Out of Thin Air

Name: Out of Thin Air
Brand: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
SKU: 9781472975294
Price: 22.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

Running Wisdom and Magic from Above the Clouds in Ethiopia: Winner of the Margaret Mead Award 2022

4.2

( 1,624 ratings, 166 reviews)

Summary

Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley is an insightful journey into the world of Ethiopian runners, offering a fascinating glimpse into their training and culture. The author, a runner himself, blends personal experiences with engaging stories, exploring how these athletes achieve greatness through dedication and unique methods.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by long-distance running and the unique training methods of elite Ethiopian athletes. The author delves deep into the culture, dedication, and unseen aspects of what makes these runners exceptional, offering inspiring insights and personal stories.

Out of Thin Air

LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2021

'Could transform your running forever' - Runner's World

What we can learn from Ethiopian running culture - written by an anthropologist and 2:20 marathon runner who trained with the Ethiopians

MARGARET MEAD AWARD WINNER LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021 LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2021 'Could transform your running forever' - Runner's World What we can learn from Ethiopian running culture – written by an anthropologist and 2:20 marathon runner who trained with the Ethiopians

Description

LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021 LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2021 'Inspiring' The Guardian 'Excellent' Runner's World 'Fascinating' Publishers Weekly 'Brilliant' Ed Vaizey 'Through reading this book you will come to understand that the heart and soul of running are to be found in Ethiopia.' Haile Gebrselassie 'Engaging, warm and humane… A delight' TLS ‘Full of wonderful insights and lessons from a world where the ability to run is viewed as something almost mysterious and magical.’ Adharanand Finn, author of Running with the Kenyans ‘Ethiopia is a place where I have been told that energy is controlled by angels and demons and where witchdoctors can help you to acquire another runner’s power. It is a place where an anonymous runner in the forest told me, miming an imaginary scoreboard and with a completely straight face, that he had dreamt that he would run 10km in 25 minutes. It is a place where they tell me that the air at Mount Entoto will transform me into a 2.08 marathon runner. It is a place, in short, of wisdom and magic, where dreaming is still very much alive.’ Why does it make sense to Ethiopian runners to get up at 3am to run up and down a hill? Who would choose to train on almost impossibly steep and rocky terrain, in hyena territory? And how come Ethiopian men hold six of the top ten fastest marathon times ever? Michael Crawley spent fifteen months in Ethiopia training alongside (and sometimes a fair way behind) runners at all levels of the sport, from night watchmen hoping to change their lives to world class marathon runners, in order to answer these questions. Follow him into the forest as he attempts to keep up and get to the heart of their success.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Michael Crawley's Out of Thin Air is lauded for its warm, engaging, and humane depiction of Ethiopian running culture. Reviewers highlight its evocative portrayal of the simplicity and depth in one of the world's most extraordinary sporting traditions. The book resonates beyond the running community, offering insights into a mysterious and magical way of life. Overall, it is recommended both for avid runners and general readers alike.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472975294

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 November 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 272

Collections

Biography & Memoir Coaching & Motivation Education & Reference Non-Fiction Running & Athletics Sports

About the Author

Michael Crawley is a 2.20 marathon runner who has competed internationally for Scotland and Great Britain. He is Assistant Professor in Social Anthropology at Durham University. This is his first book.