Category Archives: Books and Movies

From the Archives: The Jericho Mile

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Jon Waldron

[Originally published February 1, 2008] For many years, I’ve been wanting to track down an obscure running movie called “The Jericho Mile.” A couple of weeks ago, I finally located and ordered a DVD of this 1979 made-for-American-TV movie. I … Continue reading →

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The Boy With the Fast Finish

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Jon Waldron

I didn’t manage to see any new movies this Christmas, but I was curious to see how moviegoers and film critics would respond to “Unbroken,” Angelina Jolie’s adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s unforgettable biography of Louis Zamperini.

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Alan Turing the Runner

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Jon Waldron

There seems to be only one photograph of Alan Turing running. In it he appears to be finishing an event — perhaps his club’s 3-mile championship —  passing the finish post in first, but his form looks terrible. His arms … Continue reading →

Posted in Books and Movies, In Memoriam | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Miscellany – Oct 31, 2014

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Jon Waldron

All I want to do today is take care of a few loose ends and respond to some recent reader comments. Think of it as a trip to the mental hazardous waste drop-off day.

Posted in Books and Movies, Marathon, Records & Statistics | 1 Comment

What Happened to You, Jerry Mizner?

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Jon Waldron

“So what is the word here? Is it confirmed?” “Shit yes. They think maybe three, four months of no training. even then it’s touch and go because of the possibility of a relapse. But at least I get out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books and Movies, Injuries & Health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Unbelievable Runners (in Film)

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Jon Waldron

Anyone who has ever been inspired by watching well-trained runners practicing their craft has probably also been frustrated at the crude way those runners are portrayed on-screen in  movies and made-for-TV specials. Now, Alison Wad, Writing in Runners World, has … Continue reading →

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Lucky Louis Finishes His Last Race

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Jon Waldron

Louis Zamperini passed away this week. The former NCAA mile record holder, 1936 Olympian, WW II fighter pilot, survivor of Japanese prison camps, and the subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s remarkable chronicle, “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, … Continue reading →

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‘Born to Run’ Turns Five

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Jon Waldron

It’s hard to believe, but May 5th marks the fifth anniversary of the publication of Born to Run,  Chris McDougall’s manifesto on the subjects of ultra-distance running, minimalist footwear, and the athletic prowess of the Tarahumara people of Mexico’s Copper … Continue reading →

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