In Quest of Gold: The Jim Ryun Story

by Jim Ryun, Mike Phillips

Traces the athletic career of the U.S. runner, Jim Ryun, and describe the importance of Christian faith in his life

222 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1984

Reviews

[Jeremy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not really big on religion and this book doesnt delve into that TOO much, but mr ryun tells a good story about his quest for the Olympic gold and the aftereffect it had on both him and his family. His endurance towards the goal really drives the book

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a high school track athlete, Ryun was a hero of mine. In my 30's I had the chance to run 6 miles with him. I have read his story twice and passed it on to a couple of my running friends.

[Nick Aguila · Rating 3 out of 5]

a story that I wanted to read for sometime now. didn't know what to expect but good insight in his struggles and success etc. I would have liked to read more about his prep leading into Mexico. talks a lot about GOD. I'm not very religious and didn't mind it at all as it's his book but didn't realize how into God Ryun is

[Chip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some nuggets in there but overall just missed the boat for me.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to page 40 and was like "he's already broken 4! how are there 180 more pages?" It was pretty crazy how little he knew about running when he ran the first sub-4 in 11th grade. He wasn't some middle school stud. He just started track in 10th grade b/c he was too bad at other sports--a classic story. And then he got A LOT better really quickly. His narration of some his early big races is just like "I stuck with the top guys, then decided I would try to pass him with half a lap to go". As he gets older the races and discussion of tactics get more interesting. The part about altitude training and jack daniels is cool. The part where he becomes a Christian is strange.

[Anthony Edridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of Olympic athletes is always full of exciting events and exciting driven people. But how does a great runner sell out to a second all consuming goal? Jim Ryun describes all the triumphs and tragedies of allowing God to be his primary goal, so that his running became part of God's gift for his life. But God also added so much more to his life than mere running; the fulfillment of God's purpose in all his relationships, both family and friends.

[Lüc Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid runner I flew through this book in no time. It was well written and I enjoyed it very much. I could have done without all the God crap being shoved down my throat, and I didn't particularly care for the ending. Although I did start going to church more often to pray for my knees.
Very hard book to get your hands on. Used is the only option I could find.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have always heard the Steve Prefontane story about amateurism for the Olympics, very interesting to hear a different perspective. Lots about the stress and pressure of being one of the world's top runner and great to hear about how he ended up dealing with it all- Faith :)

[Richard G · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the only books I was able to sit through about running. Something about the experience of reading was more sentimental to me. It was given to me by the track coach of my Catholic church's middle school team. I can't really sit through reading very much of anything about running anymore.

[Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because I wanted to read about his running exploits. As an unexpected bonus, I was surprised and pleased to read about his journey to Christianity as well.