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My Marathon: Reflections on a Gold Medal Life
My Reflections on a Gold Medal Life is a revealing memoir by Frank Shorter, the father of American distance running. After winning the 1969 NCAA title in the 10,000 meters during his senior year at Yale, Shorter went on to win a staggering 24 national titles on track, road, and cross-country courses, but it was in the marathon that Shorter achieved his greatest fame and recognition.
At the 1972 Munich Games, Shorter won the Olympic marathon finishing more than 2 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. Four years later, he finished a controversial second in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Montreal. The controversy, still unresolved to this day, revolved around the East German “winner” being a possible drug cheat. Shorter later founded the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Written with noted sportswriter John Brant, My Marathon details these inspiring events, as well as the physical and emotional abuse Shorter suffered as a child.
This inspiring memoir is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the transformative power of sports.
At the 1972 Munich Games, Shorter won the Olympic marathon finishing more than 2 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. Four years later, he finished a controversial second in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Montreal. The controversy, still unresolved to this day, revolved around the East German “winner” being a possible drug cheat. Shorter later founded the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Written with noted sportswriter John Brant, My Marathon details these inspiring events, as well as the physical and emotional abuse Shorter suffered as a child.
This inspiring memoir is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the transformative power of sports.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2016
27 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Frank Shorter
14 books6 followersFrank Charles Shorter is a former American long-distance runner who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics. His victory is credited with igniting the running boom in the United States of the 1970s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 24, 2016
A fast, informative, insightful read, but not necessarily what you'd expect (unless you know the backstory). Whether or not you buy into the canonization of Shorter as the father of the modern distance running movement, there's no denying that Shorter ranks pretty high on the pantheon of great runners, and it's hard to argue with the conclusion that, at least in the U.S., he's one of the most influential runners ... ever.
Not really a spoiler alert (more of a trigger warning), but, while this book will be (extremely) attractive to runners of a certain age (think baby boomers, the over-50 set, whatever or ... I dunno, if you were running in the era before Nike popularized the iconic waffle trainer, or ... if you remember being blown away by the light, breathable, water repellent magic of Gore Tex), the story is heavily influenced, and frequently dwells upon child abuse (inflicted by the author's father). Shorter's life is complicated, and the book is as much about his life as it is about his running.
Still, the book is filled with gems for runners, running fans, and running readers. For me, one of the most gratifying bonuses was Shorter's relationship with John Parker, author of the sublime and iconic Once A Runner, (the cult classic, considered by many to be the finest piece of running-related fiction ever written) and its long-anticipated sequel Again to Carthage. For me, it was worth reading the book solely for the references to, and information regarding, Parker. Others, however, may be amused, for example, by the anecdote surrounding Shorter's move from Adidas to Nike (and why it mattered).
Another particular gem is that the book offers a gratifying alternative to sports success being the domain of the stereotypical dumb jock. Briefly, Shorter does Yale proud, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Like any biography, there are holes (OK, there are gaping holes, that may or may not be relevant to some readers). Shorter holds his cards pretty close to the chest when he talks about spouses and children (save for a little parental bragging, which is, in its own way, rather endearing).
Similarly, given how much has been written today about doping and the war against athletic doping, Shorter's discussion of the topic comes across as anecdotal and superficial. Heck, there's an entire shelf of Lance Armstrong-era related cycling/doping literature, much of which has gravitated from the non-fiction to the fiction shelf with time, including at least four (4) books by Armstrong's team-mates (which, in and of itself, is somewhat incredible, to the extent that Armstrong typically raced with a team consisting of ten or fewer other riders). So it's fascinating how little time or energy Shorter expends on the "cynical and diabolical" Armstrong, dismissing/disparaging him in less than a paragraph. Granted, cycling isn't running, but....
Finally, much of the book revolves around Shorter's frustration with, and attempts to break the stranglehold of, "the powers that be" whose idyllic, but hypocritical, morally flexible, and all-too-often condescending obsession with a naive vision of amateur athletics impoverished and disadvantaged and, directly or indirectly, arbitrarily punished serious athletes for no apparent purpose other than control and anachronistic idealism. Personally, I would have been interested in learning Shorter's perception of the modern-era NCAA-sanctioned exploitation of college football and basketball players for the benefit of coaches (with more than 50 universities paying their football coaches more than $2M annually, and more than 20 paying their basketball coaches $2M/year or more), university athletic directors, and, of course, television/cable companies.
I'm also a little dubious on Shorter's (or his editor's) German geography (placing Wiesbaden close to Munich - nah, it's much closer to Frankfurt), but that's a minor quibble. Unfortunately, it literally jumps off the page very early in the book, which makes one wonder how the error remained.
In the end, if you've ever run a marathon or a large distance event (half-marathon, ten-miler, 10k, or even a 5k), the book is well worth reading.
Not really a spoiler alert (more of a trigger warning), but, while this book will be (extremely) attractive to runners of a certain age (think baby boomers, the over-50 set, whatever or ... I dunno, if you were running in the era before Nike popularized the iconic waffle trainer, or ... if you remember being blown away by the light, breathable, water repellent magic of Gore Tex), the story is heavily influenced, and frequently dwells upon child abuse (inflicted by the author's father). Shorter's life is complicated, and the book is as much about his life as it is about his running.
Still, the book is filled with gems for runners, running fans, and running readers. For me, one of the most gratifying bonuses was Shorter's relationship with John Parker, author of the sublime and iconic Once A Runner, (the cult classic, considered by many to be the finest piece of running-related fiction ever written) and its long-anticipated sequel Again to Carthage. For me, it was worth reading the book solely for the references to, and information regarding, Parker. Others, however, may be amused, for example, by the anecdote surrounding Shorter's move from Adidas to Nike (and why it mattered).
Another particular gem is that the book offers a gratifying alternative to sports success being the domain of the stereotypical dumb jock. Briefly, Shorter does Yale proud, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Like any biography, there are holes (OK, there are gaping holes, that may or may not be relevant to some readers). Shorter holds his cards pretty close to the chest when he talks about spouses and children (save for a little parental bragging, which is, in its own way, rather endearing).
Similarly, given how much has been written today about doping and the war against athletic doping, Shorter's discussion of the topic comes across as anecdotal and superficial. Heck, there's an entire shelf of Lance Armstrong-era related cycling/doping literature, much of which has gravitated from the non-fiction to the fiction shelf with time, including at least four (4) books by Armstrong's team-mates (which, in and of itself, is somewhat incredible, to the extent that Armstrong typically raced with a team consisting of ten or fewer other riders). So it's fascinating how little time or energy Shorter expends on the "cynical and diabolical" Armstrong, dismissing/disparaging him in less than a paragraph. Granted, cycling isn't running, but....
Finally, much of the book revolves around Shorter's frustration with, and attempts to break the stranglehold of, "the powers that be" whose idyllic, but hypocritical, morally flexible, and all-too-often condescending obsession with a naive vision of amateur athletics impoverished and disadvantaged and, directly or indirectly, arbitrarily punished serious athletes for no apparent purpose other than control and anachronistic idealism. Personally, I would have been interested in learning Shorter's perception of the modern-era NCAA-sanctioned exploitation of college football and basketball players for the benefit of coaches (with more than 50 universities paying their football coaches more than $2M annually, and more than 20 paying their basketball coaches $2M/year or more), university athletic directors, and, of course, television/cable companies.
I'm also a little dubious on Shorter's (or his editor's) German geography (placing Wiesbaden close to Munich - nah, it's much closer to Frankfurt), but that's a minor quibble. Unfortunately, it literally jumps off the page very early in the book, which makes one wonder how the error remained.
In the end, if you've ever run a marathon or a large distance event (half-marathon, ten-miler, 10k, or even a 5k), the book is well worth reading.
February 2, 2019
I was surprised by how well written My Marathon is. Based on the Acknowledgements, it’s clear that Shorter has some major help, but props to him for telling his story clearly and finding someone credible to help. While impressed with much of Shorter’s approach to his running career—the self-coaching, year-round racing, collaborating with his competitors—I found this book to be heavy on the humble brags. He mentioned being “father of the running boom” and reminisced about sleeping on a mattress on a balcony before his Olympic victory a few too many times. Other than that, I really enjoyed My Marathon! I’d recommend it to sports fans (even beyond running) and Olympic aficionados.
April 9, 2022
To hear Frank Shorter's story, I'm struck by his courage. Sure his approach to the marathon is courageous, but how he survived his childhood was even more courageous. Relating the story of his abusive father is also incredibly courageous. He also stood up to the incredibly dirty doping issues of nearly every area of athletics in the 1970s and through the 1980s and into the 1990s. For distance runners at least in the USA and perhaps the world, the book also features some inside glimpses at Steve Prefontaine. Pre died tragically in a car accident just minutes after taking Frank Shorter home from a party. Because of Shorter's abusive father, Frank developed ways to protect his psyche. Running was one of his escapes. It helped him work through the sudden death of Pre. It also helped him work through the tragic Munich Olympic massacre of Israeli athletes just across the courtyard from Shorter's room/balcony. This is a well written book, quite interesting to distance runners/fans, Olympic fans, and probably most sports fans. I highly recommend it.
September 23, 2016
A gold medal winner in the marathon at the 1972 Munich Games, Frank Shorter won 24 national titles on track, road and cross country courses. After finishing second to an East German doper at the Montreal Games, Shorter helped found the US Anti-Doping Agency, and established the trust that allowed amateur athletes to earn an income from endorsements and appearances. Shorter couldn't have a better co-writer than sportswriter John Brant (Duel in the Sun). The son of an esteemed doctor, Shorter didn't reveal until recently the horrific physical and emotional abuse he and his siblings were subjected to as children. A truly inspiring memoir showing the transformative power of sport.
November 27, 2023
I'll start this by saying that I was incredibly fortunate in high school to bump into Frank Shorter at the Bix 7 race in Iowa. He candidly jumped into a run with myself and one of my teammates. He asked us all manner of questions and was legitimately enjoyable and personable. In fact, it wasn't until we went our separate ways and I asked him his name that he replied with 'Frank Shorter'. That moment routinely leaves me in awe of just how cool this guy was.
His book? Not good. I will not deign him the pain of his abusive childhood. In fact, his usage of running as an escape was incredibly enjoyable in this book. As were his comments on his years at the top of the marathon world and his intense racing strategies. His recollection of the Munich massacre at the hands of the Black September group was riveting.
This book falls completely apart in his bitterness towards doping in the sport. Certainly an issue, and certainly something that impacted him significantly (he lost his second gold medal to a convicted doper). But there was a misalignment with the topic of doping and his narrative here. The book just totally lost any thread of completion when he tore into his construction of USADA. It does get back on track in his post-competition life, but I can't get past that portion.
He also was okay with TYING RACES. I will never respect that. Shorter is at once the ultimate competitor while also being a massive weenie. And this seems to be my nexus for disliking this book. He seeks to destroy doping, but never gets Cierpinski convicted nor his medal upgraded. He waxes poetic about how he and Pre and others would 'tear each others throats out' during workouts and races, but then he wants to hold hands and galivant across the line? A walking contradiction.
But, the man was a 2:10 marathonner with cardboard shoes, little scientific training, poor race fueling and pacing strategies. In an age where Americans fail time and time again to breathe on 2:10, it's refreshing to hear Shorter talk about his efforts candidly, openly, and humbly.
This is a fine running book. Most of it is engaging and Shorter is ultimately authentic here. But his narration and personality is just naturally flawed, inconsistent, and contradictory.
His book? Not good. I will not deign him the pain of his abusive childhood. In fact, his usage of running as an escape was incredibly enjoyable in this book. As were his comments on his years at the top of the marathon world and his intense racing strategies. His recollection of the Munich massacre at the hands of the Black September group was riveting.
This book falls completely apart in his bitterness towards doping in the sport. Certainly an issue, and certainly something that impacted him significantly (he lost his second gold medal to a convicted doper). But there was a misalignment with the topic of doping and his narrative here. The book just totally lost any thread of completion when he tore into his construction of USADA. It does get back on track in his post-competition life, but I can't get past that portion.
He also was okay with TYING RACES. I will never respect that. Shorter is at once the ultimate competitor while also being a massive weenie. And this seems to be my nexus for disliking this book. He seeks to destroy doping, but never gets Cierpinski convicted nor his medal upgraded. He waxes poetic about how he and Pre and others would 'tear each others throats out' during workouts and races, but then he wants to hold hands and galivant across the line? A walking contradiction.
But, the man was a 2:10 marathonner with cardboard shoes, little scientific training, poor race fueling and pacing strategies. In an age where Americans fail time and time again to breathe on 2:10, it's refreshing to hear Shorter talk about his efforts candidly, openly, and humbly.
This is a fine running book. Most of it is engaging and Shorter is ultimately authentic here. But his narration and personality is just naturally flawed, inconsistent, and contradictory.
April 26, 2019
Control. I understand (from reading, not experience) that children who grow up in abusive homes often seek ways to control their lives, since they have no control over the adults in their lives. This memoir by marathoner Frank Shorter certainly illustrates that premise. He begins running to escape his abusive father's house and it becomes a focus for his life.
Shorter won the Olympic marathon in 1972, at a time when marathons were mostly seen as races of attrition--stay steady, keep running, and hope you can burn out last, because everyone will burn out. He developed a training method that enabled him to start strong, surge in the middle to open an insurmountable lead, and finish despite the pain. He attributes his ability to "ride the pain" to his father's treatment.
In the 1976 Olympics, Shorter received the silver medal, coming in behind an East German athlete widely believed to have been doping. This inspired Shorter, after his racing career, to work toward ending doping in sports.
The memoir is unsatisfying on one level, as it is focused almost entirely on running, training for running, speaking events about running, using running to inspire...etc. There is very little personal information, other than to speak of the beatings and other abuse he and his siblings received from their father. (An example: one sentence referring to his first marriage to his girlfriend.) By the time I reached the end of this book, I realized this was another way for Shorter to control his environment. He seems to be an intensely private man and a gentleman from a bygone era. He speaks of his reticence to become part of the "theraputic generation," which disgorges all kinds of personal information into the ether.
Recommended for those who are runners or distance athletes, or those who want to know how the marathon evolved into an event one can train for.
Shorter won the Olympic marathon in 1972, at a time when marathons were mostly seen as races of attrition--stay steady, keep running, and hope you can burn out last, because everyone will burn out. He developed a training method that enabled him to start strong, surge in the middle to open an insurmountable lead, and finish despite the pain. He attributes his ability to "ride the pain" to his father's treatment.
In the 1976 Olympics, Shorter received the silver medal, coming in behind an East German athlete widely believed to have been doping. This inspired Shorter, after his racing career, to work toward ending doping in sports.
The memoir is unsatisfying on one level, as it is focused almost entirely on running, training for running, speaking events about running, using running to inspire...etc. There is very little personal information, other than to speak of the beatings and other abuse he and his siblings received from their father. (An example: one sentence referring to his first marriage to his girlfriend.) By the time I reached the end of this book, I realized this was another way for Shorter to control his environment. He seems to be an intensely private man and a gentleman from a bygone era. He speaks of his reticence to become part of the "theraputic generation," which disgorges all kinds of personal information into the ether.
Recommended for those who are runners or distance athletes, or those who want to know how the marathon evolved into an event one can train for.
February 7, 2017
This book is about a legendary American marathoner Frank Shorter's life. Frank Shorter was the father of the running boom in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He won the gold medal in the 1972 Olympic Marathon, which still stands today as the only U.S. runner to ever win the gold in the marathon. Additionally, to his gold medal he won the silver medal in the marathon four years later in the M0ntreal Olympics. Adding to his Olympic medals he has won numerous famed marathons and multiple U.S. and NCAA tittles. Off the track and roads he graduated from Yale and the University of Florida. After his running career he helped found the U.S. anti-doping agency and established the trust that enabled amateur athletes earn income but still maintain their amateur status. Despite all this success and accomplishments. Frank was a victim of child abuse and was traumatized at a young age. Despite this he overcame and accomplished many things.
I liked this book because I felt that I could really relate to Frank Shorter. The hard intervals, the long runs and even the easy runs, through those we are some what connected and its like we're brothers in that sense. I have the utmost respect for Frank Shorter and I view him as a legendary figure, that if I ever met him I would probably be too star struck to talk to him. As for the book I like how it was very engaging and interesting. Frank Shorter gave us the readers very specific details of his life, which most authors do not. I liked everything about this book so I do not have any dislikes. This the first book that I did not find any dislikes.
I liked this book because I felt that I could really relate to Frank Shorter. The hard intervals, the long runs and even the easy runs, through those we are some what connected and its like we're brothers in that sense. I have the utmost respect for Frank Shorter and I view him as a legendary figure, that if I ever met him I would probably be too star struck to talk to him. As for the book I like how it was very engaging and interesting. Frank Shorter gave us the readers very specific details of his life, which most authors do not. I liked everything about this book so I do not have any dislikes. This the first book that I did not find any dislikes.
February 6, 2024
If a friend had not recommended this book, I may have never read it even though I’m in my 43rd year of running. I thought it was time to finally catch up with Frank’s career. After the first two chapters, I almost couldn’t read further. No monster of a father deserves one page in any book but I fully respect Frank’s decision to share his story.
I recall the ‘72 Olympics and the tragedy that went down. I was looking forward to more details about those days yet feel it was shortened to give his father too much attention. Again, no monster father deserves a mention in any book.
It took me longer to read this book than I expected. I think the backstory bothered me the entire read. Maybe I didn’t want to accept that a human could be that diabolical. Maybe it bothered me that it took Frank so long to react to his conditions or to not help his siblings to escape once old enough to realize he had to make a change. It’s a sad story that probably still occurs to this day.
I recall the ‘72 Olympics and the tragedy that went down. I was looking forward to more details about those days yet feel it was shortened to give his father too much attention. Again, no monster father deserves a mention in any book.
It took me longer to read this book than I expected. I think the backstory bothered me the entire read. Maybe I didn’t want to accept that a human could be that diabolical. Maybe it bothered me that it took Frank so long to react to his conditions or to not help his siblings to escape once old enough to realize he had to make a change. It’s a sad story that probably still occurs to this day.
March 13, 2018
Wow. Who would have thought that the father of the modern day running boom, the 1972 Munich Olympics marathon gold medal winner, the founder of the US Anti-Doping Agency would have survived such a horrendous childhood and go on to do these amazing things? And by "horrendous childhood", I mean having a father who was a doctor, viewed by the town as a pillar of the community, when in reality he was every night beating at least one of his nine children with a belt (including the youngest with Down's Syndrome), raping one of his daughters, or if he didn't have the energy to do any of that, generally terrorizing the family with shockingly atrocious emotional abuse. If you are a runner, if you like books about sports figures, or you enjoy books about overcoming incredible odds, this is the book for you. Frank--if you're reading this, thank you so much for sharing the story of your journey. I knew who you were before reading this book, but now, I truly admire you. Thank you for your contributions to running, the sports world in general, and showing the rest of us how to live this thing we call life--without hatred or revenge, but rather with love, positivity, and a constant desire to improve and move the ball a little bit farther down the field.
August 1, 2018
For Olympics nerds and running history nerds (like me!), this read is an absolute win. Full disclosure: Shorter fully admits in the book that he is not much of a writer, and the prose can be accordingly repetitive and flat now and again. However, I find a lot of value in hearing someone's story straight from them, and Shorter's story is a remarkable one. He's one of the greatest American runners of all time, soundly crushing competition at many levels and distances, ultimately medaling in two Olympic marathons. Shorter also shows great bravery in how he weaves the account of his childhood abuse with that of his rising star in the running world--it's a great reminder of persistent human strength and the shadows that can lurk behind success.
June 2, 2017
Frank disappointed me. I always admired him. I'm wondering to what extent he needed to savage his father and to "out" his siblings in order to attract attention for book sales. Also, his descriptions of his workouts lacked depth and specificity and thus became repetitive. His descriptions of Prefontaine as well as the 1972 terrorist attack were shallow. He got into some detail on drug use but saved almost all his ire for Waldemar Cierpinski, who defeated him in 1976, and Lance Armstrong. Surely he could have gone into more detail--specifics rather than generalities--about others who probably cheated, and do so to this day, to win their medals and set records.
February 11, 2022
I absorbed this book. Being born and raised in Boulder, CO, Frank Shorter is a local legend and my Memorial Days growing up were spent running the Bolder Boulder. My dad always joked he trained with him once, when Frank Shorter ran past him on a trail and my dad had to look down to see if his feet were even moving because Frank Shorter shot past him so fast.
Anyway, this book is engaging and fascinating read. Now to head outside for a run . . .
Anyway, this book is engaging and fascinating read. Now to head outside for a run . . .
September 4, 2024
Inspiring!
I’ve been a runner for most of my life until age related limitations stopped me. Frank Shorter was the first of the names of elite runners that anyone involved in running would know. His running accomplishments are impressive no doubt. However, they pale next to the manner in which he overcame an abusive home life and monster of a father to become such an admirable man and advocate for honesty in competitive sports. Great read!
I’ve been a runner for most of my life until age related limitations stopped me. Frank Shorter was the first of the names of elite runners that anyone involved in running would know. His running accomplishments are impressive no doubt. However, they pale next to the manner in which he overcame an abusive home life and monster of a father to become such an admirable man and advocate for honesty in competitive sports. Great read!
June 12, 2018
From a heartbreaking childhood to his Olympic triumph, and subsequent Olympic injustice, Frank Shorter's life is an inspiration to runners and non-runners alike. His ultimate role of advocate for a clean sport, and champion of raising healthy children is the culmination of the life of a man that succeeded in spite of obstacles that would grind lesser men to dust. Read this book.
October 26, 2018
A little redundant, but I often feel that way about memoirs. Overall, I found it well-written and compelling. If you’re looking for training tips, this probably isn’t the book for you. If you’re interested in how Frank Shorter came to the sport, his personal story, and his contributions to running, then it definitely is.
June 18, 2020
Highly recommend
I’ve never reviewed a book until now. I watched Frank Shorter win the 72 gold medal and cried through the memorial service for the slain Israelis. The arc of his life and accomplishments is awe-inspiring and should be required reading in middle and high school. Thank you, Frank, for telling your story.
I’ve never reviewed a book until now. I watched Frank Shorter win the 72 gold medal and cried through the memorial service for the slain Israelis. The arc of his life and accomplishments is awe-inspiring and should be required reading in middle and high school. Thank you, Frank, for telling your story.
July 23, 2016
Frank Shorter's career and legacy are legendary. To long distance runners, that is. He excelled in distances from the 3K to the marathon, winning gold and silver at the 1972 and 1976 olympics in the latter event. After his competitive career, he was instrumental in establishing the U.S. anti-doping agency (predecessor of a much needed global analog), and is currently active in organizations and events that promote and protect children's health. In spite of his excellence, the scuttlebutt among almost all his acquaintances was that 'there was something a little off about Frank.' What that was is that Shorter learned early that he could never quite trust anyone, never allow "closeness" to lull him, and that he always needed to be on the lookout for what everyone was really up to. The reason for that could not be revealed fully until Shorter's father died in 2008.
As readers of one of the most earthshaking essays ever in Runner's World magazine will know, Shorter's father was a sadist who criminally abused his children and wife (physically, sexually, and emotionally.) That column was written by John Brant, who then went on to expand the interview on which that exposé was based into this book. The full treatment augments the original column with the childhood experiences of Shorter and more detailed narrative of how he handled that trauma, how that led to running as a form of escape, and how his cerebral and focused approach to training led to world-class results (he was largely self-coached during the climax of his competitive career.) The book is poignant for the revelation that one can never know what lies behind apparently gold-plated external appearances. And for Shorter's valiant attempt to come to terms with all that was taken from him and from his family by an evil man, his father, the one person who should've most cared for and loved his family (Dr. Sam Shorter, whose power was compounded by the fact that his hometown thought him an angelic, home-visiting doctor). The pathos of the book is Shorter's honest, though understandably terse, description of his family's unspeakable suffering, contrasted with his effort to simultaneously demonstrate that he emerged scarred but not vindictive. There is more, particularly related to the strained relationships with his own siblings, which the act of producing this book happily helped to begin healing.
The book appears to have been developed from a number of interviews with Shorter, and is for the most part well written (save for a few, brief, repetitive sections.) Runners will thrill at Shorter's clean breast of his training theory and practices, and his first-hand account of how he viewed and experienced his major athletic achievements. As I write this, I'm a 59-year-old lifelong runner, which means that Shorter's running heyday bracketed my high school track and cross country running "career" (such as it was) in El Paso, Texas. My teammates and I idolized the likes of Shorter and contemporaries such as David Wottle, Jim Ryun and Steve Prefontaine (one of the more riveting episodes detailed in this biography describes how Shorter was the last person to see "Pre" alive, by some 90 seconds.) However, one of the products of those pre-Internet days is that I didn't learn until reading this that Shorter was training not far from us, in Albuquerque and Taos NM and Boulder CO. In fact, a fascinating twist is that under one scenario Shorter might have adopted El Paso as his training base. However, he hilariously visited on Greyhound bus, which would've brought him to town through its hind end (past an ASARCO copper refinery and by some of the most denuded landscape and miserable shanty towns on both sides of the US/Mexico border.) He promptly turned right around, which I also would have done in those circumstances.
Over the years I learned a great deal from Shorter's brainy and authoritative commentary on televised marathon events. One fascinating window into Shorter's psyche is his often-used mantra of "wanting to find out" (and similar phrasings), as an explanation for most of his major life decisions. In providing color commentary for the televised post-race interview of Meb Keflegzighi's Boston Marathon win in 2014, Shorter even projected this thinking onto Meb, when asking Meb about his separating from the last competitors in the Newton Hills: "You wanted to find out, didn't you?" It is a particular expression of boldly confronting the unknown with planning, preparation and intent. That approach applies well as a description of Shorter's life, on almost every count a success, even beyond the road and track, and particularly given the hell into which he was born.
Possibly the best indicator of this is that Shorter broke the cycle of violence and family abuse that had been transmitted in his father's family for at least two generations. His three grown children are successful professionals and, Shorter notes proudly (in a comment that in most other biographies would be odd), he never raised a hand to any of them. This is a story of triumph, sadness, and of learning, and as Shorter often puts it, how to "ride his pain." It is therefore, quite aptly titled, "My Marathon." In that, Shorter is not referring to his running.
As readers of one of the most earthshaking essays ever in Runner's World magazine will know, Shorter's father was a sadist who criminally abused his children and wife (physically, sexually, and emotionally.) That column was written by John Brant, who then went on to expand the interview on which that exposé was based into this book. The full treatment augments the original column with the childhood experiences of Shorter and more detailed narrative of how he handled that trauma, how that led to running as a form of escape, and how his cerebral and focused approach to training led to world-class results (he was largely self-coached during the climax of his competitive career.) The book is poignant for the revelation that one can never know what lies behind apparently gold-plated external appearances. And for Shorter's valiant attempt to come to terms with all that was taken from him and from his family by an evil man, his father, the one person who should've most cared for and loved his family (Dr. Sam Shorter, whose power was compounded by the fact that his hometown thought him an angelic, home-visiting doctor). The pathos of the book is Shorter's honest, though understandably terse, description of his family's unspeakable suffering, contrasted with his effort to simultaneously demonstrate that he emerged scarred but not vindictive. There is more, particularly related to the strained relationships with his own siblings, which the act of producing this book happily helped to begin healing.
The book appears to have been developed from a number of interviews with Shorter, and is for the most part well written (save for a few, brief, repetitive sections.) Runners will thrill at Shorter's clean breast of his training theory and practices, and his first-hand account of how he viewed and experienced his major athletic achievements. As I write this, I'm a 59-year-old lifelong runner, which means that Shorter's running heyday bracketed my high school track and cross country running "career" (such as it was) in El Paso, Texas. My teammates and I idolized the likes of Shorter and contemporaries such as David Wottle, Jim Ryun and Steve Prefontaine (one of the more riveting episodes detailed in this biography describes how Shorter was the last person to see "Pre" alive, by some 90 seconds.) However, one of the products of those pre-Internet days is that I didn't learn until reading this that Shorter was training not far from us, in Albuquerque and Taos NM and Boulder CO. In fact, a fascinating twist is that under one scenario Shorter might have adopted El Paso as his training base. However, he hilariously visited on Greyhound bus, which would've brought him to town through its hind end (past an ASARCO copper refinery and by some of the most denuded landscape and miserable shanty towns on both sides of the US/Mexico border.) He promptly turned right around, which I also would have done in those circumstances.
Over the years I learned a great deal from Shorter's brainy and authoritative commentary on televised marathon events. One fascinating window into Shorter's psyche is his often-used mantra of "wanting to find out" (and similar phrasings), as an explanation for most of his major life decisions. In providing color commentary for the televised post-race interview of Meb Keflegzighi's Boston Marathon win in 2014, Shorter even projected this thinking onto Meb, when asking Meb about his separating from the last competitors in the Newton Hills: "You wanted to find out, didn't you?" It is a particular expression of boldly confronting the unknown with planning, preparation and intent. That approach applies well as a description of Shorter's life, on almost every count a success, even beyond the road and track, and particularly given the hell into which he was born.
Possibly the best indicator of this is that Shorter broke the cycle of violence and family abuse that had been transmitted in his father's family for at least two generations. His three grown children are successful professionals and, Shorter notes proudly (in a comment that in most other biographies would be odd), he never raised a hand to any of them. This is a story of triumph, sadness, and of learning, and as Shorter often puts it, how to "ride his pain." It is therefore, quite aptly titled, "My Marathon." In that, Shorter is not referring to his running.
February 11, 2018
Fantastic story.
I have always admired Frank Shorter. I remember seeing him running the Munich Olympics. I was amazed reading his story and what he had overcame. I admire him now all the more matter reading this.
I have always admired Frank Shorter. I remember seeing him running the Munich Olympics. I was amazed reading his story and what he had overcame. I admire him now all the more matter reading this.
June 7, 2020
This book has been on my To-Read list for years. I have no idea why I put it on my list but I'm glad I did. An extremely interesting look into the life and training of an Olympic gold medal marathon winner. I enjoyed it a lot even though I'm not a runner.
July 10, 2022
I thought this was well written. Last American man to have won the Olympic marathon, also credited to kickstart the running boom. For most of his running career, most people were unaware of the nightmare life he had at the fist of his father, a beloved family doctor.
May 18, 2024
How do you rate a memoir? It’s a tough task. I enjoyed the running portions of the book. The backstory was tragic and perhaps a little heavy handed, but it all rounds out a good story from a great athlete.
June 20, 2025
Excellent read!
As a kid growing up in Eugene, OR I watched & participates in a lot of track meets. Steve Prefontaine was my hero and Frank Shorter was not-in my child’s mind he was the competition. This book has entitled me and finally after 50 years, I am a Frank Shorter fan!
As a kid growing up in Eugene, OR I watched & participates in a lot of track meets. Steve Prefontaine was my hero and Frank Shorter was not-in my child’s mind he was the competition. This book has entitled me and finally after 50 years, I am a Frank Shorter fan!
July 17, 2017
a good read. but a confusing mix of soooo revelatory and weirdly stand-offish.
April 3, 2019
I met Frank Shorter in May 2014 at a running event, and I listened to his story. That event was prior to the publication of this book and he never mentioned his difficult years suffering from his father’s abuse. Frank holds nothing back in the book, detailing how his father’s medical practice gave him the appearance of a caring, kindhearted doctor while at home he terrorized his family every night. Somehow Frank survived that ordeal and found his way into running, something he was good at from the start. Frank trained with many of the big names of running and himself won a gold and silver medal in the Olympic marathon, setting off the modern running boom. I recently read Bill Rodgers running memoir, someone who took over the reins from Frank as the top US male marathoner. The 1970’s really were a great time for American runners, in part because of the best runners collected into a few tight groups who learned from each other and competed together to hone their talent. I really admire the honesty of this story as well as the accomplishments that Frank Shorter has achieved. I plan to read Joan Benoit’s running memoir “Running Tide” next as she kicked off the first women’s Olympic marathon in 1984 with a gold medal that inspired me and many others to start running. After that, I look forward to our 21st century American marathon champion Meb Keflezighi’s latest book “26 Marathons.”
January 1, 2023
Read this as I was reading Running While Black by Alison Mariella Desir, which really makes you wonder where is there going to be mention of black people’s role in the running boom.
October 6, 2023
Greatly inspiring
Awesome read, inspirational, entertaining. Very well composed. I highly recommend this book for anyone in any field of endeavor. End
Awesome read, inspirational, entertaining. Very well composed. I highly recommend this book for anyone in any field of endeavor. End
August 18, 2025
Incredible telling of an incredible life -- John Brant really helps bring the raw realities of Frank Shorter's story to pages.
August 22, 2025
Shorter's story is one of endurance- emotional and physical grit. I only wish there was more about his life post 1980.
February 7, 2017
Excellent Book!
March 9, 2017
Well done, Frank. But as usual I implore all authors and editors to fact check everything. Pages 163--164 explain why Lasse Viren entered the 1976 Olympic Marathon---to repeat the feat of his countryman Paavo Nurmi who won the 5, 10, and marathon at the 1948 Games.
In '48 Nurmi would have been like 51 years old and definitely not winning any gold medals in any event.
In '48 Nurmi would have been like 51 years old and definitely not winning any gold medals in any event.
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