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Running Crazy - Imagine Running a Marathon. Now Imagine Running Over 100 of Them. Incredible True Stories from the World's Most Fanatical Runners
Not yet published
Expected 1 Nov 32The personal stories of members of the 100 Marathon Club—ordinary people linked by the common desire to run, and run, and run The 100 Marathon Club, also known as the Hell's Angels of Running, or Running Sluts (running one race while thinking of another), is growing in number every year. This is a club with no prejudices and only one prerequisite for membership—the completion of 100 marathons. It is full of colorful, contrasting characters with idiosyncratic personalities and diverse lifestyles. But who would want to run 100 marathons or more, and why? How do they find the time, the the money, and the energy? Are they crazy or just passionate? Here are their stories—funny, sad, and inspiring. This book will appeal to the millions of runners in the world, from the marathon-crazy featured in this book to just casual joggers.
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
April 13, 2015
Huge disappointment! This could and should have been good. I was hoping to hear some interesting cultural stories about different races around the world since all the runners interviewed have run over 100 marathons. BUT the interviewer/author/hack who has never run ONE marathon doesnt probe into the detail of any of that and instead wants to talk about herself and make dumb jokes which arent funny.
If you want a good running book, forget about this. Pick up something from Matt Fitzgerald, Dean Karnazes or get the brilliant Born to Run or Jureks Eat and Run.
To put this book into marathon terms, it is like you have signed up and paid for what looks like a beautiful marathon, had a good training period, got to the race and then 1 mile in you got diahorrea and it all turned to.... custard.
Put it down as a DNF and concentrate on the next race.
If you want a good running book, forget about this. Pick up something from Matt Fitzgerald, Dean Karnazes or get the brilliant Born to Run or Jureks Eat and Run.
To put this book into marathon terms, it is like you have signed up and paid for what looks like a beautiful marathon, had a good training period, got to the race and then 1 mile in you got diahorrea and it all turned to.... custard.
Put it down as a DNF and concentrate on the next race.
January 15, 2016
I am filled with admiration for anyone who runs one marathon let alone 100 so the '100 Marathons Club' are exceptional people and they have an interesting story to tell. Unfortunately it is poorly told by the author. I found this book almost impossible to read because of the writing style and the numerous supposedly witty 'comments' by the author that were inserted into the text. I can only give this book 1*
January 30, 2013
I love running and I’ve managed a half-marathon, but I’m still daunted by the thought of a full one. So I was intrigued by this book, which is a collection of interviews with members of the ‘100 club’, individuals who have completed over one hundred marathons, often over a surprisingly short period of time - 2 or 3 years in many cases. That is surely a feat of logistics as much as athleticism - if you are looking to run a marathon every week, you will be spending a lot of time travelling around the world and living out of a suitcase. What drives people to do this? How does it affect their home life, relationships, work, etc?
Unfortunately, none of these questions are answered, or even addressed, in this book. The interviews are pitched throughout at the level of a puff piece in a rubbish staff newsletter. The author’s tone is annoyingly chirpy and insufferably smug. This would be bad enough in itself, but worse, much worse is that she just won’t stop talking about herself. We are treated to endless descriptions of what she’s thinking, feeling, imagining, while she interviews runners face to face or over the phone. These little asides, which punctuate every single line of conversation, are crushingly banal, as are her bafflingly unfunny childhood anecdotes, which seem to take up as much space as the runners’ stories.
The overall impression is that she is more interested in herself than in those she is interviewing. At best this comes across as rude, at worse offensive. For example, the interview with a runner talking about her battle with anorexia, which is interrupted by a pointless and overblown anecdote about how the author once ate too many marshmallows at a childhood party. When she later interviews a paraplegic wheelchair runner I was on tenterhooks waiting for her to tell the story about how she had once had a dead leg from sitting on the toilet for too long….it really is that bad.
Unfortunately, none of these questions are answered, or even addressed, in this book. The interviews are pitched throughout at the level of a puff piece in a rubbish staff newsletter. The author’s tone is annoyingly chirpy and insufferably smug. This would be bad enough in itself, but worse, much worse is that she just won’t stop talking about herself. We are treated to endless descriptions of what she’s thinking, feeling, imagining, while she interviews runners face to face or over the phone. These little asides, which punctuate every single line of conversation, are crushingly banal, as are her bafflingly unfunny childhood anecdotes, which seem to take up as much space as the runners’ stories.
The overall impression is that she is more interested in herself than in those she is interviewing. At best this comes across as rude, at worse offensive. For example, the interview with a runner talking about her battle with anorexia, which is interrupted by a pointless and overblown anecdote about how the author once ate too many marshmallows at a childhood party. When she later interviews a paraplegic wheelchair runner I was on tenterhooks waiting for her to tell the story about how she had once had a dead leg from sitting on the toilet for too long….it really is that bad.
September 13, 2016
Just a collection of accounts of 100+ marathoners, repetitive..
June 21, 2018
Streuth. Someone really needs to tell this author to pipe down with the “witty” comments. Each chapter interviews a member of the 100 marathon club. Now taking aside the fact that each chapter is basically a repeat of the last (same reasons for becoming a member, no they don’t think its obsessive, yada yada), it is INSANELY annoying that Summer can barely allow the interviewee two sentences or a paragraph before she either adds 1) a “witty observation”, 2) a pondering about food or how crazy they are or 3) some comment about her own experiences. How the editors didn’t red pen half the book away, I’ll never understand.
And seriously - at one point, she opens a chapter with an interviewee saying “hello beautiful”, causing Summer to digress into wondering if it’s her they’re talking to, as they have met, and then she’s finding herself making “come hither” eyes at him before realising she’s on the phone and he’s talking to a pint of beer. WTactualF.
And seriously - at one point, she opens a chapter with an interviewee saying “hello beautiful”, causing Summer to digress into wondering if it’s her they’re talking to, as they have met, and then she’s finding herself making “come hither” eyes at him before realising she’s on the phone and he’s talking to a pint of beer. WTactualF.
February 24, 2021
I really enjoyed the stories from the runners in the book but the author was annoying. She made it clear she thought running one marathon was crazy no matter than 100. Also the first couple of chapters had lots of repetition, often only a page apart. I'd still say read it though.
January 14, 2024
As a lover of lists I found this remarkably inspiring. The question of being obsessed or just extremely motivated is interesting. As is the admission from some runners that their actions are selfish - reminding me to retain some balance when planning weekends!
Read
August 24, 2022Insufferable. Dnf. (A shame.)
January 4, 2013
26.2 Chapters of pure inspirational and motivating stories from some of the members of the UK’s 100 Marathon Club. Yeah, I said that right, a ONE HUNDRED MARATHON CLUB. This is a club for people who run 100 marathons or more, sometimes their totals are obscene like 543 marathons in like, three years. They are truly amazing people that push the limits of their bodies and enjoy every minute of it. The more I read about them, the more I wanted to be one of them. The runners are all ages ranging from twenties to seventies and the majority of them have used their running careers at some point to raise money for charities. The club even accepts “wannabes”, those that have run 50 marathons or more and when they near their 100th, the club comes together like family to celebrate. Such camaraderie is what keeps these members coming back for more.
Summer writes these chapters in an interesting way. She adds her own silly commentary, sometimes it feels a bit too much but then there are times it fits perfectly. One chapter is written exactly the way the runner responded to her questions and I found that to not be as fun as the previous chapters, so then I understood the use of her quips in between questions.
This is a book I would definitely keep on the bookshelf, not only for inspiration but to use it as a reference guide to marathons all over the world. I learned about so many enticing and unique races that I hope one day I can run as well. And maybe even use them as a stepping stone to gain my very own 100 Marathon Club vest!
Summer writes these chapters in an interesting way. She adds her own silly commentary, sometimes it feels a bit too much but then there are times it fits perfectly. One chapter is written exactly the way the runner responded to her questions and I found that to not be as fun as the previous chapters, so then I understood the use of her quips in between questions.
This is a book I would definitely keep on the bookshelf, not only for inspiration but to use it as a reference guide to marathons all over the world. I learned about so many enticing and unique races that I hope one day I can run as well. And maybe even use them as a stepping stone to gain my very own 100 Marathon Club vest!
October 30, 2022
Be INSPIRED, a very easy read of multiple marathoners . As a marathon runner and aspiring member of the 100 marathon club - this book is a lovely easy read. Lots of great stories from various members of the 100club, many of whom I have heard of or met at marathons- eg Steve Edwards (read this book then get his ), Gina, John D, Liz T, Paul Watts- and of course the legend that is Brian Mills ( lovely quiet unassuming chap, on over 1,000 maybe 1200 marathons when I met him several years ago but after the book was written). Others may have said a disappointing read, too chatty a style or repetitive. Chatty yes, inane comments yes, but as marathon runners we often get such comments , which we have to explain why we 'enjoy' running such distances. Repetitive - well yes of course , the THEME of interviews with members of the 100 marathon club. If you are a marathon runners, an aspiring marathon runner or a reader who wonders why , then this book is recommended.. Stories of marathon runs and training that we can relate to. Are we obsessed with running ? Many interviewees say 'well that depends what you mean ' - yes of course marathon runners will understand that , and 'many of my friends call me a nutter'. What more could this book have ? a sequel or two as theres many of the 100 club who have great stories to tell. Get to a marathon look out for the 100club vest and ask for their story. After a while you'll both have covered quite a distance.
November 7, 2013
Am about 10% in to this book. Some of the characters, all members of the UK based 100+ (Marathon Club) are rather unique, but so far it hasn't been that compelling a read.
It's a bit early to give a rating, so will probably wait till am a quarter the way in.
Feels like time would be better spent running, than reading this book so far, as despite the remarkable achievements of many, they seem rather uninspiring ( so far).
Update, have now read a couple more chapters or "Miles" as the author likes to call them. A very undemanding read, so I will probably persevere, but it really is rather dull for what should be incredibly inspiring.
Some weeks later, my only revision to my comments, is having read a couple more chapters, it was even more boring than I thought. A rare case, but I DNF ( did not finish).
Save your time and energy for running.
It's a bit early to give a rating, so will probably wait till am a quarter the way in.
Feels like time would be better spent running, than reading this book so far, as despite the remarkable achievements of many, they seem rather uninspiring ( so far).
Update, have now read a couple more chapters or "Miles" as the author likes to call them. A very undemanding read, so I will probably persevere, but it really is rather dull for what should be incredibly inspiring.
Some weeks later, my only revision to my comments, is having read a couple more chapters, it was even more boring than I thought. A rare case, but I DNF ( did not finish).
Save your time and energy for running.
May 24, 2013
I am somewhat obsessed about long-distance running, so I wanted to find out what motivate others with a similar obsession. Our reason to begin running may be different; but to run multiple marathons and ultras in a year, it is simply the joy and freedom of running. The book provides good insights, recounting some good, not so good and funny experiences while running around the world. They all ran over 100 marathons while overcoming many obstacles, whether they physical, mental, work, relationships. A light read, could be read in bits and pieces, but I didn't find the author's own reactions to be that helpful though and could be deleted.
September 21, 2014
Books on runners are usually inspiring but to read about more than 20 marathoners in one book is huge dose of inspiration and entertainment!
Most remarkable about these amazing runners is how they make a marathon sound like a walk in the park! I guess after a century (and more) of marathons, it may feel like one.
For a solitary sport, 'friendship and camaraderie' is often mentioned here and the main reason for these runners' sojourns to finish lines all over- its the the community, if not the running family that keeps these marathoners going.
Most remarkable about these amazing runners is how they make a marathon sound like a walk in the park! I guess after a century (and more) of marathons, it may feel like one.
For a solitary sport, 'friendship and camaraderie' is often mentioned here and the main reason for these runners' sojourns to finish lines all over- its the the community, if not the running family that keeps these marathoners going.
August 7, 2012
An inspiring collection of multi-marathon runners. The tone is conversational and could have done with a bit more editing (the "asides to camera" get a bit much), but overall, if you're a runner at any stage you'll recognise yourself in here. Even if you have no intention of doing one marathon, let alone 100+, it's worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2012
The premise of the book was very interesting as I hadn't known that such a marathon club even existed. How inspirational! The way the book was written however, was very anecdotal, and got a bit monotonous after a while, with a fair bit of repetition.
November 4, 2012
As a lover of lists I found this remarkably inspiring. The question of being obsessed or just extremely motivated is interesting. As is the admission from some runners that their actions are selfish - reminding me to retain some balance when planning weekends!
August 4, 2012
I thought it was a nice book, not as inspirational as others that I've read. The interviews are written anecdotal. Very easy to read but not my first go book for runners.
September 11, 2012
Interesting and inspiring, but got a bit samey after a while.
October 5, 2012
Interesting reading about the runners. Terrible terrible writing though.
July 20, 2018
This would have been a great and really interesting book, were it not for the repetitive and unfunny asides that the authour seems to constantly want to take us on. Still pretty interesting though.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews