Book Description:

The Silence of Great Distance-Women Running Long (Windsprint Press ) is the story of the developing world of women’s athletics, focused on long-distance running. With significant chapters on Doris Brown Heritage, the women of the Soviet Union, and Mary Decker Slaney, the primary narrative is carried by Stephanie Herbst, a nine-time all-American who competed for the University of Wisconsin between 1984 and 1988.

“Around her in the tight cluster of runners, she could hear the footfalls and the breathing, mingled with calls from the sidelines and the stands. It was dark and the lights were on. The light was sharp enough to illuminate the scene yet it fell softly over the athletes, enshrouding them in whiteness sufficient to set them apart from those who merely watched. Stephanie ran smoothly, almost as softly as the light itself and as ephemeral. Most of the other runners who surrounded her were equally composed and quiet as they concentrated on the work and the passing laps. Only one drew attention to herself by a slight irregularity. It was her breathing pattern, which was odd. The breaths came shallow and quick, almost as if the woman was hyperventilating. With little effort at detection,  Stephanie discovered that the woman was Kathy Ormsby.”

Book reviews:

 One of the five best books on running published in 2001. Runner’s World, December 2001

“A stirring account of the development of women’s distance running.... compelling history.” Running Times, October 2001

"This important work is like no other track and field book you’ve read....essential reading for anyone interested in women’s distance running....The Silence of Great Distance reads like a novel, one you’ll have a hard time putting down.”  Track and Field News

“Frank Murphy first gave us A Cold Clear Day, the story of U.S. marathoner Buddy Edelen. With that work and his next project, the Kansas City writer has developed an engagingly evocative and inspirational style. One might liken much of it to magical realism, the sort of dream-like imagery derived from Gabriel Marquez Garcia or Laura Esquivel. Murphy’s latest effort, The Silence of Great Distance is a gem....

Murphy has selected former NCAA 10,000 meter record-holder Stephanie Herbst, breathing life into the story through the ongoing individual challenges and struggles of several women, one of whom is Kathy Ormsby.  

Murphy’s unveilings create a remarkable historical document, yet the work remains compelling....Murphy’s writing is superbly crafted. The Silence of Great Distance not only will remain historically important, but may find a growing cult following as a literary piece of writing.” Running Stats

Frank Murphy has done it again. He has reached back into the distant memories of some runners, beyond the recall of others, to write compellingly about a seemingly obscure subject.  Through [the career of Stephanie Herbst] the author tells how the sport for young women came of age, and the growing pains it went through.” Running Commentary