Hey Bart,

Bart,    

So I was reading your book yesterday and a huge smile broke out across my face.  Sara couldn’t help but notice from the across the room asking what I was smiling about. I didn’t tell her but the smile stayed on my face for a while.  I couldn’t believe you wrote about me in your book. When I first saw it I was curious what could possibly make me book worthy.  It was a huge honor man…it means a ton to me.  What I appreciate most about it is that it wasn’t based on my foot speed but on my heart.  Those are the compliments that mean the most to me.  In the sometimes fickle world of elite running, where they love you one day and forget about you the next it is nice to know that I have friends that care more about my heart than my speed.  

I also wanted to tell you that we are doing comrads man!  That is the only race over 26.2 that I have any desire to do.  I know your knees aren’t what they used to be but I know they have one last epic run in them. Lets plan on it!  

 

I hear you are going out to Chicago for a book signing this week.  

Have fun with that.  Take care!

 

Ryan

Some inspirational letters I’ve received…

Dear Bart, 

Sometime in July, I had the opportunity to meet you at your book signing, held at The Running Company in Columbus Circle. I told you that I was preparing for my first marathon. Up until the time I met you I only had two 1/2 marathons under my belt with a PR of 1:40, and that was leaving it all out on the road. At the NYC 1/2, I had to walk most of the last 3 miles.  I knew I had a lot of work to do. I had never ran more than 16 miles at one shot. Well, I read about half of your book (which is awesome) and it inspired and motivated me. You stated that the last 3 or so miles of a marathon were about guts. You also mentioned at the book signing that all you need is 3 key workouts in a 10 day period. I’m an Ironworker in NYC which is very physical and combined with heat it is a work-out. During the work week my running was in the heat of the day and my long runs on Sunday mornings. To make a long story longer, I crossed the finish line in 3:28:30, and I’m 47 yrs old and had to run a 3:30:59. I Did It Bart!!! I learned a lot in that race too. I’m glad I never got to the part in the book before the race, where you talk about the guy who had tried to qualify for Boston 22 times. Lol. I wil say that when I crossed the finish line, I raised my hands thanked God and yelled, “I’m going to Boston!” Then, proceeded to weep like a baby. I’m sure you know how I felt. One last thing, I am a recovering addict. Just over a year ago I was contributing to some Colombian’s bank account. Running, has become a huge part in my recovery as well as a tool in rebuilding my self-esteem. I wanted to Thank You, Bart, for all your dedication to the world of running. You are an inspiration to me and I am very glad I got to meet you. I hope I get a chance to see you again. Thank you Bart.
Sincerely, 
B

Writing My Life On The Run was often an arduous journey…just ask my wife and cat. However, the rewards have been great and I am always happy to hear from runners and nonrunners near and far about how my story in general or something specific in the book has inspired them in some way. I’ll share a few of the letters I’ve received. You’ll see some runners have their own inspirational stories…