One of the great things about working in the running industry and writing the book is the stories I hear. Here’s a great one from Steve that made my day…

Hi Bart,

I read “My Life On The Run” and wanted to thank you for giving me the 

tools to run my first marathon at age 55. I have been running for the 

past 2 years and had run a couple 10 milers and half marathons but 

didn’t feel that I could find a training program that would allow my 

body to train for a marathon without breaking down. My wife bought me 

your book and I really enjoyed it. I was intrigued by “The Perfect 10 

Marathon” that you discussed and decided to give it a try. I live in 

Sea Isle City NJ and planned to run in the Ocean Drive Marathon. I 

began following your program on 11/10, with the marathon to be run on 

3/29(my wife’s birthday-I doubt she’ll be giving me anymore books!). I 

did all my training outdoors throughout the winter and even though it 

was difficult at times, I was surprised that I was able to keep up. I 

was almost as happy that I was able to successfully train for a 

marathon than I was in running it.

However, when race day came, it was one of the most rewarding 

experiences of my life. I had friends and family members support me 

along the way, my daughter even ran across the bridge from Avalon to 

Sea Isle at mile 23 with me because she knew I was hitting the wall. I 

ran every step of the way and came in under my goal of 5 hours (4:50). 

More amazingly, I ran the first 13.1 miles 5 minutes faster than I ran 

my last half marathon! It took me about 10 days to recover but I’m out 

running again and plan to do the Broad Street Run, the Philadelphia 

Distance Run and hopefully the Philadelphia Marathon in November.

Thanks again for sharing your experience and knowledge. It really made 

a difference for me.

Steve

Hi Bart,

I saw you this weekend at Big Sur after first having met you in Miami in January. I really enjoyed talking with you and the benefit of hearing your thoughts. Not only were you right about Big Sur being a great marathon, but your advice about running negative splits was spot on. I did the first half in just over 2:02 and sped up the second half. I finished at 3:58. Considering that I did Miami in 4:15 and that this was just my second marathon, I am really happy with my time. Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Marc

It’s good to hear from people I’ve met during my travels near and far. I recently received this email from Mr. Pandey of Delhi, India, the race director of the Himilayan 100 I ran in the 90s.:

Greetings from Indian Himalaya!

Hope my email finds you and your family in good health and spirits.

By now readers must be enjoying reading your book and wishing you the very best for its massive circulation.  May I request your goodselves to kindly send me a copy of the same at my given postal address.

Thank you and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Namaste!!!

With warmest regards,

MR. PANDEY

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…