ma~ven (noun)-an expert or connoisseur.
I first was familiarized with Goucher and Catalano's book prior to its release date and my initial impression was "sweet, another helpful running book to add to my list". As some may already know I'm a big fan of nonfiction, especially of the memoir-ish genres; therefore it went to the top my "to-read" list for the remainder of 2011. Then I researched the book and its content a little deeper; not only was it a book about running , but it was based on the principles of Humanistic Psychology. Additionally, I'm a big Goucher fan, not only his accomplishments as a competitor but his "never say die" attitude and introspective approach. I had to read this book, and I am glad that I did, for several reasons....
My background/orientation and as a psychotherapist and sport psychology consultant draws heavily on the humanistic perspective, which centers on the individual's capacity for personal growth and potential. Long story short, if we get beyond our interval splits, weekly mileage and race times- isn't running mostly about purely seeking YOUR own peak potential? Running the Edge encourages readers to do the work in becoming both the best runners we can be and simultaneously the best people we can be. In my practice, this is something I always try and drive home with athletes who work with me. In order to perform our best, we need to know and be comfortable with who we really are and our capabilities. Period. This is where Running the Edge excels and differs from other books on the subject of running. In my opinion these guys "get it" and I had several moments while reading where it felt as if my thoughts and beliefs were in perfect alignment with Goucher and Catalano's words written on the page. Silly as it sounds, these guys could have been reading my thoughts as they put this book together!
In a concise, entertaining, and very thought-provoking manner, the authors take the reader through a series of simple exercises using running as a metaphor (or more like a vehicle) for life neatly conceptualized across 5 "life stories": education, career, family, friends, and passions (note: those not involving the run). Additionally, Goucher and Catalano challenge us to become "distance mavens" -active participants in all areas of our lives superimposed across 6 "mirrors" or attributes guiding us to becoming both better athletes and better human beings (initiative, responsibility, determination, adaptability, integrity, and person-ability).For psych nerds such as myself, Abraham Maslow's theory of self actualization and Carl Roger's concept of conrguency are highlighted and give weight to Goucher and Catalano's tretise.
Most chapters in the book contain "checkpoints" where the reader is challenged to take a look at where they truly stand on each of the aforementioned attributes. I did all the exercises in the book and I recommend the reader do the same for maximum benefit. Throughout Running the Edge, the reader is challenged to reflect on how they can improve in each area in order to actively work towards achieving our "ideal selves". The reader is informed that this is not an easy task, but as distance runners, we are as capable of anyone of bridging this gap. According to the authors, this path to self-understanding is a big part of "the way of the maven".
Most chapters in the book contain "checkpoints" where the reader is challenged to take a look at where they truly stand on each of the aforementioned attributes. I did all the exercises in the book and I recommend the reader do the same for maximum benefit. Throughout Running the Edge, the reader is challenged to reflect on how they can improve in each area in order to actively work towards achieving our "ideal selves". The reader is informed that this is not an easy task, but as distance runners, we are as capable of anyone of bridging this gap. According to the authors, this path to self-understanding is a big part of "the way of the maven".
One of the things I liked best about Running the Edge was that it contained a variety of different stories to illustrate the Goucher and Catalano's points. Throughout the book, we hear very personal and insightful narratives from the authors. Some are quite humorous, some are quite emotional. From a psychological perspective, often the precise use of self-disclosure and modeling can be a powerful thing in teaching others. These guys aren't perfect, nor do they attest to being so; in fact, they state in black and white the "perfection is impossible". Brilliant. I found reading about a fellow distance runner's struggles, triumphs, and goals to be both enlightening and motivating. Each narrative goes along with a different topic teaching us the way of the maven. Cameos from the likes of Galen Rupp, Kara Goucher, Alan Webb, Chris Solinsky, Paula Radcliffe and other top runners also add to the conversation. We may not all run at the same level, but we all run-we are all part of the culture, or as the authors call it-"a maven's guild".
It was clear that these gentleman are passionate not only about running, but never settling for anything but a life of progressing in the direction towards our own best selves. To quote the authors in the final chapter (and one of my personal favorite lines)-"we are to make a commitment to break free from the curse of normal and the chains of average as we work day after day, stride after stride, to close the gap between the runners and people we are, and the runners and people you want to be." Classic. Goucher and Catalano dare us to "run the edge" of what's possible each day we have here on earth.
In short, readers of this book will laugh, possibly cry, and it open to its message, gain a greater understanding of who they are and who they want to realistically be. As a runner and sport professional, I recommend this book without reservation. If nothing else, read the intro written by Adam Goucher-it just may stop your heart for a moment. You don't need a PhD or a long line of scholarly works to write a top quality running book, you just need the heart and soul of a distance runner-I believe these two men have it. Who wants to run the edge with me?
Want a second (or third) opinion? Check out here and here
Stay the Course. And go hug a runner today!
Thanks, Adam and Tim.
5 comments:
Thanks for the review. Like you, I am a lover of nonfiction, particularly running related.
I think there is so much potential for adult development, yet very few do the work. Running is such a good venue for that, I think, and what we learn from running can translate into the bigger picture of our life.
Sounds like a great read....right up my alley. Thanks for the review!
I really like to read - fiction, nonfiction - everything I can get my hands on.
So thanks not only for the review but the recommendation. I downloaded it to my Kindle and am a couple of chapters in and it is really good.
Great review and great site. I found the Run the Edge to be extremely motivating for me in my personal life-running and beyond- and as a high school coach. Adrienne, if you are interested, I just released Chasing Ghosts, a running-based novel that I would love for you to review.
Thanks for the review! Considering your area of expertise, this should be worth picking up.
Been thinking lots about you this week. Hope everything is going well for you and your Nana. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Looked at your 5 miler PR and WOW. Just WOW. I am trying to imagine that. haha! I did a 4 miler thursday. Such an odd distance and I am not used to it, but nowhere near your 5 mile PR pace!
Have a great weekend, Honey badger. Please send your ice bath tips when you have time :)
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