Looking for Title Suggestions for a Book on Running
Ran 20 miles this morning. By myself. Turned into the lunatic who talks to themselves around mile 18, muttering, "Two more miles. I can do two more miles. C'mon, hang in there. One mile and 8/10's left. Don't quit." People gave me a wide berth.
Driving home, Blair asked why I hadn't written anything for publication on my running. "You went from being a non-runner to qualifying for Boston in three and a half years," he said. "That would be inspirational to someone."
"Oh, sweetie," I said, love pouring out from my heart.
"Plus, it seems like you should be able to make some money on that," he finished.
Aaaaaand, the moment is over.
Anyway, we came up with a few potential book titles for my as yet unwritten memoir on running:
- Obsessed (This was Blair's contribution)
- I Lapped His Ass (my contribution)
- How Running (Nearly) Destroyed My Marriage
- Finding God at Mile 19
- I'm Too Old For This Sh**
- Greetings From Planet Badass (or is that "Dumbass?)
- Head Up, Breath, Baby Steps: How Running Imitates Life
Blair also suggested something like, "A Woman's Journey" which I vetoed for sounding too much like a tampon commercial.
I'm now on the couch, feet up, and slightly bummed because all the books I'm reading right now are non-fiction and I'm really in the mood to curl up with a good story. I'll search the house but I'm pretty sure I've read everything here with the exception of some Agatha Christie novels and I'm just not that desperate.
Let me know which title you think I should go with, or feel free to suggest one of your own. If I select your title, I'll mention you in my interviews on Oprah and The Today Show, if there's time before the commercial break.
Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 12:19 PM | Dena Harris | 9 Comments | Email Article | Share via Digg | Print Article | tagged Boston Marathon, books on running, long runs, smug marrieds, training for boston 2010 in Home Life, Married Life, Running, Writing, General
Reader Comments (9)
Make money? Ah, love is now pouring out of my heart!
How about How Fast Can I Go? It is impressive how quickly you got so fast. Not many people in your position write about it. I don't think.
Run, Run as fast as you can! You can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Girl...Woman...Lady...Shebeast??
Do Red Wine and Ibuprofin Mix?
I was thinking "Catch Me If You Can", but then remembered that they made a movie with that title. So back to the drawing board :) If you're looking for a new book, I just read "The Help" and thought it was pretty good. Gave it to mom afterwards and she loved it. Good luck with the title search!
I Turn Into A Lunatic Around Mile 18 was something I sort of expected to make your list. And I'd buy that book!
How Running Nearly Destroyed My Marriage is super-catchy, which is always important, though a more positive angle could be How Running Made Me a Better Spouse. (Um. I'm sure it did, right?)
Hey... here's one! I Can Run Circles Around You. No Really, I Can! How Running Made Me Stronger Than I Realized I Could Be.
This is a really good idea, Dena. You are in the perfect position to write a running memoir. People are always looking for inspiring stories. Your achievements would definitely inspire a newbie runner. Congrats on the idea!
I liked Melody's idea of "I Turn Into A Lunatic Around Mile 18" or From 0 Miles to the 26.2 Boston Marathon in 3.5 Years. I agree there is a book here.
You all are so funny. I'm kidding about writing the book! But I can see getting a few humor articles out of this material.
Were you really only kidding?!! I was going to start trying to think of a good title to submit. I don't think it's nice to tease old people (just referring to myself, folks)!
I was really partial to finding "God at Mile 19" until reading Melody's suggestion of "I Can Run Circles Around You. No Really, I Can! How Running Made Me Stronger Than I Realized I Could Be". Both are genius and catchy; no wonder you're friends!