ISBN0915297019

The running tidbits are an integral part in this story about a young man and his life in college. It's an entertaining read for runners and non-runners alike.

I am an avid runner and this book defines what it is to be a runner. It is a cult classic and i've read it 10 times and always lend it out for other people who are just starting to get into running. The major motion picture based on the book is set to be released on July 22 by Universal Pictures. The sequel to this book "Again to Carthage" is also set to be due in July 2007 as well.

This book captures the essence of distance running... A must read for anyone who runs.

Simply stated, this book is out of print for a reason, it didn't sell well because it's not a very good book. I've read countless books on running over the years and I'm an avid runner and racer but this book is silly and unbelievable in many parts, shallow and inconsistent in others; not well written sums it up pretty well. Don't let the high asking price fool you into believing it's worth your time or money... it's not. Read the Lore of Running, Ultramarathon Man, The Cutting Edge Runner, just about anything by George Sheehan (and his writing is not perfect either but better than this drivel), A shining Season, A Cold Clear Day... you get my point.

I just finished this book; could hardly put it down. It really captures the experience of hard training and hard racing and the effect it can have on your life. I can see why other reviewers say it inspires them to train harder - it would have done the same for me if I had read it back when I was a serious runner. It is truely an inspirational book. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.