Given the fact that Kenyan athletes have dominated most international road, track, and cross-country events over the last 50 years, it becomes common to write these individual athletes off as "just another Kenyan." Yet even among his successful countrymen, Kenyan runner Paul Tergat stands out. A career that has yielded five World Cross-Country Championship victories, two- silver medals in the Olympic 10,000 meters, and a World Record in the marathon, makes Tergat one of the most successful runners not only in Kenya, but in the entire world. Further, the way in which many of his racing accomplishments and disappointments have occurred, often with heartbreaking photo-finishes, further separates Tergat from other athletes and demonstrates his unique competitive desire and elegance in racing. In the book Paul Tergat: Running to the Limit (Meyer & Meyer Sport Ltd. 2005, $17.95), Jurg Wirz describes Tergat's personal history, running career, and humanitarian efforts, while also providing training plans and tips from Tergat himself.

The book begins with the details of Tergat's childhood as one of 17 children in an impoverished region in which his family often did not have enough food. While his story is somewhat similar to that of other African runners who have risen to prosperity from extreme poverty, the book is unique in that it tries to dispel some common ideas that Americans may hold about African athletes. For example, contrary to the popular belief that most Kenyan athletes develop their endurance base from having had to run to school at a young age, Tergat points out that there was a bus that normally picked him up at his home to take him to school. He further describes how "There is one thing that lately has irritated me a lot. And that is those fools who think and write that the Kenyan athletes have no soul but only care about money. It is really nonsense." His commitment to investing the majority of his winnings back into Kenya shows that he and many other Kenyan athletes as well, do not run solely for financial benefit but are trying to promote their nation.

Wirz also does a nice job focusing not only on Tergat's running successes, but also his failures. In fact, unlike some books that focus only on successful performances, Wirz opens with a description of one of the most disappointing races of Tergat's career. As a two-time second-place finisher in the Olympic 10,000 meters, the Olympic gold medal seems to be the one accomplishment that has eluded Tergat. Thus, the 2004 Olympic Marathon was to be Tergat's chance to finally win the gold. However, despite excellent training and preparation for the race, Wirz describes how a stomach cramp due to hydration problems in the Athens heat caused Tergat to struggle to a 10th place finish. By beginning the narration with this event, Wirz is able to point out a key part of Tergat's sense of personal responsibility and determination that make him the athlete that he is. Wirz quotes Tergat's thoughts about the event, with Tergat stating, "I didn't want to think of dropping out. I wanted to finish. Never in my whole career have I dropped out from a race...I am a strong believer that a man is not only measured by his performances but also by his achievements. Finishing the race was a big achievement for me. Even if I was only number 10, I was proud of myself, for me personally it was a victory." In a world in which many track athletes cancel appearances or drop out of races which they feel they cannot win, this feeling of responsibility to one's fans and fellow athletes to finish races and give the best performance one is capable of is an important message.

This book is useful for beginners as it provides several detailed training programs and stretching exercises that are demonstrated with color photographs of Tergat performing the exercises. While some of the training advice from Tergat is geared more for beginning runners, the descriptions of Tergat's training sessions can also be useful for more experienced runners. Though the book is a quick read and written in a simple, clear, style, it provides an interesting insight into the life and beliefs of this athlete and his training. Since the American and European media often overlook the life stories of African athletes, this book is also important in helping to put an individual face on these athletes and examine some of the details of Kenyan culture.

Editor note: Elaine Binkley is senior at Denison University where she has earned NCAA Division III All American honors twice in cross-country. She has been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All- America(R) Women's Track & Field/Cross Country first team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America in 2005 and 2006. Elaine also earned All State honors in Cross Country and Track at Bishop Watterson High School.

The RUNOHIO's Book Review - A Closer Look at - explores various running books and is a regular column in RUNOHIO. - To have your book considered for reviewed, please send a copy to: Matt McGowan, c/ o RUNOHIO, 330 Spellman Street, Granville, OH 43023

Check out the other RUNOHIO Book Reviews online at:
http://www.runohio.com/news/index.html