Running on Faith : The Principles, Passion, and Pursuit of a Winning Life(Hardback) - 2010 Edition

by Jason Lester

“Whatever burden you carry (and we all have one) this story will point you to strength beyond yourself. Read it twice!” —John Ortberg, author and pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church “ Running on Faith is a triumph! Jason Lester is proof that as one wise man said, ‘Triumph is when you try and add a little umph!’ Jason Lester shows us ALL that you can achieve whatever you put your mind body and soul into!”—Rev Run, author of Words of Daily Affirmations of Faith from Run’s House to Yours“Jason’s story is a must read! It is a true testimony of the human spirit and confirmation that we all have so much more in us than we may believe. The challenges he conquered will create a shift in your life”—Tyrese Gibson, singer and actor Jason Lester is a disabled ultra-endurance athlete and winner of ESPN’s 2009 ESPY Award for “Best Disabled Male Athlete.” He tells his remarkable story in Running on Faith, offering readers an inspirational guide to overcoming adversity, reaching your goals, and recognizing God’s guiding hand in your life.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Biography

Hardcover

First published August 24, 2010

Reviews

[Justinbbolles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but for me it lacked spiritual depth. Jason’s physical abilities and Christian worldview are amazing, but I could not really find any references to Scripture or what his spiritual transformation looked like beyond God helped me find purpose in endurance sports and that purpose helped me understand God’s love. I wish he would’ve explored more Biblically how he was transformed into the person he is today. However, there are some motivation takeaways. I liked his “Laboratory” concept and the realization that life is change and change should not be feared.

[Catherine Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good; pretty short read. I would have given it 5 stars based on content and inspiration and I totally understand everyone makes mistakes....however, I feel he used God guiding him to justify the split from his wife (and daughter) in his pursuit of triathlon. He didn't talk a whole lot about the situation, but from what he did communicate, he became so engrossed in Ironman distance (and Ultras) and being an inspiration to others that it led to a divorce and his wife moved to another island with his daughter. Now, I think he is an inspiration...he doesn't have use of his right arm (it's dead weight); he swims 6 miles with one arm....that's amazing to me. The bike brings more challenges having the use of only one arm. He is a great model for the fact that anyone can do anything they set their minds to as long as they listen to God's calling and rely on God. Despite what I may be calling his earlier mistakes, God can also make the best of a bad situation as long as it glorifies him and that may be more the point he was trying to communicate. And I may also be viewing his original action through a female perspective which inevitably changes the view....raising a kid on your own is hard enough...but I imagine it would be really frustrating if it was because the other parent was completely able bodied but just wanted to spend all their time swimming, biking, and running. And at one point in the book he describes a scenario where he is passing through the city they live in and on a wim has his support team call them to see if they can come out and watch and when they couldn't get a hold of them he was very disappointed that his daughter didn't get to see him race....I think with a little pre-planning it could have been arranged...but on a wim? How many things does his daughter wish he was there for? Like I said; the perspective of a woman. But overall I enjoyed the message of the book and will definitely carry it with me in my mind during training. A bonus; an Ironman training plan (complete!) at the back of the book. I bet when my friend gave it to me she didn't know that was there smile emoticon (And it will be used).

[Adam Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yesterday I told my daughter, who purchased it for me, that I was really enjoying it. Today I stopped reading it. Jason lost me when he said his calling from God was to be a triathlete. But at the cost of your marriage?! Please, someone spoil the book and tell me there was reconciliation between he and his wife!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found this book inspiring, I struggled with the amount of time his training takes and how it takes away from those most important to him. He is certainly committed to God and knows that he would not be where he is without his faith. As a Christian, I wonder how much our focus should be self focus vs other focused.

Overall, an easy read with helpful healthful take aways.

[Bill Pendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on take life and living it to the fullest! Dreaming is a gift, ad Jason Lester decided to make his dream come to true. His faith, his passion, and zeal for life is a great testimony for all of those who may be facing a hardship or trial! I would recommend this to anyone!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although not the most well-crafted memoir, Lester's wisdom and insight make this a book to own.

[Whitney Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed. I bought this book because he is the guy who created the big 5 ultra triathlon (not the actual name) and I was hoping he would at least tell the story of how he got the idea for it but he doesn't even mention it in the entire book. It's definitely inspiring tho and I like the way he doesn't make it seem like if you're not an athlete you're wasting your life.

[Amy Hearting]

I am always a fan of reading about peoples journey with running and was excited to find this book also linked to faith. The author Jason Lester, an ESPY Award Winner, is an ultra athlete specializing in Ironmans. He also lost an arm in a bike/car accident before he reached his teen years yet still completes at the top of his class in events of ironman distances including the swim and bike portion which he does all with one hand.

The book is primarly about how to have and hold a God centered mindset to achieve your goals. Sounds like a very Amy type book but I wasn't crazy about it. From an athletic side, it wasn't all that exciting and from a religion side, it was pretty bland.

[Vinod A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in dollar tree at Worthington Ohio. At first I thought how does a book costing a dollar going to help me. But I was wrong. This book helped me more than any other self development. His quotes on delayed gratification for winning, how being a vegetarian, vegan and a non drinker, non smoker can still make him a best athlete. I liked how his negative or positive situation moved his life. From the first word I started till the last word I was totally impressed.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this guys story! Anyone looking for a little inspiration...not just athletically, but in any area of your life should read this book!
I hope one day to have even just a percentage of this guys FAITH!

[Adam Heiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for getting the mental edge on endurance sports. Jason's ability to compete with a disability is really inspiring. Going through some serous ups & downs, he manages to put himself together with his Higher Power as the guide.

[Joe Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a good motivational read for someone who is down on their life situation. Lester gives you the confidence to make a change that will make you a happier person. he is an incredible athletic inspiration.

[Christine Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Give Up is Jason Lester's story. He has accomplished incredible feats of endurance even with a handicap. Even though I will never be running any race, Lester's faith journey still inspires me toward mental toughness in whatever I take on. All athletes should read this.

[McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Amazing what we can accomplish with the right mindset and with God on our side.

[Tara Mcfarlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring! It made me realize that I don't have it that bad. It inspired me to work harder for what I want.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. Incredible story and very inspiring.

[Santhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of a self -help book in context of endurance sports n with large dose of religion

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring and informative.

[Dee_Lyn]

Great book! Easy to read.

[Eric Reidsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through it - it kind of drags on.