Tracks Books

Johnny Miles set a new Boston course record in 1926 in his first ever marathon. Now, at the age of 93 he is by far the oldest living winner of the Beantown classic.

I visited with Johnny Miles in October 1998, at his home in Hamilton, Ontario and took photographs of him wearing his prized possession-the jacket he received at the 100th running of the Boston in 1996. He has slowed down a bit but is still sharp enough to sign his autograph for the Johnny Miles Foundation in the few remaining copies of his biography: Johnny Miles, Nova Scotia's Marathon King. The Foundation is in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada, c/o Dr. John Miles Williston/902-752-7470).

For many Canadian runners, in particular those from Atlantic Canada, the Johnny Miles book continues to serve as an inspiration. As the author, I frequently receive phone calls and e-mail (footless@escape.ca) from those who've been inspired by the story of Johnny Miles. Recently copies of it were taken to South Korea by a Winnipeg, Manitoba runner to be presented to the two Korean runners who won the Boston.

This year is the 70th anniversary of Johnny Miles' second Boston record breaking victory and more than one runner from Canada, and perhaps even Bill Rodgers himself, was wearing a T-shirt in the 1999 Boston, from the Johnny Miles 10K classic in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.

Will Cloney of Boston who was BAA race director for more than 40 years said:"There hasn't been a Johnny Miles in Boston since Johnny Miles. He was really the first and the last surprise winner."

You can still find this book in your library as well as in used bookstores. Ask Amazon to find it for you.

This book is about Julie Foudy, the greatest soccer player ever! It begins by trying to explain just how impressive it is to watch her play. The book then goes to her childhood, and how her family helped her to become a great player. It explains all the sports she played in from the time she was a child till now. It also tells you about the people, and events, in her life that made her who she is today. Her role in the 1996 Olympics is explained, and so is her position on child labor. In my opinion, Julie Foudy is the best soccer player ever, and this book tells for how she got to where she is.

Rhoberta Shaler's book is filled with wonderful ideas to get you moving in the direction of your dreams and stay focused!

I was always mystified why my body would refuse to work properly after running 20 miles. At first I thought that I was not made for Marathon running. Then I read 'Keep on Running' and it all became clear. Without this book, I would have given up Marathon running. But now I know how to manipulate my metabolism correctly in order to be a well conditioned endurance runner, I no longer fear anything over 20 miles.

I purchased this after my mom had received it as a gift. I loved the layout, the monthly goals and especially the verses with each week. I also appreciated the large amounts of space to write in each day. This planner has not only gotten me organized, it has helped me to retain the focus where it is TRULY important; not in the planning (although this is important) but in the daily walk with God.

This is a great book for keeping your career on track. Easy to read, but right on point. I look forward to seeing more by this talented writer.

I've read this book at least 10 times and every time I enjoy it just as much as before! This book has a lot of adventure and some suspense. Each time you read it you find something new and interesting. The book has some interesting facts because Sam (one of the kids) writes reports for school and you get to read them. All around I think this is one of the best books

I have bought most of this series for my nephew, and everytime i give him a new volume, he gets excited. It's really amazing to see the little guy get so enthused about something other than pokeman or nintendo. I found this volume in the series particularly good, it's written in a way that apeals to a child's natural curiosity. The book is educational, while being lighthearted.

This book is definitly one of the wittiest and most clever pieces I have read since Irvine Welsh. It is so genuine, with realistic characters one could always relate with.
There are several different stories within the novel that deals with issues most young adults face today, such as sexuality and family problems, but it always has a unique twist at the end which makes the story far moral.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and hope the author will be more recognized for his unique writing style.

Circle a track once. Fast as you can. Faster than anyone. Do that as your country asks'What are you?' 'Who are you with?'
If the 400 meter run is magic, Frank Murphy is a magician of a writer. He tells the story of Lee Evans, a quarter miler running for the U.S. at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. The Olympics where raised fists caused fits. Heroes and villians stride through Murphy's story, but better still, there are people captured in time, making choices without certainty as to their impact, only as to the justness of their cause.
For those who lived in that era, The Last Protest is a fresh look at men America asked to bring home gold medals, display them when asked, but not ask too much for themselves.
For those who only remember seeing a photo of two men, gloved hands clenched above them, the book is a way to understand them by understanding one man that circled that track.
The race sequences alone are worth the price of the book. Murphy writes with a novelist's voice, drawing you along with Evans as he runs through the duties he accepts and the distractions he endures. He places those battles in the context of this era "There was a time when a black man driving from one end of a southern state to the other, Alabama for example or Louisiana, would pack a lunch and carry his drink in a thermos."
This is history writ well.