The book 'Running to the Edge' by Matthew Futterman tells the story of distance running coach Bob Larsen, focusing on his innovative training methods and the impact on his athletes. The narrative is engaging and vividly brings to life the characters and their journeys, making it a compelling read for running enthusiasts.
The book 'Running to the Edge' by Matthew Futterman is a captivating exploration of the career of distance running coach Bob Larsen. The narrative is divided into two main parts, first examining Larsen's early coaching career in California and his development of the 'running on the edge' concept, which is now known as tempo running. The second part of the book delves into Larsen's efforts in the 2000s to revitalize American distance running through his training system and camp for elite athletes. Futterman's storytelling is engaging and brings to life the characters and their journeys, making it a compelling read. The book also includes a short history of the science behind distance running and the author's personal running journey, which adds an interesting perspective. Overall, the book is a joy to read and provides a vivid portrayal of the world of competitive running.
Quick quotes
The narrative flows and the characters are vividly brought to life
I found myself nervous about the results of races from nearly 50 years ago as Futterman brilliantly told the long forgotten careers of many unknown runners.
Overall, Running to the Edge is a really enjoyable book.