The Long Run

Publisher's Summary

On the morning of December 22, 2005, New York City firefighter Matt Long was cycling to work when he was struck by and sucked under a 20-ton bus making an illegal turn. The injuries he sustained pushed him within inches of death. Miraculously, after five months in the hospital and more than 40 operations, Matt was able to start his recovery.

In addition to his physical injuries, Matt found the psychological consequences of the accident nearly as hard to process. In the 18 months before the accident, he had competed in more than 20 premier athletic events and had qualified for running's most prestigious race, the Boston Marathon. After the accident, one doctor told him he'd be lucky if he could even walk without a cane.

The Long Run is the emotional and incredibly honest story of Matt's determination to fight through fear, despair, loneliness, and intense physical and psychological pain to regain the life he once had. It chronicles Matt's road to recovery as he teaches himself to walk again and, a mere three years later, to run in the 2008 New York City Marathon.

©2010 Matthew Long (P)2010 Random House Audio

Only 1/2 way through and loving it

I wasn't sure how I'd like this book, being an avid marathon runner and ironman it's heart wrenching to hear what happened to Mathew Long. His story is amazing. Athlete or not this is a must read book. It has the right mix of life stories and focus on the athlete. I listen to it on my commute to and from work and have to watch the tears (always good tears though).

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Less than meets the eye

Any additional comments?

I recently read Born to Run (which I loved) and was looking for another inspirational running book. I tried this one mainly because it got a lot of stars. I'm not sure why so many people liked this book, but I did not. I agree with some other reviewers that the political rants are off-putting. I don't find the author's politics objectionable; I just don't think an extended rant against public-transport unions adds much to a story about injury and recovery. I also agree with some reviewers that the author is REALLY impressed with himself--this shines through on almost every page. I think it's awful what he went through, and I admire his determination to bounce back, but a little humility (even feigned) wouldn't hurt. Finally, I just don't think the author has anything really interesting to say. He's been through an extraordinary experience, but his lack of reflectiveness makes this just a story about him rather than something larger.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Riveting and Inspiring

I purchased this because I am a beginning runner and I wanted some inspiration before my first 5K. To listen to Matt's story and what he endured and overcame was incredibly inspiring. I was riveted the entire time, when my device died I nearly had a panic attack because I had to wait for the battery to charge before I could continue listening to Matt's story. He is an incredible person, the story is awe inspiring and entirely worth the credit. You need to know about this human being!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Inspiring Story, Gift-Worthy Book

Honestly my luck with audiobooks has been poor. I was really getting discouraged in my selections as they just have not held my attention, and I've been pretty particular and paid attention to reviews. By luck I suppose I ran across this one, and boy am I glad I did. What an amazing story. Detailed - absolutely. Too much so - not in my opinion, but I'm a detail person and appreciated it. I agree with another reviewer - the fact the reader has a New York accent aids in the enjoyment and the ability to visualize what's described. Just can't say enough. Type of book I'd buy and gift to people - and not just athletes as the story applies to anyone who's faced with challenge. Few in my opinion would regret this purchase. Just hope I can find others in future that can hold a candle to this one.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Tough as nails

This guy is obviously as tough as they come, and this is an equally tough book. I listened to it within a 24hr period, partly because I didn't want to be in a black mood for any longer. I don't mind admitting I had tears in my eyes for portions, partly because of Longs struggle, and partly because of the support he received from his family and community. Powerful, upsetting, heart warming and intense, this is not a light book but it is very thought provoking and interesting.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent Book, Great Story

This was a great listen. Narrator is good and the story is really good. I didnt' actually find it too inspiring as far as running goes but it was inspiring for getting through any tough and challenging situation in life.
Really good book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Inspirational!

I listend to this while I was running, and going through a minor injury. This book will make you laugh, cry, and understand what it takes to push through your minor tweaks. If a man can get ran over by a bus, and then run a marathon, what can YOU do?!!

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Inspiration From This Book Is Monumental!

This is a read that will provide so much inspiration for anyone that chooses to go on an amazing journey!

Love Love Love

Absolutely Loved it.

The narration really brought life to the story. I could feel the emotions.

Incredible Story

I really felt the author poured his soul into writing this. You couldn't help be moved by the end of this book. I'm running my first marathon at age 34 in a few weeks and I'll be thinking of Matt's story as I trudge thru my first experience with the marathon struggles.

Matt's a hero!

Ok, I guess if you are downloading this audiobook you are looking for some inspiration to get you out on your regular runs. True Matt's story is inspiring, but if you have ever been to the US, you will know that the stereotype of not being shy about expressing their feelings and Matt certainly does this. What a super guy he is: Ironmans, marathon runner, basketball player, FDNY fire fighter, bar owner, thousands of friends, and a gift for chatting up women; Matt truely lives life to the full. His journey back to running is inspiring but I did find the platitudes a little much at times. I was glad he managed to get back to running and the epilogue is material for another book?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Astounding

What an astounding story. A feat of determination. This man has a will you and I can only aspire to!

incredibly good!

loved this book of the story of Matt Long. very inspiring read well worth a listen

Great story from tradegy to Triumph!

Very well read audio book and great pace. This is a life story and Matt does love to talk about himself ALOT!! But he is charismatic and does so in an engaging and humorous style. Less about running and racing then I was expecting but very inspiring never the less.

Truly inspiring, made me tear up a few times

Truly inspiring made me tear up a few times, I'll be running my first marathon in September and I've struggled mentally in training. if Matt can run it i can!

Amazing and eye opening

If you ever thought you had it hard to train for any distance get this book, you will soon change your mind and push harder than ever before

totally inspirational

breathe taking rendition of one mans struggles,one of the most inspirational stories I have ever heard,never say never and believe

The MOST inspirational story I have ever read

The Long Run had me from start to finish!! Having read the synopsis, I had an idea what was coming, but didn't expect the goosebumps to appear so early.
What Matt Long achieved is no mean feet and he was not only brave enough to achieve his goals, but to tell his story so publicly.
The story was told fantastically, all the information necessary and with exceptional narration.
This is definitely a book I will be reading again and passing on to friends.

Inspiring what a story!

What an inspiring man. I laughed and cried it is a fantastic story of pure determination by a true iron man.

Heart wrenching story bit as many highs as lows

A motivational account of what a body can endure
What an amazing guy
He shows us all how its done
Listened to it in one night