Who am I to Write a Running Book?

Authorization of an Author

We are all writers. We all do things (like run), notice how it feels and what it does to us, reflect on it, and then write our own stories. Whether it's a conversation, a photo, a blog post, or an entire book, it doesn't matter. What matters is that we share these stories with each other and allow them to become part of our (running) identity. Who we are as runners, as people, and as a community.

(I don't actually wear glasses, Photo by Chris Drüke)

But what makes me think anyone wants to hear my story?

A fair question. I don't think I've ever been asked it, but I've asked myself the question often enough. If there's one thing that people have had enough of, it's writing. From a historical perspective, it almost seems like the only thing that people can create in infinite quantities without ever getting tired of it.

Ok, why do we need another (running) book then?

Much of what I describe in my books Runhundred¹ and Hundert-Meilen-Herz² has been experienced in the same or similar way by other runners. For many, it was certainly just as formative, perhaps even more so, than my Western States adventure was for me.

But that is the unifying element. It is precisely this fact that has the potential to make a reader feel connected to my story. To recognize themselves in it, and simultaneously revel in their own experiences and memories while immersing themselves in mine.

So why should my story be any more exciting than other runners' stories?

The truth is, it isn't.

The only difference is that I put great effort into making it accessible to other people. Accessible in the literal sense that you can buy it as a book in a bookstore. But also figuratively accessible in that I have revised my text so many times until my words have become a bridge between the reader and me. Between their world and mine. Between my words and their understanding. Between their experiences and my experiences between Olympic Valley and Auburn.

(Powered by “The Fuel”, Photo: Chris Drüke)

And who cares about my writing?

If Steven Pressfield is to be believed, no one. His book "Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t”, which is extremely disturbing for writers, is a lesson in humility and compassion. Compassion for all the people you ultimately intend to read your writing. If your writing isn't exciting or enriching or funny or compelling, then you can't blame a reader for getting fed up after two paragraphs and picking up the next book.

"Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t"

Or as ghostwriter AJ Harper puts it: “A book is not about something. A book is for someone.” So your best bet is to keep your readers in mind as you write. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself with every sentence whether it adds value for them.

But even if you follow these and thousands of other smart writing tips, there's still no guarantee that anyone will read your sh*t. I'm well aware of that.

Then why write?

For me, writing, just like running, is an end in itself. I do it because I have to. Because a voice deep inside me says it is right and necessary. If there is such a thing as meaning in life, it is in the things we do for their own sake.

But that doesn't mean I don't have hopes and aspirations attached to it. I wish to inspire and encourage other people and give them hope to pursue their own dreams and aspirations. If I can do that with Runhundred and Hundert-Meilen-Herz, I'll be the happiest person in the world.

(My first book and my “second first” book)

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Everything Not Running

Now it's getting exciting: I'm giving away 5 Runhundred t-shirts (Sizes XS –XL). Free delivery and with love. Just because I can.

If you want one, you don't have to do much:

• Comment on the corresponding Instagram post at www.instagram.com/chrisxwillpower "Want Shirt"

• If you haven't already, subscribe to the Das Z Letter: dasz.substack.com/subscribe.

That's it. I will then randomly select 5 lucky winners and notify them via DM or email. Good Luck!

1. If you are new here, Runhundred is my debut book about my life-changing journey at the Western States Endurance Run.

2. Hundert-Meilen-Herz is the new German version of Runhundred. Out September 24th, 2024.