‘The Life and Times of an Everyman Runner’ slightly undersells the amateur running career Keith has enjoyed. Taking up running at the ripe old age of 31 he competed in amateur races from 1-mile distances to Marathons and everything in between.
The 1980s saw an explosion of interest in running for the common man, inspired by the Olympic races and the World records of Steve Ovett, Steve Cram and Sebastian Coe, among the Sunday-trotters was Keith who ‘got the bug’ and went onto train hard and chase the next Personal Best.
This book highlights so many of the thoughts and goals of a runner, whatever their experience, from not knowing when you’ve hit your performance peak and inevitable decline with age and injury, to the highs and lows of pushing yourself to the finish line, or the next lamppost.
Keith discusses his favourite races, the courses he covers, the beauty of the New Forest 10 Miler and probably most poignantly, the camaraderie, friendship and sheer nuttiness of runners who will move social outings, work meetings, and whatever gets in the way of an opportunity to run, whatever the weather! Keith wrote this book in his 70th year and still running strong, but with pandemic-time to reflect and celebrate his running experience. A super little read for anyone who runs.
£5 from Reception or ask to order.