Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile

by Chris Lear

Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile For 34 long years, not one American schoolboy had run a Indeed, nearing the turn of the millennium, the mile was dominated by African runners. American fans had long stopped caring about the sport of running. Then, in January 2001, Reston, Virginia, high schooler Alan Webb gave American track fans a reason to tune in. At the New Balance Games, he clocked a 3:59.86 mile, running the first U.S. high school mile since 1967 and the fastest indoor U.S. high school mile ever. Then, just a few months later at the Prefontaine Classic, eh achieved the impossible. He ran a 3:53.46 mile, breaking Jim Ryun's 36-year-old national high school record. The race catapulted Webb to instant fame, earning him the title of "America's Next Great Miler." After that successful season, Webb graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Michigan. There, Webb would train under one of the country's most respected coaches and complete his workouts with a host of other milers. The watch was on for the spring track season--when Webb would again run the mile. In Sub 4:00 , noted track writer Chris Lear begins you the story of Alan Webb's freshman track season. Lear artfully tells the story of a young track star, who, with big shoes to fill, must face the intrusions of frenzied track fans, the scrutiny of an ever-watchful media, the politics of the collegiate track world, and his own aspiration sto become the best miler ever. Lear takes you on a journey--up close and personal--as Webb struggles with injuries, interpersonal conflicts, and the emotional highs and lows of racing. You will get an unprecedented behind-the-scenes view into the life of one of the country's most promising track athletes.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing story, imperfect execution. My expectations weren't too high - this wasn't recommended to me, but I saw it on a shelf in a running store and figured what the heck (since I'd followed Webb since his high school days in Northern Virginia). Rodale Press books (in my experience, as a general rule) aren't necessarily the best edited, and this was no exception. Conversely, they fill a niche that the large publishing houses frequently ignore, so I can put up with their imperfections. My biggest criticisms: (1) the author failed (utterly) to disappear from the narration without offering any compelling reason why he should have been part of the story (or why the reader should care about him); and (2) the author failed to get particularly close (or in depth) with the runner, the coach, the former coach, the runner's colleagues/friends, or the runner's family - all of whom seem well situated to have added significant depth to what ultimately is all-too-often superficial coverage.... Still, overall, an interesting snapshot of Webb's young career....

[John Preston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave the book "two stars" based on the description of the stars where 2 = "it was ok." That sums up exactly how I feel about it.

Reading the title "Sub 4:00" and sub-title "Quest for the Fastest Mile" I thought the book was going to focus on Webb's journey to break Jim Ryun's high school mile record of 3:55.3. While the author Chris Lear did provide some back story about Webb, Nate Brannen (Webb's classmate/teammate and Canadian sub 4:00 high school miler), Coach Ron Warhurst, and other Michigan teammates, he focused primarily on Webb's freshman year; not even the whole year just from March until June of 2002. Lear also added the progress of Webb's teammates throughout the spring of 2002.

Lear is an exceptional writer and was able to get me emotionally invested. At first I was frustrated with Coach Warhurst for how he handled injured runners (really Coach shin splits for three months?!) then I was frustrated with Webb for his lack of commitment. About half-way through the book I saw Webb less of a tempered sports icon who is the epitome of talent and toughness and more of a college freshman much the same as the many athletes I coached who went to college (to run or not run). He was a 19 year old kid. After than I read with a different perspective. Lear did a good of expressing the emotions of that 19 year kid though the book was lacked real substance particularly about the life changing decisions that Webb would ultimately make.

I would recommend it just because it is part a story of one of the best distance runner in U.S. history.

[Quentin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I shook Alan Webb’s hand in Austin, TX a couple of years ago - and looking further into his story found this book. Being an old guy still interested in running/cycling/anything I put it on my shelf, and finally got around to it was pleased to find a book worth binge-reading (all in a few days).

I’ll go with three stars; it’s almost four but missing some items that dull its bright spots.

IMHO it starts and ends roughly. Pardon my analogy but it feels like a race going out to fast and ending in mid-pack. It seems like beginning with Webb’s arrival at Michigan we’ve already glossed over some important (and exciting) events; there are enough reflections to fill in the details but only in retrospect. And the end plot finishes a little suddenly, leaving me wanting more. Lear does tie things up with an epilogue and an afterword, but even those are open ended.

The backstretch of the book though has plenty to appreciate. Lear’s details and shared excitement immersed me in the long, arduous hours of prepping for collegiate and world class track sports. Moreover he managed to capture some of the excitement of “track workouts” that maybe only the runners can appreciate. He also pulled off a tricky balance - weaving an objective narrative brightly colored with what are necessarily surmised inner emotions and dialogues. Here I think Lear used his own experiences well, and the reader is pulled into relating with the young runners striving for glory.

In all it was a compelling read, like I said I ended up binge-reading the entire last two thirds - first time in a long time!
I really appreciated Lear’s story and recommend it to anyone interested in Alan Webb’s formation and accomplishments.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this during the recent Olympic Trials. Interesting juxtaposition with the rabid pro- and [mostly] anti-Webb posts on letsrun.com of late. I thought Lear did a great job of staying objective regarding some of the controversial stuff -- e.g., Webb's decision to turn pro after the freshman year at U. Michigan that is the main focus of this book. Also, as in Running with the Buffalos, the detailed description of the day-to-day lives of young elite runners and their coaches is terrific.

All told, an excellent read that gives some insight into the extraordinary pressure and scrutiny faced by Alan Webb. I'd love to be able to run like him, but I don't know that the full package of hassles, criticism, etc. that his level of talent brings with it would be bearable.

[Ki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sub 4:00 starts with the story of a American high school boy who had run 4:00-mile. But after 34 years no one from American high school beat the record and one day Alan Webb, new hope of american runner came out. And this book continues about how Alan Webb went to Michigan university and talks about him and his teammates.This is a great book and inspires young runners to not give up. IT also not only talks about the Alan Webb but also talks and makes us visualize the actual races and practice. It was a great book and I recommend for any other runners to read this book.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent coverage of the subject matter; not quite as riveting as The Perfect Mile.

[Sam Markle]

Pushing to run sub 4:00 minutes in the mile and go running at Michigan university Alan Webb works with many world-class coaches and athletes to do so. To start, I chose this book based on when I read "Running with the Buffaloes" by the same author, I also chose it because it talks about track and cross country and I like those topics. Also, I liked Coach Warhurst in this book because he had some great training philosophies and it talked about his world-famous Cross country workout "The Michigan". Therefore, I would like to recommend this book to not only runners but to any athletes, because it has some good ideas and tips for any athlete of any sport and it shows about hard work and struggle of a world-class athlete.

[Andrew Razanauskas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being a D3 collegiate runner, I thought this book would evoke a strong reaction, but it failed in that. To be honest, this doesn’t rise to the level of an intriguing story for me. Much of the author’s time is devoted to describing 400 splits and track conditions; the “dramatic” parts of the story, subplots, etc. are glossed over in passing. He’s almost dismissive to the deeper storylines — teasing about the worst being yet to come after an explosive interview — but “the worst” comes and goes in a sentence and it’s back to times, laps, races, and the word “creditable.”
Perhaps I’m not the target audience for a book like this, but I’d think I should be.

[Isaac Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re into running, you’ll love this book. An insightful look at the complex early career of Alan Webb. Lear does a great job of making you feel like you are there at every workout and race. His writing also feels very unbiased, giving an honest look at both Webb’s strengths and weaknesses.
(If you aren’t into running, it would probably not be that interesting tbh).

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read from the author of Running with the Buffaloes. This book follows the rise (and fall) of American miler, Alan Webb. He does a good job capturing the training and racing involved in being an elite middle-distance runner, but I doubt this book would appeal to non-runners. It's also almost 20 years old at this point and Webb's fame has receded, even from the running public.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've really trained and raced before, you might like this book. Almost like a training log for Alan Webb's year at UM. A lot of reading through crazy workouts and times he was running. Rather astonishing stuff.

[Chris Bumgardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A realistic portrayal of failures. Yes, Webb still holds the American mile record after about 20 years. But like almost any athlete, he had to drudge through countless failures. This book highlights those, instead of the records. It's not a triumphant read, but it was open, and valuable.

[Jack Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would not recommend this to someone who doesn’t run. Essentially a training log for Webbs year at Michigan, which is awesome if that’s something you’re into.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you go from being a big fish in a small pond to another fish in the sea.

[Albert Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was quarantined and had some time to kill. Read this pretty quickly. Cool insight into training and Alan Webb's psychological state of hoping to make good of his high school potential.

[David Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to 'Running with the Buffalo', Chris Lear does an excellent job of capturing a runner's experience in the sport. Reading how talented Alan was and how he still experienced similar thoughts that I had during my running career (especially in college) was reassuring to know that regardless of the level of talent, we all will come to experience moments of doubt as well as highs from accomplishments. I always like reading about athletes' workouts and their experiences from races, since in those challenging situations you learn a lot about a persona and how they respond.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always knew the name "Alan Webb," but never knew his story. Now I know. I really enjoy the running culture and it reminded me of my races and workouts from back in high school (even though my workouts and races were nowhere near as fast as Webb's). Great book to read for anyone that's a runner. This book is good motivation to keep me running.

[Steve Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an intriguing story of an amazingly talented young athlete, who crashed and burned, after breaking Jim Ryun's high school mile record. The author does an good job of telling the tale, in which Alan Webb comes across as intense and immature. I came to this because of Lear's excellent 'Running with the Buffaloes', which is a classic. This is merely a good read - if you are an athletics fan.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Lear writes well. I liked the topic of his first book better, but this is a solid story. Having met both Lear and Webb I would recommend the book. Its interesting to reflect on this book after watching the careers of the guys in this class evolve.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any runner, this is a great book that covers the trials and tribulations you may face. There are good days and bad days. Every runner is different, and the different extremes of training can be both good and bad. If you like running and the thoughts on competition, this is a worth while read.

[christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

ha ha ha, you knew i had to review it! ah, the ex. finally getting his dessert. good for him!

[Robin Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as Running with the Buffaloes, but still very enjoyable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Not as good as Running With the Buffaloes, but I couldn't put it down.

[Alec Bennett]

so far i like this book because its about running

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this a couple of times. I like it but Alan Webb is kind of a jerk sometimes during it.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

good if you are obsessed with running as I am :)

[Ucsbtrijj314 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love running then you will enjoy reading it. Some chapters are a little too repititious.

[Cory Mccarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan webb a highschool attempts to run the fastest highschool mile. This book shows how he does it and then how he trains in college with all of his college team mates

[Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less stellar of the two Chris Lear books, but good nonetheless. Great prospective into the world that surrounded Webb for the 2nd half of his senior year.

[Sanjiv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to Running with the Buffaloes, I was disappointed. On its own it is an entertaining read on the early life of a captivating track athlete.