For this issue I am taking a look at a book that I came about in a roundabout way, but discovered is a worthwhile read written by a native Ohioan. A few years ago, my Dad was in the local running store and somehow his high school running days at Kenton Senior High School came up. As he began talking about his coach, Jay Birmingham, one of the workers in the store asked him, "You mean the Jay Birmingham, author of The Longest Hill?"

My Dad had no idea that his former coach had written a book, but sure enough the worker went in the back room and came out with a dog-eared copy of the book. I have grown up hearing stories about Coach Birmingham and how, as distance coach and biology teacher, he instilled in my Dad a love of running. Since it was my Dad who first got me to try running, I decided to try to find this book and learn more about the man who was able to inspire such a love of running in my Dad.

While only about 60 pages long, The Longest Hill: Death Valley to Mount Whitney manages to impart quite a bit of knowledge of both running and life. The book, published in 1983, chronicles Jay Birmingham's attempt to break the record of 84 hours for the 146 mile run from Death Valley to Mount Whitney; the lowest to highest geographic regions of the continental United States. Written in a concise yet eloquent style, the book conveys both the practical issues and physiology to be dealt with in attempting such a journey, along with the philosophical side of running and its place in one's life. As he states, "Only the foolish shut out valuable information on personal health and environment. It seems, however, that there is a land in the mind that is beyond science; a place for spirit, inspiration, motivation, passion."

At a time when ultra-distance running was a new sport, Jay Birmingham had already completed a trans-continental run from Las Angeles to New York the year prior to undertaking his Death Valley to Mount Whitney run. While he had averaged 50 miles a day during his transcontinental run, for the Death Valley run he recounts how he needed to be able to train for not only the distance, but also the altitude and heat since temperatures in the desert can reach to 130 degrees. Birmingham explains not only his training, but the science behind what he was trying to accomplish. His descriptions of the physiology and science behind some of his training methods show that he was ahead of his time in understanding acclimation to different running conditions.

In addition to the training, he also explains many of the logistical points of the run, from having to find funding to planning where he was to be picked up each day and how he could get food and water at the proper intervals. The run almost could not take place as flooding prevented him from being able to reach Badwater the night before he was to attempt the run. Fortunately, he was able to reach Badwater the next morning and begin the journey, but the incident shows one of the many difficulties involved in attempting such ultra-distance runs. He describes everything from the Mountain Dew and cookies he ate while on the run, to many of the kind people he meets along the way and who help him accomplish his journey. Although he battled severe heel pain, heat, fatigue, and dehydration on his run, he is ultimately able to overcome these struggles and break the record in a time of 75 hours and 34 minutes.

There is something about running that makes it special. It becomes more a way of life than just a sport, and even those who are not on top of the podium have a chance to learn the power of the human mind and body. Jay Birmingham is able to convey this unique aspect of the sport through his book, offering valuable insights into running and life. While availability may be an issue due to the fact that the book was self-published over 20 years ago, an internet search reveals that there are copies available at reasonable prices. This book is a quick read and is a great inspiration for any runner whether they are undertaking an ultra-distance event, or just going for an easy mile jog.

Editor note: Elaine Binkley is an avid reader and was All State in Cross Country and Track at Bishop Watterson High School. Elaine is a sophomore at Denison University and is a two time NCAA Division III Cross Country All American.

The RUNOHIO's Book Review - A Closer Look at - various running books will be a regular column. To have your book considered for review, send a copy to: Matt McGowan, RUNOHIO, 330 Spellman Street, Granville, OH 43023 - questions email Matt McGowan at: runohio@ee.net