“The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.”
Steve Prefontaine
GRANT: Born to Run was a cool book. Now it’s time to decide what we will read next. I’m thinking we should pick a book that is the opposite end of the running spectrum.
VICKY: I like it. How about a book about Steve Prefontaine? You might not remember this but I had a Prefontaine phase last year where I rented all the DVDs about him.
GRANT: I’m sure you only watched those movies because you like Steve Prefontaine right? It wasn’t because Jared Leto and Billy Crudup were the leading men?
VICKY: Funny Grant but I must say Without Limits and Prefontaine were great movies.
GRANT: Who did you think did a better job portraying the running legend?
VICKY: To be honest with you, they were both great in different ways. The movies weren’t the same at all because they focused on different aspects of his life, which is why I really want to read this book so I can get the whole picture. The book I would like to suggest is called PRE: The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend by Tom Jordan.
GRANT: This could work because there are many interesting topics we’ll be able to discuss. For example, the making of a running shoe (ie. the Bill Bowerman and Nike story), coaching, speed work, track & field and the Olympics and more.
VICKY: Ok now I’m excited. So when do we start?
GRANT: Let’s start reading next Monday, May 3rd, 2010. Check back in a few days for the Book Bio and in the meantime, let us know what you think of our next book selection!
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Was he related to CFL great Noel Prefontaine? I’ve never heard of this Steve guy.
I’m pumped…I just happened to have the book sitting her waiting to be cracked open…love it!
And once i’ve read the book I’ll work on tracking down the movies!
From what I’ve heard of Pre’s greatest quotations, I’m not sure how relevant he will be to Shufflers. On the other hand, I’m willing to see if his shining example can motivate me to greater speeds. I’ll follow along with you guys.
I loved it! His determination was especially motivating. It’s hard to get that hungry when you’re a mid-packer but I try to find it in the points series we have with our local running associations (in age categories!!).
Interesting how he was also a big salad guy (seems to be a theme)…I’m trying to get in a salad a day…I think it’s probably even easier now with all the varieties of greens and “salad items” out there. My newest fave is a beet salad with arugula and goat cheese (or with mixed greens and feta) or a mixed greens with peppers, pecans, strawberries and a balsamic dressing.
I love the photo of him running barefoot under the big scoreboard.
OMG Regan you are amazing. You’ve already finished the book? Neither Vicky nor I have bought it yet.
I have started some research work though. I’m reading Bowerman and the Men of Oregon and have Running with the Buffaloes.
Salad is great. Sometimes I have been having it for breakfast (Born to Run inspired). I also grab handfuls of baby spinach as a snack.