To Be a Runner

How Racing Up Mountains, Running with the Bulls, or Just Taking On a 5-K Makes You a Better Person (and the World a Better Place)

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Bernard Setaro Clark

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, instruction, and humor, best-selling author - and lifelong runner - Martin Dugard takes a journey through the world of running to illustrate how the sport helps us fulfill that universal desire to be the best possible version of ourselves each and every time we lace up our shoes. To Be a Runner represents a new way to write about running by bridging the chasm between the two categories of running books: how-to and personal narrative. Spinning colorful yarns of his running and racing adventures on six continents - from competing in the infamous Raid Gauloises to coaching his son’s high school cross-country team - Dugard considers what it means to truly integrate the activity into one’s life. For example, how the simple act of buying a new pair of running shoes can be a source of meaning and hope. As entertaining as it is provocative, To Be a Runner is about far more than running: It is about life, and how we should live it.

©2011 Martin Dugard (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Feels like a great run does

If you are a runner, were a runner or in any way at the core of your being know running is inseparable from your essence, and have see your 'best years' as behind you, then this book will reconnect you with that feeling you use to live for, that feeling after a great run. Enjoy.

great

loved it too the end. will listen to it again while training for a run.

loved this book read it twice

I'll probably read it again and again. he describes running in the best ways. so relatable.

nice to listen to while running

I like listening to audiobooks while I run, so I'll search for a book about running. This was good, but not great. I love Martin Dugard's writing style so I was glad to get to know him better, and I liked his message that running helps us be the best versions of ourselves. But at the same time, he only discussed his opinion based on personal experiences. He didn't discuss goal-making, and if anything, he kind of condescended a little over goal-making because his message was just get out there and run.
I recommend this nonetheless, as a well-written book with a positive message. Just don't expect it to be your running bible.

Helpful insights

For the most part I agree with him. However I found him jumping around a lot. Maybe this book could have been structured a little better, but overall a great read.

All Runners Should Read This Book

If you’re a runner, or have ever been, read this book. These essays capture the essence of running. I listened to the audiobook and that was even better. The writing is superb and the narration passionate and flawless. I loved it!

If you forgot why run, then...

Best running book I've experienced in a while. It's anecdotal but affirmative of why we all lace up. I like it because he's a mere mortal like me. ;)

funny, engaging writing. motivational. LOVED it

great book. not a how to for runners but a perspective on engaging life like a runner engages with a race by overcoming self imposed limitations.

Pure Gold

Not one bad story in the entire book. I can relate to many of the anecdotes having had similar experiences in my own running life. Five stars in all categories.

A Miss

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I'm a runner so I expected to enjoy this audiobook. Unfortunately it didn't deliver much. I found myself bored and distracted while listening to it.

Would you recommend To Be a Runner to your friends? Why or why not?

No. There are far better audiobooks in this genre.

What three words best describe Bernard Setaro Clark’s performance?

Average. Somewhat dull. Blah.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Perhaps the running context of this book will appeal to some runner. I'm a 5 time marathon finisher, trail runner and more but this book still didn't connect with me. I never finished it.