Personal Best

by George Sheehan

Argues that physical fitness is the foundation for success in life, tells how to make exercise a part of one's lifestyle, and discusses marathons and training

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

About the author

Dr. George A. Sheehan is best known for his books and writings about the sport of running. His book, Running & Being: The Total Experience, became a New York Times best seller. He was a track star in college, and later became a cardiologist like his father. He served as a doctor in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during World War II on the destroyer USS Daly (DD-519). He married Mary Jane Fleming and they raised twelve children. He continued to write while struggling with prostate cancer. His last book, Going the Distance, was published shortly after his death.

Reviews

[Rob Veenstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delineated from some of his earlier works - George Sheehan sticks to his witty humor and philosophical thoughts about life, physical health, and the simplicity in achieving these two things if we can slow down and recognize the basic needs of our minds and bodies. An easy read, broken down by specific sections detailing the topics you care most about.

[Larry Kuxhausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reconnecting with the authors philosophical approach to running.

[Lindsay]

A great runner recommended this book to me and though I know George Sheehan is a big name, I could not get through it. I found the writing dense and philosophical; I could only read a few pages before falling asleep, which made it incredibly tedious. I am not a good enough or focused enough runner for this one so instead I will stick with "Runners World." That seems to be much more my speed.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of like a Tony Robbins book but focused entirely on exercise and a bit more literate. Enjoyed the author's tone, his reverence for Emerson and Thoreau and ultimately inspired me to get running 6 days per week. Take some of the advice with caution as it's dated, but the essential pillars of the book stand the test of time.

[Rasa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a wee-bit too philosophical for me.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want running motivation? Here it is! Read it!