Summary

The bestselling author of 80/20 Running and How Bad Do You Want It?reveals his inspiring and surprising journey to see just how fast he can go.Matt Fitzgerald has been running (and writing about running) for most of hisadult life. But, like many passionate amateur runners, he never felt he was quitefulfilling his potential. If he follows the training, nutrition, and lifestyle of an eliterunner, just how fast could he go?In his mid-forties, Matt at last has the freedom to do nothing but train, if onlyfor the span of one summer. The time is now. He convinces the coach of NorthernArizona Elite, one of the country's premier professional running teams, to let himtrain with a roster of national champions and Olympic hopefuls in the runningmecca of Flagstaff, Arizona, leading into the Chicago Marathon. The results willcompletely redefine Matt's notion of what is possible, not only for himself but forany runner.Filled with a vibrant cast of characters, rigorous and quad-torching training,and a large dose of self-deprecating humor, Matt's gripping account of his "fakepro-runner" experience allows us to partake in the dream of having the chance to goall the way. Yet for the gifted young runners Matt trains with, it's not a dream butconcrete reality, and their individual stories enrich this inspiring narrative.Running the Dream pulls us into the rarified world of professional running ina way we can all relate to, regardless of speed, and inspires us to try to achieve ourown potential.