Michael (Mike) Stocks, Runner, Writer, Speaker

One Track Mind

'A wonderful read...I highly recommend it' - Adharanand Finn, author of The Rise of the Ultra Runners

'A great insight...the mental and physical battle to get through is incredible' - Andrew Butchart, British Olympian

When Michael Stocks stands at the starting line of a 24-hour race on an athletics track in South London, it is noon and rain is beginning to fall. His aim is to run more than 150 miles by noon the following day, in order to fulfil his dream of being selected to run for Great Britain. He is 49 years old, and it will require the performance of a lifetime. One Track Mind tells the story of these 24 life-changing hours. It reveals the mental tools that make it possible to run six marathons in a single day, and how they can be applied to other parts of life. And it shares the realisations about life that remain long after the race has ended. A love letter to a race, to a community at the frontier of sport and to life itself, One Track Mind is an inspirational examination of the fascinating world of extreme endurance.

PURCHASE

Reviews

This is an inspiring and compelling book (about running, learning and life), in which the author tells the story of his 2018 24-hour track race, when he ran more than 249 km (155 miles) in atrocious weather conditions in South London to qualify to run for Great Britain in the World Championships. I highly recommend it for all runners, and for the general reader too.
★★★★★
★★★★★

Neville

Amazon

This is a great book whether you're a runner or not. The writer uses his personal experiences to touch upon some universal truths about our everyday life, important decision making process and the mind/body relations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book - I couldn't put it down! and have now bought a couple more copies for some of my sporting friends!
★★★★★
★★★★★

Elise

Amazon

Take Primo Levi's "The Periodic Table" and put it on a running track for 24 hours. Michael Stocks takes us on a beautifully-crafted, page-turning journey through thoughts on life, love, pain, striving and achievement. A great read for anyone who's ever felt the highs and lows of human emotions (ie all of us).
★★★★★
★★★★★

Stuart

Amazon

This is a wonderful book. It gives a rare insight into the mind of a top athlete striving for something most people would deem impossible. Interlacing his experience of the incredible feat of running an incredible 249 kilometres in 24 hours (just short of his 50th birthday) with the life events that led to this moment, Michael Stocks succeeds in immersing the reader in his journey in a way that engages, informs and inspires. A great read.
★★★★★
★★★★★

AB Lincolnshire

Amazon

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