Running Up the Mountain: Northern Arizona Altitude, Lumberjack Attitude, and the Building of a Distance Dynasty

by Matt Baxter, Ron Mann

The true story of how a small Arizona school built a mindset of success that turns talented individuals into a team at the pinnacle of its sport. "Running Up the Mountain is a blueprint for how to have success in the sport of running, with lessons that are surprisingly universal in their appeal." –Matt Fitzgerald, author, Running the One Summer Living, Training, and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age Long before Flagstaff, Arizona, became an altitude mecca and a training ground for generations of legendary runners, there was just a no-name school without any decent training facilities, and an unknown coach who saw the potential in his runners . . . and the heights they could achieve together. It’s tough to train at 7,000 feet. Over decades, the cross country runners at unknown Northern Arizona University developed a team culture built on the blue-collar, gritty "Lumberjack attitude.” They learned to trust their training, overcome their growing pains, and claim their destiny.  Running Up the Mountain is a moving psychological portrait of a team on the rise, with colorful characters fighting to reach the summit of their sport together. In this journey from quaint beginnings to national championships, grit and commitment endure as defining features . . . when you’re running with the Lumberjacks. "Even when the mountain got steep, the team never stopped climbing, and even when they got to the top, they never stopped looking for ways to go higher." –Matt Baxter Perfect for readers who Running with the Buffaloes by Chris Lear Beyond How a Renegade Coach and His Unlikely High School Team Revolutionized Distance Running by Sean Brosnan, Chris Lear, and Andrew Greif Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr. Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore NAMED BEST SPORTS/RECREATION BOOK OF 2023 BY THE NEW MEXICO–ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS Authored by three-time cross country All-American Matt Baxter and Hall of Fame coach Ron Mann, the book authentically captures NAU’s humble origins and growing pains, culminating in an insider’s perspective that will inspire runners and coaches alike, and delight running fans. "An inspirational and intimate story well told." –Pete Pfitzinger, two-time Olympian "A rousing history of an underdog team, Running Up the Mountain charts the rise of a winning long-distance running program." –Foreword Clarion Reviews

296 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for distance running enthusiasts and fans. A deep dive into how the NAU dynasty was built and a deeper dive into the stories of the coaches and athletes that made it happen.

[Neil S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A running book with broad appeal, "Running Up the Mountain" reaches beyond its foundation in the running mecca of Flagstaff, Arizona, to offer a blueprint for success in life that can inspire runners of any stripe. Authors Ron Mann and Matt Baxter tell the story of how the ever-burgeoning running culture of Flagstaff’s community is intertwined with the history and success of the storied Northern Arizona University’s cross country teams.

As NAU’s longest tenured coach (1980–2004), Ron Mann brings NAU’s and Flagstaff’s running history alive, while his co-author, NAU cross-country star Matt Baxter, puts you in the heat of the trash-talking battles between NAU and their rivals during the unbelievable streak that has brought six of the last eight NCAA cross-country championship titles home to Flagstaff. Now a professional runner, Baxter knows what it’s like to compete at the highest levels, and he brings the reader along to share the excitement, nerves, and emotions of each race.

The book traces NAU’s origins from 60 years ago to its current status as one of the greatest NCAA dynasties ever. Coaches Dr. Leo "Red" Haberlack, followed by Ron Mann, then Eric Heins and currently Michael Smith, have all passed the baton onto their mentees, keeping the team’s long history and its connection to the local community thriving. The book explores how coaches and runners alike worked to nurture a team culture that is the key to the program’s success; a lesson well worth reading for anyone who works with a group to achieve big goals, whether in running or in life.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great piece to add to the world of running literature. I dove into the history of NAU and finished it in 48 hours.

While Running with the Buffaloes is more of an inside view of a season, Running up the Mountain is a historical recount of NAU’s origin to the present dynasty. I can’t say I felt connected to the team in a meaningful way as they fought to keep their #1 ranking and navigate covid… However, I think the buildup of the NAU Men’s (and Women’s) program over the years is a reminder to recognize humble beginnings and deep rooted tradition.

[George Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a collegiate distance runner not nearly at the level of the guys in this book it gives you a great insight into how this team and all the guys became what they are. Through all the tough workouts at elevation and their more blue collar roots you get to see how NAU became a blue blood of collegiate cross country. With a great telling of the history of the school my only critique is it mostly focuses on the recent years of the program with not as much time on the others even with Ron Mann as a co-author. Overall a great read if you are an avid fan of the sport!

[Brendan McGoldrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! NAU is such a special program and it’s so well written that even though I knew some of the results already, I couldn’t always tell if what I knew happened was what was going to be written, and I mean that in a good way. It really drew me in and I’m really glad I read it.

[Caleb Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Builds a foundation of what the NAU program and Flagstaff came from before diving into the more recent successes of the team. Definitely enjoyable for running nerds, but also just makes me want to move to flagstaff lol

[Alli Jenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an NAU alumna, and former “The Lumberjack” beat reporter for our cross country and track and field teams, I’m so glad Matt and Coach Mann shared this story! A treat you won’t be able to put down for anyone with a passion for running, Flagstaff, or NAU.

[Stuart David · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read!
Naturally, the first part of the book brought back a lot of pleasant memories, for me.

[Topherjaynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oral history of NAU running program. Cool to see how the program unfolded

[Justin Desloover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Running With The Buffalos was better and that’s all you need to know

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the background and history of the NAU team. I was on the team in the late 90’s and reading this book brought back so many great memories. Anyone on or associated with the NAU team knows it’s a special program. It was very interesting to read how the team has changed, but also has stayed the same. Go Jacks!