Sub 4:00
Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile, by Chris Lear. 2003. $22.95. 224 pages, hardcover. Rodale Press.

The title of this book might be misleading. It is not about Alan Webb's quest to become the first high school runner in more than three decades to crack four minutes in the mile. Nor is it about him shattering Jim Ryun's 36-year-old prep mark. In fact, the title and book don't have much in common. Sub 4:00 is a fascinating story nonetheless. Chris Lear shows the same story-telling talent he did in his debut effort, "Running with the Buffaloes." Tighter editing here helps his writing shine even more.

It is a familiar story. The celebrated Webb enrolled at the University of Michigan in fall 2001 to run under coach Ron Warhurst. The U-M mentor had guided Olympians Kevin Sullivan and Paul McMullen, as well as U.S. indoor 3,000-meter record-holder Tim Broe. Warhurst also attracted Canadian phenom Nick Brannen, who joined Webb as a freshman. Prospects of learning from Warhurst and training with this group were irresistible for Webb.

Lear grabs readers' attention early, with thumbnails of the book's major players -- Webb, Warhurst, Sullivan, McMullen and Brannen. Then, for more than 200 pages, he doesn't let go.

I give nothing away to reveal that Webb left Ann Arbor after this single year, returning home to Reston, Va., to turn professional and train with his former high school coach, Scott Raczko.

Sub 4:00 picks up after Webb claims the Big Ten cross-country title in November 2001. From then until the end, when Webb decides to leave, Lear describes the roller-coaster ride of successes and failures -- and emotions that come with each.

As the year and book progress, so do runners' frustrations. Nothing seems to go right for Webb after his cross title. He sustains an injury, recovers slowly and tries to retrain his way back to "championship" condition. He, like many runners, is impatient.

Webb starts to doubt himself and Warhurst's methods. Although the U-M coach had trained Sullivan (fifth in the 1500 meters at Sydney) and the others, Webb wonders if Warhurst's techniques are right for him. Lear, who spent much of this time in Ann Arbor with the team, writes about "straining the translucent filaments of trust that bind coaches and athletes the world over."

If it's no surprise when Webb signs with Nike and turns professional, Lear's treatment of it creates drama. After the young star blows up at the Mt. SAC 1500 in California, Warhurst claims, "He may have had thoughts that he was ready to go pro earlier, but now the kid knows better." Did he really? Throughout, Lear shows us that coach and runner weren't always on the same page or even in the same book.

A number of strong impressions are left. Webb's talent is matched by his work ethic. His efforts become the stuff of legend as he rips apart workouts that have pushed Warhurst's stars for decades. Instead of dreading the toughest workouts, Webb relishes them. We learn later Webb was also doing workouts he'd done with Raczko, figuring if they worked in high school to get him to 3:53.8 ... Often teammates watched his (and Brannen's when they ran together) efforts in awe.

Sub 4:00 (and Buffaloes before it) also bring to light the injury factor among top runners. Both Webb and Brannen suffer injuries, as do Sullivan and McMullen. The volume and intensity of training required for maximum performance must be balanced with risk of injury. This balance is delicate indeed.

Webb and Warhurst are center stage throughout, but for my money Brannen almost steals the show. Read and you'll see why.

Personally, I wonder if these student-athletes ever have classes. Doesn't that physics exam or history research paper interfere with practice? Do they like their courses? Do they participate in activities other, non-running students do?

One caveat: ss in Buffaloes, Lear directly quotes coaches and athletes, often resulting in objectionable language for younger readers.

On the whole, Sub 4:00 is terrific. Lear captures the drama of this unique year at U-M, skillfully portraying personalities amid the bigger picture of running at a big-time college. You'll enjoy this book.

Ron Marinucci can be reached by e-mail at RMarin6424@aol.com.

Meet Chris Lear; our interview is online at http://michiganrun ner.tv/2003chrislear/. MR