14 Minutes

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14 Minutes is the memoir of Alberto Salazar, the most accomplished and controversial marathoner in history, framed around the 14 minutes he was clinically dead after a heart attack in 2007. The narrative explores his tumultuous relationship with his father, Jose Salazar, a supporter of Fidel Castro during the Cuban revolution. It chronicles Alberto's boyhood in New England, his rise at the University of Oregon, and his dramatic victories in the New York City and Boston Marathons, alongside his struggles with injuries and depression. His resurgence comes through intense spiritual experiences and discipline, aided by his partnership with Phil Knight and Nike. The memoir examines cardiovascular disease and modern medical advancements, delving into the emerging field of near-death experiences that intertwines science and spirituality. Salazar's journey from a shy Cuban-American kid to a legendary distance runner unfolds against the backdrop of the late 1970s, a transformative era for American running culture. The narrative details his signature races, including his wins at the NYC Marathons and his self-destructive victory at the 1982 Boston Marathon, while transporting readers to diverse locations, from Cuba to the Balkans. Ultimately, surviving those 14 minutes taught him invaluable lessons about life, which he is eager to share.