From St. Jude to Steamboat Classic, it seems Central Illinois is no stranger to runners.

One local college student is taking a 'by the book' approach to his love of running.

At first glance, it's the average college kid at an average summer job.

"Do you like how they fit? Excellent," said Matt Peharda.

But the past six months have 20–year–old Matt Peharda proving to be anything but average.
And his job at Peoria's Running Central proving to be inspiration.

"Got enough room in the toe there?"

That's because the former Richwoods High School star runner just published his first book. It's called "Running with a Vengeance," but Peharda says not to let the title fool you, it deals with much more than just jogging.

"I threw in a little bit of stuff other than running, so kind of hardships in life and how to get through it," said Peharda.

Now a junior at Monmouth College, Peharda still helps out with the Richwoods team. He says when a friend suggested putting his motivational messages on paper, he laughed it off... at first.

"And then finals came and having trouble studying for finals, and I started writing the book one night and wrote until three or four in the morning," said Peharda.

In all Peharda says the writing process took just under three months.
He adds seeing the finished product, is more than humbling.

"A lot of the experiences I put in there are things I wish I would've known when I was in high school," said Peharda.

Not bad for the average college kid. Just goes to show, you can't judge a book by its cover.

"There you are. Have a good one."

"Running With a Vengeance" will hit store shelves August 30th.
If you can't wait until then, Matt Peharda will be signing copies Saturday at Running Central from 9 to 5.