How did Mo Farah become a dual Gold Medallist for Britain although born in Somalia? Mo arrived in England aged eight knowing very little English. His talent for running was noticed at an early age and this greatly aided acceptance of him. Early in his secondary school career he so easily won an endurance race that his PE teacher had Mo sign each of his classmates’ diaries because “Mo is going to be a star”.
The book is 350 pages …
by Spartan Paula Radcliffe has the three fastest marathon times run by a woman: the fourth best time is almost three minutes slower than Paula’s best.
As the cover says, this 2011 book covers the beginning runner attempting 5 kilometres all the way through to very serious marathoners. All aspects of running are covered from mental preparation, equipment, injuries, exercises and training schedules. It is not a step by step journal of a great running career although there are anecdotes to …
by Spartan Everyone knows two things about this book:
– it was a large part of the running boom in the late 1970s and among other benefits of running, made the claim that anyone who trained properly for a marathon was protected from heart disease;
– James Fixx died of a heart attack at a comparatively young age.
It was published in 1977 in the United States, and my copy was printed (in Fitzroy) September 1978, the fourth reprint in 2 months. …
by Spartan “Waterlogged: The Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports” is the latest book from Tim Noakes, author of “The Lore of Running”. In “Waterlogged” he examines the “drink early, drink often” recommendations to distance runners. He describes the history and science and why these suggested rates are both incorrect and dangerous. He is a medical doctor, a widely published scientist and a foundation member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Science Academy.
Until the 1970s, marathon runners drank very little. …
by Spartan This is Tristan Miller’s story of running 52 marathons in a calendar year. I imagined that he would run a marathon somewhere on a Sunday, then travel a leisurely distance to run another next Sunday. Not so: firstly 42.195 kilometres wasn’t always far enough. There was Two Oceans in South Africa (56km) and The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset Marathon (100 km). He also ran an alpine marathon in Switzerland followed, the next day, by another alpine marathon in Italy. So, …
by Spartan Chris Muirden’s history of the Melbourne Marathon is now available for pre-order.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Chris and can’t wait to get the completed book. He has interviewed a wide range of people and was able to recount some fascinating stories.He also has access to hundreds of photographs, most of which have never been seen by the public. John Dean, immediate past president of the Spartans, has been responsible for the rescue of the photographs.
There have …
by Spartan