and distant past. The best bits were the match races of pro vs amateur in the late 19th century (which produced a record which stood for 30 years) and coverage of the pre and immeadaite-post second world war attempts. Overall: An interesting historical ride

-alcoholics. adi123: INSPIRING STORIES FROM ACROSS THE FLM FIELD, A GREAT READ Strengths: Truly inspiring for runners of all capabilities. Gives a bit of history, a decent general mile-by-mile course description and some FLM trivia, but the guts of the book

In short:The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner is one comparatively unfit 39-year-old Londoner's humorous account of his attempt to run the New York marathon from scratch. Inspired by the charity running of his friends, Russell Taylor decided

the year Weaknesses: Good read, well planned out with the links throughout of a 12 month diary of races throughout the year Overall: Would definitely recommend the book, some inspirational moments, which makes the thought of a quick 3 mile run in the rain

and inspiring. Weaknesses: Very motivating and inspiring. Overall: Really enjoyed this book - couldn't put it down! rumhelka: Portrait of an unusual man Strengths: Great accounts of the races - and the man is hardcore. Was cool to read about his childhood