Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High

by Mark Matthews

Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High is a collection of diatribes, training tips, and off-color wisdom, all processing the running life and how to get the biggest (legal) highs from your life and your runs. The author taps into his personal experience with running and addiction to look at questions such as why recovering addicts turn to running and the nature of positive addictions.

There is something here for every runner: tips on running that Boston Qualifier, pacing, tapering, training philosophy, plus some running flash fiction sure to make you smile.

The author is a 13-time marathoner, a Boston qualifier, a recovering addict of 21 years, and a substance-abuse counselor in Detroit.

Genres: Sports

154 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2013

About the author

Mark Matthews is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a licensed professional counselor who has worked in behavioral health for over 20 years. He is the author of On the Lips of Children, All Smoke Rises, Milk-Blood, and The Hobgoblin of Little Minds. He is also the editor of a trio of 'addiction horror' anthologies including Orphans of Bliss, Lullabies for Suffering and Garden of Fiends. In 2021, he was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. His next novel, To Those Willing to Drown, is expected in May, 2025, followed by the novella, Kali's Web, in August, 2025.

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book read more like a memoir to me. It could also be a motivational book for some. He gives lots of advice on running and stories about his running experience, what's worked for him and what's not. This is advice coming from a normal guy who has tried lots of things and found what works for him and it may or may not work for you. This book is a lot like reading a journal from a runner.

He also compares different addictions and the types of addictions. He used to be an alcoholic so there are some times that he compares that addiction to the addiction of running. I did love some of the comparisons and the final section about good addictions.

The narrator did a good job as well. He would raise his voice and whisper when it called for it and it almost felt like the author was reading the book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, fast read, full of fun running info that depicts how quirky we runners can be. I appreciate the look in to the author's addiction past and his comparison to running.

[Kaisersoze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing The Dragon is comprised of what feels like a series of short articles or blog entries by a self-described running addict who used to be addicted to alcohol, and his musings on all things related to running, including the similarities between running and more traditional addictions. That said, this short book is aimed squarely at runners. As one of those myself who deals with his fair share of addiction in his day job, I found this to be a solid way to while away an hour or two. Most of the advice Matthews has to give is provided in other more scientific, research based tomes like Tim Noakes' Lore of Running, but his personable and self-effacing style makes for an enjoyable enough read.

3 Black Toe Nails for Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High.

[Jonathan Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest take on Running and Addiction

I enjoyed this short read more than I thought I would.
Matthews is a talented writer who comes across on the page very conversationally.
If you're a runner or are interested in running, give it a read.
Or if you're an addict, recovering addict, or know someone who has had an addiction, I would also recommend this for you as well :)

[Ky Matthes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, enjoyable read. If you are a runner at all I would say this is a must read. His advice for newbie marathon runners is spot on. (The advice works for halfers too!) I highlighted many sentences that were hilarious and perfectly said.

[Andreas Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with Mark Matthews while reading his book Chasing the Dragon. There were times that I completely understood what he was saying and also completely identified myself with his psyche. I may not be an alcoholic, but I did have my addictions, junk food, smoking and others as I describe in my first book [[ASIN:B0182CBKYW Thirsty For Health.]] This book shows step by step that if you want to change your life, then you will find the way. You will find the emotional, psychological and mental strength to achieve your goal like Mark Mathews did. It’s an inspiring story. I may disagree on the nutritional profile of the writer but other than that a very enjoyable book, not a dull moment in it. Highly recommended!

[Mark Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out the review from "The Runiverse" http://theruniverse.com/2013/10/chasi...

[Ahmad Moshrif · Rating 2 out of 5]

below average, its largely about Marathons.

[Christopher Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less than stellar book about running and addiction.

[Karly · Rating 1 out of 5]

More a compilation of blog posts than a book. Needed more editing, as the spelling and grammar errors were definitely distracting.