Visionary American running coach Bob Larsen assembled a mismatched team of elite California runners . . .
In the dusty hills above San Diego, Bob Larsen became one of America's greatest running coaches. Starting with a ragtag group of high school cross country and track runners, Larsen set out on a decades-long quest to find the secret of running impossibly fast, for longer distances than anyone thought possible. Beginning in the 60s and 70s, when the running craze was in its infancy, Larsen relentlessly sought the 'secret sauce' of speed and endurance that would catapult American running onto the national stage.
Running to the Edge is a riveting account of Larsen's journey, and his quest to discover the unorthodox training secrets that would lead American runners (elite and recreational) to breakthroughs never imagined. The book weaves the dramatic stories of Larsen's runners with a fascinating discourse of the science behind human running, as well as a personal running narrative that follows Futterman's own checkered love-affair with the sport. The result is a narrative that will speak to every runner, a story of setbacks and triumphs, a page-turner that explores the relentless crusade to run faster, farther.
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“Running to the Edge reveals the untold history of how a determined coach and his motley crew of underdogs practically defibrillated U.S. distance running. It is at once a beautiful meditation on effort and a tale as captivating and suspenseful as a great race.”
“A vivid, fascinating and affectionate portrait of a man who changed the sport of running in America, and of the sport that changed him. Futterman deftly describes the running boom era of the 1970s and 1980s, and the resurgence of American distance-running talent in the aughts. I can’t think of a runner who wouldn’t enjoy this book.”
“Packed with valuable knowledge elegantly conveyed, Running to the Edge is an inspiring and eye-opening look into the evolution of the distance running tradition. Matthew Futterman beautifully translates his passion and curiosity for running into a book that speaks to runners of all abilities.”
“A captivating narrative. Futterman gives us an informative history of American distance running while telling a fascinating story about a group of unconventional San Diegan boys who unexpectedly competed for a national cross country championship in 1976 against the well-established major running clubs. Futterman profiles a young coach, Bob Larsen, who was developing training methods that would later turn UCLA into a national running powerhouse, and help lead Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor to become Olympic marathon medal winners.”
“A fascinating account of Bob Larsen’s journey to uncover the secrets of optimal run training, the story is riveting. If you love running this book will knock your shoes off—highly recommended!”
“A classic American underdog tale, populated by appealing oddballs, in search of answers to an age-old mystery: Why do we run? Running to the Edge takes you right where it promises it go.”
“Many running fans know about marathon star Meb Keflezighi and perhaps even about his longtime coach, Bob Larsen. But few have heard about Larsen’s life and coaching before Meb. That’s the story told for the first time in Running to the Edge, a tale about the ragtag, improbably named “Jamul Toads” running club. It’s a throwback story, recalling an era when passion was more important than sponsorships. Readers will cheer out loud for the little-known underdogs. I know I did.”
“Coach Bob Larsen has been a father figure to me and provided me with guidance that was key to my success. He is knowledgeable and witty and his approach is all about making small progress in order to prepare you for big-time races. I’ve been fortunate to have his great insight for decades. ”