My Life on the Run

The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon

By: Bart Yasso, Amby Burfoot - foreword

Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley

Bart Yasso, an icon of one of the most enduringly popular recreational sports in the United States, offers a touching and humorous memoir about the rewards and challenges of running.

My Life on the Run chronicles the heatstroke and frostbite, heartache and triumphs he's experienced while competing in more than 1,000 competitive races on all seven continents. With the wit and wisdom of a seasoned insider, Yasso tells runners what they need to know to navigate the logistics of running in an unfamiliar country. He also offers practical guidance, such as 5-K, 10-K, half-marathon, and marathon training schedules, including his innovative technique known as the Yasso 800s for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2008 Bart Yasso (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A fair running book, but there's better out there

I guess after several years of reading running books for inspiration, my standards have come up significantly. Relative to Born to Run and Ultramarathon Man, this book falls short on inspiration for me. I'd also put I'm Here To Win and The Extra Mile ahead of it. It's somewhat better than Eat and Run (I'm not a vegetarian, so YMMV) and The Longest Race (please, keep your politics separate from your running).

Happy running!

Humorous Writing, Entertaining Adventures

I enjoyed this book more than other typical running books because it was meant to be mainly a book of fun accounts and running adventures rather than an inspirational book of amazing feats. It makes the average runner want to go out and find crazy adventures within the running community.

Insirational

I am working through an injury and loved Bart's story to keep me engaged. It's entertaining, especially learning off all the different runs. He has a terrific attitude.

Great read

I listened to this book after the 2017 "how to race everything". I was not sure if it is worth reading and afraid too much overlap with the 2017 book. I was wrong. This book has some but very little overlap. The stories are fantastic. I listen to both books while I run or ride my bike. Perfect for the activity.

Enjoyable

Would you consider the audio edition of My Life on the Run to be better than the print version?

I think so, narrator was very good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Life on the Run?

I am an avid runner and the life Yasso has lived is extraordinary. Every one of his stories would be enough for one person alone. But if I had to pick just one it would be Antarctic Marathon. I have run races with Thom Gilligan of Marathon Tours and and it was great to hear about the essence of these tours, which are geared toward the average person who wants to do something different on a running vacation. the camaraderie with the Russian people was heartwarming. Yasso is a great guy and running brings regular people together in a wonderful way.

Which character – as performed by Steven Roy Grimsley – was your favorite?

Yasso is the star. A life that could have gone a different direction. he has given back many times over to people who also wanted to find a different path, and become the athlete in all of us.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I felt a deep connection with all the stories. If you have run for any period of time, either a 10k or a marathon you will immediately understand the community portrayed in this book.Yasso never comes across as boastful, he comes across as a genuine person who loves what he does.

Any additional comments?

This is more of a memoir. It is not overly "written" and it is not int eh same category as Born to Run or Running with the Kenyans. However if you want to understand how running became the sport it is today you have to understand how Yasso fits into that history. This is his story and every running should know it.

Fantastic for runners

As a fan of running and Runner's World magazine I was familiar with Bart Yasso and I have wanted to read his book since I learned he wrote one. It is great for runners. Full of amazing running stories and ideas for great races. It also includes training tips (of course). I definitely recommend it for anyone, but especially runners.

Amazing stories & very funny easy book.

The stories are great & from around the world. This audio is great for a long run.

Loved it!

Great listen for while you’re running (except maybe the couple parts where I traded up). Inspiring and funny.

Fun and funny.

Enjoyable to get a view into the running life of one of my favorite Runners World writers. This made me appreciate my ability to run and want to go the extra mile.I also liked the plug for the most fun, scenic, must do, ect...runs and marathons.
The narrator was fluid and easy to understand. A good read. I would recommend this book.

Fantastic read!

If you could sum up My Life on the Run in three words, what would they be?

funny, inspiring, relatable

What did you like best about this story?

I loved all of the crazy racing stories, some were absolutely hilarious.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! Laugh out loud, although some parts were more emotional.