June 14th | DEBS’ Book Club
June 14 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
"46 Days: A Story of Frank Giannino's Record-Breaking Run Across America" by Kevin Gleason
The Debs are very excited to host a hybrid (in-person & zoom) book club session with Frank Giannino who ran across America TWICE in 1979 and 1980!
"Frank Giannino wasn’t the best runner in high school, not even close. He was too anxious, too uncertain, choking in nearly every big track meet. He sought attention as a chatterbox and showman, waving snakes at his oldest sister’s friends while victimized by self-doubt that started in childhood and formed thick layers through adolescence and into adulthood. He had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. Frank only knew with certainty that he could run. He could run miles and miles without tiring or suffering. In town for the 1978 Boston Marathon, a book jumped off the shelf at him. My Run Across the United States chronicled Don Shepherd’s story of running from Los Angeles to New York in 1964. Suddenly, Frank had a goal. But running across America wasn’t enough for him. He needed to squash his battle with insecurity. He needed to break the world record for fastest transcontinental crossing on foot. When Frank failed to break the record on his first try, he set out for his second crossing sixteen months later. It was an ordeal that would last 46 Days and remain a dominant factor for three ensuing decades that were laced with pain while he chased a greater goal: Happiness."
Frank is a friend of Deb Saat's and while attending the University of Oregon back in the '70's, he was instrumental in her decision to run her first marathon in 1981. We are very excited to have him speak about his wild adventures running across the U.S. We hope you can join us either in person at Fred's Restaurant or via zoom. When registering, please note how you plan on participating.
What: DEBS' Book Club
When: 6:30 pm Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
Where: Fred's
476 Amsterdam Ave (83rd St), New York, NY 10024
Joining via ZOOM will be another option. LINK will be posted and sent at a later date.
Hosts: Debi Unger & Deb Saat
Open to Members and Non-Members
You can order the book in paperback (New or Used) HERE
View Attendees HERE
