Once a Runner (John L. Parker) - how to get a copy?

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sclark2085

36 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Nov 14, 2007 6:15 PM

Once a Runner (John L. Parker) - how to get a copy?

I feel like I'm truly missing out on an exceptional experience by not reading this book. Even before the current write up in Runner's World Magazine, I have been aware of the impact this book has had on so many runners.

Does anyone know if it's even possible to get a copy of the book WITHOUT spending hundreds? The cheapest I found was around $250 for used and torn. Though I desperately want to read this, I have a difficult time spending that kind of money on a book.

Shannon

Kegan36604005

169 posts since
Jun 1, 2006

1. Nov 14, 2007 7:20 PM

in response to: sclark2085

Since that little blurb came out in Runners World, I have been checking some old book stores, etc. I figure a copy might just show up some where and priced just like any other old book. ebay, amazon, etc. all have it priced way up there.

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Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

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choover

1,120 posts since
Oct 7, 2007

2. Nov 14, 2007 7:24 PM

in response to: sclark2085

Cheapest way to read it would be to borrow a copy from your local library. If they don't own it, ask them to order via interlibrary loan.

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choover[/URL" target="_blank">

horsemom2b

63 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Nov 14, 2007 9:17 PM

in response to: sclark2085

OMG it's like you read my mind. My step son will be running distance in college next year and I really want to get him this book for Christmas. I planned to start the same thread when logged on tonight, and then I saw you'd beat me to the punch.

I'd love to find out how to get a copy.

Texas_Runner84

50 posts since
Oct 17, 2007

4. Nov 14, 2007 11:29 PM

in response to: sclark2085

1/2 price books?

shertz

79 posts since
Nov 4, 2007

5. Nov 15, 2007 5:00 AM

in response to: sclark2085

I like the rest of you had to read this book. However, my library didn't have it and wasn't willing to help me out. I am still waiting to find a copy that is a reasonable price that I could buy. I am usually totally against downloading illegally things from the internet, even books. Though I believe in this case it would be OK until I found a hard copy. It's not perfect to read, but it works. I still suggest you get a copy.
http://www.racingsnailclub.com/video/OnceARunner.pdf[/URL" target="_blank">

Ice Cream

602 posts since
Dec 28, 2003

6. Nov 15, 2007 6:47 AM

in response to: sclark2085

I met the author at a running camp in Maine, about ten years ago. he was there for the entire duration of the week-long camp.
His moral code is terrible when it comes to women. Most of the women were turned off by him. I could never read his work.

piobaireachd

57 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. Dec 26, 2007 7:31 AM

in response to: sclark2085

Not surprised to hear about your experience with Parker. If you take out the two decent chapters (Breaking Down and The Race), "Once a Runner" reads like a smug fantasy of a bitter, immature, also-ran who is still angry that the football team got all the hot girls. I can only imagine how awful "Again to Carthage" might be.

http://This message has been edited by piobaireachd (edited Nov-15-2007).

horsemom2b

63 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Nov 15, 2007 9:01 PM

in response to: sclark2085

Thank you for alternative opinions, Ice Cream and piobaireachd. Good to know. My stepson is a sweet-natured, positive guy, so maybe it's good I couldn't get my hands on a copy. He may not enjoy it. I'll look into it more before I try to buy it for him for Christmas.

intensebeet

124 posts since
Oct 28, 2007

9. Nov 15, 2007 9:21 PM

in response to: sclark2085

I've never heard of this book before, can I ask why it is so expensive? Is it just because it is out of print?

RacingThoughts

109 posts since
Aug 23, 2006

10. Dec 26, 2007 7:31 AM

in response to: sclark2085

Bleh, I thought it was excellent (and about 90% of the people who have reviewed the book seem to agree). I could care less about how Parker acts as a person in real life. There is nothing in the book that is offensive to women in my opinion.

http://This message has been edited by RacingThoughts (edited Nov-15-2007).

RacingThoughts

109 posts since
Aug 23, 2006

11. Nov 15, 2007 10:48 PM

in response to: sclark2085

quote:<HR>Originally posted by intensebeet:
I've never heard of this book before, can I ask why it is so expensive? Is it just because it is out of print? <HR>

The reason it's so expensive is that it's a cult classic among runners and yes, it's out of print.

Southern Man

757 posts since
Apr 19, 2006

12. Nov 16, 2007 12:05 AM

in response to: sclark2085

quote:<HR>Originally posted by RacingThoughts:
The reason it's so expensive is that it's a cult classic among runners and yes, it's out of print.<HR>

Plus, it shot up right after the release of that excerpt as well. I hear that they have some copies at Jock and Jills in the Northwest at list price, but I've never been able to get my hands on a copy.

Southern Man

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velbg

26 posts since
Feb 25, 2007

13. Nov 16, 2007 6:55 AM

in response to: sclark2085

I got a copy of this book on Amazon a couple of years ago. I don't know what all the fuss is about. It's an ok book but nothing great. I read it once and will probably never read in again. I think there are just so few fictional books on running that we are desperate to read anything. Once a Runner is about the quality of the Cowboy and Indian books I read as a kid. It won't make you a better runner unless you are really desperate for motivation.

pud095

30 posts since
Oct 5, 2006

14. Nov 16, 2007 8:03 AM

in response to: sclark2085

I agree with Velbg.

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Nov 14, 2007 6:15 PM

Once a Runner (John L. Parker) - how to get a copy?

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