One of the oldest books on my TBR and I’d sort of skipped over it a bit because I thought it looked a bit dense and maybe even worthy. But then I wanted to get the TBR moving a little bit, so I thought I’d give it a try. A bit like not really wanting to go out for a run but going for a mile. And I was proved wrong! The text was a bit small, though, so I was glad when I started wearing my new glasses. And it’s not on this picture as I started reading it in April – doh!
Thor Gotaas – “Running: A Global History”
(03 September 2018 – charity shop)
An excellent book, although originally published in 2008, so misses out a lot of recent running developments and history. But it’s so strong on the history of running and the global approach is so thorough that that doesn’t really matter: there have been plenty of running books published since then that cover the more up to date history. Because it’s written by a Finn, it really does take a world view of running, teaching us about the development of the first job, then sport, then pastime from ancient times to the quest for the ultimate speed, via runners in Mexico and Japan, coaches in China and Kenya, looking at sportsmen and a good number of women whenever he can find them. With more modern women, there’s a photo of Paula Radcliffe but not much about her, but almost a whole chapter on Greta Waitz which gave me much more information on her than I knew before, and a great section on ground-breaking female Algerian runner Hassiba Boulmerka.
I loved his descriptions of what people ate (hard-boiled eggs go wayyyy back) and their training regimes through history. There is, to be fair, quite a lot on Finnish runners and their famous sisu (strength of will) but they certainly don’t dominate. It’s interesting that the chapter on ultramarathons, which I think we tend to think of as quite a modern phenomenon, concentrates on the Japanese ekiden races and the South African Comrades Marathon, which both stretch back into the earlier 20th century. And I did love reading the philosopher Jean Baudrillard’s comments on watching the New York Marathon.
There are references, a bibliography and some slightly oddly placed photos – a great read, it turned out!
Thomas
May 10, 2020 @ 12:05:51
Great review Liz! Glad you were able to break through some of that initial intimidation to read the book, nice analogy related to running there. It’s cool that you’re motivated to learn more about the history of running, as well as that it seems like this book does take a pretty extensive and international perspective even if it doesn’t contain the most recent history given that it was published in 2008. Hope reading has helped you maintain your sanity amidst everything going on. (:
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Liz Dexter
May 11, 2020 @ 10:35:18
I haven’t got as much reading as I’d like done as I’ve been so busy with work! But yes, it has given me solace (along with running!). This was a good book, going so widely and deeply into history.
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Black Knight
May 10, 2020 @ 12:21:26
Interesting book, I will buy it for sure. I began to run after reading “The complete book of running” by J. Fixx.
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Liz Dexter
May 11, 2020 @ 10:36:10
I’ve just checked and was pleased to see the paperback is still available. J Fixx is mentioned as having instigated the US running boom in the main, so that’s cool you encountered his book and used it!
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kaggsysbookishramblings
May 10, 2020 @ 12:32:11
Sounds fascinating, and ideal for you! I may have to add this to the list of possible gifts for my Middle Child and Partner, who both run!
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Liz Dexter
May 11, 2020 @ 10:36:37
And it’s still in print in paperback so not as hard to get hold of as I feared! I think they would enjoy it.
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Deborah Brooks
May 10, 2020 @ 17:10:56
Happy to report that I have finished my book and I am onto the next. I am enjoying listening to them on audible while I take walks
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Liz Dexter
May 11, 2020 @ 10:37:10
Fabulous! My husband does that and goes for a walk with his audio book in lieu of his commute at the moment.
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heavenali
May 10, 2020 @ 20:00:58
Glad this was so much more enjoyable for you than you expected. Fascinating to see how running differs or is similar in different places.
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Liz Dexter
May 11, 2020 @ 10:37:34
Yes, and back through history, too. Currently being thoroughly alarmed by “Jamaica Inn”!
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wadholloway
May 11, 2020 @ 12:28:30
It wouldn’t have occurred to me that running had a history, but of course it has. As soon as you describe it it becomes obvious. I have even reviewed not one but two books on running – Murakami and the sad story of Samia Yusuf, Don’t Tell Me You’re Afraid.
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Liz Dexter
May 12, 2020 @ 09:36:39
It drew out how it went from being a messenger role, also having a ritual role to becoming competitive then codified into the athletics rules we have today, plus the rise of running for fun and health, very interesting. I love the Murakami and have read it three times, and I haven’t read Yusuf’s book but have found your review, thank you.
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