The running bug has bitten and so many are hooked

STOMPING AROUND the roads and pavements has certainly become more popular in the last few years. Hardly a drive around the county goes by without passing some hardy runner braving the Irish elements in a bid to keep fit and maintain their health.

Therefore, like any activity, lifestyle or calling that becomes more popular, an increase in reading material generally follows. Yet running is difficult, and a book on the technical aspects of the sport holds no draw for most casual enthusiasts, so it needs to be a little lighter.

That’s where Vassos Alexander comes in. A sports broadcaster with the BBC, Alexander is a well-known face, despite spending the majority of his time on radio. He works on Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show but is as adept at presenting in front of the camera.

He has been running less than a decade but in that time he has become a fanatic. From someone who couldn’t escape his own street to a man that has competed in ironman triathlons and ultra marathons, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ details the journey.

Firstly, the structure is interesting, different and actually helps make the book flow. Each chapter is categorized as a mile in a marathon - the third leg of the ‘Outlaw’ ironman triathlon, coming at the end of the two and a half mile swim and 112 mile bike legs.

Each individual chapter has a very set structure, from which Alexander doesn’t deviate. He starts with his mental state, thoughts and feelings at that particular section of the marathon, be it mile one, eleven or 26.2 as he moves towards the finish line.

These sections are nice interludes; ‘stealing’ the hat is funny and it certainly ties his journey together but there’s a lot of repetition and even, no doubt, with a little artistic licence here and there, it’s certainly not a strong enough story without help.

That’s where the second part of the chapter helps. Charting Alexander’s background in running, it dips in and out of different races and events he has taken part in. It’s probably the strongest part of the publication, with interesting tidbits along the way.

As well as charting brushes with injury, almost insane sounding events and friendships made along the way, this middle section of each chapter keeps tabs on the improvements that Alexander makes - does he ever break three hours for marathon? The reader finds out eventually.

Then there’s sub-section three to each chapter. Here, more often than not, a famous athlete explains briefly how they got into running and lets the readers know how much they enjoy that leisurely 20mile jog every few days.

It’s clear to see the reasons behind this section, as it adds some credence from international athletes and glitters an ordinary man’s story. But in general they are just a bit bland, a bit dull.

Actually, the most interesting chapters were Alexander’s kids, Ryan from the bridge and Joss Naylor MBE. They are real life, ordinary stories and it feels like the author missed a trick, as 24 more of those would have been much more welcome.

All in all ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ has some good points. It’s expertly written, not a single mistake was noticed. But it just lacks something to make it a ‘must read’. There is one main audience, the casual runner.

If you like the Sunday morning jog down the road, nothing too serious but keeping fit is important to you, then this is a nice book, with some interesting stories. DEAN GOODISON Visit The Book Centre on Wexford’s Main Street for the very best selection of sports books.