Once A Runner by John L. Parker Jr. is a fictional story about Quenton Cassidy. Cassidy (as he is referred to in the novel) is a college runner who is a miler. Cassidy has an unquenchable thirst for the competition of running. It starts with Cassidy returning after graduation to his old college’s track where he sees others working and is a little surprised since he came at such a late hour, but regardless he imagines how it used to be running there, the surging adrenaline as you’re standing on the line, the pounding of feet behind and in front of you, only thinking of staying ahead or catching up. The world slows down as you take everything in and in an instant the race is over. Cassidy, being a miler, focuses all his energy into that one 1600-meter race. And being on the track again brings back the memories of his college years.
Cassidy is out early in the morning for his first run of the day with his friend Jerry Mizner (also referred to by his last name) who is as equally serious about running as Cassidy. While they’re out they run by several of their teammates including a newly recruited runner (Jack Nubbins) who always takes the unspoken challenge of matching the pace of anyone who tries to pass him. With this knowledge in mind Cassidy and Mizner pick up their pace and indirectly force Nubbins to match their incredibly fast pace. After the workout ends Cassidy and Mizner joke with each other as Nubbins slowly hobbles off to go stretch. They both agree that breaking the new guy wont be easy but it will be completely worth it.
As the story progresses after several pranks are pulled on Nubbins and he is finally considered “part of the team” a new problem arises where a power-hungry football coach decides to issue a hair length rule, this bothers all athletes, Cassidy included. As an aspiring lawyer, Cassidy at the suggestion of many bothered students creates a petition asking to remove the hair length standard. A simple solution one would think. But the Dean and football coach take it to far and it ultimately results in Cassidy’s suspension from college sports.
In shock Cassidy’s first reaction is disbelief, but as he realizes nothing is going to change he is forced to make a decision on what he wants to do with his life. At the urging of his friend who suggests that Cassidy should take some time off school, and just run like he’s never run before and show them that they made the mistake of throwing him out. As Cassidy goes through the process he learns himself how cruel life can truly be and just like in running you have to push through.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, being a runner myself and having the unique experience of being able to relate to almost every part of this novel. Cassidy shows the dedication that I aspire to have and he has the ability I believe every runner wishes to have as well. I would recommend this book to not just runners but to anyone who likes a story with a clear idea that, sometimes you just have to keep going despite the circumstances.
I have never heard of this book, but it really strikes my interest. Reading your post got me really into the story line and I want to go buy the book right now! This sounds like such a great novel because as you said, I think I will be able to relate to it in many aspects. It is also nice that the overall message is a positive one, that you must keep going despite the circumstances. I am looking forward to reading this book, and relating to the characters, and also learning the message that the author has put out there for the reader!
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