CHAPTER 1GETTING TO THE FRONT OF THE PACK

Copyright © 2009 by Steven J. Spear. Click here for terms of use.

Each year, my wife, Miriam, our kids, Hannah, Eve, and Jesse, and I watch the Boston Marathon, which passes near our home. After the cacophony of the police escort and the press teams roaring past, there is a surreal calm as the first one or two runners fly by. Nearly two hours into the race, with just three miles to go, their form is flawless, their breathing easy, their faces calm. Then the clamor resumes.

A few dozen yards behind the leaders is a tight knot of athletes, all world-class but not looking as good. Their rhythm is a little off; their expressions are slightly pained. They are jostling and elbowing each other, but for all the ...

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