via amazon.com
This is a cult (running) classic which until just recently was nigh on impossible to find for less than $150 in the used book market -- looks like some publisher noticed this and decided to reprint it. In any case, this book is by far the best at describing what it takes to be an elite endurance athlete. The protagonist is equal parts narcissistic, gifted, driven, stupid-retarded, lucky, and a glutton (for suffering). I finished this book and wanted to immediately pick up the sequel but had a hard time finding it -- this seems to have also changed as Again to Carthage (http://www.amazon.com/Again-Carthage-John-Parker-Jr/dp/1891369776/ref=pd_sim_... has also been reprinted...