Run The Planet Books & Reviews

A Passion to Run by Paul Boyette, paperback, 128 pages, Old Mountain Press (2001), ISBN: 1931575088

Standing at the start of his last regular season race, Jordan was in pain. He knew the race was going to hurt. His shape was not in question, his injury was. When the gun sounded, Jordan took off with only one thing on his mind, the coach's race plan. He noticed some of Tech East runners around him but their best, Steve Lash or Stan Newbern were not there. Instead, they were other runners possibly trying to force the pace. They played right into Jordan's hands. He picked the pace up and flew through the first mile in 4:52, faster than the week before by 3 seconds. By then, no one from Tech East was near him. Even Cliff Wills from Liberty who was in the race was not close. Jordan pushed his sore leg over the course, painful step after painful step. With every footfall of his left foot the pain would shoot through his leg. By the end of the second mile, not only did he have a good lead but he also had stomach cramps... A novel revolving around Jordan Myers, a cross country runner and miler. The story showcases the struggles of his broken family and shattered self image as he tries to gain acceptance in his life through running. He replaces his family with his teammates, and his father with his coach, as he becomes a champion. But every level of running has its price as he finds out in the college ranks where injury and talent decide who runs tomorrow and who will be left behind forever. Before he is done though he finally decides to run for himself and makes a bet that will bring him lifelong fame. Freelance writer and track and field literature historian, Paul Boyette has been a runner for 30 years. This is his first book about the sport set in the era of the mid 1970's. He is presently working on his next book "The Essential Guide to Running Literature". He has also written a booklet for the RRCA 2002 Convention titled, "Guide Booklet to the best of Running Literature". He is a regular contributor to "The Rundown", a monthly newsletter of the Tidewater Striders. He lives, writes, and races in Tidewater, Virginia.

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