Number of US Marathon finishes set to surpass 400,000 for the first time!
Each year, MarathonGuide.com has put out a report detailing the statistics of the year in USA marathoning. With the final big weekend of marathoning finished for 2007, we pretty much know what the year will look like for USA marathoning. With the number of non-finishers at the Chicago Marathon, they anticipated that 2007 would see a decline in number of finishers... But, no! They're working on their comprehensive report on USA Marathoning, but can already say that there was an approximately 2% growth in the number of finishers in the USA in 2007 over 2006, as the number of USA marathon finishes surpassed 400,000 for the first time in history. More in their full report coming before the end of the year. I'll share the stats here too!

The "fittest man in the world."
The only person I know of who can eat an entire pizza WHILE running! One of only a handful of men to have run a marathon at the South Pole, Dean Karnazes autobiography, "Ultramarathon Man" is an extraordinary read. Whether you aspire to run 200 miles without a break or to take a first step off the couch, this man's story—and heart—will inspire you! Visit his website here.

George Sheehan's Essays and Excerpts
His writings are as essential as a pair of running shoes. Author of the seminal work, Running and Being, Dr. Sheehan began writing his weekly column in 1968 in his local newspaper, the Red Bank Register. For the next 25 years, he pounded the keys of his typewriter putting into words his analysis and observations of his "athletic life." His fans around the world followed his every word. In describing his approach to writing, he said, "When I write, I tell who I am, what I'm like, what I've discovered running. I'm not embarrassed to expose myself. I don't care what I write as long as it's true."

Joe Henderson's Newsletter
Another of great writers on all things running. You can read his latest commentary here. The page also lists all the previous archived materials. GREAT inspirational material for runners of all abilities!

Run the Planet
Pre-race Zen for triathletes; the history of fire walking; running in the Bible; and much more! A wide range of info here—a running smörgåsbord. Enjoy! they also have a great book list here.

Running Movies
Taking it easy after a long run? Nursing an injury? Lightning strikes too frequent to get out of the house?! Here's a list of movies to consider for inspiration, relaxation, and education. Don't see your favorite—let me know; I'm always on the search for more. E-mail me here.

Other links to move selections:
www.letsrun.com
www.realbuzz.com
www.runningmovies.com

18 Again! (1988)

Across The Tracks (1991)
An Autumn Marathon (1979)

Babes In Boyland (1995)
Billie (1965)
The Bob Mathias Story (1954)
Borderline Normal (2000)

The Campus Flirt (1926)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Children of Heaven (1999)
College (1927)

Der Sprinter (1984)
Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Peña Story (1996, TV)

Endurance (1998)

The Fast Runner (2001)
Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (1948)
Fire on the Trach (2001)
Finish Line (1988, TV)
The First Olympics- Athens 1896 (1984, TV)
Forrest Gump (1994)

Gallipoli (1981)
The Games (1970)
Get on Your Mark (1973)
Girl of My Dreams (1934)
The Girl with Brains in Her Feet (1997)
Going Some (1920)
The Gold and Glory (1984)
The Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Story (1980, TV)
Goldengirl (1979)

The Hazing (1977)
Higher Ed (2002)
Higher Learning (1995)

The Ice Runner (1993)
It's a Mile From Here to Glory (1978)

The Jericho Mile (1979, TV)
The Jesse Owens Story (1984, TV)
Jim Thorpe: All American (1951)
Lady Warriors (2001)

Local Boy Makes Good (1931)
The Loneliest Runner (1976, TV)
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
The Long Run (2000)
The Loretta Claiborne Story (2000, TV)

Marathon (1979, TV)
Marathon Man (1976)
Million Dollar Legs (1932)
The Miracle of Kathy Miller (1981, TV)
My Champion (1981)

The Naked Prey (1965)
Nine and Three-Fifths Seconds (1925)

Olympia: Part One- Festival of the People (1936)
Olympia: Part Two- Festival of Beauty (1936)
Olympic Hero (1928)
On the Edge (1985)
Our Winning Season (1978)

Personal Best (1982)
The Poor Nut (1927)
Prefontaine (1997)

Raw Courage (1983)
Run for the Dream: The Gail Devers Story (1996, TV)
Run for Your Life (1987)
Run Lola Run (1998)
The Runner (1985)
Running (1979)
Running Brave (1983)
Running on the Sun (1999)

Second Wind (1976)
See How She Runs (1978, TV)
A Shining Season (1979, TV)
Stride to Glory (1996)

The Terry Fox Story (1983, TV)

Wilma (1977)
The Winner (1974)
Without Limits (1999)

25 Books Every Marathoner Should Own
Running Home is the latest addition to a long history of running literature. if you are wanting to immerse in the energy of distance running, you'll find a comprehensive suggestion of great reading here. One book you'll want to add is "Ultramarathon Man," mentioned above.

Runner's World
A staple resource for runners of all levels, both in printed and electronic format. You probably know it already, but just in case you don't, here it is!

10 Greatest Athletic Performances of all Time
Surely a great fireside topic for any camping trip—or perhaps to keep handy for that time when you are stuck in an elevator! It's certainly a conversation that can outlast anything from a 10k to hundred-miler and, as one of my spiritual teachers says, "opinions are like noses . . . everyone has one." This is just one take on the list. I chose this one because it is topped by a sporting first achieved by the man whose book inspired the start of my own.

Road Runners Club of America
Looking for a running club to join? This is provably the best resource to start your search!