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Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile

Average customer rating:

ok
So Much Potential, So Little Patience
Reaching the PRO's
Excellent account of Webb and the collegiate running scene
great book for track fans

Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile
Chris Lear
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 157954746X

Book Description

At the age of 18, Alan Webb was already a legend, the wunderkind who in 2001 broke a 36-year-old record by running a 3:53:43 mile-a full 2 seconds faster than former record holder Jim Ryun. Today, after appearing in newspapers and magazines nationwide, the fastest high schooler in history is now a 19-year-old, Nike-sponsored professional whose life is awash in challenges. In Sub-4:00, Chris Lear gives readers a look into Webb's world as he tries to balance the demands of college, media attention, and injuries, all while keeping focused on the sport he loves. Runners everywhere will find Webb's story an inspiration, especially younger athletes who will unearth life lessons in his successes, setbacks, and overwhelming commitment. This book's publication will coincide with the World Track and Field Championship, where Webb is expected to be one of the youngest competitors to ever qualify for the American team.

Customer Reviews:

ok.......2006-09-29

at the end of the book i actually disliked Webb. it was a story about someone who was not patient enough and thougt of himself as above everyone, i actually think him running such great times as a highschooler hurt him,he did not give the coach at michigan a fair chance and found ways to make everything a drama. the part i did enjoy though was reading about the other people from michigan and the fact that chris lear is such a great writer and really connects with the reader.

So Much Potential, So Little Patience.......2006-09-11

In a space of several months in 2001, Alan Webb ran the fastest indoor mile by a U.S. high school athlete and then set a national high school record for the magical distance, breaking a mark that reigned supreme for 36 years by the legendary Jim Ryun.

Author Chris Lear takes the reader on the rocky journey Webb runs while carrying his fantastic prep record to the college ranks and beyond. In particular interest is how Webb deals with coaching legend Ron Warhurst at the University of Michigan.

The pressure on Webb from outside the confines of the college campus are chronicled without editorial comment from Lear. It is my feeling Webb comes across as a boorish teenage tennis player or figure skater that must have things his/her way and coaches last about as long as a pair of training shoes for an ultra-marathoner.

Webb's "team" that was around him when rewrote the prep record book seemingly derailed Warhurst's efforts before his star runner went on his first workout as a Wolverine. One must wonder if they had the best interest of Webb in mind or if dollar signs were circling that track.

There was the lure of professional money from shoe companies and race promoters who were certainly salivating at the chance to have the great American star wear its logo or compete on the domestic/international stage.

But the blame for being swayed by so many voices clearly falls on Webb. And if this tug-of-war would have been in a bigger profile collegiate sport, it would have been as big a national story as - for example - Maurice Clarett's public battles with the Ohio State brass and coaches from a few years ago.

Sometimes the biggest search for a young world-class athlete is for those who will provide good advice over what can be profitable today. For every Tiger Woods or John McEnroe - who used brief collegiate careers as a springboard to professional success - there are hundreds like Webb that want it all now, but end up with fleeting glimpses of brilliance.

Reaching the PRO's.......2004-09-20

Alan Webb in this story strikes me as more a baby than a runner who has ran under 4 minutes in the mile. He whines about being hurt and not getting trained right. Warhurst is one of the greatest american distance coaches, if you can't run under him don't run at all. Nate seemed more likeable and more of a team player than Webb did in this book. Being for Illionis I love how Webb lost to Don Sage in 1500 meter final. Towards the end of the book, you knew he was going to quit michigan, now granted Webb has become very big in the sport but for a while he struggled after leaving Michigan and going back to his old coach. Good Book, if you like Webb, you might change your view of him, Nate is awesome, so is Tim Broe

Excellent account of Webb and the collegiate running scene.......2004-09-03

Chris Lear has done it again! Following an exellent debut with "Running With the Buffaloes" he comes back with "Sub 4:00" -- a great account of Alan Webb's first and only season at the University of Michigan.

Lear is the only guy out there writing about the collegiate running scene as most books in the running section at your bookstore revolve around training logs or how to run your first 10K. It's about time someone took a different path and I'm glad Lear has done so.

Webb's tumultuous season at UM is well-depicted. The tough workouts, the injuries, and most importantly, the hot and cold relationship Webb has with his collegiate coach. Webb is pulled in a couple of different directions, whether to turn pro and go back and train under his high school coach, where he had great success; or stay at UM where he has friends and training partners. After awhile one can tell where Webb is going to end up.

What makes Lear's books so good is he gets right into the action. Just like his first book, he has intimate access to the team, it's workouts, meetings, and private moments. He's with Webb in the residence halls, on solitary and team workouts, at the meets, and even on the road in his car. Lear isn't an outside observer, he's right there. Also, the main supporting character, Brannen, gets his fair share of coverage.

This isn't just a book for runners, but anyone interested in athletics, particularly college athletics and how the system works and how coaches are under pressure to win -- yes, even so-called minor sport track and field coaches.

I highly recommend this excellent book and hope Lear has more coming down the road.

great book for track fans.......2004-02-01

Lear's latest is among the best track & field books I've read. It's evident that he's knowledgeable about the sport and had thorough access to Webb and got some great information and interviews. I recommend it for coaches and athletes alike, but it's also simply a great book about sports.

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