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Twice a Runner 
A Marathoner's Journey to a Finish Line of Personal Transformation
by Fred Torneden
TwiceaRunner_Book_Cover_Spine.jpg

Paperback

312 pages

6 x 9 inches

ISBN-13: 979-8-89138-941-0

$24.99

Signed Copies Available

All books ordered through this website are personally signed by Fred and Deb Torneden.

Order your copy today and share the journey.

Book Overview

Twice a Runner is the compelling life story of Fred Torneden, who grew up surrounded by the wide-open spaces of Kansas farmland and rose to become an American record holder and world-class marathoner. But this is more than a story of athletic excellence; it's an autobiography of personal transformation marked by grit, grace, divine interventions in near-death experiences, and life-changing spiritual encounters.

At Fred's side is his wife, Deb (Pihl) Torneden — widely regarded as the greatest female distance runner to ever come out of Kansas. Together, they have both won individual USATF Masters national championships and competed on world record age-group relays, making them currently the best over-sixty husband-and-wife running duo in the world.

Twice a Runner is a love letter — not only to the God who radically transformed Fred's life, but also to Deb, his partner in both faith and competition. Woven throughout is their shared passion for running, their unwavering belief in each other, and their devotion to living a life of fulfilled destiny. Their story is a testament to how love, hope, and perseverance can turn ordinary lives into extraordinary legacies — on and off the track and roads.

About the Author

Fred Torneden was a standout runner at small colleges in Kansas, but no one — including Fred himself — could have predicted what was to come. From humble homegrown beginnings, his 2:11:35 surprise victory at the Twin Cities Marathon and multiple national age group titles in world-class times propelled him to a level of prominence few achieve. Time and again, God placed him exactly where he was meant to be — on a path not just of athletic triumph, but of divine purpose.

What Readers Are Saying About Twice a Runner:

"Personal struggle, humor, and inspiration... It's Great!"

"So glad Fred went back to his childhood in small rural Kansas towns. I loved learning about his ancestry and his recollections of the questions every child asks and wonders about God."

"Bravo!!! It really is a very good read, even for those who are not runners."

"I enjoyed the way Fred's playful and joyous spirit persists throughout his story and learning his ongoing evolutions in faith, living, running, work, vocation, and relationships."

"Such a beautiful book: well done."

"Inspirational, fun, motivating and full of reminders that our lives have purpose."

"I can tell how heartfelt it was put together as a great book and love story."

"Incredible book!!! Fred and Deb have a tremendous testimony."

"From the start, Fred's book was a joy to read. He has a talent for words describing his family history in a way that is both interesting and a moving written tribute. Fred gives great insight into who he is while weaving reflections about God in a thoughtful way without being pithy."

"Killer writing. I looked forward to nighttime when I could curl up and read more."

"Fred's book is very good. All runners should read it."

"I appreciate Fred's self-reflection, growth, and transformation that he was willing to share and able to articulate at different eras of his life."

"What a beautiful love story. Fred and Deb's journey together with God is special. A world-class relationship rooted in faith."

"So good and well-written. I loved the personal testimony and what a great closing to the book."

"What an awesome read!!! Gonna read it again!!!"

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