Once a Runner

By: John L. Parker Jr.

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Once a Runner captures the essence of what it means to be a competitive runner; to devote your entire existence to a single-minded pursuit of excellence. It has become one of the most beloved sports novels ever written. Originally self-published in 1978 and sold at road races out of the trunk of the author's car, reading the book became a rite of passage for many runners, and tattered copies were handed down like sacred texts from generation to generation.

Once a Runner is the story of Quenton Cassidy, a collegiate runner at fictional Southeastern University whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. He is less than a second away when the political and cultural turmoil of the Vietnam War era intrudes into the staid recesses of his school's athletic department. After he becomes involved in an athletes' protest, Cassidy is suspended from his track team.

Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to withdraw to a monastic retreat in the countryside and begin training for the race of his life: a head-to-head match with the greatest miler in history.

This audiobook is a rare insider's account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners; an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one man's quest to become a champion.

©2009 John L Parker (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The best novel ever written about running." ( Runner's World)

Good book, not sure about performance.

I enjoyed the book itself and the story but didn’t enjoy the sometimes over the top performance making the characters overact. Great book but I don’t think the tone of voice matches the writing.

Excellent description of racing

I've never run track or cross country, but as an ultrarunner I really enjoyed the racing descriptions in this novel.

Wind in Your Face

In a field, far deprived from human contact, Quenton Cassidy and Bruce Denton clip off sixty-second quarters in preparation for the inevitable dance with fate – the ever, elusive four-minute mile. In Once a Runner, John L. Parker, Jr. masterfully captures the collegiate running experience while following his main character Quenton Cassidy.



The research behind this novel is right on the mark. The famed Millrose Games, with its long, rich history is best known for its Wanamaker Mile. John captures the allure of this event, and other great events like the Drake Relays with excitement and passion. Southeastern University is the home to its greatest athletes that are full of college politics, back history, athletes that have Olympic and World hopes and some drama.

Rolling through campus, bobbing and weaving through campus students, Quenton Cassidy and his merry gents feel the wind in there faces, and the ground beneath them. I listened to this book in the car and I found myself lost in my childhood. As a kid, I grew up running with a local track club and then eventually in high school. I remember how it made me feel. I remember the joy of the wind in my face and the rolling hills of a single-track trail winding through a wooded forest. I detested the intervals much like the characters in this book; however, nonetheless this book is a must read for anyone who loves running.

After reading this book, you will want to hit the trails or streets for some exercise – that alone is inspiring.

Sets the standard for a book on running.

Would you consider the audio edition of Once a Runner to be better than the print version?

No. I would recommend the print version over the audio, although the audio is good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Once a Runner?

There were a number of memorable moments and great quotable lines. While the plot is good, it's one of those rare books that is enjoyable even when it's just meandering along, a hallmark of good writing.

Would you be willing to try another one of Patrick Lawlor’s performances?

Patrick was okay, but I would prefer a different narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I would compare it more to fine wine. A glass at a time, but not all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I would think an ex-elite runner, especially a middle-aged one, would absolutely love the book. It captures the essence of elite running in the 70s. From a political point of view, the author set up a few straw men and knocked them down, but that's okay.

Freedom to Run

One of the truly great running novels ever written. A great story line that keeps you interested and returning for more, all while demistraighting the mind of a true runner.

Fantastic

Great story and great audible performance. I understand now why this is considered a runner’s must read.

best running book by far.

love it!! cant stop listening to it on my morning jogs. just Trials of miles, miles of trials

A cult classic that is showing its age

If you're a runner, then read this book. But it has zero real female characters.

Didn't care for authors voice

The voice on this recording was a bit annoying. Difficulty with download onto CDs which skippped a lot--a waste of $.

the way it really is

This book was a pretty realistic telling of the typical journey to being a world class competitive runner. There are many distractions along the way, and John Parker does a good job of laying them out.