Jeff Hollobaugh using Kickstarter for book: ‘How to Race the Mile’

Michigan’s Jeff Hollobaugh, a track writer and statmeister friend of mine for two decades, is raising money in advance of his upcoming book “How to Race the Mile.” He says it will be out in April. He’s using Kickstarter to raise $3,000 for cover design and more photos. “This is an indie publishing project,” he writes, “so I need all the help I can get. We are 39 percent of the way there.” In exchange for donations, he’s offering signed copies of the book and (at some levels) your name in the acknowledgments. Check out his offers. Video below shows him on BBC talking elite track.

Here’s Jeff’s summary of the book:

“How to Race the Mile: Learning Effective Tactics from Great Runners and Races” is a labor of love that has been two years in the making. To me, the 1500m/mile is the most fascinating distance in track & field. That’s because it is where ultimate fitness has to mesh with savvy racing skills in order to create a champion.

While there are seemingly millions of books out there on training to be a better runner, this is the first that I know of that goes in depth on the strategy and tactics that go on after the starting gun goes off. In addition to the observations that I have made based on my 30+ years as a writer specializing in running, track & field, and the Olympics, I have also interviewed a wide range of America’s and the world’s best runners.

From Steve Scott, who has run more four-minute miles (136) than anyone else on earth, to high school phenomenon Grant Fisher, who is threatening to break the barrier for the first time… From Filbert Bayi, who shocked the world with his front-running 1500m world record back in 1974, to Jenny Simpson, the planet’s current No. 1 female miler… and many more, including Olympic champions and world record breakers.

In addition to words of wisdom from so many great runners, the book will also highlight over 60 key races in the history of the event that demonstrate the effectiveness of various tactics. In many cases, the runners themselves discuss what they might have done differently were they given a do-over.

This book will be the essential textbook for any competitive runner interested in running smarter in the big race. However, it will also be a blast for fans and armchair coaches alike, as it is filled with “war stories” from some of the best middle distance runners ever.