The 8 Steps

The 8 Steps is the book in which Salvatore Paci tells the story of his journey into running: from his late start, weighing more than 85 kilos and struggling to complete just 5 kilometers, to his transformation into a runner, marathoner and FIDAL coach.

The title comes from a simple, real-life episode: after his first run, the real obstacle was not the distance he had covered, but the eight steps he had to climb to reach the elevator in his building. Those eight steps became the symbol of a personal, athletic and mental transformation.

The book is not just an autobiographical story. It is also a practical reflection on training, the most common mistakes made by amateur runners, race management and the importance of training with a method rather than blindly following random training plans or choosing paces without a clear reason.

Through personal experiences, races, marathons, masters podium finishes and years of working with other athletes, the author shows how running can become a powerful tool for profound change, but also how easy it is to take the wrong path when effort is confused with improvement.

Back cover

At the age of forty-nine, Salvatore Paci weighs more than 85 kilos. He runs just 5 kilometers for the first time and, when he returns home, faces an unexpected challenge: climbing the eight steps between the entrance of his building and the elevator.

Those eight steps become the symbol of a transformation that will change his life.

What begins as a simple attempt to lose weight develops into a journey that will lead him to become a runner, marathoner, FIDAL coach and winner of numerous podium finishes in the masters category.

In this book, the author tells his own story without hiding his mistakes, setbacks, doubts or wrong decisions. Above all, he explains what he has truly learned about running: how to train, how to improve, how to manage a race and why no runner should leave their preparation to chance.

The 8 Steps is a book for those who run, for those who would like to start, and for those who think it is too late to change.

Purchase link

The book is available on Amazon:

Buy The 8 Steps on Amazon