The Man Inside The Machine - Steve Edwards
Product description
Steve Edwards was born with a deformed left hand and was bullied throughout his childhood as a result. He also has a congenital blood disorder that directly compromises athleticism. Yet, despite these obstacles, he has become one of the world's leading multi-marathon runners, having run over 700 official marathon races in the fastest ever average finish time. Known in marathon circles as 'The Godfather', he is revered for his machine-like performances, running marathons consistently in an average finish time of around 3 hours 15 minutes, at the rate of one every 14 days for almost 30 years. But what of the man inside the machine? Who is he? What drives him to race a competitive marathon so frequently? To train day in, day out, year after year, whilst working full time and maintaining a family home? Where does his discipline and dedication come from? How does he deal with injury, illness, varying weather conditions and the short recovery period between so many races? When Steve started running marathons in the 1980s, there were so few official races in the UK that he had to drive hundreds of miles just to run one, catnapping on ferries or in cars - before running 26.2 miles. Occasionally, he also ran into trouble - but it was all part of the adventure! 'The Man Inside The Machine' answers all the above questions, while Steve's personal story of a less than ordinary man who became so much more, will warm and inspire runners and non-runners alike. 'His misadventures are the stuff of legends!' - The Daily Telegraph 'Edwards is the marathon marathon man.' - The Independent 'The man who knows all there is to know about running 26.2 miles.' Runner's World.
Written by Helen Summer
Star press Publishing
Foreword by Dr Ron Hill MBE
Purchase here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Inside-Machine-Successful-Multi-Marathon/dp/0995454701
MY REVIEW
Now, I maybe slightly biased here because I know Steve, we grew up streets apart, went to the same school and I faced many a 100mph cricket ball that was bowled by Steve.
With me moving away from the area aged 18 I had no idea about Steve's running till 2015 when I saw him on TV, we now message each other regularly and he has been a great help where running is concerned, it's his fault I'm aiming for a 100 Marathons.
The book itself is a great read, al about Steve's early life and how he got into running, then all about his running career. Clocking up many world records along the way.
It's very well written and Steve has been very honest and modest about all his achievements to date. It's full of stats and race details. Pretty much everybody on the Marathon circuit knows of Steve and his endeavours, in the book you will read all about them, the travelling, the records, the highs, the lows. It's a fascinating read and anyone who has dreams of joining the 100 Marathon club will only find inspiration here.
