The Long Run

One Man's Attempt to Regain his Athletic Career-and His Life-by Running the New York City Marathon

By: Matthew Long, Charles Butler

Narrated by: Matthew Del Negro

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

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

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.

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).

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!

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.

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?!!

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!

Everything in New York is not Really Amazing

Like many books about living in New York City, the author treats absolutely everything that happens in a normal person's life like it is amazing just because it happened in New York. If the same events were told of a person living in Iowa, it would be called boring.

Political puke!

Barely an hour into this, I feel bad for Matt until he continues his political puke blaming. He should be blaming the powerful oil and gas companies that have our government using our taxes for road (for cars, buses and trucks), instead of having invested it our public transportation system (which FYI is not subsidised like our roads for the car, gas and oil companies - by virtue of us, the tax payers, paying for)!

I paid for a book about recovery from an accident, not another way for this chum to make more money spewing complete garbage!

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.

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.

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?

what a story!!!

you ever think you can run a marathon give this a listen; laughed and cried the whole way through it!!

Very motivating

I couldn't put my headphones down,
Moving yet motivational how can you make excuses when Matty went threw all that!

Not for me

I got to chapter 8 and the book was still talking about Matty's accident, recovery program and help he was getting. I assumed the book would have moved on a lot sooner to discuss training, running etc but no it was all very repetitive and I dismissed it after 8 chapters. Too slow and not very enjoyable.

inspiring book and review of your life,

a great book and so apt after my accident on a bike and what a guy, inspiring and applaudable, well done you because "you can" 💪👍

Excellent

Excellent from start to finish. Top class. For anybody looking for inspiration, here it is.

Fantastic and inspirational read

Inspiring, proud tears whilst on the run at the end of book. My new hero..

brilliant inspiring well read

Absolutley loved this book I burst into tears when Matt crossed the finish line of the marathon and the ironman #golong

Incredible

an absolute incredible story of courage, grit, determination and sheer stubborness. A hero💚. Loved it.

Amazing

Just WOW. The most inspirational book I have read, it makes you cry and it makes you will Matt Long to complete everything he takes on.