A few weeks ago I interviewed Ironman triathlete and ultramarathoner Donald Buraglio. Donald is the author of one of the most popular running blogs on the web – Running and Rambling. In case you didn’t know by now, he also has a book that just came out called The Running Life.
While I love reading about running, I normally don’t jump on the next running book when it hits the shelves. It has to be special. So I took a look at The Running Life and was impressed. The book is a compilation of short essays that appeared in the newspaper column that Donald and his co-author write every other week.
They range from instructional articles on training, public health issues, human interest stories, light-hearted observations (humor!), and occasional nonsense (more humor!). There are plenty of training books out there, but this book provides the human element that seems to be missing from the “Running” section at Barnes & Noble.
The introduction is titled “Don’t Run!” and some of my favorite chapter titles include:
- Fountain of Youth
- World’s Hardest Course
- Snot Rocket Science
- Let’s Talk About Sex
- Get Your Drink On
While I haven’t read much of the book yet, I’ve read a lot of Running & Rambling so I know the writing will be inspiring. Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner and Editor at Large of Runner’s World had this to say:
“Their love of running shines through every page of what they write… Whether you are an experienced runner, a novice, or even a non-runner this compilation of articles will inspire.”
This post isn’t actually a book review (I haven’t read the entire book), but rather it’s a give-away. That’s right – I have an extra copy of The Running Life that I want to give away to a Strength Running reader!
I hope you’re interested because I’m allowing up to three entries. Here’s how to win a copy of the book:
- Simply leave a comment on this post. No extra credit for witty or unusually intelligent comments, but you will win brownie points! A comment counts as one entry (no duplicate comments).
- For another entry, you can do one of two things: follow me on Twitter and spread the word by tweeting the contest announcement, or link to this post on your blog or website. If you don’t have Twitter, share this contest with your friends on Facebook.
- For the maximum of three entries, do all three! Comment, tweet/Facebook, and link. A trifecta of awesome.
‘Tis the Season for Running Safety
Last week, I was running through a cross-walk, I had the walk light, and almost got crushed by a landscaping truck. It scared the shit out of me and served as a good reminder that safety on the roads can’t be taken for granted.
I’ve known runners who’ve been hit by cars and been stuck in a wheelchair for months. I was almost run off the road while I was cycling last year. We can all promote running safety by wearing reflective clothing, obeying traffic laws, and even avoiding the roads during rush hour to hit the trails.
RoadID - Running Safety at its Best
But accidents happen.
That’s why I wear a Road ID when I run. Because you never know what might happen and I like being proactive about my running safety. Having identification on you is really important in case something terrible happens to you while you’re out running, cycling, or just walking to the subway.
Just in time for the holidays, Road ID is having a pretty good sale – especially since their stuff is inexpensive to start. They’re offering several discounts on your entire order over the next month (and they progressively go down in value):
- Use promo code pcSAVE15 during 11/17 – 11/28 to save 15%
- Use promo code pcSAVE10 during 11/28 – 12/7 to save 10%
- Use promo code pcSAVE5 during 12/8 – 12/25 to save 5%
The biggest discount code will be over by the end of this week, so shop now for the most savings. Road ID makes a lot of different types of products and they make pretty cool Christmas gifts.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like a fun book!
Thanks for the offer.
Donald’s blog is great, and I’m definitely interested in checking out his book.
Thanks for the videos of some American record races- I really did get inspired from watching Chris Solinsky and Ryan Hall take off. Next time: women’s records?
Hi Chaya – thanks! I’ll make sure you’re entered. I tried to include women’s races but there are actually far fewer videos available. In fact, there were several videos unavailable for men’s AR records. I’ll continue to check though!
Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the training analysis I’m still digesting it…
Sounds like a good book! Excited to check it out!
that is cool that Road ID is having a sale. Just yesterday I told my husband I want my children to get me one for Christmas. I’ll be sending him the promotion codes too!
Looking forward to reading the book. I love reading running books!
This is me writing something unusually intelligent.
something unusually intelligent
;D
Brownie points earned.
Hope I win! Thanks
Running with humor to boot…? Sounds like a boring book if you ask me, but would love to add it my must read list all just the same.
Books? I love books, especially when they’re about running. Thanks Fitz!
I’m a lover of running so the book sound fit for me. Also, I wear my RoadId every run!!
Just started Once A Runner last night, annnd I think I have ten pages until Im finished with soooo I need a new running book!! And since you’re giving it away it must be good right
haha
As an older-newer participant in the sport, I enjoy the “human” side of running…me running is scary human…gives me some hope of actually becoming a runner. This book sounds like a keeper!!
Sounds like a book that everyone needs to read tha runs.
I’m in for at least two entries
Run run run!
Just finished Born to Run…could use a new read!
Thanks for keeping up with the good reads of your own.
I’ve been following Running and Rambling for a long time now. I’ve always wondered how I’ll get my hands on this book. I’ll link on Facebook as well.
I’m new to “Strength Running” and always curious. Thanks for the opportunity.
Welcome aboard Mike!
Hey fitz, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Josh! You too.
Of course the engaged guy would have a favorite chapter entitled “Let’s Talk about Sex.” It sounds like a great book. Count me in the trifecta. Hopefully it counts that I am ALREADY following you on twitter. I told everyone how absolutely amazing you are on facebook. (Although I don’t have much of a witty repartee, have I earned enough brownie points yet?)
Seriously though. great website. We all love it!
Haha thanks Lydia! But you have to retweet the contest announcement too for another entry!
Please don’t tell my wife that I’ve found yet ANOTHER book that will inspire me to run/train more! Good thing she doesn’t follow me on Twitter, because I just retweeted your announcement.
Okay, fine. I retweeted! You are so picky! lol
I’ve been looking for another good running book. Thanks!!
The book sounds wonderful. Both my husband and I would love to read it.
It sounds like a great book.. as a runner who was told by doctors (in 2003) that I would never run again- I always look forward to new insight, motivation, ideas and just plain fun reading! Love my Newtons.. love the trails and alpine racing, heck- even marathons are fun distances– looking forward to a step up to Ultra’s in the near future!
thanks for the offer!
Thanks for offering this giveaway!
No problem, and I love the title of your blog!
I’ve been reading all the running books I can get my hands. Would love to add this one to the list.
3 entries please: retweeted, posted on my blog: http://michaelyoon.com/the-running-life-giveaway-at-strengthrunningc
Ran my first half yesterday and ready for more! Would love to read the book. Have enjoyed your website.
If it’s not too late, I’d like to enter to win the book. Thanks!
Sounds like a unique read that’ll make me faster and laugh.
I read Running and rambling very often and I love this blog so I think I’d love the book also
And there aren’t really many books about running that I know so I’d jump in to read another one! Happy running! 
I’m always looking for a good running book!
Can’t wait to read the book!
I would love to read Donald’s book!
~ Renee
looking forward to incorporating some of the ideas presented on the this page.
Thanks for the coupon code, this was just the incentive I needed to go and get a Road ID.
Sounds like a book worth looking into. Has the giveaway ended?!
Today is the last day for both the contest and the 15% Road ID coupon!
I appreciate any information about running. I’m like a sponge. I try to absorb as much as I can.
Book looks awesome!
Looking forward to reading, thanks for doing this!
Hoping to win the book, and to receive a Road ID for the holidays. Thanks!
I’d really like to read that book. And I’ve been considering getting a Road ID for my wife and I.
Sorry Hall – the contest ended last night! Stick around though, I tend to do these often
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