Always a Runner (Paperback)

Nobody runs farther and faster than Mike Beck. After all, he's had a lot of practice running from his own past of absentee parents and loneliness. In order to survive, Mike had to develop a fierce independence that left him with little more than disdain for adults who are supposed to guide and protect him. But though Mike's life is a hurricane of chaos, his best friend Jill is determined to be a calm eye at the center of his storm. With love and Christian compassion, Jill works to calm the tempest of Mike's emotions and thaw his icy facade.

With the help of Jill and Coach Tyler, Silverton High's track coach and the only adult who believes in Mike's abilities as a runner, Mike begins to turn things around.

But just as Mike is set to run the biggest, most important race of his life, Silverton High's top jock and resident bully steps in to trip him up. Can his best friend and his mentor help Mike outrun his troubled past and present? Or will a bright future outrace Mike once and for all?

Bruce Blizard is an award-winning educator, coach, and author whose life's work has been rooted in discipline, mentorship, and storytelling. He resides in southeastern Washington State, on a quiet stretch of land nestled between the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain, where he lives with his wife of 37 years, Tina, and their dogs, cats, and horses.Over a distinguished 21-year career in education, Bruce taught Advanced Placement courses in both literature and history within the Richland School District. Beyond the classroom, he dedicated himself to coaching track and field and cross country in Richland and Benton City, shaping young athletes with the same passion and commitment he brought to his teaching.His excellence in education earned him multiple honors, including the prestigious Crystal Apple Award, recognizing outstanding and innovative teachers in Washington State.Bruce began his writing journey with God's Instant, followed by Dark Canyons, marking the start of a body of work that reflects his depth of experience, faith, and perspective on life. As he relaunches and reintroduces his books to a wider audience, Bruce continues to share stories that inspire resilience, reflection, and purpose.