Idle Feet Do the Devil’s Work


Idle Feet Do the Devil’s Work is an entertaining mix of facts, fiction, and opinions, all written with Ray’s unique blend of curmudgeonly candor and humor.

Ray takes a wide-ranging look at why so many people risk sore knees and smelly shoes in order to cross one more finish line, maybe, if they’re lucky, just a little faster than they ever have before.

Inside these pages, Ray covers a dizzying array of topics, including guiding a blind runner at the Boston Marathon in 2013 and the triumphant return to Hopkinton in 2014 after the bombing, a runner who sells his ‘sole’ to the devil, what your race trophies are talking about when you’re not listening, a marathon training secret you won’t get anywhere else, and much more.

See why Runner’s World called Ray a “New England running fixture” and why Mrs. Marble (Ray’s kindergarten teacher) said Ray “enjoys explaining his ideas at great length.”

Idle Feet Do the Devil's Work

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Idle Feet Do the Devil’s Work is ‘just another running book’ like the Boston Marathon is ‘just another road race’.”

Level Renner magazine

“Ray Charbonneau is the finest unknown running writer in America. Hopefully the unknown part won’t last long.”

Daniel Solomon

“The Charbonneau brings it, and over and over again at that. So we thank him for doing so, and we recognize that if he isn’t actually changing our life with his words, he is certainly making it better.”

Ben Tanzer, This Blog Will Change Your Life

“I would describe Idle Feet as a really enjoyable read and a nosey look into the mind-wanderings of another running-fan. I love Ray’s honesty and sense of humour throughout – makes it feel as if you’re having a conversation rather than reading a book.”

Ruth Denton, The Crazy Runner Girl