Review: Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan

Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan





rating: 4.5/5.0






Book Description:

The story of America's greatest running legend.

For five years, no American runner could beat him at any distance over a mile. But at the age of 24, with his best years still ahead, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine finally lost. Driving alone at night after a party, Prefontaine crashed his sports car, putting a tragic, shocking end to the life and career of one of the most influential, accomplished runners of our time.

More than 20 years later, Pre continues to influence the running world.

From his humble origins in Coos Bay, Oregon, Pre became the first person to win four NCAA titles in one event. Year after year, he was virtually unbeatable. Instead of becoming one of the new breed of professional track athletes, Pre chose to stay amateur and fight for the adequate funding he felt American amateur athletes deserved.

A man of incredible desire and energy, Pre trained relentlessly. In his drive to be the best, he spurred others to do their best. As one racer said, "He ran every race as if it were his last."

But Pre not only touched runners; his exciting technique as well as his maverick lifestyle made him a favorite of the fans. A race with Prefontaine in it was automatically an event.

His brief but brilliant life is the tale of a true American hero.

This is his story.

"Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative."--Steve Prefontaine

This was an amazing book. Since I have started running I have heard of "Pre" but didn't really know anything about him. So I picked up this book. I learned so much about track and field and also about this man whose life was cut much too short.

It's a very inspiring book and it made me want to go out and run immediately after I finished it. And Pre's story will always be in the back of my mind and I have a huge respect for all people involved in track and field on the national and international level. It takes a great deal of dedication to do what they do and what Pre did and I really admire that.

If you enjoy inspiring stories or running I suggest picking this up. The author doesn't pull any punches, he knows at times Pre wasn't loved by everyone, but he attempts to find what made Pre really tick and I think he does.
Binding: Paperback
On-sale Date: 3/15/1997
Publisher: Rodale Books
Pages: 176