The I in Running is Orinthal Striggles's recounting of his running life and the effect it has had on his development as a person, as a family man, as a professional, and as a student of human nature. Though stymied by outside influences on his participation in organized athletics, he began running as early as age 6. That personally disciplined lifestyle has carried him through the ups and downs of early disappointments and on to success in running, in family relationships, in his counseling career, in his online coaching, and in other personal relationships. He has not spared himself in sharing the story of what he terms his "short" life. It actually appears that he means the book as a manual for the young runner who needs encouragement to make the lifetime commitment required for success.