Smile, or You're Doing it Wrong: A Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption

by Andy Glaze

Ultrarunner Andy Glaze has spent years moving through landscapes that test the limits of the human body—hundred-mile races, multi-day marathons, mountains and deserts that demanded everything. But the toughest endurance challenge Andy faced wasn’t found in any of those miles, it was in rebuilding a life shattered by addiction, institutional abuse, and a childhood full of chaos. This is the unfiltered story of how a kid fell hard but got back up even harder.

From a wilderness rehab program where kids hiked for days without food, to a “therapeutic” boarding school run by predators, Glaze survived places that were meant to break people. But this isn’t just a story about the wreckage. It’s about what comes after.

Firefighting. Fatherhood. Finding peace on trails where every step hurts like hell but heals something deeper. Because the difference between a life ruled by fear and a life guided by possibility comes down to one simple taking the first step.

This memoir is about endurance in its rawest the endurance to keep moving forward even when it feels impossible, to rebuild a life one step at a time, and to discover that sometimes the only way through the darkness is to keep going—and smile, or you’re doing it wrong.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Biography

296 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[James Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Andy Glaze recently since he started sharing his runs on TikTok and they were inspiring when I began ultra running. It was incredible to read about the whole journey and learn more about what lead to the Smile motto. Well worth reading and an amazing journey. Can’t wait to find Andy on a run or cheer from the trails

[Michael Duprey]

I hate to do this, but I can't sit through any more of this.

Andy Glaze is one of my favorite and most inspiring athletes in the ultra-running space. He has a great story and a great outlook.

One of the things that makes him so lovable is his unique voice.

This book does not reflect that voice at all.

Unfortunately, while I believe that all of the inputs of the book are accurate to his life, I have a strong feeling that Andy or his editor passed the entire book through an AI copywriting tool to "clean it up." The result is a neverending deluge of "ChatGPT-isms" (i.e, "It wasn't just [A], it was [B], [C], [D]...") Seriously, that structure and framing is used about every other paragraph.

As a result, the interesting story feels disconnected from a real human experience.

Super disappointed as I was really looking forward to this one, but I can't go on anymore.

[Duchess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend the audiobook, as Andy narrated it himself. A fantastic "read" about his life and what led him to running ultra marathons. Andy is vulnerable, funny, and poetic.

[Suzana Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…I did not think a book would get me to feel such big emotions!!!

I’m a runner-but not an ultra runner, which is what initially made me hesitate to pick this up. In the end, I’m so glad I did, because this book reaches far beyond running. It’s about resilience, mindset, and what it really means to keep going when things feel impossibly hard.

This was a very powerful & emotional read that stays with you long after the last page.

[Mikala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on my long runs training for a half marathon and I finished it today during the race. I liked it overall im not a huge memoir reader but this one was a good listen read by the author. Emotional, encouraging, inspiring.

I have a life long bucket list item to do a ultra run. I've done a 50k but I dream of a 50 or hundred miler. This really did help me see that limits don't exist.

[Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smile or you’re doing it wrong.
Do hard things.
Simple mantras with profound wisdom.

Thank you Andy for sharing your story through this book and social media. Your transparency with the demons you face and the importance of having the right attitude, support system, and medical intervention to deal with those demons is a message that more people need to hear. I’m typing this review while wearing a Metal Health Awareness shirt. The stigma around discussing mental health will only fade away if we keep chipping away at it. You are doing powerful things in this regard.

I am an ultra runner having completed a handful of 50k races and a 50 mile race. I am competing in my first 100 mile race in two weeks. I appreciate your honesty about how hard this is by sharing your DNF stories along with your successes. I’ll never be at a point to win one of these races. That’s not the point for me. I want to see what I’m capable of. I am the only one I am competing against.

And your call to action at the end of the of the book challenges people to find their own things that test their limits. Even if that’s running a 5k, committing to walk a mile 3 times a week, or hiking a trail they’ve never been to. Getting up and moving heals so much.

I listened to the audio book and can’t wait for my pre-ordered copy to come in. Love this book. I will be gifting it to many.

[Lexi Zanolini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very positive that this will be my top book for 2026!

[Samantha McColley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book right at the time I purchased the audiobook and it helped me so much. It’s okay to have big goals and it’s okay to fail on your way to meeting them! Great book!! Highly recommend

[David Rebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most anticipated books from one of the humblest guys. His story is inspiring and relatable: from the struggles, to the drugs, to the ultramarathon running, to doing the hard things in life. Andy Glaze has inspired me for years to smile in the struggle. Andy Glaze makes the distinction to not smile because you are living in some delusional world of what it about to come and that everything is sunshine and rainbows. He encourages you to see the hardship, respect it, and give it the smile and love you would give a family or child. He respects the pain and loves it, just like a father looks when he sees his child. Wholesome smile. Just an incredible story from a normal dude like me and you. He's not some professionally sponsored athlete whose job is being an ultrarunner. His bio on Instagram? Father/Husband/Firefighter. No mention of ultramarathon legend. Normal guy with incredible passion and drive and humility to inspire everyday people like me and you. I even recorded my first 50 miler experience with, "3 miles in... 27 miles in..." even "5k to go, even your mom can run a 5k!". I train to run far for me and maybe one day, I'll be at the same place at the same time as him, just to let him know the impact he's made in my life. That was hard

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

I first discovered Andy Glaze through instagram reels about a year or so ago. His content is inspirational and full of positivity, and when I found out his book was a telling of his story I knew I wanted to read it!
This story starts from the beginning, unpacking his experience with addiction, family troubles, and losses time and time again. Not only does he go indepth on his hardships, but equally as in depth on the positives that have changed his life. With a focus on mindful optimism and resilience to survive, Glaze’s book does an inspiring job at revealing how movement is medicine. He doesn’t narrow his definition of movement either; running, putting in the work to support your partner, athletic prowess, trying a new hobby, even just getting up in the morning. A read that anyone can hold appreciation for and respect for sharing so closely his person story!
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is because of some editing preferences I have.

(Read through audiobook)

[kpk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be phenomenal before I even started.

“Even if no one claps, no one notices, no one understands why you are pushing yourself through something that seems pointless or excessive or crazy. Even if the only witness to your effort is yourself and the only reward is the knowledge that you didn’t quit when quitting would have been easier. Do it anyway…. The magic lives in the space between ‘I can’t’ and ‘I did’, in the territory you can only explore by refusing to accept your current limitations as permanent, by treating obstacles as invitations to discover what you’re really made of.”

Smile or you’re doing it wrong 🙂

[Ashley Cahoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY FAVORITE BOOK I READ THIS YEAR !!!

👏🏼 “Smile or you’re doing it wrong man not change the mountain you’re climbing but how the climb feels - which could make all the difference.”👏🏼

In this story andy tells his experience as he overcomes multiple injuries, addictions, losses, and even divorces and how viewing these life events as a foundation for something better helped him build himself as the man he is today.

Incredibly written and one I will definitely reread 💛

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could have never run a single mile in your life and I will still say this book is for you!

Andy talks about many hardships; failed marriages, being cheated on; loss + grief, and so much more. I cried 4 different times and found so much motivation.

Loved the audio that he narrated himself. Ran and ordered a physical copy already.

Smile 😁 or you're doing it wrong!

[Frances Krumholtz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dreadful garbage. 1.5 stars rounded down.

Glaze is a dumb guy who low-key seems to hate women. Per the reviews this is maybe enjoyable if you're already a fan of his from social media but if your primary interests are reading and/or running I would skip this one altogether.

This would have been a smidgen more enjoyable had I actually read it rather than listen to the audiobook. Glaze narrates it himself and based on his cadence it seems he didn't actually write all of it.

[Kayleigh Antenucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to cry so many times reading this book or leave feeling so inspired, but in truly Glaze fashion, I did both. SO grateful he chose to do hard things and write it. Smile, or you’re doing it wrong, my friends.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy shares his story of rocky teenage years, figuring out adulthood and the adversities that come along with that season, and how he utilized movement as a means to cope with the stressors. He presents the opportunity of moving your body as a means of controlling what you can control. He shares his notes and lessons learned and encourages the reader to adapt the model for their benefit. If you’re looking for a humble coaching voice in your own journey - I recommend you engage this quick read.

[Kaylee English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this book!! He has such a great mindset that I was able to connect with and there’s so many different quotes I will keep with me. This book is for everyone not just runners and I recommend listening to it because Andy himself reads it

[Martin Stolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik volg hem al jaren. Ex-verslaafde die nu 300 mile lange races hardloopt. Zijn Instagram is een bezoek waard!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Andy, for being vulnerable to share your story and for continuing to inspire so many.

[Grace Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I knew what was worse than failure- regret.”

Love a good memoir. Love an inspiring one even more!

[Sophie Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. THIS MAN 🩷 loved this. Such an inspiring story & the way he writes is just so positive and lovely. Easiest 5 stars this year

[Cheryl Sneath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Andy's genuine story telling all things to do with life. And how doing the hard things, like running, got him to where he is now. I will keep on smiling 😊

[Nathan Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely insane. Andy Glaze is truly the goat. 6+ years of 100 mile weeks. 350 mile race. I mean the list keeps going. Super fascinating to hear his story. Would definitely recommend.

[Janneke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book as an audiobook, narrated by the author himself, which is always a big plus for me. I came across Andy Glaze on TikTok. He runs ultramarathon races of 50+ kilometers. You might think he’s crazy, but is he really? Shortly after I started following him, I saw on Storytel that his book was about to be released, and as soon as it came out, I started listening to it.

I can confidently say that this book changed my perspective on life. Andy’s life story is quite intense, and I would definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before listening. But despite everything he has been through, he runs through both the desert and life with a smile. I don’t think you can find a greater source of inspiration.

The book is filled with both beautiful and painful moments involving his family and friends, which really stirred my emotions while listening.

If this book is ever released physically in the Netherlands, I’ll buy it immediately just so I can highlight chapters and return to them whenever life gets tough.

What stayed with me the most is his advice to take a moment every day to reflect on something positive that happened. It can be something small, like finally replacing the batteries in the remote, or something big, like standing up for yourself or achieving a goal you’ve been working toward for months.

Another lesson that stuck with me: you don’t grow in a place where everything is comfortable. That might sound obvious to some people, but for me, it was a real eye-opener.

Thank you, Andy Glaze, for writing this book.

[Cassidy Haynie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the audiobook! I’ve watched this guy on TikTok for a while so I really liked listening to his story. Very raw and honest. :’)

[Jason Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love following his socials and his book was a great experience. Vulnerable and inspiring. Makes me want to run 100 miles and through a brick wall and try to smile while doing hard things.

[Lily Braendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you’re not a runner, you’ll love this book. It’s powerful, emotional, and so motivating. If you want a story that truly sticks with you and inspires you in all areas of life, this is it.

I was hooked the whole way through, and that’s saying a lot because I don’t usually gravitate toward biographies. Andy’s story is deeply inspiring, with so many lessons you can take and apply to your own life whether you run or not!

[Ayanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ultramarathon memoir and it did not disappoint. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Andy twice at two different ultra races and he’s just as kind and positive in person as he is in this book. Grateful for this role model who’s strengthened the bond between me and my best friend and fueled our combined fire for ultramarathon training. Smile, or you’re doing it wrong!

[Sam Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Andy on Instagram a few years ago when he posted about running from Redlands to the beach on the Santa Ana River Trail and immediately realized how close he was to where I grew up and live. After that I followed him because I felt inspired by his grit, determination, encouragement of others and his moto. I didn’t know much about his life (other than he’s got a gorgeous wife and he’s a firefighter) that led him to run. We all face demons, some have experienced bigger, meaner and longer lasting demons. But how we get over and ultimately get through is the biggest part. I’m just a mediocre marathon runner but I always feel inspired seeing his weekly updates on Instagram and this book was an even better glimpse into why he has the mindset he does. I listened to the audiobook version because there’s just something about hearing the author and the raw emotion in their voice when they tell their story. Great and easy read! Now I think I’m ready to run my first ultra???

[Catie Markesich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shocked that I’ve never heard of Andy Glaze until reading (listening to) this book- because he is exactly the kind of role model I look up to. Vulnerable, pushing his limits, and eager to help others heal through movement. This book was SO. GOOD. It’s filled with incredible adversity, with a lot of humor sprinkled in, and listening to how he made his way through it all by eventually finding endurance sport.I will be listening to this one again and again.

“Left foot, right foot, repeat. It’s always that simple, and that hard.”

“Most importantly, and this is something the critics fundamentally misunderstand, I’m still smiling. Not because everything is easy, not because I’m satisfied with mediocrity, but because I’ve learned to find joy in the effort itself, rather than just in the results. Because I understand now that the real victory isn’t where you place in the standings, but whether you keep showing up. Keep challenging yourself, keep pushing against your comfort zones; even when the rewards are internal rather than external. So yeah, I’m winning. Just not in the way that shows up in the race results or gets highlighted in ultra running magazine. I’m winning because I’m still doing hard things, even when the motivation comes from discipline rather than recognitions…who finds joy from pushing his limits rather than settling for comfort…I’m winning because my fellow firefighters see a leader who understand how to push through discomfort; who has experience managing his mind and body under stress; who can be counted on when the situation becomes challenging. What they see is someone who’s learned that true leadership isn’t about being the toughest person in the room. It’s about making everyone else in the room better.”

“One of the most counterintuitive lessons I’ve learned is that admitting failure - talking about it openly, sharing the DNF stories along with the victory reports - actually makes you stronger. In a culture that worships success and hides struggle, honesty about failure becomes a superpower.”

“Do the hard things. Daily.”

Poem he references by John Dryden: “I am wounded, but I am not slain. I shall lay me down and bleed a while, and then I shall rise and fight again.”