The Long Run

One Man's Attempt to Regain his Athletic Career-and His Life-by Running the New York City Marathon

By: Matthew Long, Charles Butler

Narrated by: Matthew Del Negro

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

On the morning of December 22, 2005, New York City firefighter Matt Long was cycling to work when he was struck by and sucked under a 20-ton bus making an illegal turn. The injuries he sustained pushed him within inches of death. Miraculously, after five months in the hospital and more than 40 operations, Matt was able to start his recovery.

In addition to his physical injuries, Matt found the psychological consequences of the accident nearly as hard to process. In the 18 months before the accident, he had competed in more than 20 premier athletic events and had qualified for running's most prestigious race, the Boston Marathon. After the accident, one doctor told him he'd be lucky if he could even walk without a cane.

The Long Run is the emotional and incredibly honest story of Matt's determination to fight through fear, despair, loneliness, and intense physical and psychological pain to regain the life he once had. It chronicles Matt's road to recovery as he teaches himself to walk again and, a mere three years later, to run in the 2008 New York City Marathon.

©2010 Matthew Long (P)2010 Random House Audio

Tough as nails

This guy is obviously as tough as they come, and this is an equally tough book. I listened to it within a 24hr period, partly because I didn't want to be in a black mood for any longer. I don't mind admitting I had tears in my eyes for portions, partly because of Longs struggle, and partly because of the support he received from his family and community. Powerful, upsetting, heart warming and intense, this is not a light book but it is very thought provoking and interesting.

Interesting insight into New York & very inspiring

Would you consider the audio edition of The Long Run to be better than the print version?

Loved the audio so much if it was in print I would have read the book through the night! Well put together and inspiring.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matt Long and all his family and buddies!

What about Matthew Del Negro’s performance did you like?

Rough sexy voice!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Long run

Any additional comments?

Lots of insights, importance of family and friends! Reminds me how much I love running! Most interesting part for me as a South African woman living in Maputo it was so interesting learning re NY! Only thing missing was - did he meet girl of his dreams yet?

Dont pass this one up!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes!
It is a great book that will help you reach your goals!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matt Long... Because it is about him.

Which character – as performed by Matthew Del Negro – was your favorite?

All of them... Matthew Del Negro is a great Narrator... It is hard to believe he is not the Author.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes... But I think listing to it in multiple sittings is actually a better experience... It lets the story sink in!

Any additional comments?

Dont pass this book up!

READ THIS BOOK AND NEVER USE EXCUSES

Would you consider the audio edition of The Long Run to be better than the print version?

YES

What did you like best about this story?

THE FAMILY SUPPORTED EACH OTHER.

Which scene was your favorite?

I CRIED WITH SADNESS AND JOY, DURING THE ENTIRE STORY.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

IT COULD BE WORSE

Any additional comments?

ANYONE WITH ANY PROBLEM, SHOULD READ THIS BOOK
AND REEVALUATE THEIR LIFE !

Intense and Inspiring

The Long Run is an amazing story about Matt Long's life -- his athleticism, his values, his courage, and his dogged determination to choose the life he wants to live. It is amazing what the human body and human spirit can overcome when one gives persistent effort and surrenders to the support of loved ones and a team of amazing therapists/coaches.

Beyond Inspirational

This story will make you laugh and cry, but most importantly it will inspire you and give you the perspective and push you need to accomplish whatever challenge you are facing.

Incredible

What made the experience of listening to The Long Run the most enjoyable?

The narration was good, the story incredible!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Long Run?

I like the fact that Mathew Long didn't cover the fact that at times he had a bad attitude about the situation he found himself in but he eventually found his way. We are not all positive thinkers all of the time as the experts like to tell us to be.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried at the marathon. What an achievement.

Not just a book about running.....

Where does The Long Run rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Easily, among the top 3.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Long Run?

There are so many to recall. Probably the final chapters where Matt Long describes his experience running the NY Marathon.

Which character – as performed by Matthew Del Negro – was your favorite?

Matthew Long

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely

Any additional comments?

Being a new runner, this book transformed my outlook toward running. Here I was with my niggling injuries and doubts, and then you had Matt Long, going through what he did, and not just recovering from his accident, but pushing through all obstacles and actually completing the NY marathon and the Ironman. Pure grit !!

This story is going to stay with me for the rest of my life!

Like so many other people, I too found myself struggling with the level of “arrogance” of this book ….

I use quotes because what is said is not arrogance but just visceral honesty!

I fully own that had I read this book it would likely have never been finished!

Primarily it was completed because the author was the one telling the story, his voice that embody this amazing machine that came back from a point in time that was so dire was what made me keep going and listening even though it took me a really long time to finish this book.

There were times where I turned off the Audible because I just couldn’t listen to another chapter at that time!

Everyone has a story, this story is pretty incredible and the real gift you gave yourself is to listen to the epilogue that’s the best part of this entire book in my opinion!

Just hang in there - maybe like myself you have never even completed a 5K let us alone a marathon or qualified for a marathon or even completed an Iron Man!!

The mere verbal articulation of such a feat is enough to send you like myself running to the nearest rock!

That said let me be the first to say my fat ass doesn’t run!

At the most minimal level no one who actually reads this book could ever not just feel overwhelmingly grateful to not have had to take this long run and have mad respect for an athlete who despite under comprehensible odds… Is an Iron Man!

Excellent Book, Great Story

This was a great listen. Narrator is good and the story is really good. I didnt' actually find it too inspiring as far as running goes but it was inspiring for getting through any tough and challenging situation in life.
Really good book.