{10 questions} for Liz Robbins author of “A Race Like No Other”

Before you run the New York Marathon, read Liz Robbin’s A Race Like No Other– 26.2 Miles through the streets of New York.  Actually, I think the book should be tucked into every swag bag with the t-shirt and race number.  Runners could fight pre-race jitters in bed the night before engrossed in these captivating stories.  Moreover, they could throw it in with their water and power bars the next morning and pass the dreaded hours of waiting time at the start with Paula Radcliff and Hendrick Ramaala.  Runners would appreciate the many volunteers they were about to pass in a whole new light (who may actually hand them their water).  They would become familiar with the sacrifices of the bold-hearted elite racers like those they will follow through the streets of NY. And how could they not be motivated by reading about the many individuals who overcame heart-wrenching adversity to make it to the starting line?  I would have loved that before I ran in 2008. This book had me at mile one.

We, at a bold pace, have devoured Liz Robbins’ astute and edifying articles about running and other sports in the New York Times and Well Blog. In fact, Liz’s article The Best Marathon Advice You’ll Ever Get (a favorite) will be sent to new marathoner friends in perpetuity. Are you sensing how delighted we are that Liz Robbins’ has agreed to answer our a bold pace questionnaire?

10 Questions for Liz Robbins:

1. Running skirt: friend or foe?

Foe. When I run, I want to wear shorts. When I play tennis, I wear skirts. When I played lacrosse and field hockey, I wore tartan plaid polyester skirts. Enough said.

2. What is your idea of the perfect run (when, where)?

When I covered the N.B.A. for the New York Times, I had my favorite runs on the road.

Venice Beach (not all the way to Santa Monica Pier) – a nice 5-miler watching the ocean

Dallas – Katy Trail (I always seemed to do that run when it was 92 degrees)

Miami – South Beach boardwalk/trail

But, my favorite quick run is in my backyard. A few blocks to Central Park, one loop on the upper bridle path, one loop on the reservoir.

3.  What do you most value in a running friend (or do you prefer music/sweet solitude)?

Encouragement. I run faster with a friend.

4.  What is your present state of running mind? How are those knees…will you ever run the NY Marathon?

My present state of running mind is…incredibly frustrated. I haven’t had a run longer than 30 minutes for months, and I’m spending most of my time on the elliptical right now. My doctor wants me to have arthroscopic surgery. My doctor thinks it’s essential because cartilage is roaming free in my right knee. I knew the pain and the clicking noises were not good signs. Any advice?

5.  Who is your favorite runner to watch (or to cover) and why?

Hendrick Ramaala.

Because he is so genuine and so wise. When I did research for my book, I stayed with him and his family for five days in Johannesburg, and they couldn’t have been more hospitable. Hendrick, the 2004 NYC champion, has time for everyone, young runners, recreational runners, he loves to impart his wisdom. Plus, at age 38, he goes for broke and always thinks he can win. He is an inspiration!

A close second would be Paula Radcliffe. Even though it’s very difficult to watch her as she bobs her head and always looks in pain (since she is), a race is never boring when she is entered.

6.  We think runners are tough (especially women runners!). How do they compare to the basketball players or tennis players you have written about?

TOUGHER! No comparison. Nobody endures as many injuries as women marathoners, namely Deena Kastor and Paula Radcliffe.  And then there’s Grete Waitz.  She is battling cancer with grit and grace.

7.  In an interview you compared running a marathon to writing A Race like No Other. What did you learn about yourself when writing this book?

I learned I could push myself further than I ever thought. I wrote every day for four months straight, with the exception being New Year’s day of 2008. I had a deadline to meet. Since my chapters were each a mile on the course, I tracked my progress as if I were running. And, since all writing is rewriting, I crossed the finish line multiple times!

8.  Who are your favorite writers?

T.C. Boyle, Barbara Kingsolver, Joan Didion

9.  What are you reading these days?

The Women — T.C. Boyle

10.  What is your (life) mantra?

Keep pushing. You can always recover tomorrow.

Extra credit: What is your favorite sport to play? And why does ping-pong come up when your name is mentioned?

I love playing tennis and golf, but the latter is too frustrating for a former high school and collegiate athlete. Since I was a small girl, I have always loved to play ping-pong. The rhythm, the precision, the pace – what a rush!

About Liz (Bio edited from her blog):

“Liz Robbins has been a reporter for the New York Times for the last 10 Years, and a journalist for the last 18 years, since graduating from Cornell with a handy degree in European history. She has interviewed athletes such as LeBron James, Steve Nash, Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams, and Paula Radcliffe, and covered major sporting events from the NBA finals to the United States Open to the Olympics. And, of course, the New York City Marathon. Since receiving critical acclaim for her first book, “A Race Like No Other: 26.2 Miles Through the Streets of New York,” Liz has branched out of the sports department to cover breaking news for The New York Times on the web. She runs in Central Park as much as her tortured knees can endure, and plays virtually every sport, from tennis to golf to ping pong.”

Thank you Liz !!  We can’t wait to read your next book!

Liz has so generously offered to send a signed copy of her wonderful book to the lucky winner of the Facebook giveaway on the “a bold pace” fan page!  Become a fan, make a comment, bring a friend to enter!  (contest ends March 1st)

Tagged as: contest, Liz Robbins, Paula Radcliffe, Questionnaire