Do Life: The Creator of #My 120-Pound Journey# Shows How to Run Better, Go Farther, and Find Happiness

by Ben Davis, Kara Goucher (Foreword)

At the age of 22, Ben Davis weighed over 360 pounds. Depressed, addicted to food, and morbidly obese, he thought he’d lost all hope. But after a Christmas Eve conversation with his grandmother, Ben promised himself that he would finally take control of his life.

Ben decided to “do life,” and so can you.

He started running—slowly at first, but as the pounds came off and his outlook on life started to change, he went faster and further. At first, he couldn’t run a mile, but before long he was running five, ten, and then twenty miles at a time. His father and brother joined him, and as a team they ran a marathon and went on to complete one of the hardest physical competitions in the world, the Ironman.

Throughout his journey, Ben captured his transformation in a series of YouTube videos, inspiring countless others around the world to “do life” along with him. In Do Life, Ben shares more of his personal story--from his lifelong struggles with food and obesity to each goal that he set for himself along his journey, including the pitfalls, setbacks, and hard won victories.

But in Do Life, Ben does more than tell his story. He illustrates how you can use his techniques to start living your own life to the fullest, whether that means making a complete transformation, losing weight, or simply running further. Running taught Ben how to “do life” and here he teaches you what he’s learned along the way—how to set aside crippling fear and self-doubt, finally find your smile, and ultimately share it with those around you. By sharing his discovery of what was holding him back and how he was able to push forward, Ben will teach you how to break free from any obstacle and live the life you’ve always wanted.

Do Life isn’t just about diet or exercise, depression, or addiction—it’s about stepping out of your ordinary life and becoming who you want to be. It’s the story of one man who decided to live life his way. And it could be your story, too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Audiobook, Memoir, Self Help, Biography Memoir, Sports

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

At the age of 22, Ben Davis weighed over 360 pounds. Depressed, addicted to food, and morbidly obese, he thought he’d lost all hope.

Reviews

[Catherine Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 stars, Kindle)

I hate to give a book 2/5 stars because it looks awful, but going off the principle that 3=I liked it, 4=I really liked it and 5=this has become one of my favorite books ever, then that's what I have to do here, because for me this book was just okay.

I first came across Ben Davis a couple of Christmases ago when somehow mention of his "120 Pound Journey" YouTube video popped into my Twitter stream, and I watched it with tears welling up in my eyes. I face my own weight struggle and so I could relate, and Ben's story was really inspiring, as was his blog. Since I heard he had a book coming out, I was really looking forward to finding out more about his journey.

And that's where this book let me down, because it wasn't "more" -- it was actually less. It wasn't an in-depth look at Ben's personal journey, because it was busy being a manual for those who wish to start running. And it wasn't an in-depth running manual, because it was also busy being the story of Ben's journey. Sometimes it was neither of those things, because it had strayed into self-help platitudes. So in the end it felt like it was trying to be so many things that it succeeded at being none of them.

I wanted to know, for example, why he made the video in the first place, and how he felt as the view count crept up into the millions and he ended up talking about it on TV. But starting the "Do Life" movement took up a few meagre paragraphs, and there was no significant mention of the video at all, despite it being referenced in the book's title. Why not? I'm genuinely perplexed, especially since the contrast between hiding at home playing video games and inspiring millions of people all over the world is what the book is about.

When it comes to weight loss, getting healthy, etc. do you want to read about how someone else did it, or a list of calorie values? Personal stories are always better. And Ben has one of the best ones of all. So why not just tell it?

For me, it boils down to this: if someone came to me and said, "Hey, I heard about this guy Ben who lost loads of weight and went from couch potato to Ironman, and I think his story might inspire me. Where can I go to find out more?" I'd direct them to his blog, not this book.

[Sarah Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is both interested in running (but hasn't found the nerve to do so) and is familiar with Ben's story, I loved this book. I appreciate the plans and tips that are sprinkled throughout his story. To be honest, hearing that 'this is what has worked for me' feels a lot more do-able coming from him.

Unlike most fitness books I've read, Ben isn't a fitness pro, he's a guy who really, truly, gets it. Someone else in tbe world who hides behind couch pillows? If he can turn it around, so can I.

[Sherman Criner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs to find the correct reader. It is a great read for someone who is intimidated to start an exercise program for the first time. It is a motivational story but nothing extraordinary than anyone who finally decides to turn their life around.

[Heisenberg185 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have liked to read more about Ben's story and the motivational aspects. I wasn't interested in this book as a "how to" for running various distance races. If I want that, I'll read a professional or long time expert's book.

[Andrea James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that this is supposed to be an inspirational book and the author is definitely upbeat and his story of transformation is really inspiring but I have to admit that maybe because I was listening it while I was running I sometimes felt more like a loser than a winner. I know, I know, even the author reminds us that we shouldn't compare ourselves to others and that the race is only with ourselves but I have a defective personality and hence by default I'm always comparing myself to people who are better than me. And I was blown away by how much he had done for the size and fitness that he had when he first started. I'm incredibly tentative and very slow by comparison.

I think it's a good book for people who think that running is too hard for them or who have been toying with the idea of doing "something" but not actually getting off the sofa to do it. It's also good for people who have started but are going through the (almost inevitable) dip that comes after the initial enthusiasm wears off and the pain and boredom of repetitive training kicks in...especially when progress starts to slow down.

It's quite fun to listen to whilst running too. There were a number of times my jaw fell open (beyond my usual wild gasps for air) as I listened to him take on iron man not long after doing a marathon. "This dude is nuts!' I kept thinking.

Anyway, having jested about it's tenuous inspirational quality, I do think the book is a bit like being cheered-on by a been-there-done-that supporter as you grind away on the treadmill or pavement through the most gruelling, unforgiving part of the run.

[Julie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

worth the read and motivational although I would have added a spiritual component to the book had I written it. To me, God is the giver of all things good. Ben finds strength within himself while I find strength and hope in God. Still, because of this guy, I might try running someday. He really sells it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good January read for motivation about running/fitness and starting new healthy habits by taking small steps. It is positive in a motivational way and he provides tips for getting out of a slump. Although he talks about his running journey, the book is really about small steps to make changes in your life for the positive. The theme is really Do Life, but I chose to listen to the book because of the running focus.

[Tiffany Farnsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of how Ben turned his life around through running. It didn't really tell how to run better or farther though like the title says more of just turning bad habits into good ones. I did like the training schedules included in the book and will use them for some races in the future. If you are looking for motivation to get you into running, this is a good book but if you are already a runner, it's nothing new.

[Stacey Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as I was starting training for my first 10K in many years. I’ve tried running in the past, and know how good it is for my body. But I always ended up quitting. This time, with this book, I’m motivated to make running a part of my regular fitness journey... FOR GOOD! Thank you Ben for the inspiration I was looking for!!

[Emily Mellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and inspiring
This one definitely got me out running more. I appreciate his emphasis on replacing bad habits with good habits, rather than creating a void that will inevitably be filled with something...
Also, if a 350-pound sedentary guy can get out there and start regularly running, just about any of us can as well ❤️

[Derek Neighbors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting ready to hit the 50 pound loss mark and reading this book 25 pounds in was a game changer. If you are needing to drop weight, do yourself a favor and read this book. Ben is amazing and so is his story. It's more about finding yourself than learning to run. I promise.

[Lori Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very motivational but not the best fitness advice. He mentions signing up for races without training a few times. Great that he was able to do that but I’m afraid if people do the same thing they will get injured or give up when things don’t go well.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough & a quick read but not illuminating.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is a beast. His story is inspiring. I have a lot of respect for how hard he trains his body. I have no desire to run the miles he runs but the book is great.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first audio book. I found the start to be a bit of a downer, but it got more inspirational as it went on.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, until you look him up and realise he's a grifter.

[Anastasia Artamonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly motivating, short and sweet.

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read, but surrounding myself with motivation.
act right to think right

[Kim Altan Wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

the bit during the ironman made my eyes teary, i want to experience that

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times in which I am not looking for a book but somehow the book seems to be looking for me. This is one such book. I mean, losing 120 pounds and running better? What's not to like about that?

What I didn't expect was to end up devouring all 326 pages in a single setting. Davis describes the transformation his life took when he decided that he was going to "do life", which is his phrase for making conscious choices to fill his life with goodness and to share that goodness with others.

Part of what kept me reading was his description of his 120-pound journey --- the man lost 120 pounds in the course of a single year! His "secret" was that he started running races and continually entered the next race that he could find that was a little longer. So he starts with a 5k for which he was horribly unprepared, and then he quickly moves to run a 10k, and so on and so forth. He ends up running a full-length Ironman a year after he ran that first 5k. In effect, he forced metabolism change with the increasing demands he placed upon his body to perform. Of course, he also made changes in his diet, but that came gradually as he lost weight and increased his level of health.

I liked Davis's recommendation on interval training and have incorporated it into my own running routine. I've seen more improvement in my running from this one suggestion than I have from anything else, with the possible exception of running only every other day to give my body time to recover and to reduce the risk of injury. I haven't seen the results he has seen (probably because I'm not nuts enough to do his racing circuit), but as Davis himself asserts, "Life isn't a race, and it certainly isn't a competition. It's a journey, and in order to be successful, you need to live your life to the fullest even when you're not testing or pushing yourself to the limits."

And that is the other alluring aspect of Davis's book. What he describes is more than his running record. Davis uses that experience with running as a metaphor for a life well lived. That comes from a state of mind that is not unlike the mental state of the runner who hits the wall in a race and wants to quit but soldiers on through.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's more than a great read. It's a reminder of the truths about living life that all of us instinctively know inside but too few of us are actually practicing.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know how I found Ben's video about his 120 journey, but I remember watching it over winter break (at least 7 years ago) and feeling inspired. His blog led me to One Twenty-Five (blog)....and both, along with insomnia....led me to my own running journey....couch potato to pounding pavement and I mumbled, but was proud of my abilities....that being said....it is hard to read this book as a fan, because a fan knows what happened to Ben after this book was published....(he went back to his old ways and started to eat, couchsit....and disappear....and currently he is back to his ways of looking for attention and walking across America). Also-- I found it weird that he mentioned a trainer...when he never mentioned one on his blog....but I'll go back to pretending I am not a fan from the beginning.
I did not find the book all that help....especially as the last 100+ pages....are blank so you can keep your own running journal (what a waste!)....and he gives advice, but often his anecdotes are the opposite of the advice...basically, do as I say, not as I do. It was nice to learn more about Ben.....but this book did not give me any running advice that I took to heart---or will take with me back to the pavement. I found the whole thing a bit of a joke.....since he has no expertise (just experience)....and I read this book hoping for some advice/pointers on how to keep up with running when you get distracted....oh well.
Read if you are interested in Ben's life....don't if you are looking for running advice.

[Ingrid · Rating 1 out of 5]

I downloaded the audiobook from my library and it came with enhanced content - an Adobe Digital Editions PDF of supplemental files. At first glance, I wasn't sure how much I would like this book. I recently started running with 2-3 intervals of 5 min walking, 1 min running each session, and I'm barely making it through the running. I looked at his recommended 5k training plan, and it's way too tough a workout - even for someone who is in good shape. If you do 1 min run/1 min walk intervals your first time at running, you're probably going to stop running.

It is not clear whether this book is a memoir, running guide, book about inspiration, etc. It strikes me as another media tie-in to make some money as part of the 'Do Life' movement. I did not get a clear idea of what this movement is, what the basic principles are, or how to join. I wanted to like Ben's story about his journey, but it was all so simplified and watered down, it was hard to relate to his achievements or even conceive that it really could have been that simple. Maybe Ben is built like Eddie Izzard, who has a natural affinity for running and his body is perfectly matched to the stresses that come with marathons (Eddie is running 27 marathons across South Africa in 27 days - each marathon marking one year that Nelson Mandela spent incarcerated in prison).

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Ben's blog for a while now and was looking forward to his book. What I've always liked about his blog/attitude is that he is a normal person. He has done countless races, marathons, tri's and Ironman's....and still he is your normal everyday person. He is not some know it all cocky athlete. He is just a regular guy telling you how he did it in a regular voice. Nothing condescending, no I am better than you attitude that I see with way too many fitness guru's.

I loved this book because he kept it real. He talked about his food addictions (although I wish he talked more about them) talked about the highs and lows and how he just did it. I go back and forth with running myself. Some weeks I do it, some I don't. Some seasons I love to run, others I don't. This book offers a ton of running advice, but a lot of what he says can be applied to anything in life. It's all about perspective and attitude, which is what this book boils down to.

There was a ton of training information in there that I didn't have a need for but if you are looking for a guide of sorts, you'll definitely find it here.

[DW · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book in the sports section in the library. I'd seen this guy's blog and thought he had an interesting story, so I picked it up. The first chapter, when he writes about being obese, is interesting, because it's a new perspective for me. Once he starts getting into running, though, the book is all about times and distances and repetitive motivational speeches. You know he doesn't have that much material when each chapter ends with a "reader testimonial" about how running changed his or her life, and a training guide for progressively longer races, and the whole last third of the book is a template for a runners journal. Perhaps I would have liked the book better if I liked running better. I think running is boring and whenever I try it I tend to end up with injuries. The author devotes about one paragraph to dealing with injury, and apparently has suffered only one injury himself in his marathon/triathlon/Ironman career, which he glosses right over.

Anyway, this book is really only worthwhile if you want some motivation to get into running. Other than that, just read one blog entry about this guy and you'll have all the information in this book.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben was so fortunate to have a great support system through his journey, from Meemaw to his brother and his father. But he was also receptive at those moments, so bravo to him. I know his training plans were not conventional and he does not prescribe that you follow them to have your own success with weight loss, dealing with an addiction, or developing a running program. He encourages you to find your own path, with suggested training plans for running at different distances along the way. I

Even if your life is great now, it can be better. Ask yourself, "what's next?" then set up a realistic, quantifiable goal and an action plan to get there. Enjoy the journey and take risks by pushing yourself. Sometimes you will have to "act your way into right thinking." Expect plateaus and have a plan to get through them...something that will break you out of a rut. Don't give up and embrace those around you when things are not easy. Moving forward will be so worth it though.

[Kristine Gift · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, this book is really only 215 pages long, and that's including the pages of training guides and recipes that appear between chapters. The last 100 or so pages are all for a glossary and for the reader to log workouts, which is sort of a huge waste of space.

Honestly, I wanted to like this book more. I've been a long-time reader of Ben's blog and I've met him in person on one of his Do Life tour 5ks (we ate burritos after; it was awesome). But the editing parsed his story down a LOT which was lame; I wanted the blog + some, instead I got less than I would have if I had just re-read his blog. And the inclusion of so many extras such as training plans and recipes and training logs really bogged the book down and made it much longer than necessary by page count. Ben's story is so hugely inspiring, but I felt that it got torn apart and made small by the editing, and that was a big let down.

[Shari · Rating 2 out of 5]

P.13 What is holding you back? What do you turn to when you,re feeling down? What behavior, addiction, or habit makes you fell uncomfortable or ill at ease?
P.16 diet plans lack a cure for the emotional component, the insecurities and self hatred that make us doubt ourselves, tell ourselves we don,t deserve to succeed.
P.23 I was lying about all the things that I struggled with on a daily basis, and that was just about every part of my life.
I was a food addict. Addiction breeds sadness. Sadness breeds bad decisions, often in more than one area. Such are the cycles of an unlived life. I was looking for excitement, for meaning in all the wrong places.
P.31 if you,re honest with yourself, you can always find something in your life that is holding you back from being the person you want to be. Identify these and work to fix them.
P.53 we don,t run to win, we run to become better.

[Guy Choate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually read self-help/inspirational books, but my friend wrote this one. I'm disappointed in the editor's choice to make this a sort of how-to instead of a look at Ben's story. It's not hard to find a training guide, and it's not hard to look up running terminology. And I didn't want to read Q&A or testimonials. I wanted to read Ben's story, and unfortunately those sections are somewhat abbreviated.

In the end, though, I did find this book to be inspiring. I really don't give a damn about running. And I don't have a problem with my weight. On page 109 he says he hopes that his running habit has rubbed off on me. I think it probably did back then. And I think reading his book may be the thing that gets me back out there on the road now.

[Tina Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

So anyone picking up this book knows that this is a how-to guide from an overweight guy who doesn't exercise who somehow chose running and now he's lost 120 pounds. Yet photos of the author from 2021 show him to be a super-heavy guy back again. I won't use the "10 years after the book was written" insight against the content and writing style of the book (that would be unfair), but it does somewhat water down the advice he gives - and the book consists of probably 50% advice.

I'm sure this book has motivated people (probably mostly men) to eat right and exercise. The author's advice isn't bad or unrealistic or unhealthy. Quite the opposite. But it seems to me that the author isn't consistent in taking his own advice.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Ben's blog for a couple of years before this book came out, so a lot of the content was not new for me. Like others, I was looking forward to hearing more about the video that basically made his blog and therefore this book possible. I was surprised at how little he spoke about losing so much weight. The focus was learning to run, and was also kind of one long humble-brag as to how effortlessly Ben seemed to decide to do longer & crazier "what's nexts" with his brother.

I appreciated the positive tone, casual writing style & encouraging message of the book, but it was pretty fluffy. Took me only a couple hours to finish.