Running Up the Mountain: Northern Arizona Altitude, Lumberjack Attitude, and the Building of a Distance Dynasty

by Matt Baxter, Ron Mann

Discover a distance dynasty when you run with the Lumberjacks.

Running Up the Mountain chronicles a collegiate dynasty a half century in the making. Northern Arizona University is situated in the altitude mecca of Flagstaff, which has become a training ground for the greatest runners in the world. Yet, as a remote outpost with no traditional powerhouse credentials, momentum built steadily before exploding over the past decade until NAU became the preeminent distance-running team in the country. Authored by Matt Baxter, a three-time cross country All-American who was integral to NAU’s first three national championships, and Ron Mann, a Hall of Fame coach who is the longest-tenured in program history, the book authentically captures NAU’s humble origins and growing pains, culminating in an intimate insider’s perspective of the explosive success of the past decade that will delight running fans. Running Up the Mountain is a moving portrait of an elite squad with colorful characters fighting to remain at the summit of their sport, amid the pressure of intense rivalries and the jarring impact of COVID-19. From quaint beginnings to national champs, grit and commitment remain the defining feature…when you’re running with the Lumberjacks.

296 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for distance running enthusiasts and fans. A deep dive into how the NAU dynasty was built and a deeper dive into the stories of the coaches and athletes that made it happen.

[Neil S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A running book with broad appeal, "Running Up the Mountain" reaches beyond its foundation in the running mecca of Flagstaff, Arizona, to offer a blueprint for success in life that can inspire runners of any stripe. Authors Ron Mann and Matt Baxter tell the story of how the ever-burgeoning running culture of Flagstaff’s community is intertwined with the history and success of the storied Northern Arizona University’s cross country teams.

As NAU’s longest tenured coach (1980–2004), Ron Mann brings NAU’s and Flagstaff’s running history alive, while his co-author, NAU cross-country star Matt Baxter, puts you in the heat of the trash-talking battles between NAU and their rivals during the unbelievable streak that has brought six of the last eight NCAA cross-country championship titles home to Flagstaff. Now a professional runner, Baxter knows what it’s like to compete at the highest levels, and he brings the reader along to share the excitement, nerves, and emotions of each race.

The book traces NAU’s origins from 60 years ago to its current status as one of the greatest NCAA dynasties ever. Coaches Dr. Leo "Red" Haberlack, followed by Ron Mann, then Eric Heins and currently Michael Smith, have all passed the baton onto their mentees, keeping the team’s long history and its connection to the local community thriving. The book explores how coaches and runners alike worked to nurture a team culture that is the key to the program’s success; a lesson well worth reading for anyone who works with a group to achieve big goals, whether in running or in life.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great piece to add to the world of running literature. I dove into the history of NAU and finished it in 48 hours.

While Running with the Buffaloes is more of an inside view of a season, Running up the Mountain is a historical recount of NAU’s origin to the present dynasty. I can’t say I felt connected to the team in a meaningful way as they fought to keep their #1 ranking and navigate covid… However, I think the buildup of the NAU Men’s (and Women’s) program over the years is a reminder to recognize humble beginnings and deep rooted tradition.

[George Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a collegiate distance runner not nearly at the level of the guys in this book it gives you a great insight into how this team and all the guys became what they are. Through all the tough workouts at elevation and their more blue collar roots you get to see how NAU became a blue blood of collegiate cross country. With a great telling of the history of the school my only critique is it mostly focuses on the recent years of the program with not as much time on the others even with Ron Mann as a co-author. Overall a great read if you are an avid fan of the sport!

[Brendan McGoldrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! NAU is such a special program and it’s so well written that even though I knew some of the results already, I couldn’t always tell if what I knew happened was what was going to be written, and I mean that in a good way. It really drew me in and I’m really glad I read it.

[Caleb Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Builds a foundation of what the NAU program and Flagstaff came from before diving into the more recent successes of the team. Definitely enjoyable for running nerds, but also just makes me want to move to flagstaff lol

[Alli Jenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an NAU alumna, and former “The Lumberjack” beat reporter for our cross country and track and field teams, I’m so glad Matt and Coach Mann shared this story! A treat you won’t be able to put down for anyone with a passion for running, Flagstaff, or NAU.

[Stuart David · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read!
Naturally, the first part of the book brought back a lot of pleasant memories, for me.

[Topherjaynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oral history of NAU running program. Cool to see how the program unfolded

[Justin Desloover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Running With The Buffalos was better and that’s all you need to know

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the background and history of the NAU team. I was on the team in the late 90’s and reading this book brought back so many great memories. Anyone on or associated with the NAU team knows it’s a special program. It was very interesting to read how the team has changed, but also has stayed the same. Go Jacks!