The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner

A non-runner begins running in prison and discovers its therapeutic benefits that help him do his time and start him on a journey of self-discovery. Having been an early morning runner for many years, I appreciated the protagonist’s descriptions of frosty early morning runs, which I think are some of the best in literature.

Regardless of one’s circumstances a passion for distance running both uplifts and gives a degree of control to the runner. This is perhaps one of the most revered works of fiction in the twentieth century. "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" is a modern classic about integrity, courage, bucking the system, and, of course, passion. Many distance runners have a rebellious streak that generally goes unrecognized, that is until you set them loose in a race and then their passion reveals itself that often devastates competitors who mistakenly thought that a domesticated house cat cannot instantly morph into a vicious… show more.