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Acknowledge Fear And Indecision
How to Run a Marathon in 13 Years details the variety of obstacles you faced while fighting to regain the ability to run a marathon again. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At first, I thought it would be a fun book about running. But as I went back over the years, I saw my life had been collapsing financially, physically, emotionally; pretty much in all areas.
Running became the scaffolding upon which I hung my reactions to the challenges that arose. Hopefully, readers will glean a few good lessons.
I appreciated how candid you were in your book. What was the hardest moment in your life to write about?
The deaths of family and friends. Recalling their passing triggered varied memories and emotions, often reminding me of times when I was petty or mean.
I can’t repair the past, only strive to be less self-centered in future.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is struggling to find motivation?
Acknowledge fear and indecision, then think of one tiny action you might do right that moment that will guide you toward your goal. Small things, little deeds got me in motion.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
We never lose the choice of how to respond to the cruelty of time and the unfairness of life. And maybe a couple of laughs.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
— Coach Kate Martini Freeman, ultramarathoner, Ironman finisher, co-founder of Coyote Runners Training Group
Injured while training for a marathon, distance runner JP Mac learns his knee is wrecked. He’s finished for good. Or is he? Discovering a revolutionary new method of running, Mac attempts to reinvent his form. But over time, fate unleashes a series of cruel challenges.
Knee surgery is followed by shoulder surgery. Mac is diagnosed with cancer. A new form of cancer strikes next. Massive weight gain balloons him above 270 pounds. Mac plunges into a Marianas Trench of depression. He battles self-destructive urges. But the hope of running another marathon will not fade nor “go gentle into that good night.”
Part training log, part diary, this award-winning, non-fiction memoir relates Mac’s incredible journey from washed-up marathoner to reborn runner. If you’ve ever been injured in a sport, this astonishing story is for you. If you’ve ever watched a dream slip away, this breath-taking tale is for you. Learn the amazing power of perseverance and mental toughness. Buy this book and discover the wonders that await when you allow your reach to exceed your grasp.
How to Run a Marathon in 13 Years
How to Run a Marathon in 13 Years is a captivating memoir detailing the author’s incredible odyssey towards running a marathon after battling a series of injuries, medical issues and a mental health crisis. The journey is long and full of obstacles, but JP Mac shows readers that perseverance and determination are all it takes to overcome the variety of challenges that life throws at us.
JP Mac was a middle-aged man who loved running marathons. While training for his biggest marathon he noticed an odd, sharp pain in his left knee, a condition he named SPITLK (pronounced spit-lick). The knee pain didn’t leave on its own like he thought it would, instead he was forced to go from doctor to doctor, from appointment to appointment, and his health was only getting worse. As time progressed he had knee surgery, and shoulder surgery, and with that gained a lot of weight. Add to it he was then diagnosed with cancer and it’s no wonder that all this took a toll on his mental health. However, after a lot of uphill battles, years later he managed to get back to his marathons and was better than he ever was.
This is an inspirational story with a style and tone that make the book feel like a diary. This gives this extraordinary story a personal feel, which helps connect readers to JP and ensures we feel all the heartache and triumphs along the way. We learn that the author is tough and tenacious. To have gone through what he’s gone through takes so much on its own, and he still had the willpower to continue with running. This inspiring read is perfect for readers who are going through a tough time as the author shares his personal experiences while keeping a great sense of humor.
At the beginning of every chapter the author provides the year and the best picture (movie), Super Bowl champ, top song, U.S. President and the top web browser, which I found to be interesting and added a cultural point-in-time feel to the story. This was also interesting for me because I could look back at my life and remember what I was doing at that time and compare it to what the author was going through. I found it humorous that the author compared running to that of an ex girlfriend and it shows just how enticing running is to the author.
How to Run a Marathon in 13 Years is an emotional, fun, and inspiring memoir that serves as a beacon of hope to anyone that thinks they can’t pull themselves out of the rut they find themselves in. Mac’s story touched me deeply and made me think about my own life. I recommend this uplifting memoir to anyone who needs to find the motivation, willpower, and strength to push forward regardless of the goal you are trying to reach, or to readers looking for a riveting memoir about an intriguing person that faced some tough obstacles.
Pages: 174 | ASIN: B0B6MP879R
LITERARY TITAN 