The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running has Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart was written by Amby Burfoot, one of the editors of Runner’s World magazine and winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon.
The book has 15 chapters named for the lesson they discuss, for example “Winning,” “Traditions,” “Listening,” and “Courage.” These are interspersed with “insight” which are fun little sections covering things like quotes, books, music and people.
I think what astounded me was that a Boston-winning runner and I have so many lessons in common. I could relate to most of the chapters and loved the stories, both about Burfoot and about other people.
This is also a reader-friendly book because each chapter is short and story-based, so you can read a chapter each night before bed, or you mow through large sections all at once. Then you can go back and read any one chapter on its own if you feel the need to be reminded once in a while.
If you are looking to add to your running library, I highly recommend The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life.