Marathon. It's a Book.

He is considered one of the foremost experts in the country on marathon training.  Those in the CARA training programs recognize the name Hal Higdon because he designs the training program CARA uses as they prepare runners for the Chicago marathon every year. 

Many runners, however, may not be aware that Higdon is quite an accomplished runner himself.  Higdon ran in the U.S. Olympic trials eight times, and has run well over 100 marathons, and finished as the top American in the 1964 Boston marathon.  He has numerous masters and age group medals to his credit.  He has written for Runner's World magazine since the magazine's first issue in 1966.  He's recieved numerous awards for his writing over the years.  And oh yeah, he is also one of the founders of the Road Runners Club of America.

We in Chicago are blessed to have some of the best running trails, races, and experts in the country.  And foremost among that group of experts is Hal Higdon.  While he lives in northwest Indiana, we are happy to claim Higdon as one of our own here in Chicago. 

So it's little wonder that his latest book has quite a bit of Chicago it it.  Marathon is Hidgon's 34th book, but just his first novel.  After finishing it, I'm wondering what took him so long.  The story is entertaining, and develops characters that are interesting and we grow to care about.

The book covers covers the three day period leading up to the start of the fictional 'Lake City Marathon' then follows the race.  Among the group of fascinating characters is the race director, and a local television reporter who develop a romantic storyline.  There is a huge celebrity 'Celebrity X' who runs his first marathon in the story.  A world famous supermodel also makes her marathon debut at the race.  And there is an intriguing group of elite athletes whose stories are equally compelling. 

The story follows all of their experiences leading up to the starting gun, and through the race experience.  The race itself is one of the most exciting in history on both the men's and women's sides.  And the mid-pack runners have the most amazing marathon experience I have ever heard of. 

Obviously, I don't want to give away any of the story.  But for those who have run the Chicago marathon, the book will seem incredibly familiar.  The 'Lake City Marathon' set-up is incredibly similar to Chicago, from the race expo to the pasta dinner to the headquarters.  And as he describes the Lake City marathon course, you feel like you are on one of those virtual tours of the Chicago course.  The names, in many cases, are also variations on some of the real names of the Chicago streets and landmarks.

I checked with Marianne Caponi, who does public relations for the Bank of America Chicago marathon for her thoughts.  She says, "Hal's unique knowledge of the details behind and activities surrounding big city marathons is what allows him to paint such a colorful backdrop for his novel. It is no surprise given his involvement with the Chicago Marathon over the years that there are apparent references and similarities to the event".

As a fan of the sport of running, I would be inclined to enjoy the book under any circumstances.  But when you throw in the familiar aspects of a local television reporter covering the marathon (which I do every year), the inner workings race (which I'm pretty familiar with), and a mile by mile account of a marathon incredibly similar to the Chicago course (which I've run at least nine times), and I felt like I should have been a character in the story.

I did find the writing somewhat awkward and redundant at times, but that might be expected from such an accomplished writer venturing for the first time into the realm of fiction.  The mark of a good story, to me, is that I don't want to reach the end of the book and I really want to know what happens to the characters afterward.  Marathon passes that test for me.  I would recommend it, especially for those who have run Chicago.

By the way, I don't often do book reviews in this space, but it seems I've got a few running books lined up to read this winter.  So, there may be a couple more in the future.  Let me know what you think.  Also, you may want to check out Hal Higdon's training site, it includes training advice and plans for just any type of runner training for about any distance.  Here is the link:  http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm

I'll see you on the roads....

Comments

[kevin]

Have you read "Born to Run" yet? I really enjoyed it.

[Hal Higdon]

John: Thanks for the kind words about "Marathon," my novel. Yes, I had a lot of fun playing with the "Lake City" theme, but ironically the plot threads of hot weather and change of bank sponsorhip were well in place before those events actually hit the Chicago Marathon. And although this is my first adult novel, over the years I wrote three novels for young adults, including "The Horse That Played Center Field," made into an animated film by (coincidentally) ABC-TV. If I do write a second novel, you definitely will be one of the characters.

[John]

Kevin, I'm a third of the way through it right now. Great read.

Hal, I've been a fan for years, and look forward to another work of fiction! And I will read "The Horse That Played Center Field" to my kids when they get a little older!