Once a Runner: A NovelI am a big fan of Once a Runner. I have read it a few times, although my copy has been missing in action for the past 5 or 6 years. The book is out of print and can be difficult to get your hands on for less than $90 or $100. Thankfully, though, you do not need to spend that much to get a copy if you are willing to be patient. It is going to be republished some time next year.

In the meantime, though, John L Parker, Jr will be discussing the book at 7:00 p.m. on August 1st at the Maine Running Company. Maine Running Company is located on Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1,2007, 7PM. Join us at Maine Running Company and join author, John L. Parker for a discussion on “Once A Runner” and “Again To Carthage” and the characters, such as Quenton Cassidy, based on some of John L. Parker’s real life experiences. “Once A Runner” has become a true inspirational cult classic that has been described by many as “the best novel ever written about running.” Copies are rare to find and are considered collector items.

I will running in the Back Cove 5k that night, so I may be a bit sweaty when I arrive, but I will certainly be there to listen to him talk. If you are in the neighborhood, you should try to make the free 5k race series (races begin at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday night) and then head over to the store afterwards.