American Miler: The Life and Times of Glenn Cunningham.

This book is a tremendously thrilling adventure with each page unveiling the passion that author Paul Kiell, MD, had for sharing the story of Glenn Cunningham. He spent many years collecting data and researching Cunningham's life.

The journey of Cunningham's life began with a fire in a small school house that killed his brother and scarred his body for life, almost robbing him of his ability to walk. But instead of despairing over his losses, he overcame adversity and went on to become one of the most prolific world class milers in the first half of the 1900's--during a time when America needed a true hero of the people.

Cunningham's accomplishments in running ignited a spark deep within his heart that burned bright for all to see. His strengths and convictions later helped him become a professor at several colleges and establish a successful orphanage in his own home.

Cunningham was a great competitor in the mile and 2-mile events; he had the uncanny ability to reach deep inside his soul and shift into some "mystic passing gear" to pass leading competitors just in time to often win the race himself. Regardless of whether he won or not, as Kiell described, Cunningham always enjoyed the camaraderie shared with his competitors. In fact, he formed bonds with many of his fellow opponents that would last a life time.

This wonderful miler had his own self-researched technique. Cunningham considered each race a creation, a "blend of timing, control, sense of pace, razor sharp attention, and knowledge of his competition." It was an art form to him, something to be composed as he ran each race, knowing exactly when to start his finishing kick. This controlled discipline transcended the track and also helped him reach goals in his life.

Following his competitive years and graduation from Kansas University, Cunningham taught at several colleges; however, it was following some discontent with teaching that he found his real calling. He and his wife Ruth opened their home to disadvantaged and neglected children. Through their orphanage, Cunningham influenced many youth, using his own past as a catalyst to turn lives around and help each child find a reason for their existence. With all the medals and awards Cunningham received over the years, his most prized possessions were letters written to him from his "children." Simply stated, they showed how he had molded someone into a positive, loving person.

Cunningham also became a very popular lecturer throughout the United States, typically requesting little more than minimum expenses. As Kiell stated throughout the book, Cunningham made a positive difference in many lives.

In one of the later chapters, Cunningham's former coach Brutus Hamilton aptly stated, "... those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest men." That summed up Glenn Cunningham. Early in life, he realized what worked well for him and spent the rest of his life dispersing that knowledge to all who would listen. To achieve positive goals, he was strict on himself and strict on most people around him.

Through his beliefs and actions, Cunningham demonstrated how someone, no matter what the odds, can find success in their lives by simply managing the cards they are dealt. He maintained a positive attitude with everything he did and showed self-discipline that projected strength. In Cunningham's words, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

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In my opinion, this book should sit next to Norman Vincent Peale's Power of Positive Thinking. It shared a story of the type of man we need to hear from more in today's society. If you need a positive role model--regardless of whether or not you're an athlete--look no further. Dr. Kiell is extremely lucky to have known one of our true American heroes.

Copies of American Miler signed by the author are available from AMAA for $15, plus $6 shipping and handling. To place your order, go to www.americanrunning.org and click on "American Running Bookstore" or call 800-776-2732, ext. 13. Proceeds from the sale of this book will support AMAA's programs.

Tom Woltz has been working in various capacities in the fitness and healthcare industry for 22 years. He has been a clinical board advisor to the American Running Association since 1992 and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

By Thomas C. Woltz, Sr., MA