Pre's most famous quote goes something like this: "I may not win the race, but whoever beats me is gonna bleed." And this: "I don't run a race to see who is faster; I run a race to see who has more guts." Pre did his best running at Hayward Field in Eugene -- now a legendary sports arena. We all must some day make the pilgrimage there for the annual Pre Classic 10K. The crowds at Hayward were exceptionally knowledgeable about good running, and they almost willed runners to exceptional performances with their cheering.
Pre ran the distance events (5k, 10k, ish) and his running style was different than most international runners. He wasn't satisfied with a tactical victory, especially if it came at a slow pace. Almost every race he entered garnered the victor a record of some sort -- usually a world record. He always pushed the pace.
What happened to PRE? Freak solo car accident in 1974, just as he was reaching his prime in international racing. The rock where this occured is now a shrine to Pre. People leave running shoes and medals there.
Anyhow. Get the book, and learn what it is to be truly great -- to give it all.