Running with Raven, by Laura Lee Huttenbach

Every evening for the past 40 years, Robert Kraft, a.k.a. Raven, has run 8 miles on the beach.  That's right, every evening.  Raven never takes a break from running.  He's as reliable a fixture on Miami Beach as any other local institution.  Over the course of that time, he has built a community and has been an inspiration to many, runners and nonrunners alike.  Laura Lee Huttenbach got to run with Raven and shares his story in Running with Raven: The Amazing Story of One Man, His Passion, and the Community He Inspired.

As much as I admire Raven's streak, I know I couldn't do it.  I mean, no one with a family could match it.  At some point there would be a conflict with a vacation, children's events, work, or something.  But Raven is out there every evening.  Over the years, he built a following, so locals and runners from all over the world come and join him.  And while running 8 miles is no small task for a non-runner or a new runner, it's not his swiftness or form that people come to see.  It's this man who welcomes everyone, regardless of social class or appearance.  It's Raven's remarkable memory; run with him once, and next time you show up he'll remember your name (or nickname--he's known to give nicknames to everyone who runs with him) and details like your hometown, job, etc.  It's also the running community; the people who run with Raven are, like him, welcoming and open, and form a community that extends well beyond the 8 miles.

Huttenbach tells Raven's story, but in telling, tells the story of the many people who have run with him.  She tells the story of the beach community where Raven lives.  She tells the story of Miami Beach, which has changed extensively over the last 40 years, while Raven has continued his unchanging run.

We can learn a lot from Raven.  His running reflects only a part of who he is, but it defines his qualities of faithfulness and determination, welcoming and encouraging, humor and life-loving.  As Huttenbach points out, Raven is far from perfect.  But I know I'd love to run with him!  Next time I'm in Miami Beach, I'm heading to the 5th Street lifeguard stand at 5:30.  See you there!



Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!