Charlie Spedding book

[John G]

I can't recommend Spedding's autobiography highly enough ('From First to Last"). Great stories about both the UK and US running scenes in the 80s; fantastic race descriptions (he takes you inside his head during the 84 OG Mar); the best demonstration I've read of the importance of good mental preparation; self deprecating humour; unorthodox views on altitude training and a story about how the 11 year old Tony Blair cheated at soccer ............

[2 cents]

There were quite a few runners I would have expected to medal in the 1984 Olympic Marathon before Charlie Spedding. People like de Castella, Seko, Ikangaa, Dixon, Salazar, etc. I believe Spedding is still the second fastest marathoner representing Great Britain behind Steve Jones. I remember being quite surprised at John Treacy's silver medal, also, although he was quite an accomplished runner...