Kenny Moore

Last night, DH and I went out for a nice dinner followed by an address/talk with Kenny Moore, the culminating event for a month long celebration of his recent book, Bowerman and the Men of Oregon.


The talk was the culminating event of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation's "Novel Idea...Read Together" program. The book describes the life of Bill Bowerman, the University of Oregon’s legendary coach and co-founder of Nike. Author Kenny Moore, a former senior writer for Sports Illustrated and a world-class runner under Bowerman's tutelage, delivers a fully realized portrait of this complicated man. The book celebrates the spirit of Oregon through the life of one man who represented all of the characteristics of the earliest Pioneers blended with sheer genius, humor, and grit.

This was the fourth annual program and I've participated in all but the first. However, this marks the first time I have been able to hear the author talk. After last night - I don't want to miss another one in the future. It was so interesting to hear the author read from his book ... to hear his voice, how he emphasized certain words or phrases. I enjoyed the book immensely ... not just because I am a runner, but because it was very well writtten, very descriptive and engaging. Hearing Moore speak in person brought it to life.

After the formal program, I got a chance to speak with him person to person as he signed my copy of his book. I mentioned that I too was a runner and had ran my first marathon in October. I asked what he considered to be his most memorable marathon, his first or the one in which he performed the best (be it best place or time). He said that he'll certainly remember the first, but for entirely different reasons (as a big smile spread across his face)... both will be remembered.

It was very cool to hear a runner of his caliber talk about running. I could hear the passion for his sport in his voice. I'm so glad that I was able to go. Even more pleased that my husband was there to share in the experience. Maybe he'll understand a little more. :)