors use personal stories to validate and encourage readers to get in touch with their innate desire to live dangerously close to the edge in their quest towards becoming a true distance maven (“…someone who is constantly chasing an ideal in pursuit of his or her own perfection.”)
Catalano combines the teachings of psychology with the sport of running in a way that clearly describes how one’s journey towards becoming a better runner can compliment and guide one’s quest towards self-actualization—a level of personal development only few ever achieve. Goucher and Catalano identify five life stories in which most people operate (education, career, family, friends, and passions) and thoughtfully weave in examples of how through running and self-awareness one can inch closer to becoming their ideal self.
Check out our exclusive interview with the Authors
Using self-reflection exercises,Part II provides the framework by which one can move through transformative experiences towards becoming closer to their ideal self. Each chapter is devoted to one of six attributes (initiative, responsibility, determination, adaptability, integrity and person-ability) the authors have identified as vital in one’s quest towards becoming a distance maven.
Catalano (left), Goucher (right)
Highlights
- This book is interactive! After reading the book you can join the Maven’s Guild at www.mavensguild.com to share your goals, meet distance mavens in your area, and receive and give support.
- The Running the Edge philosophy is supported throughout the book with personal insights from some of the world’s greatest distance runners including Chris Solinksky, Dathan Ritzenhein, Kara Goucher, and Paula Radcliffe.
- With the intent of bringing life to some of the concepts, Goucher and Catalano share gripping personal stories that are at times hilarious, frightening, depressing and inspiring.
As Billy Mills (Olympic 10K Gold Medalist) said in the forward, this book is a “rare gift”.
Price: $17.95 USD
Kindle: $9.99 USD
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Suggested Reading: Book Review for Kara Goucher’s Running for Women, Top 10 Gift Ideas for Runners
About the Author: Chantelle Wilder is the Senior Editor and Co-Founder of Runners Feed. She also competes for the New Balance Silicon Valley Club in the Bay Area of California. When she isn’t running, or editing she can be found enjoying the fruitful wines of nearby Napa Valley while challenging her husband to a game of Bananagrams®.
