Once a Runner Audiobook By John L. Parker Jr. cover art

Once a Runner

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Once a Runner

By: John L. Parker Jr.
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
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Once a Runner captures the essence of what it means to be a competitive runner; to devote your entire existence to a single-minded pursuit of excellence. It has become one of the most beloved sports novels ever written. Originally self-published in 1978 and sold at road races out of the trunk of the author's car, reading the book became a rite of passage for many runners, and tattered copies were handed down like sacred texts from generation to generation.

Once a Runner is the story of Quenton Cassidy, a collegiate runner at fictional Southeastern University whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. He is less than a second away when the political and cultural turmoil of the Vietnam War era intrudes into the staid recesses of his school's athletic department. After he becomes involved in an athletes' protest, Cassidy is suspended from his track team.

Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to withdraw to a monastic retreat in the countryside and begin training for the race of his life: a head-to-head match with the greatest miler in history.

This audiobook is a rare insider's account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners; an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one man's quest to become a champion.

©2009 John L Parker (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Coming of Age Exercise & Fitness Fiction Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Running & Jogging Sports Inspiring

Critic reviews

"The best novel ever written about running." ( Runner's World)

Featured Article: The Best Running Audiobooks You Should Be Listening to


Running can be an arduous task, especially for those who are new to the sport. It can also be a life-giving force for those who are already more involved in the running community. Either way, it’s one of the best athletic ventures to couple with a great audiobook. Listening to the inspirational stories of other runners can be just what you need to push through a difficult jog or set a new personal record. Our list of great listens about running has you covered.

Featured Article The Best Running Audiobooks You Should Be Listening to
Authentic Running Culture • Compelling Athletic Journey • Excellent Narration • Inspirational Story • Vivid Descriptions
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story is quite interesting and the performance is great, that takes you through the whole story and whole range of emotions. at the end I almost cried

very nice.

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This classic is everything I imaged. The imagery, details and narrative brought back all the excitement and pain of racing the mile!

Everything I imagined!

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Slightly marred by the narration, but a quintessential read/listen for anyone interested in running.

Well delivered running canon

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Is it a coincidence that when I listened to "The Perfect Mile" (a great book) part of it sounded like this book....did the author of this book use the ideas of The Perfect Mile and change the characters and story around a bit?
It was a good book but I found the first part really boring and dragged on until the storey finally started to emerge. The narrator was kind of irritating to listen to until I became used to his whiney voice.

For my first read a running book it was good

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Would you try another book from John L. Parker Jr. and/or Patrick Lawlor?

While I appreciate the story and the subject and the performance - I've listened to so many others that I enjoyed even more. I would try another.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Nothing special. Somewhat predictable.

What about Patrick Lawlor’s performance did you like?

Well performed.

Was Once a Runner worth the listening time?

I've listened to over a hundred audiobooks. This one was not in my top 50%. But I wouldn't know that unless I completed it. So I would say yes.

Elite runners will like it better than average

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I am a runner who had been successful, then fell by the wayside. I cried and re focused on new goals. It is an extraordinary story that is full of pain, joy, fear, failure and trials that I myself had experienced.

A true inspiration to this runner who is on her journey of miles of trials...

Inspired

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As a distance runner who struggles to motivate sometimes, this book says it all. You can’t fake running, even in its brutality it is a beautiful sport and not for the small minded or second guessing of folks. Truly an extraordinarily inspiring read!!

AMAZING

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I read this 15 years ago when I was in college and loved it. Wasn't sure if I'd appreciate it again, but am training to run a sub 2:40 marathon at Chicago next month and figured it might provide a little extra motivation.

It was better than I remembered-it hit home a little more so at 35 than it did when I was 20.

A must read for any runner.

Also, the narrator nailed it. They found the perfect guy for the job.

Once a great book, always a great book

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Excellent book about running and a great motivation for a runner. Story was interesting and motivating.

Runners Read

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I loved this book! I kept wanting to stay in my car and listen after making it to work. the book has perfect pacing that keeps you engrossed and great characters!

Motivating and touching!

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