Running Toward Life: Finding Community and Wisdom in the Distances We Run

“ An insightful tour of an intense athletic world unknown to most.” — Kirkus Reviews

Looking at life through the lens of this unique sporting community, journalist and veteran marathon runner John Trent draws a direct line between the mentors, companions, and challenges from the trail and the paths we all face in Running Toward Life.

When covering the 100-Mile Western States Endurance Run as a pace runner, John found himself running 38 miles after joining his friend Joe Baninburg at the 62-mile mark. That day would see temperatures soar to 104 degrees– still the hottest day ever recorded at the Western States Endurance Run– but it would also ignite his love for the ultra running sport and the life-affirming code of compassionate care these competitors live by.

The mindset that helps ultra runners commit to such an arduous journey is one that John found can also help anyone overcoming challenges in life off the trail, too. Over the years, John would document the stories, hard-earned lessons, and the shared experiences within the community he became part of while on the trail.

John Trent is past president of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Board of Trustees and a 10-time WS 100 finisher. He has been involved in ultra running as a journalist, organizer, volunteer, and competitor since 1987. A former two-time Nevada Sportswriter of the Year, he lives in Reno, Nev., where he is race director of the Silver State 50/50 and runs trails with his family of ultrarunners, wife Jill, and daughters Annie and Katie. A practicing journalist since 1987, John’ s work has been honored on numerous occasions, including by the Nevada State Press Association, Gannett Corporation and the Associated Press Sports Editors. From 2004-2006, John served as lead speechwriter and deputy press secretary for Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn. He is currently the Senior Editor for News & Features at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is author of the book Legacy: 100 Years of Athletics at the University of Nevada.