Running and Philosophy: A Marathon for the Mind

"With equal measures of scholarship and soul, the essays in Running and Philosophy: A Marathon for the Mind, edited by Michael W. Austin, touch on religion, pain, happiness, and other topics that are best explored on a long run. With a pack of philosophers." (Runner's World, November 2007)

"The contributors are runners who approach the subject of running and philosophy sympathetically…there is enough in [the book] to the get the inner dialogue started." (Orange Community News)

"[T]here is much potential for the essays in Running and Philosophy to spark lively discussions among readers, [and] the impressive variety of topics…is enough for nearly anyone with a modicum of interest in both running and philosophy to justify reading it. In fact, I think this book is required reading for all those who find themselves with this combination of interests."
–Thomas E. Gilbert, Sport, Ethics and Philosophy

"Every runner who has ever pondered the pleasure of pain, wondered about the duality of mind and body, or felt the artistic beauty of a perfect set of 800m repeats will enjoy this book."
–Jonathan Beverly, Running Times

"Is running more a disease or a source of human liberation? Would Aristotle and Nietzsche both endorse running? Does running on a treadmill dehumanize us? For answers to these and other intriguing questions, you will need to read Running and Philosophy. It leads one on a rich, varied, and enjoyable journey."
–R. Scott Kretchmar, Penn State University