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The Hurt Artist: My Journey from Suicidal Junkie to Ironman
A gritty memoir that chronicles the author's transformation from a homeless junkie who tried to hang himself in prison to a triathlete competing at the Ironman World Championship.With troubles beginning as early as childhood, the trajectory of Shane Niemeyer's life seemed to have only one down. His struggles with heroin addiction led him to jail, and he eventually hit rock bottom. Soon, his two pack a day cigarette habit was the healthiest thing he did. One dark night in jail, his suicide attempt failed. What happened next transcends the term recovery.The Hurt Artist is the searing yet luminous travelogue of Shane's powerful journey from suicidal addict to Ironman. He vividly depicts the landscape of pain in which he's lived his life—emotional and physical pain inflicted upon him and that he inflicts upon himself, pain that pulls him down, and, in detailing his training, the pain he harnesses to lift himself up. Ultimately, Shane's story is one of redemption and triumph, a lesson in the value of second chances and a clear reminder that nobody, regardless of how seemingly desperate their circumstances, is beyond the reach of salvation.From inmate #71768 to Ironman Triathlon World Championship competitor #1419, Shane paints a stirring self-portrait in this hilarious, horrifying, and hopeful account that is sure to hook readers of edgy sports biographies.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
3 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Shane Niemeyer
2 books6 followersIt was in the Ada County Jail, under 24-hour supervision, dope-sick and wrapped in a security blanket, Shane Niemeyer first decided he would compete in the Ironman World Championship. In his debut memoir, THE HURT ARTIST: My Journey from Suicidal Junkie to Ironman (with Gary Brozek; Thomas Dunne Books; May 20, 2014), Shane chronicles his startling transformation in an enlightening and hopeful account filled with DUIs, burglaries, overdoses, stints in jail and an Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI.
The 28-year old drug addict and alcoholic was recovering from a botched suicide attempt when he was given a copy of Outside magazine to pass the time. Stumbling upon an article about the Ironman World Championships, Shane, then and there, vowed to one day swim the requisite 2.4 miles, bike the 112 and run the 26.2. Facing significant hurdles right out of the gate – he had no pool, no bike, no roads to run, was in jail, and headed for prison – Shane began his training, his day one workout regime consisting of eight push-ups and fifteen sit-ups. Today, Shane has competed in four Ironman World Championships – swimming, biking and running thousands of miles to get there – and just days before the book is set to go on-sale, Shane will travel to Houston, TX, to compete to qualify for his fifth.
The 28-year old drug addict and alcoholic was recovering from a botched suicide attempt when he was given a copy of Outside magazine to pass the time. Stumbling upon an article about the Ironman World Championships, Shane, then and there, vowed to one day swim the requisite 2.4 miles, bike the 112 and run the 26.2. Facing significant hurdles right out of the gate – he had no pool, no bike, no roads to run, was in jail, and headed for prison – Shane began his training, his day one workout regime consisting of eight push-ups and fifteen sit-ups. Today, Shane has competed in four Ironman World Championships – swimming, biking and running thousands of miles to get there – and just days before the book is set to go on-sale, Shane will travel to Houston, TX, to compete to qualify for his fifth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 12, 2014
My favorite passage from the book: "Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking of what we want to become. Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking about who we don't ever want to be again. Everything we do is part of who we are. How we choose to use those memories, to motivate or to submit is entirely up to us." - Shane Niemeyer
Raw, beautiful, and inspirational. It seems every moment of every day we have a choice to honor our highest selves, to live the life we wish to create. Shane's story demonstrates that as long as we continue to breathe it is never too late to alter our trajectory of thought, word, and action, and to live a fully realized life in line with our greatest potential. Competitive athlete or not, each one of us will recognize a piece of our own story within his. Simply, The Hurt Artist offers us an opportunity to share in our own humanity.
Raw, beautiful, and inspirational. It seems every moment of every day we have a choice to honor our highest selves, to live the life we wish to create. Shane's story demonstrates that as long as we continue to breathe it is never too late to alter our trajectory of thought, word, and action, and to live a fully realized life in line with our greatest potential. Competitive athlete or not, each one of us will recognize a piece of our own story within his. Simply, The Hurt Artist offers us an opportunity to share in our own humanity.
July 24, 2014
This is the most amazing story I have ever read and the book is so exceptionally written. As you read it you experience a variety of emotions as you can almost feel the pain and disappointment and hurt that Shane felt at various times throughout his life. As it goes on you also feel joy and elation and amazement at the transformation that occurs. This is such an uplifting, inspiring story of a drug and alcohol addict who hits absolute rock bottom only to completely turn his life around in an almost mind boggling way. It is such a wonderful story and book. None like I have ever heard before.
January 26, 2015
Great inspirational read..... "Some days it feels like it's a struggle to get to the finish line. But once you do, the collective energy of others can help sweep you along. Just when you think you're out , someone will come along and say just the right thing to get you going again. You just need to keep looking ahead and moving forward seeing the day through its end. At least the next day you have the chance to do it all over again.In time, a plan forms and a set of ideals replaces the negativity and your will helps you find your way. " I say this quote can apply to every struggle in life, not just the challenge of a race.!!!
August 31, 2014
Some junkies OD or rot in jail, some find Jesus while others swim, bike and run. While I didn't care for the author throughout, any book that might provide hope or inspiration for someone struggling with addiction has a place on a public library shelf.
May 19, 2014
As laid out in the title, this is Shane Niemeyer's story of how he went from suicidal heroin addict to an Ironman and motivational speaker.
I was dubious, As a rule I don't read books about addicts or written by motivational speakers but for reasons beyond my ken I downloaded this title.
At first I thought, well if nothing else every prison in the country would love to distribute this book because Shane presents a model prison story. After trying to commit suicide he wound up in prison and came across an article about iron men and decided that it was the best way to spend his time.
As he continued his tale and described the people who gave him a chance when by all accounts he didn't 'deserve' one, I was reminded of the importance of kindness; That lost causes are not always lost; Eve it if only works 1 in 1000 times, it is worth it.
And then we got on to the points he was trying to make with the book which was all the ways training for the Iron Man changed his life, helped him work through his addiciton and become a better human.
Despite my initial hesitation I was won over by ont only the authenticity of Shane's story but by all the things that he overcame. He is really quite extraordinary.
While I expect this book is one that is better found than forced, I look forward to recommending it.
I was dubious, As a rule I don't read books about addicts or written by motivational speakers but for reasons beyond my ken I downloaded this title.
At first I thought, well if nothing else every prison in the country would love to distribute this book because Shane presents a model prison story. After trying to commit suicide he wound up in prison and came across an article about iron men and decided that it was the best way to spend his time.
As he continued his tale and described the people who gave him a chance when by all accounts he didn't 'deserve' one, I was reminded of the importance of kindness; That lost causes are not always lost; Eve it if only works 1 in 1000 times, it is worth it.
And then we got on to the points he was trying to make with the book which was all the ways training for the Iron Man changed his life, helped him work through his addiciton and become a better human.
Despite my initial hesitation I was won over by ont only the authenticity of Shane's story but by all the things that he overcame. He is really quite extraordinary.
While I expect this book is one that is better found than forced, I look forward to recommending it.
July 24, 2014
I just finished reading The Hurt Artist, and I can't stop thinking about it! Every day a new passage pops into my mind, and I start thinking about it all over again.
I bought the book because I have a very good friend who is trying to help her adult son deal with his addiction to heroin. She lost her first son to a drug overdose 3 years ago, and now her second son is at very high risk. She was devastated when her first son died, and has been trying everything to save her second son from the same fate. I watched those beautiful boys grow up. Now I watch my best friend try to cope daily with the loss of one son, and the worry for another. It's heartbreaking.
Like Shane, her son recently tried to hang himself, but thankfully was unsuccessful. Reading Shane's book helped me understand what her son has been facing with his challenges as a drug addict. I only saw the effects it had on his mother. When I read the sections about Shane's mom, I cried. That's when I knew I had to pass this book on to my friend.
The Hurt Artist helped me understand what addiction does to a person and family. Shane's book has raw emotion, hard truths, and makes no excuses. He bares it all to show that drug addiction can be beaten, and life can be rewarding and amazing!
I bought the book because I have a very good friend who is trying to help her adult son deal with his addiction to heroin. She lost her first son to a drug overdose 3 years ago, and now her second son is at very high risk. She was devastated when her first son died, and has been trying everything to save her second son from the same fate. I watched those beautiful boys grow up. Now I watch my best friend try to cope daily with the loss of one son, and the worry for another. It's heartbreaking.
Like Shane, her son recently tried to hang himself, but thankfully was unsuccessful. Reading Shane's book helped me understand what her son has been facing with his challenges as a drug addict. I only saw the effects it had on his mother. When I read the sections about Shane's mom, I cried. That's when I knew I had to pass this book on to my friend.
The Hurt Artist helped me understand what addiction does to a person and family. Shane's book has raw emotion, hard truths, and makes no excuses. He bares it all to show that drug addiction can be beaten, and life can be rewarding and amazing!
August 15, 2014
Great story of how this guy turned his life around by using his intense focus on triathlon training instead of being high.
October 5, 2017
I don't know if it makes a difference, but I read the hardback version of this book. It's a shame that such an important story didn't benefit from better editing. It felt like I was reading a first or second draft instead of a mature book. My approach to the technicalities of writing is not to sweat the small stuff, especially when it adds character, but when errors are so frequent and severe that they obscure meaning and make a reader decipher sentences, it's too much. I kept feeling like I needed to find a red pen to mark it up.
Now that the negative is out of the way, the content of the book is edifying. It's an honest and insightful look at a troubled life, and an inspiring narrative of personal growth. I wish it was a smoother read, but I do recommend it. I would have given 3.5 stars if it were possible.
Now that the negative is out of the way, the content of the book is edifying. It's an honest and insightful look at a troubled life, and an inspiring narrative of personal growth. I wish it was a smoother read, but I do recommend it. I would have given 3.5 stars if it were possible.
January 14, 2019
This isn’t a deep book or a brilliantly written one.
But, let’s face it, you picked up this book for one reason: to read about someone that hit rock bottom in their drug addiction, and pushed their way out with an addiction to exercise. It is a book to give you a glimpse into a world of addiction most of have never seen and a motivation to get us back out on your bikes and into our running shoes.
For that, it succeeds succinctly and does it what needs to. No more, no less.
But, let’s face it, you picked up this book for one reason: to read about someone that hit rock bottom in their drug addiction, and pushed their way out with an addiction to exercise. It is a book to give you a glimpse into a world of addiction most of have never seen and a motivation to get us back out on your bikes and into our running shoes.
For that, it succeeds succinctly and does it what needs to. No more, no less.
December 30, 2022
It's never to late to start from the scratch and make drastic positive changes in one's life. Very inspiring story. Very similar to the story of Jerzy Górski from the book "Najlepszy". Would be more stars if it was better written, sometimes the storyline is hard to grasp and does not follow a chronological order. Key events are not properly highlighted and I don't understand what's the logic in splitting the story into chapters.
February 4, 2024
I really really liked this one. The story alone is inspiring, but on top of that it was written very well. I enjoyed the ‘realness’ of his descriptions and it made no efforts to glorify any of the experience. It had a great balance between sharing the successful moments of his journey along with his setbacks.
September 12, 2017
Moves at a good pace. Interesting to see how the same characteristics and energy that make you a raging junkie can also make you a raging triathlete, and to watch how that transition takes place.
We all love a story about the struggle to shed your demons. This is a very good one.
We all love a story about the struggle to shed your demons. This is a very good one.
December 23, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Shane and listening to him speak about his life, his journey into training for and completing Iron Man races, and the challenges along the way. He's an inspiration to be sure.
February 9, 2025
Definitely worth the read and captures the struggles of overcoming an addiction, depths of depression, suicide attempts and more. For me, this is one of those books where I’ll get a copy just to have because it was really good.
December 15, 2018
Love you Shane!! What a story and a great guy!!
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June 5, 2019Don't do what Donny Don't does
June 23, 2024
Super inspiring journey towards iron man!! Well written and captivating read
August 19, 2024
Writing was a bit rough and all over the place, but it still kept me hooked. What an inspiring story.
November 5, 2014
Is this the best book ever written? No. Is it easy to read? No.
Is it inspiring and gutsy? Yes.
I must admit that I picked up this book for all the wrong reasons. There was an article about it in our local newspaper and it indicated that a school that Shane attended was not represented in the best light. Since I have a child at said school, I was instantly intrigued. Not because I don't know what goes on at the school but rather with the hopes it would make more people aware. I am not sure if my needs were met.
Come to find out Shane and I have similar paths if only in the geographical sense. I too lived and loved Colorado.
I am not an addict to anything but Diet Dr. Pepper, thankfully, and am not a runner or athlete. I skipped quite a bit of that stuff.
I wish Shane only the best and trust he is completely on the right path. I thank him for bravely writing this book and sharing his story. I hope he returns to every school he went to and talks to kids as only he could. I hope they listen to him.
Is it inspiring and gutsy? Yes.
I must admit that I picked up this book for all the wrong reasons. There was an article about it in our local newspaper and it indicated that a school that Shane attended was not represented in the best light. Since I have a child at said school, I was instantly intrigued. Not because I don't know what goes on at the school but rather with the hopes it would make more people aware. I am not sure if my needs were met.
Come to find out Shane and I have similar paths if only in the geographical sense. I too lived and loved Colorado.
I am not an addict to anything but Diet Dr. Pepper, thankfully, and am not a runner or athlete. I skipped quite a bit of that stuff.
I wish Shane only the best and trust he is completely on the right path. I thank him for bravely writing this book and sharing his story. I hope he returns to every school he went to and talks to kids as only he could. I hope they listen to him.
December 11, 2015
This was a good book. The author has a fascinating life story that confirms what I concluded when I decided not to continue on the rowing team my senior year in college: being a competitive athlete at the collegiate and professional levels takes being clinically obsessive and having addictive tendencies. This man was a drug addict who did everything full force. At one point, he put all of the energy he was spending on being an extreme drug addict into being an extreme workout addict. He says they really aren't different and I agree. I felt mentally unhealthy when I was spending 6 hours a day practicing in college. It cost me many friendships and took away so many opportunities that I could have had in college. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, and it paid for my college, but, still, being a high level competitive athlete is an extreme leap to make, and by the end of my junior year in college I was through. Good book. He repeats himself a lot. . .my only criticism would be that it is ok to write a 150 page book. His story would have been much more powerful with fewer words.
July 5, 2014
I know Shane, or did as a child. I went to junior high and part of high school with him. I had no idea of the struggles that he was going through, as he was just another face that one passes in the halls.
As I read The Hurt Artist, I was both sorry for him and incredibly proud of him. I have so much respect for him, knowing that he went from a heroin addict of the worst kind to a competitor in the Ironman World Championships. That change in lifestyle is what makes his story so unique and amazing.
I've become a huge fan of Shane Niemeyer. I recommend this book to everyone. All people can benefit from it, but especially those that are finding the strength to turn their life around, or those that just find the work ethics of Ironman competitors to be incredible.
As I read The Hurt Artist, I was both sorry for him and incredibly proud of him. I have so much respect for him, knowing that he went from a heroin addict of the worst kind to a competitor in the Ironman World Championships. That change in lifestyle is what makes his story so unique and amazing.
I've become a huge fan of Shane Niemeyer. I recommend this book to everyone. All people can benefit from it, but especially those that are finding the strength to turn their life around, or those that just find the work ethics of Ironman competitors to be incredible.
June 18, 2014
As someone that has addiction (drug and alcohol) in my family and some of my clients, this book has really opened my eyes. It has helped me understand the pain and the journey of learning self-love.
As a fellow triathlete, I commiserated while reading the ups and downs of training (and OVER training), the struggles of Ironman and certainly the long road to qualifying for Kona (World Championships).
I also loved the "recommended" reading - the timeless books that Shane Niemeyer mentions throughout the book. Finding one's own presence and centeredness is a wonderful, yet painful process - and this book is a great teacher.
THANK YOU, Mr. Niemeyer, for sharing this with the world.
As a fellow triathlete, I commiserated while reading the ups and downs of training (and OVER training), the struggles of Ironman and certainly the long road to qualifying for Kona (World Championships).
I also loved the "recommended" reading - the timeless books that Shane Niemeyer mentions throughout the book. Finding one's own presence and centeredness is a wonderful, yet painful process - and this book is a great teacher.
THANK YOU, Mr. Niemeyer, for sharing this with the world.
July 18, 2017
I finished reading The Hurt Artist over two weeks ago, and it has popped into my mind every day since. Hence, I'm writing my very first online review of any book, ever. I'm inspired by Shane Niemeyer's story. This is the kind of book that you read, and then you find yourself thinking of all the people you know that would benefit from reading it as well. Like every twenty-something or troubled teen for starters. Definitely. Anyone, really, who needs a boost, a reason to dig deeper, push farther, or get up off the couch and discover the joy of setting higher goals and reaching for them. You don't have to be a triathlete to enjoy this book. It will haunt you and make you better.
March 12, 2015
When sharing the premise of Niemeyer's memoir with friends, I've seen a lot of eye rolls and comments of how cliched his story is. Perhaps his story is cliched. However, I really enjoyed reading this. Not only does it follow nicely in the string of sports biographies I've been reading recently, but Neimeyer speaks authentically and eloquently about his mental struggles as he trains for his first Ironman.
As a newbie triathlete myself, I appreciate hearing that others struggle with those insistent internal voices that don't necessarily say such nice things during a workout.
As a newbie triathlete myself, I appreciate hearing that others struggle with those insistent internal voices that don't necessarily say such nice things during a workout.
March 22, 2015
A very interesting story, to say the least. How many hardcore junkies are actually the type to be able to completely turn themselves around, let alone become an ironman? I enjoyed reading this very much, although there were some areas that dragged along, I think trying to fit the mold of a classic sports drama. I am not much of a critic, so take that with a grain of salt. I learned the word 'shod' in this book, and I am sure a few others.
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July 24, 2014This is an amazing story. The dichotomy of Shane's life is startling. From the lowest of lows to one of the highest of highs. It makes you want to cheer for the author. It really feels like you are there through his transformation. I alway love a happy ending, and Shane has shown he's got what it takes to be a winner in life.
January 7, 2016
Really good book. Very motivational and made it hard to put down! It was sometimes a little confusing when he would go back to a story with little warning and I would forget where he was in his recovery. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to any one looking for a little motivation.
September 19, 2014
It usually takes me months to get through a book, but I couldn't put this one down. Shane's ability to tell his story was so real and raw I felt like I was hitting rock bottom with him and sharing in his successes. This book is inspiring and motivating for anyone trying to overcome any obstacle in life and come out on top.
January 26, 2015
A truly inspirational read! Shane does what so many fail to do, he reaches down deep and finds himself buried under years of self destruction. You will not put this down till you are nearly cheering out loud for him to succeed! I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration to be a better person.
October 10, 2014
Loved this book, an incredibly inspiring read that reminds you of what can be accomplished in life at any stage in the game. Shane's personality really shines through and it's so relatable... Fantastic read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews