Some of My Favorite Books, Movies and other Media.
My Latest Review:
Book, 14 Minutes by Alberto Salazar: This book was a fascinating read and a more inspiring lesson. More then just a tale about his running triumphs, I learned about the Salazar legend, his family history and Alberto's place in U.S. running history. I also learned a good bit about his brush with death and the cardiac event which can claim anyone. But mostly I experienced Alberto's second chance...one we all have, with faith, with family and with ourselves. More information can be found at the official site: RECOMMEND with 14 stars.
Movie, Running the Sahara: A quest which lasted 111 days and taken the runners through 6 countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt. By the team's daily GPS record, they had traveled over 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers). They fought through injury and extreme fatigue to reach their goal, which changed them forever. More information can be found at the official site: RECOMMEND with 5 stars, I really enjoyed this movie, from the running point of view, the drama stand point and ultimately the story of human endurance.
Movie, Running the Sahara: A quest which lasted 111 days and taken the runners through 6 countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt. By the team's daily GPS record, they had traveled over 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers). They fought through injury and extreme fatigue to reach their goal, which changed them forever. More information can be found at the official site: RECOMMEND with 5 stars, I really enjoyed this movie, from the running point of view, the drama stand point and ultimately the story of human endurance.
Movie, Running Brave: A 1983 movie based on the story of Billy Mills,
a North American Indian brought up on the reservation, destined against
all odds to become the best distance runner in the world in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Although a date movie, the story is inspiring and Robbi Benson does a good job getting the feeling of Mills across. RECOMMEND with 4 stars.
Magazine, Marathon and Beyond: A GREAT semi-monthly magazine in book format, features include interviews with professional runner, My Most Unforgettable Marathon, (or Ultras). Marathon Profiles, and commentary on the running scene. A 12-year-old, bimonthly magazine tailored specifically for marathoners and ultra-runners. I look forward to every issue, very professional and enjoyable publication. RECOMMEND with 5 stars.
Movie, Unbreakable: Endurance sports are not well known outside of the circle of competitors, fans and family who support these events. The Western States 100 (WS100) is the Super Bowl of Ultra Trail Running, and this movie tells the story of the 2010 Running of the WS100 when four of the best Ultra runners in the world came together and competed over 100 miles.
Magazine, Marathon and Beyond: A GREAT semi-monthly magazine in book format, features include interviews with professional runner, My Most Unforgettable Marathon, (or Ultras). Marathon Profiles, and commentary on the running scene. A 12-year-old, bimonthly magazine tailored specifically for marathoners and ultra-runners. I look forward to every issue, very professional and enjoyable publication. RECOMMEND with 5 stars.
Movie, Unbreakable: Endurance sports are not well known outside of the circle of competitors, fans and family who support these events. The Western States 100 (WS100) is the Super Bowl of Ultra Trail Running, and this movie tells the story of the 2010 Running of the WS100 when four of the best Ultra runners in the world came together and competed over 100 miles.
The Western States race covers 100 miles with a ascent of 18000 feet (5500 m) and descend of 23000 feet (7000 m) on mountain trails before reaching the finish. Because of the length of the race, the race begins at 5:00 A.M. and continues through the day and into the night. Runners finishing before the 30 hour overall time limit receive, a bronze belt buckle, while runners finishing in under 24 hours receive a silver belt buckle.
Not just a dry documentary, this movie offers a glimpse into the lives, training and relationships of the four men at the pinnacle of Ultra Running. Hal Koerner, two time defending WS100, and running store entrepreneur from Ashland, Oregon. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance, an organic chef from Juneau, Alaska. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in every ultramarathon he has ever started, a graduate student living in Boulder, Colorado. Kilian Jornet, the young mountain runner and two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion, from Spain.
This movie also provides an interesting look at how the WS100 mile race was created.
I highly recommend this movie to any runner, who would like a look into the race and inside the lives, and race preparation of the best ultra trail runners in the world. You don’t have to be a hard core Ultra runner to enjoy this film, there is something for everyone.
This film is available from Journey films at www.ws100film.com RECOMMEND with 5 stars.
Book, It's Not About The bike, My Journey Back to Life: A 2000 autobiographical book by cyclist Lance Armstrong. The book was written shortly after Armstrong had won the 1999 Tour de France: he went on to win it six further times in successive years, establishing a record. We all know his story and his fight with cancer and the critics, I found this book provided a unique look into all aspects of his life. After reading it I came away inspired and a fan. Many still try to drag Armstong down, but this most blood tested athlete on the planet is either the greatest endurance athlete ever or the biggest/best liar. RECOMMEND with 7 stars (one for each tour win!).
