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Running My Life: The Autobiography
One second in time may separate the great athlete from the merely good. Seb Coe has made every second count. From an early age he has been driven to be the best at everything he does. Since the moment Coe stood alongside a "scrubby" municipal running track in Sheffield, he knew that sport could change his life. Breaking an incredible twelve world records, and three of them in just forty-one days, Seb became the only athlete to take gold at 1500 metres in two successive Olympic Games—at Moscow in 1980, and at Los Angeles in 1984. The same passion galvanized Coe in 2005, when he led Britain's bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to London. He knew that if the UK won, it would regenerate an East London landscape and change the lives of thousands of young people. Born in Hammersmith and coached by his engineer father, Coe went from a secondary modern school and Loughborough University to become the fastest middle-distance runner of his generation. His rivalry with Steve Ovett gripped a nation and made Britain feel successful at a time of widespread social discontent. From sport Coe transferred his ideals to politics, serving in John Major's Conservative government from 1992 to 1997 and developing "sharp elbows" to become chief of staff to William Hague, leader of the Party from 1997 to 2001, and finally a member of the House of Lords. Running My Life is in turns exhilarating, inspiring, amusing, and extremely moving. Everyone knows where Sebastian Coe ended up. Few people realize how he got there. This is his personal journey.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 7, 2023
I once went on a couple of dates with Seb Coe, being a fellow GB athlete. We got on fine, but we considered ourselves WAY too dedicated to our sport to have an actual relationship.
To some extent, that is one of the themes of the book. Seb's father was known on the circuit as being very controlling, isolating him from other athletes at times and having him run up hills miles long while Peter drove his car next to him timing him with a stopwatch.
Seb goes easy on his father in this book and is honest and gracious about the people in the three phases of his life - as an athlete, a politician and the person at the head (along with others like David Beckham) of the successful 2012 Olympic bid.
He also discusses his relationship with Steve Ovett, his arch rival, with some insightful reflection. It's a long read and there is almost nothing on his relationships, which is disappointing, but it's what he wants you to know - and a compelling tale he tells.
To some extent, that is one of the themes of the book. Seb's father was known on the circuit as being very controlling, isolating him from other athletes at times and having him run up hills miles long while Peter drove his car next to him timing him with a stopwatch.
Seb goes easy on his father in this book and is honest and gracious about the people in the three phases of his life - as an athlete, a politician and the person at the head (along with others like David Beckham) of the successful 2012 Olympic bid.
He also discusses his relationship with Steve Ovett, his arch rival, with some insightful reflection. It's a long read and there is almost nothing on his relationships, which is disappointing, but it's what he wants you to know - and a compelling tale he tells.
April 16, 2020
Really good read, covering the period up to the 2012 London Olympics. For me as a person raised in NZ some nice references to Peter Snell, John Walker, Dick Quax & Rod Dixon in the first part of the book devoted to SebCoe's running career including 2 Olympic Golds and the rivalry with fellow English athletes including Steve Ovett and Steve Cram. Onto the second part, his political career and looking after William Hague and finally to the third part leading up to the 2012 Olympics and some interesting comments about a number of people including Linford Christie and Joe Biden. Also enjoyed some local references including people who support our local football club, Crystal Palace. Thanks to neighbour Ian Weekes who lent it to me, to while away some time during Coroavirus lockdown.
February 10, 2023
Hard to be objective about this book, because different parts will appeal to different people. Avoid it if you have little interest in either UK sport history (first half) or UK politics (second half).
I was a contemporary of Coe, grew up in Yorkshire and a runner, so Pt 1 there was almost nothing new, but lots of interesting detail about that unique Coe/Ovett period. As expected, the moment he retired in '90 I lost interest, and speed-read the rest. But that's just me.
Remember Coe is a politician, so he is careful to be diplomatic while portraying himself as 'down to earth' (which Coe is really not). I actually felt that parts of the book were a bit dull, considering he has led a very interesting life.
I was a contemporary of Coe, grew up in Yorkshire and a runner, so Pt 1 there was almost nothing new, but lots of interesting detail about that unique Coe/Ovett period. As expected, the moment he retired in '90 I lost interest, and speed-read the rest. But that's just me.
Remember Coe is a politician, so he is careful to be diplomatic while portraying himself as 'down to earth' (which Coe is really not). I actually felt that parts of the book were a bit dull, considering he has led a very interesting life.
October 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Whilst it provided plenty of detail on Coe's running career, it was of more interest to read about his political career and bringing the Olympics to London. My knowledge of UK political and social history from the '70s onwards is pretty basic, yet Coe's book covered a lot of ground in this respect and filled some gaps. I imagine this would be required reading for anyone looking at mounting a bid to host a major sporting event too.
May 18, 2023
Disappointing.
Rather than focusing on his running career Seb Coe spends most of the book talking about his parent's history, his political career as well his role as a sports administrator (including the London 2012 Olympics).
As a runner, I expected much insights about his running career, training, his rivalries, etc. But his chapters on these topics were a disappointment. I ended learning nothing new.
Rather than focusing on his running career Seb Coe spends most of the book talking about his parent's history, his political career as well his role as a sports administrator (including the London 2012 Olympics).
As a runner, I expected much insights about his running career, training, his rivalries, etc. But his chapters on these topics were a disappointment. I ended learning nothing new.
May 27, 2017
Well written and gives a good insight into his drivers as a child. it has some excellent passages about major events too
October 6, 2020
I surprisingly thought this was a very ood book - and covered everything in detail and was quite honest as well. I think London wouldnt have won the 2012 Olympic bid without him at the helm.
May 31, 2022
Interesting read in terms of his youth and his involvement with the London Olympics.
June 23, 2023
A true champion. This is not only a great story about Seb Coe's running years, but his wonderful work.
September 15, 2023
One of my absolute heroes. He competed at a wonderful time in British athletics with himself and Ovett and then Cram came along. I found the bit about the bid for the London Olympics a bit boring.
March 1, 2025
Such an interesting life.
August 2, 2025
Fascinating to go behind the scenes on the London Olympic Games bid. Book flows at a nice pace
March 27, 2013
For the great memories brought to the surface by the last chapter, which brought tears to my eyes, this book gets nudged up to 5 stars. An interesting and revealing book about a seriously driven man who has achieved a lot in his life without necessarily making friends while doing so, yet surely found his absolute calling in his involvement in the London Olympics, from bid to closing ceremony.
One of the more surprising statistics I saw during the London Games was when David Rudisha won his astonishing gold medal in the 800m and a graphic flashed up that showed Seb Coe was still the 3rd fastest 800m runner ever, with his time set over 30 years ago.
Coe was clearly an innovative and outspoken athlete and was involved in the politics of sport long before he became involved in party politics. The fire in his belly maybe stayed a little too fiery, with the story of his scrap with a man dressed as Krusty the Clown rather unedifying for a man who was Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition at the time. Older age seems have mellowed and matured him in a good way, with his energy remaining high, but allied to a more measured approach. It's fairly ironic that his most statesmanlike role has been one that post-dates his political career.
As Coe himself says in this book, he's not an old man yet and it will be interesting to see what he goes on to achieve in the next decade, starting with his Chairmanship of the BOA, which will hopefully build on the legacy of the successful London Games.
One of the more surprising statistics I saw during the London Games was when David Rudisha won his astonishing gold medal in the 800m and a graphic flashed up that showed Seb Coe was still the 3rd fastest 800m runner ever, with his time set over 30 years ago.
Coe was clearly an innovative and outspoken athlete and was involved in the politics of sport long before he became involved in party politics. The fire in his belly maybe stayed a little too fiery, with the story of his scrap with a man dressed as Krusty the Clown rather unedifying for a man who was Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition at the time. Older age seems have mellowed and matured him in a good way, with his energy remaining high, but allied to a more measured approach. It's fairly ironic that his most statesmanlike role has been one that post-dates his political career.
As Coe himself says in this book, he's not an old man yet and it will be interesting to see what he goes on to achieve in the next decade, starting with his Chairmanship of the BOA, which will hopefully build on the legacy of the successful London Games.
February 26, 2013
An absorbing read but then I'm fascinated by sport, sports people, their methods, emotions, what went through their heads at key moments etc. Coe writes fluently and cogently - not just about his amazing sporting career - although he gets a little bogged down when describing his early political career, before recovering momentum as 2012 hoves into view.
Nothing in the book detracts from my view that he was a simply beautiful athlete, extraordinary organiser, manager and motivator - his stewardship of 2012 was astounding - and yet a truly obnoxious politician. He was slimy then and, at lease insofar as he doesn't shrink from his past, comes over as slimy now.
Despite his right wing leanings, he evinces a grittiness more in keeping with his lower middle class upbringing. He also appears to be socially responsible - opportunities for all - unlike many of his more extreme Tory friends and colleagues in their ivory towers. He is generous in his praise of Tony Blair and especially Tessa Jowell (for their work on 2012), which suggests emotional maturity and fair-mindedness. His undisguised arrogance, bloody-mindedness and obvious self regard doubtless stood him in good stead as he negotiated the enormous task of organising 2012.
The only omission is an explanation of his political roots. Simply describing the miners' strike and the shambolic 70s doesn't go far enough. Neither is it clear how he came to be a Tory when his father was a dyed in the wool socialist.
Still, a terrific Xmas present. Thanks, Mum.
Nothing in the book detracts from my view that he was a simply beautiful athlete, extraordinary organiser, manager and motivator - his stewardship of 2012 was astounding - and yet a truly obnoxious politician. He was slimy then and, at lease insofar as he doesn't shrink from his past, comes over as slimy now.
Despite his right wing leanings, he evinces a grittiness more in keeping with his lower middle class upbringing. He also appears to be socially responsible - opportunities for all - unlike many of his more extreme Tory friends and colleagues in their ivory towers. He is generous in his praise of Tony Blair and especially Tessa Jowell (for their work on 2012), which suggests emotional maturity and fair-mindedness. His undisguised arrogance, bloody-mindedness and obvious self regard doubtless stood him in good stead as he negotiated the enormous task of organising 2012.
The only omission is an explanation of his political roots. Simply describing the miners' strike and the shambolic 70s doesn't go far enough. Neither is it clear how he came to be a Tory when his father was a dyed in the wool socialist.
Still, a terrific Xmas present. Thanks, Mum.
March 12, 2013
This is quite a difficult book to review due to the fact that is quite clear how and why Seb Coe has been successful but I don't feel that I know much more about him as a person that I already knew. There are parts that I found extremely patronising in the way only a Loughborough graduate could be, particularly in the child like explanations of things. Even more annoying is the completely needless use of complex words that added nothing to an otherwise very simple book. It's hard not to admire the man, but any 'Yorkshire' lad that loves Maggie Thatcher, listens to jazz and refers to his parents by his first name is just a bit too weird for me. This is ideally demonstrated by the fact he spent 10 lines explaining his split from his wife and children and the three pages on this history of the River Lea!
August 26, 2013
Borrowed this book - not sure whether I'd enjoy it or not but was very pleasantly surprised. Apart from being a riveting autobiography it is extremely well written and edited. It holds you from the first page. Some of the best writing I've read in a very long time and at last - someone who has good grammar and who has been able to prevent editors from miscorrecting!! Seb Coe is multi-talented and writing is definitely one of his better talents! A real eye-opener when you realise that someone with such all-round intelligence failed his eleven-plus!
November 24, 2013
The book breaks down in to 3 distinct sections; athlete, parliamentarian and Olympics. The middle bit is a little dull, but relatively brief, whilst the details of the Olympic bid and event itself give an interesting insight, although much is public knowledge. However, it is the longer athletics section that really engages, particularly his magical 41 days in 1979 when he burst on to the scene with 3 world records and the touching description of his relationship with his
Father/coach (called 'Peter', rather than 'dad')
Father/coach (called 'Peter', rather than 'dad')
December 21, 2012
This is well worth a read, to hear the reflections of a very high achieving individual. From politician to the maestro who delivered the London Olympic Games, I actually found his review of his quite brilliant athletics career, and in particular his rivalry with Steve Ovett, most illuminating. One wonders what both might have achieved had they run against each other more frequently? Or maybe that's part of the mystique. As for the Olympics, take a bow Seb.
December 31, 2012
This was almost certain to be a 5 star for me. Had read a book on Coe when"just an athlete"
I am of the age when he and Overt ruled sport let alone athletics. Although I liked both of them and saw them run live st Crystal palace
with Olympics so amazing and well organized the way he explained in book how his early years all led to this magnificent achievement great book and my opinion great man. even almost forgive him being conservative MP
I am of the age when he and Overt ruled sport let alone athletics. Although I liked both of them and saw them run live st Crystal palace
with Olympics so amazing and well organized the way he explained in book how his early years all led to this magnificent achievement great book and my opinion great man. even almost forgive him being conservative MP
April 21, 2014
An ok insight into Coe's achievements. I feel his career in politics has probably made him look at things rather to objectively and dispassionately, and as a result i didn't really feel i knew Coe any better by the end of the book than at the start, something you can't say about the best autobiographies. That said, there were some humorous anecdotes about his time in politics, the London 2012 bid and failed 2018 World Cup bid.
October 9, 2015
If you are into sport, current affairs and politics then you will really enjoy this book . Only criticism is that you don't really get.much personal stuff so mr Coe comes across as a very determined individual whose personal relationships ll about how they have helped him achieve his goals rather than others. I get the impression that there is more to Seb Coe than is revealed in this book . NEvertheless a fascinating read
July 6, 2013
A very interesting man who has led an interesting life, I found the section on being William Hague's chief of staff and the run up to the Olympic bid by far the most interesting subject. He writes with an authority that is hard to resist and he never resorts to much self aggrandising. An excellent memoir.
July 29, 2013
I enjoyed this book - brought back a lot of memories as a young teenager watching Seb, Steve and the others run and making history.
He's obviously still a very private man as there is little about his private life as an adult - he seems to like keeping his public and private life separate. Really interesting.
He's obviously still a very private man as there is little about his private life as an adult - he seems to like keeping his public and private life separate. Really interesting.
August 16, 2014
A fascinating insight into the world of athletics. I wasn't so keen on the politics section but, still an eye opener. Loved the final chapters on the Olympics, I was in tears reading those! Thank you Seb for your passion and hard work in bring the Olympic games to England. A funny and emotional read.
January 3, 2013
Interesting and inspiring. So much to cover in 450 pages. So many surprises starting with Seb failing his 11+. Would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about how hard work, resilience, friendship and a sense of humour are essential for success in three very different careers.
July 23, 2013
Autobiography with a really authentic feel. Balanced views and perspectives. Fair assessments of the people he comes into contact with. Glowing testimonials where they are due. Last section was an opportunity to relive the summer of 2012. Fab.
November 16, 2014
Despite being very far from what you would term a sports fan, I really enjoyed this book. It probably helped that I had no pre-formed opinions about Seb Coe, and that the worlds of sports management and politics are virgin territory. The Olympics thread towards the end clearly kept me going!
December 14, 2014
Very excitable and personal account of Coe's running career, including expertise on training methods at the elite athlete level and the "amateur" state of track and field. I also liked his personal insights on British politics and his leadership role in London's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
September 22, 2014
Interesting from start to finish. Only chapter I didn't enjoy was the football one. An interesting life.
September 18, 2015
well written and interesting. quite astonishing as I had this title on my bookshelf eighteen months before bringing myself to read it?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews