A Few More Laps: A Deep Dive Into The Sharp End of Running and Coaching
By David Chalfen
Foreword by Dave Bedford, former 10,000m World Record Holder
For many readers Highgate Harriers Senior Men’s Coach David Chalfen needs little by way of introduction. But, for those who require one, David has been with us as a coach for 3 years now, spearheading the training regime of our nationally successful men’s squad.
Pre-Highgate Harriers David was never far from North London distance running, and possesses a wealth of coaching experience from committed amateurs to internationals, individuals and clubs – notably a few of our local rivals.
It's fair to say that David is a distance running fanatic, aficionado and fine coach – who has also been a runner himself, as well as an administrator within the sport.
David has written a book (to be released October 2024) that is part memoirs, part musings and observations on how the sport has developed and where it is today, part anecdotes from his life as a runner coach and administrator, and part profiles of the people and community that make it what it is. For Highgate Harriers members, and competitive distance runners alike, it promises to be thought-provoking, insightful and humorous in equal measure.
Here's the synopsis:
As the world of running broadens its appeal, the author delves into his 45 years of experience in the sport, as athlete, coach and administrator, to examine the trends, people, and events that have shaped it. Using his own experiences as a starting point, he then widens the lens to pen detailed profiles of a range of high level runners he has coached and leading British coaches, giving an insightful flavour of the characters of these performers at national and international level. The author also digs into aspects of Kenyan and Spanish running cultures based on his networks and experiences of their approaches to the sport.
Through further interviews and research he provides lively and candid pictures of some greats of the sport such as Dave Bedford and former Commonwealth champion Jon Solly.
The author looks at the tides that shift the balance between the "sport" and "leisure " strands of distance running and brings out that whilst it is an endlessly exciting world to become enmeshed in, and serves as a gateway to the full range of athletics events, it is never entirely free from greed and corruption.
Published just after the 2024 Paris Olympics, it comes fully up to date with current insights into the top levels of distance running.
- ‘A fascinating, engaging and detailed account of a life lived through running - as an athlete, coach, mentor, fan and devoted follower. David’s experiences and knowledge of distance running are matched by very few others. If you want to get the measure of running - its ups and downs, its character, and some of its prominent personalities, this book is for you. Highly recommended.’
Mara Yamauchi, 2.23 Marathoner, 6th in 2008 Olympic Marathon and Commonwealth Games 10,000m medallist
- ‘As someone who has committed a great deal of time, energy, and dedication to our sport, particularly in the endurance events, we are sure that readers will find David’s personal accounts interesting and thought provoking. May it encourage those who read it to take their first steps into coaching and participation or to take up another role within our great diverse sport.
Chris Jones, CEO England Athletics
- ‘David has a huge passion and knowledge of endurance running. His dynamism and expertise come across brilliantly’
Dan Robinson, four times Olympic and World Championship marathoner and 2006 Commonwealth Games marathon medallist
David Chalfen has been involved in endurance running for over 45 years initially as a club and county athlete and for over 20 years as a senior coach. He has coached hundreds of runners from senior international through club and recreational levels (www.runcoach1to1.com) and worked for several years on the UK’s Elite Olympic funding for Sport England/UK Sport. His book Improve Your Marathon and half marathon running (Crowood Press) was on England Athletics’ recommended books for coaches and his work has appeared in The Guardian and Athletics Weekly. He was educated in North London and read English at the University of Oxford. He lives in Hertfordshire.
The book will be published at the start of October, for more info and to pre-order a signed copy visit:
https://runcoach1to1.com/product/a-few-more-laps/
