My Marathon: Reflections on a Gold Medal Life

A truly inspiring and heart warming story of legend Frank Shorter. Must read for anyone who loves this crazy sport.

Tem alguns ensinamentos legais sobre corrida, mas o foco do livro não é esse. Frank Shorter teve uma infância difícil e viveu o momento em que a corrida ainda não tinha dado o boom financeiro que tem hoje. Frank também foi um dos precursores do anti-doping nos esportes. Valeu a pena a leitura.

happy

Incredible man and book. Should be read by every serious runner considering to self-coach. You will for sure love it.

I really enjoyed this well-written, absorbing and truly inspirational book by Frank Shorter with John Brandt. There is a lot of wisdom and inspirational material in these reflections on Frank’s Gold Medal Life.To me, a gold medal life is where a person flourishes by pursuing mastery and excellence in their chosen field of endeavor – and Frank Shorter definitely has had a gold medal life. The key is to have a gold medal mindset – I think this is exemplified by these 2 great passages in the book:• In discussing his goal - to have the best day possible and finish in the top three - at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and the approach he shared with Steve Prefontaine and Kenny Moore: “We wanted to get the best out of ourselves. The Gold Medal, in the end, was no more than a wonderful by-product of the training I had put into my marathon.”• On his vigilance and consistency “But that’s why you run your hardest workouts when they are scheduled, even if you are feeling terrible. Dealing with feeling less than my best on race day was also something I’d practiced”Frank had to overcome a lot of adversity and his dedication, persistance, hard work and thoughtfulness shine through. There are great sections on:• How a pie race got him back into running in High School• His approach to coaching himself over the years and a lot of useful information on both the physical and mental aspects of running (many are widely applicable)• His tactics for the Munich Olympic Marathon and his thoughts on the Munich Massacre at the 1972 games• The launch and his role in the running boom in the early 1970’s• His relationship with many running legends (Bill Rogers, Steve Prefontaine, Kenny Moore, etc.)• His work against doping in sports (triggered by the 1976 Olympic games and how he waited for the right moment in order to maximize his impact)• A very moving section on when and why he finally went public on the abuse he and his sibling received from their fatherThis is a great book for anyone who enjoys reading about someone who pursued excellence and mastery throughout their life. Frank Shorter inspired a running boom in the 1970’s and this book should inspire anyone who wants a great example of a truly Gold Medal Life. Very highly recommended!

This is a very moving and insightful book about Frank. He focuses on the effects his ultra abusive father had on him . I have been a fan of Frank's since I began running in 1974 , so the factual errors in the book drove me crazy . The publisher should have employed a fact checker. That's the only reason I didn't give it five stars. The insight into his workouts leading up to the Olympics and his friendships with other runner like Steve Prefontaine are fascinating.