For a moment Dick Beardsley became the most famous runner in the world by losing a race. In the 1982 Boston Marathon, Beardsley, foiled by a motorcycle that cut him off, finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar in one of the most memorable contests in marathon history. Staying the Course recounts that race and the difficult years that followed, including his recovery from a near-fatal farm accident, his subsequent addiction to painkillers, and a public arrest for forging prescriptions. His story of overcoming obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.
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Review
"There are faster and more decorated runners than Dick Beardsley, but probably none with a more compelling life story. You'll want to read this book in one big gulp, then return again and again for inspiration both on and off the roads." -New York Runner
"In the long run, Beardsley's book is a winner." -Pioneer Press
Book Description
For a moment Dick Beardsley became the most famous runner in the world by losing a race. In the 1982 Boston Marathon, Beardsley, foiled by a motorcycle that cut him off, finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar in one of the most memorable contests in marathon history. Staying the Course recounts that race and the difficult years that followed, including his recovery from a near-fatal farm accident, his subsequent addiction to painkillers, and a public arrest for forging prescriptions. His story of overcoming obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By andrew low
Format:Hardcover
This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!
By Rex Uzelac
Format:Hardcover
I started running ~ 2 yrs ago. My wife got me the book, but I hadn't heard of Dick so the book sat. One evening I picked it up to see what it was all about and I was instantly and uncontrollably sucked in. Dick's story starts in HS where he went out for the football team, which lasted a few minutes. Then a friend suggested XC, and Dick fell in love with what turned out to be his calling -- running.
The story refers to 5/10K events, and explains how Dick got into Marathons (a whim). It then follows the course of the multitude of Marathons he ran in.
Dick had his battles in life too, as we all do, a theme that repeated itself. Dick had some very tough times, but in the end he prevailed. Big time!
My friend Mat just got back from Boston Marathon '03; Mat brought back an autograph from Dick for me. Having read his book, and knowing what a great guy Dick is, this will be treasured for years to come.
Net, net, it's a must read.
Rex
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This is a book for any running aficionado (especially the veterans), who has gone out there and run distance. It's also a great story and inspiration for anybody who has run a marathon and in particular Boston. The mass start in Hopkinton, the crowds, the cheers at Wellesley, Heartbreak Hill in Newtown, coming through the Fenway, and on to the finish at the Boston Public Library. The 1982 race was perhaps the best one ever run and Beardley took us back there in the first person. Beardley takes any runner to the soul of this sometimes underappreciated sport. Spectacular!
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4.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Something is Missing
This story of a great runner who had to face many of life's adversities left me wanting. From the start I had the feeling many parts of his life were being glossed over (What did... Read more
Published on Aug 16 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dick Beardsley relates to the common runner.
I'm fortunate enough to be a Minnesota runner who has followed Dick's life since he first started well after college. How he got there was fascinating to me. Read more
Published on Aug 5 2002 by Joel Rovang
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perseverance pays off
Dick Beardsley appeared at the Grandma's Marathon in June 2002 where I heard him speak. He was so inspiring, I decided to buy his book. Read more
Published on July 4 2002 by J. Volkman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
My marathon days were in the years when Dick was one of the best, so I remember many of the races described. Read more
Published on Jun 15 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent book on a rainy day
this is a very entertaining and personal book which makes you feel that you actually share the highs and lows with the author. i recommend it.
Published on May 27 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take a chance on this book. You won't regret it.
I sat down last night and picked up this book thinking I was going to read a few pages and go to bed. I ended up reading the entire thing. Read more
Published on April 18 2002 by Cinemaphile
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