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Life's Too Short to Go So F*cking Slow: Lessons from an Epic Friendship That Went the Distance
Susan and Carlos were unlikely friends. She was a young, overweight college professor and a bit of a trainwreck - juggling a divorce, a pack-a-day habit, and hiding empty boxes of wine under her bed. He was her boss, an Ironman triathlete, with life figured out. She was a whiner, he was a hard-ass. He had his shit together, she most assuredly did not.
Trash-talking workouts, breakdowns, a devastating diagnosis - this heartwarming story of training buddies reveals a deep and abiding friendship that traversed life, sport, and everything in between. Their journey reveals the inspiring power of sports and friendship to change lives forever.
Amusing and poignant, Life's Too Short to Go So F--king Slow is about running and triathlon, growth and heartbreak, and an epic friendship that went the distance.
Trash-talking workouts, breakdowns, a devastating diagnosis - this heartwarming story of training buddies reveals a deep and abiding friendship that traversed life, sport, and everything in between. Their journey reveals the inspiring power of sports and friendship to change lives forever.
Amusing and poignant, Life's Too Short to Go So F--king Slow is about running and triathlon, growth and heartbreak, and an epic friendship that went the distance.
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First published November 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 13, 2018
This book came about totally by accident, as it was a recommendation from Scribd and I am so, so happy it did. It is a beautiful story about Susan Lackes' journey from being an overweight, heavy smoking, big drinking fuck-up, to an athlete. However, that at the same time is the side-story, the true protagonist of the story is an awesome man called Carlos. Carlos was Susan's boss, turned bestie and what would become, life coach. The book follows their journey from the beginning of what would flourish to become one of the most beautiful, honest friendships I have had the pleasure to get to know. Their epic friendship literally went the distance, and I feel so moved, and inspired by this book, because, at the end of the day, life is too short to go so fucking slow!
June 24, 2018
Not at all what I thought it would be. Was a very quick read and made me cry. It's awesome with you meet someone who gives you a drive to be better than you are.
June 12, 2018
Some times you find yourself reading a book at the perfect moment. Audible recommended Life is Too Short to Go So F*cking Slow last Monday morning. I was sitting in my car, sobbing happy tears, as I finished the book that Monday afternoon. It was exactly what I needed to read.
Disclaimer: there is a good amount of cussing in this book (if you didn’t get that from the title) It doesn’t bother me, but I know some people take offense to this. You now know it’s there.
Disclaimer #2: You will probably cry. This book promises to talk about training for triathlons, but it is so so so much more than that. I promise the tears are good ones.
Now for my review. I needed a motivational read because I’ve been struggling with my own running journey. I’ve been benched because of surgery recovery. A recovery that is much slower than expected and the sudden decrease in physical activity left me feeling down. So I picked up Lacke’s story because it promised humorous motivation.
And it delivered! Lacke’s dialogue is engaging and hilarious. She doesn’t bother readers by laying out her detailed workouts or her meal plans. Instead she talks about struggling through training days, faking her way through buying gear, and the amazing adrenaline driven race days.
Lacke starts this journey as an unhealthy stressed out professor. Her boss, Carlos, confronts her about her lifestyle during a smoke break and convinces her to spend her lunch swimming with him. It’s the kick start to an unlikely friendship, and an unexpected passion for endurance sports.
Readers follow Lacke through her stubborn approach to training, listen to Carlos’ sarcastic words of encouragement, and experience the joy of life endurance racing provides. But we also follow Lacke’s struggle with alcoholism, her fight for self appreciation, and management of the inevitable curveballs thrown by life. This book is the story of Lacke’s friendship with Carlos and how it changed her life.
I don’t want to give any other details away because I feel you’ll get more out of this story if you stumble along with Lacke. I highly recommend it for those needing a motivational pick me up. It’s a solid reminder of how the small things in life can actually be the most important.
Are any of my fellow readers also triathletes? Has anyone else stumbled upon Lacke’s story? Please let me know what you think, and happy reading.
Lindsay
Check out more reviews at www.historymysterybooks.com!
Disclaimer: there is a good amount of cussing in this book (if you didn’t get that from the title) It doesn’t bother me, but I know some people take offense to this. You now know it’s there.
Disclaimer #2: You will probably cry. This book promises to talk about training for triathlons, but it is so so so much more than that. I promise the tears are good ones.
Now for my review. I needed a motivational read because I’ve been struggling with my own running journey. I’ve been benched because of surgery recovery. A recovery that is much slower than expected and the sudden decrease in physical activity left me feeling down. So I picked up Lacke’s story because it promised humorous motivation.
And it delivered! Lacke’s dialogue is engaging and hilarious. She doesn’t bother readers by laying out her detailed workouts or her meal plans. Instead she talks about struggling through training days, faking her way through buying gear, and the amazing adrenaline driven race days.
Lacke starts this journey as an unhealthy stressed out professor. Her boss, Carlos, confronts her about her lifestyle during a smoke break and convinces her to spend her lunch swimming with him. It’s the kick start to an unlikely friendship, and an unexpected passion for endurance sports.
Readers follow Lacke through her stubborn approach to training, listen to Carlos’ sarcastic words of encouragement, and experience the joy of life endurance racing provides. But we also follow Lacke’s struggle with alcoholism, her fight for self appreciation, and management of the inevitable curveballs thrown by life. This book is the story of Lacke’s friendship with Carlos and how it changed her life.
I don’t want to give any other details away because I feel you’ll get more out of this story if you stumble along with Lacke. I highly recommend it for those needing a motivational pick me up. It’s a solid reminder of how the small things in life can actually be the most important.
Are any of my fellow readers also triathletes? Has anyone else stumbled upon Lacke’s story? Please let me know what you think, and happy reading.
Lindsay
Check out more reviews at www.historymysterybooks.com!
May 18, 2019
Listened to this audio book today on a long car trip. It made me laugh, it made me cry. What I thought might be a triathlon motivation book is not that. It’s a wonderful heart warming story of friendship, grit, love and life. Yes, it’s about a triathlete but it is so much more. Highly recommend.
August 21, 2019
I really liked this book overall. It had me cheering, laughing, and empathizing throughout. Without being incredibly cliche and corny, it was inspiring but realistic. I may never run an Iron Man, but I just may go sign up for my first 5K after this....
June 13, 2018
So good - quick read , great story about believing in yourself and friendship !
September 3, 2018
This hit me hard on so many levels...
May 1, 2022
Easy to read, funny and wise. Most importantly- very motivating. It’s more a column or a collection of blog posts, that’s why I gave it 3 stars.
January 21, 2023
Sport, friendship and life. What a tribute to write for a good friend! Love it!
February 12, 2024
Well written and emotional account of a battle with cancer, framed around ironman. Really good read.
August 13, 2025
Per ongeluk gevonden maar volledig intentioneel ingenomen. Wat een prachtige dynamiek.
February 16, 2024
I read Lacke's other book first, and was intrigued when I saw this on a Kindle sale as she mentions Carlos in the second book. I really enjoyed this tribute not only to him and their friendship, but Lacke's tribute to herself and her progress as an athlete.
August 11, 2020
I just randomly picked up this book and really enjoyed it!
June 4, 2019
super quick read [indeed, didn't last long enough to get me through all of voir dire part of jury duty today] about her friend who died of cancer -- sounds like a caring, albeit gruff, person who nudged her to quit smoking, start training, and take up triathlons and distance running, a habit that has stuck to say the least.
moving account of the friendship, and at times I liked the to-the-point style ("there was no magic pill. There was no secret diet. There was just me and the work I was willing to do. For once -- finally -- that was more than enough", p. 19), but overall I don't love her extremely breezy writing [also in evidence in her column in Competitor magazine].
Not sure how I would pinpoint the issue, but there's a certain kind of self-conscious, self-deprecating style that is just a little over the top and not engaging or endearing to me. Feels overwritten I guess, and she does it a lot. In the acknowledgements, as an example, she says that her sister-in-law [I infer] "has never been too cool to hang out with me, even though she is entirely too cool to hang out with me. XOXO, kiddo." (p. 166)
also didn't love the ending -- scattering her friend's ashes at a personally meaningful spot on race course in Austria is great. Tossing her busted bike off a bridge, I guess so some local schlub can dig it out some day, is less great and not worthy of one of the few photos in the book.
moving account of the friendship, and at times I liked the to-the-point style ("there was no magic pill. There was no secret diet. There was just me and the work I was willing to do. For once -- finally -- that was more than enough", p. 19), but overall I don't love her extremely breezy writing [also in evidence in her column in Competitor magazine].
Not sure how I would pinpoint the issue, but there's a certain kind of self-conscious, self-deprecating style that is just a little over the top and not engaging or endearing to me. Feels overwritten I guess, and she does it a lot. In the acknowledgements, as an example, she says that her sister-in-law [I infer] "has never been too cool to hang out with me, even though she is entirely too cool to hang out with me. XOXO, kiddo." (p. 166)
also didn't love the ending -- scattering her friend's ashes at a personally meaningful spot on race course in Austria is great. Tossing her busted bike off a bridge, I guess so some local schlub can dig it out some day, is less great and not worthy of one of the few photos in the book.
December 24, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I am somewhat knowledgeable about triathlon, though I have not competed in any (my bf has), and this background helped my understanding of things she talked about in the book. That said, a knowledge of triathlon is not required to appreciate the book. Her writing style is fast-paced and seems to reflect exactly who she is as a person - frank, stubborn, funny, honest, and down-to-earth. She doesn't sugar-coat things. There are parts that are difficult to get through because of the content (I won't spoil it here), but tough topics are like that. Training for a triathlon is time-consuming, and competing in any Ironman-type event is expensive, and she addresses these challenges, though the ability they have to train in Arizona is idyllic compared to someone who holds a regular 40/week job and has kids and a house. I am guessing that anyone who is offended by profanity won't pick this up due to the title, as the language is continued throughout the book, but it is real and funny. In the end this book is about friendship, and it is so refreshing to read about a friendship between a man and a woman that is simply that - friendship. No subtext or hidden agendas, just true friendship.
May 20, 2018
Listened via Audible. Good read/listen, but would have liked to know a bit more details of her story evolving from overweight couch potato to Iron Man. There were a lot of details left out that would have made a good story even better.
November 9, 2025
Why do I keep reading books that will make me weep openly
May 1, 2025
I do not know if I went into the book expecting to love it as much as I did but boy, this book was such a great read. It was simple and quick but impactful.
I have never been a runner (or any exercise really) so I wasn't exactly expecting to relate much. I was just expecting to read a memoir about someone I didn't know. I was definitely wrong in the end.
Susan Lacke tells the story of how she changes her life - one step at a time. What truly engaged me (what talked me into the book as a fellow reviewer stated) is this isn't a book about losing and here's how to do it (meal plans and all). She struggles her way to exercise, motivation, and friendship. She doesn't mince words about the difficulties of life but still pushes through it all. A friendship like she has with Carlos is one that shows the importance of having that village around you.
As someone who has had her own challenges with health and cancer and the fear that stems from it all, this book really shows that sometimes life sucks. The solution to life sucking? Kicking it in the butt and moving forward - one step at a time.
I have never been a runner (or any exercise really) so I wasn't exactly expecting to relate much. I was just expecting to read a memoir about someone I didn't know. I was definitely wrong in the end.
Susan Lacke tells the story of how she changes her life - one step at a time. What truly engaged me (what talked me into the book as a fellow reviewer stated) is this isn't a book about losing and here's how to do it (meal plans and all). She struggles her way to exercise, motivation, and friendship. She doesn't mince words about the difficulties of life but still pushes through it all. A friendship like she has with Carlos is one that shows the importance of having that village around you.
As someone who has had her own challenges with health and cancer and the fear that stems from it all, this book really shows that sometimes life sucks. The solution to life sucking? Kicking it in the butt and moving forward - one step at a time.
December 8, 2018
A touching true story detailing the transformation of an Susan Lacke, an overweight college professor and Carlos Nunez, her boss who is Ironman triathlete. Initially, Susan scoffs at Carlos’ invitation to meet him for a swim but eventually, she is also riding a bike as well as runs.
Throughout the course of the book, Susan is constantly challenged by Carlos to work hard, expect more and not give up on herself. Despite the occasional bruise or fatigue from training, Susan comes to love the feeling she gets from competing in triathlons.
As Carlos is preparing for another triathlon, he falls ill. Unfortunately, he is diagnosed with colon cancer and Susan is devastated yet she remains devoted to her friend Carlos as he goes through aggressive chemotherapy.
The story presented by the author is at times amusing, inspiring, inspirational and heartbreaking in how lifelong friendships can develop through something as simple as saying “how are you” as well as the power to transformation which comes through others believing in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.
Throughout the course of the book, Susan is constantly challenged by Carlos to work hard, expect more and not give up on herself. Despite the occasional bruise or fatigue from training, Susan comes to love the feeling she gets from competing in triathlons.
As Carlos is preparing for another triathlon, he falls ill. Unfortunately, he is diagnosed with colon cancer and Susan is devastated yet she remains devoted to her friend Carlos as he goes through aggressive chemotherapy.
The story presented by the author is at times amusing, inspiring, inspirational and heartbreaking in how lifelong friendships can develop through something as simple as saying “how are you” as well as the power to transformation which comes through others believing in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.
October 17, 2019
Ok. I am an ex rugby player, black belt Judoka. I am 6ft 1ins and over 120kg of muscle, gristle and some flabby bits and I ride bikes and teach other to do so. The reason I tell you this is to impart that I'm not prone to emotional responses,particularly from a book. So when I say that I found myself wiping away the odd tear,along with having the odd chuckle and even entertained the idea of doing an Ironman( the latter has dissipated somewhat but a triathlon.....?) I hope will impart to you how good this book was. Bikes and triathlon aside, it's really about the power of good friendships and good people and how they can transform us and make us be the best version of ourselves. Brilliant little book.
April 18, 2022
I liked this book more than I expected. It came up in a list of suggestions, and the cover photo of two athletes on trail bikes intrigued me. I've been riding my bike a lot recently, and when I read that the book was about a friendship that motivated the author to train for an Ironman triathlon, I decided to give it a go.
An Ironman is one of those impossible goals that is somewhere on my 'I'd like to do that one day' lists. However, the book goes beyond a mere description of the 'couch-to-Ironman' journey. The friend who motivated the author to change her life and become an athlete is diagnosed with cancer. From that moment on, the book explores the life choices you can take when confronted with such a diagnosis. A good read.
An Ironman is one of those impossible goals that is somewhere on my 'I'd like to do that one day' lists. However, the book goes beyond a mere description of the 'couch-to-Ironman' journey. The friend who motivated the author to change her life and become an athlete is diagnosed with cancer. From that moment on, the book explores the life choices you can take when confronted with such a diagnosis. A good read.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, but I do wish that it was longer! I feel like a lot of the stories were just glossed over and I would have gladly read more details. This story would be motivating for people starting a weightloss journey or even in the middle of their journey. I was reading this book one day at the gym, but I might not suggest that because I was tearing up while reading. I really enjoyed the style of writing because it was fast paced and kept me interested the entire time. I even started contemplating doing triathlons until I remembered I can hardly swim, bike or run :) You should pick this up if you are a triathlete, want to be a triathlete or are into fitness or if you just want to read a good story.
January 22, 2019
If you are an athlete this book should be right up your ally. It is a story about a woman who is a professor in a college who befriends her department chair. Their friends embarks them in many triathlons and many miles on their bikes. This story is so warm hearted as you see what a real mentor is and how a mentor cares about the person they are mentoring. The friendship is so inspiring. I absolutely enjoyed listening to this book. As it was an unexpected read that I decided to listen to on Scribd. I would absolutely recommend this to any athlete or anyone who is in need of some extra inspiration. It was really, really good read!
November 18, 2022
A beautiful story. I came across this book while collecting data for my research, a mandane task requires zero competence or concentration. So, I was looking for podcasts and audiobooks and accidentally found myself listening to this narrative version of this book. I don't know whether it was true story or just a novel work, I don't even want to figure it out. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. I must confess that I was jelous with the friendship, I believe so do you. If I had chance, I would like to read the paperback. The emotions, thoughts when reading would be much profound, I suppose.
P/S: I'm seriously thinking about doing a marathon someday.
P/S: I'm seriously thinking about doing a marathon someday.
April 19, 2024
"Life is Too Short to Go Fucking Slow" isn't just about rushing through life; it's about valuing friendships, enjoying good times with loved ones, and nurturing honest connections. The author skillfully incorporates these themes throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of companionship, laughter, and shared moments. Unlike typical motivational books that focus on exercise or running, this one offers a fresh perspective on embracing life's adventures beyond physical activities.
If you're tired of the same old motivational clichés, this book is a breath of fresh air. It's a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to live life to the fullest.
If you're tired of the same old motivational clichés, this book is a breath of fresh air. It's a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to live life to the fullest.
June 20, 2018
3.5, I liked this book but would have liked more information, it is a short book no doubt I felt like there were things left unsaid. I found it odd that there wasn't more discussion about Susan's relationship with Diane, Carlos' wife. While there was mention of her on several occassions I can't imagine that many that read the book didn't wonder if they had a good relationship or not. I get that it was about their friendship but I think addtional information about the people in the book would have made this a 4 star for me.
October 2, 2018
Not my usual sort of read - but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I shook my head.
I even felt a bit of envy for the author who had met someone who got her off her ass and into physical activity.
The friendship between the author and Carlos is a wonderful thing the reader is shown pieces of. The love the two of them must have had to survive all that grueling training is extraordinary.
A motivating and inspiring book from which I will take lessons, even if they won't result in an ironman.
There is no some day - there is only now.
I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I shook my head.
I even felt a bit of envy for the author who had met someone who got her off her ass and into physical activity.
The friendship between the author and Carlos is a wonderful thing the reader is shown pieces of. The love the two of them must have had to survive all that grueling training is extraordinary.
A motivating and inspiring book from which I will take lessons, even if they won't result in an ironman.
There is no some day - there is only now.
October 30, 2018
This book grabbed my eye in the Scribd catalog for the title and cover image, and it seemed like a perfect listen -- adventurous, funny, and short (about three hours). It was all of these things for the first half or so, and then it took a turn for the tragic that I might have seen coming if I had actually paid attention to the description. Hrmph. At first I was like, oh, great, tragedy in a memoir, this'll be fun, but it kind of was, in a weird way. Lacke gave me all the feels about friendship, adventure, and rising to a challenge in a perfectly sized package.
September 11, 2020
I read this book based on a recommendation that I would like it as a triathlete. I did not. It is a story of a loving, platonic friendship between two academics and the mentoring the elder provides to the younger. The forum the mentor uses to teach his apprentice is triathlon. The mentor is funny in a rather harsh way, and the mentee (Locke) puts up with his lack of praise to allow her mentor to shape her positively. The book is about a mentor/mentee friendship; triathlon just happens to be the vehicle for learning and growth.
July 17, 2023
This 'heartwarming' tale of 'training buddies going the distance' is not that. I'm not sure which book a lot of my fellow readers read, but this was not it. Maybe they've just never lost anyone close to them to cancer.
This is the heartbreaking story of a man who dies of cancer, written by one of his best friends.
(p.s. I hate the whole 'fight cancer' thing. Sure you can make choices and take advice and advocate for yourself. But the people we lose to cancer are not lost because they didn't fight hard enough, as this story more than proves.)
This is the heartbreaking story of a man who dies of cancer, written by one of his best friends.
(p.s. I hate the whole 'fight cancer' thing. Sure you can make choices and take advice and advocate for yourself. But the people we lose to cancer are not lost because they didn't fight hard enough, as this story more than proves.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews