Originally self-published in 1978 and now in hardcover for the first time, "Once a Runner" is by far the most accurate fictional portrayal of the world of the serious runner . . . a marvelous description of the way it really is ("Sports Illustrated").
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Originally self-published in 1978 and now in hardcover for the first time, "Once a Runner" is by far the most accurate fictional portrayal of the world of the serious runner . . . a marvelous description of the way it really is ("Sports Illustrated").
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Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $0.99, fair condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. This copy has clearly been enjoyed-expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $1.22, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books East rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Glendale Heights, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner.
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Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $1.46, good condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Scribner.
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Good. Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. Could have library markings. Ships promptly!
Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $1.52, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner.
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Seller's Description:
Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $1.81, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner.
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Seller's Description:
Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of Once a Runner to cart. $1.82, good condition, Sold by Jenson Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Logan, UT, UNITED STATES, published 1978 by Cedarwinds.
Add this copy of Once a Runner: a Novel to cart. $1.86, fair condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner Book Company.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Once a Runner to cart. $2.19, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner Book Company.
Add this copy of Once a Runner to cart. $2.19, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner Book Company.
Add this copy of Once a Runner to cart. $2.19, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Scribner Book Company.
The book was in great condition and it arrived in a timely manner. I was happy to find the original cover of the book.
JTKrun48
Dec 25, 2008
the book is back
John Parker's classic book is now finally back in print one option is getting it from Australia - easier option is the US edition now out published by Scribner's - a must read (and re-read) for any serious runner.
Runlisbon
Nov 18, 2007
Well Observed
Even though this is a book that I discovered through a reccomendation in "Runner's World," there are plenty of amusingly disparaging remarks about that publication within its pages. That's typical, though, of the main character's process of whittling (or hacking) away at any connection between himself and his reasons for running and anyone else or else's. Ultramarathoners are a "sub-species" to this miler whose skills, abilties, sacrifices, and accomplishments make up the skin and bones of this deceptively simple tale. It's about the personal journey that we all undertake (albeit, at varying velocities).
Surprisingly fresh, irrverent, and funny, here's a book about running that starts out all elbows and awkward and finishes as fine literature. If you're a runner on any level, you'll identify and be in awe of Quenton both on the track and inside his thought process as he motivates himself to push physically far beyond where 99,9% of us will ever go.
There are great characters throughout and you won't want the experience to end, making this an investment you'll return to again and again and want to share as the treasure this book is.
I'm not sure why a book of this caliber is not more widely available, but there's no doubt that it is a classic that crosses many boundaries.
jeffrylunch
May 24, 2007
classic tale of dedication
the great thing about this book, other than the juicy details of characters and the joys of running enumerated, is the powerful mix of dedication and subversive, side-with-the-underdog, raise-a-little-hell-in-the-name-of-joy found in the main characer.
Parker offers insight into the mythos of the athlete/warrior who focuses so intently on one task, one effort, that all else almost completely disappears. what i like about the story is that Parker reminds us that it never all disappears, that one athletic endevour is connected not only to the history of other such events, but to a greater community, and that such events have effects well-beyond one man's glory or failure.
