RUNNING FREE

The life-to-date of Britain's favorite 800 and 1500 meter runner--and likely to leave American readers at a loss. Coe, now in his mid-twenties, centers his story on the drama of his preparation for--and performance in--the 1980 Moscow Olympics (again, missed by much of the American audience). Well-liked in England for his quiet, sportsmanlike demeanor and the style of his running, Coe was beaten in the 800-meter race at Moscow (considered his race) by his chief rival, fellowcountryman Steve Ovett; but even American readers may remember his elegant comeback and victory in the 1500 meters. He and collaborator Miller (a journalist who follows the Olympics in particular) take turns relating the events leading up to these races: how Coe and his father, who coaches him, get along; what his training schedule was; how he started running; what races along the way have been significant. We get only brief glimpses of the rest of the family (who sound, from their assorted pursuits, as if they might be interesting)--or, for that matter, of the other parts of Coe's life: he juggles running with economics studies (and has had to answer criticism that he trains too little). A shallow look, in toto, at someone who may really have something to say--and only for those who want to read running, running, running.