If you're a runner, you'll love this

Really enjoyed this. The author's account of his experience running in Japan with the Japanese was really fascinating. Loved the whole story about his journey there and how the family adapted to life in Japan for 6 months. Never realised that Ekiden was essentially a Japanese term for a relay race.

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Enjoyable but not as epic as his other books.

This book was very enjoyable. I have recently finished The Rise of the Ultra Runner and loved it and I have very fond memories of Running With the Kenyans. This book didn't quite reach this heights but didn't have me gripped for long periods. It was so interesting with regards to Japan as a running country which I had never before realised it was. Overall very good but not just as epic as his other books.

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Fascinating and inspiring

This is third of Adharanand Finn's book I've listened to and the first he hasn't narrated. Derek Perkins does a decent job but it's not quite the same.
I'm a reluctant runner at best, I listened to this while cycling, but there is something inspirational about Finn's books, partly his enthusiasm, part his desire to learn and improve. It give an insight in to the culture of Japan and how that culture drives their long distance running performance. It's a fascinating listen, I'd love a sequel to see if the traditions of training has continued or the new wave of coaches hinted at by the book have started to shake Japanese running in the last ten years.

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Good performance but no real substance

The book was enjoyable, but it was not what I was expecting. I was hoping for more tips and techniques on how to improve my running. This was more of a story of how the author went to Japan and networked and ran. However, the narrator was pleasant to listen to.

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If you like running, you have to read this book!

A fascinating story and insight into the world off Japanese running. Like a long run, it had its ups and downs however overall, a unique and honest book that i thoroughly enjoyed

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I really enjoy this author

I love running and travelling. This book was very interesting for me and I listened it while running. i recommend it to runners or people interested in Japan. Third book of Finn that I listen. I can't get enough! Dear FinnSan, please move abroad to run again and write a third book.

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Another fascinating study of a running nation

I loved 'Running with the Kenyans', and was thrilled to discover that Adharanand Finn had conducted a second one-man study, this time based in Japan. I love the fact that his wife and children are fully involved in these excursions, which really adds an extra dimension. This was another fascinating observation on a country's culture and attitude towards running, as well as a contemplative study of the author's own running. Interesting and engaging in equal measures, and inspired me to keeping looking for better form in my own running, even though I have no aspiration to win (or even enter!) any races.

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5 people found this helpful

Brilliant from start to end.

Well written, read and packed with insight and information but with a human touch. I cannot recommend highly enough.

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Interesting with little excitement

It was a nice listen. Hearing about Japanese running culture was interesting, but they're is no real finale. The end was a little disappointing.

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Fascinating insight in to running and culture in Japan

I really enjoyed this audible book. I have listened to Finn’s other books too, including Running with the Kenyans and it is really interesting to go along on his journey of discovery with him. His insight into the Japanese running scene is excellent and leads to many lessons.

The narrator is excellent albeit Finn doesn’t narrate this one. I have got used to Finn’s voice and I always think it is good when the author narrates. I don’t know why another narrator was used but despite that the narrator is a consummate professional and very easy to listen to.

As part of the journey Finn meets one of the marathon monks who do 1,000 marathons in 1,000 days. Surprisingly few have completed it, partly because there is a bit more to it. It is very difficult to get the meeting but when Finn meets one of the monks, the monk has rather surprising questions for Finn!

I am looking forward to whatever subject Finn jumps on to next...

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