Biegacz

by Charlie Engle, Jacek Żuławnik (Translator)

Szczery pamiętnik światowej klasy ultramaratończyka.

Charlie Engle biegał niemal we wszystkich miejscach na Ziemi. Nieobce mu są ani niedzielne maratony w Ameryce Północnej, ani rekordowe biegi przez gorące piaski Sahary.
Biegacz to niezwykle zaskakująca, zabawna, a przede wszystkim inspirująca historia życia autora. Wspomina on swoje niepowodzenia oraz momenty walki; opisuje, jak poradził sobie z uzależnieniem i odnalazł drogę do wolności.

Wciągająca opowieść o przekraczaniu granic ludzkiej wytrzymałości.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Sports, Biography, Health, Addiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not only an autobiography but a well written autobiography (that doesn't always happen.) Not once did this feel long. I didn't know anything about the author before picking up this book. After reading this, I can't say I liked him as a person, but his story certainly made me think.

We all have the thing (or things) that makes us tick, and he found his.....both the good and the bad. This felt honest and I liked the humor as he journeyed through divorced parents, drug addiction, running, and even prison. So 4 stars.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting biography. I didn't really know the author before, so his life was quite a surprise. I only knew he ran through the whole Sahara for charity. It's fun to read, not just about running but the other things he got through as well, like a year in prison and extreme drug abuse.

[jenreadsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should’ve DNF’d this book. I noticed shortly after finishing this book that this guy’s personality rubbed me the wrong way. I wanted to be inspired as I’m running my first marathon next year, but now I’m just hoping he won’t be running the same marathon as me! If you want to be inspired, read one of Dean Karnazes’ books.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do people get their motivation, energy and stamina? Here's a guy who was not satisfied running marathons, so he had to run ultra marathons and run through Death Valley and run through the Sahara. And I can barely get myself to the gym for a little stroll on the treadmill. This was a fascinating account by a man who fought addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine, and rose to educate himself, start a business, succeed and fail, and serve time in prison for a completely screwy charge, and still challenges himself to run incredible journeys. And to top it off, he is a good writer. I was never bored for a second during his description of his journeys. This was truly inspirational and a good read to boot. He was also the subject of two movies which I am going to check out: "Running the Sahara" and "Running in America".

[kartik narayanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - it is a story of perserverance and resilience. Charlie Engle struggles with his addiction and his unjust imprisonment through the power of running.

At times, this story felt almost like a hollywood movie with peaks and troughs in Charlie's life, happening almost like clockwork. There were points where I felt that the story got a bit too 'trope-ish' and that led me to question the veracity of certain incidents.

But, all said and done, this is still a great book about his life and running.

[Harry Osborne · Rating 2 out of 5]

At one point near the end, author Charlie Engle says that he has “always enjoyed being the one to make others laugh”. Unfortunately, he has forgotten to use any of those jokes in this pretty drab ode-to-my-life, where he trots out the basics of running in between describing how bad his feet look after an ultramarathon.

Obviously a freak athlete (with some pretty awful backstory), Engle is a bit too self-absorbed to realise that he’s actually someone who neglects his family in the pursuit of achievement. He’s also the least modest person to have maybe written an autobiography ever, which is made all the more blatant by the fact that this book doesn’t actually give any insight into running.

I will concede that it is a memoir and not in any way presenting itself as a self-help book, but I at least thought he would have the foresight to try and explain some of the nuances of elite distance running: instead, he just sticks “embrace pain” somewhere in every chapter and hopes that is a good enough stand-in.

Wouldn’t recommend this, only giving it two stars because 1) I managed to finish it (although audiobook so slightly cheating), and 2) because it’s at least a true story.

[Edwin Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUNNING MAN by Charlie Engle is an refreshing raw and unfiltered look at someone who lives with addiction. Charlie Engle describes how he got easily addicted to alcohol and drugs early in life and from them on is always fighting those demons. He discovers running, and shifts what seems like a mandate of his soul to be addicted to something and becomes addicted to running and adventure racing.
Told with a raw and a gritty realism, RUNNING MAN is an inspiration not only to runners, but to anyone working toward a goal. Engle seems to live his life trying to accept what he has and move forward, rather than stop and wallow in what he doesn't have. He admits freely to mistakes in his life and always strives to be a better person, and without meaning to, he encourages the reader to look inward to work on themselves.
As a runner, I found this book quite motivating for me, but I think Engle's story is so much more. He writes about running because that is what he does, but the message behind it all is what really inspires greatness; to tackle an seemingly impossible goal takes heart, courage, and hope.
Thank you to Scribner, Charlie Engle, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

All year I've been reading memoirs by ultra athletes. They're all ego driven alpha males who have overcome personal adversities - usually addictions - by running billions of miles. I'm drawn to reading about their accomplishments, but these are the type of people I pray I never have to encounter in person.

[Claudia Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top running book, right up there with “Born to Run” and “Ultramarathon Man”. All of these books have one thing in common and that’s writing about more than running. Engle is really and honest. He talks about struggling with addictions and the steps he had to take to overcome the mindset and habits that kept him from recovery. He talks about crazy epic survival races and time in jail due to an insane IRS agent (if you’re like me you’ll google the agent trying to plot revenge). I’ve read so many running books lately but with my own alcoholic husband and experiences with addiction, this “running” book hit the spot. Five stars for sure.

[Terri Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an authentic and honest account of an intensely driven life. Whether one agrees with, likes, connects, empathizes (or not) with Charlie's life and how it plays out, we can not deny it has been a wild, intriguing ride and that he is a deeply feeling and talented person. I applaud his ongoing desire to bare himself in an effort to support and inspire others. That value is far reaching. Thanks for sharing! Great work.

[Kristin Ogburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a fascinating memoir! I enjoyed reading about ultramarathon endurance training/ racing and was interested to learn how the author overcame his drug addiction and survived his stint in prison for mortgage fraud! As the Wash Post describes him, "from addict to runner to prisoner to writer..." I need to watch his"Running the Sahara" documentary now.

[Lisa Bricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am amazed by Engle's endurance and passion. The problem is, I don't think I'd like him if I met him. Unfair? Probably; but it's true based on my reading of his autobiography.

[Garrett Millbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Engle, an ultramarathon runner, adventure racer, and former drug addict has a life story that you will not believe. Reading this book was a crazy mixture of feelings, from sadness to gratitude and laughs. After reading this remarkable story, I want everyone to read it, doesn’t matter if you like to run or not. This story that Engle shares can help and teach people life lessons that could save you. Reading this book has taught me that life is not easy, and you have to be very resilient to be successful. Engle also has encouraged me to pick up a hobby that I enjoy to keep my mind off stressful situations. Another important thing I learned from this book is to not let anything stop you. Engle wanted to run through the Sahara desert, and guess what, he did it. I have been inspired to take my talents as far as I can, and not let anyone stop me from completing my goals. My favorite quote from this book is this “Sometimes the universe does for you what you are unable to do for yourself … And now I wondered: how much farther could I go?” Engle took this question and spent his life answering it.

[Sam Schroder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect read in the lead up and over the weekend of Ultra Trail Australia. Engle tells the story of his passion for running, his evolution from recreational runner to marathon runner to the discovery of ultra marathons and challenge races. With Matt Damon narrating, he ran, and filmed a documentary about, crossing the Sahara Desert. And there’s plenty more to his interesting story and his writing and narration were really engaging. I won’t ever attempt to run across America like Engle did (or Australia in case you were wondering), but I’m definitely hooked on running and on reading about running. A recommended read if you run or are interested in the psychology of long distance running.

[Isa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest - after finishing Kathrine Switzer's "Maraton Woman" I just wanted to read an other book wrote by a runner. This book was just a random choice, without any previous knowledge about its content. I was stunned, how good this book is, how interesting and involving. Every day I just couldn't wait to go back to the lecture. I love the story I love the way it is written and I love the fact I could experience this Audiobook read by the Author. This it the best book on my shelf this year.

[Gjorgi Georgiev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running Man is a powerful mix of running, pain, suffering and redemption. Charlie Engle takes you through his battles with addiction, prison, and the endless miles that shaped his life for better or worse. It’s raw, honest, and full of lessons every runner can carry with them, especially the reminder: “You can go further. You just have to reconfigure your relationship with pain.” A solid read for any runner.

[Amy Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story and good journalistic style. Somewhat repetitive and occasionally slow. Definitely cheering for Charlie.

[Jeff Wilson]

I think this book was really interesting and I found it to be very motivational. The book had great meaning and good life lessons.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Charlie Engle is a true inspiration. What really stood out to me about Charlie:
- Ability to remain positive in the face of unjust imprisonment
- Eventual focus on family & connections
- Refusal to give up, but able to recognize when to stop and recover
- Great writer

[Arianna G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm... I love running autobiographies and thinking about what drives the sport. I've really enjoyed the Dean Karnes books (sp?) and "why we run" etc. This book was okay, but I didn't take anything special from it. Every obstacle the author faced was self-imposed, and he seemed to run (later in life) not from the pure pleasure (he does a beautiful description of the joy of running early in the book (as a boy during a storm), but from the urge to just "feel" ANYTHING.

Also, it's hard to deny that when it comes to ability his natural grit and skill were a major part of success (as opposed to his work). At one point he drinks and does coke all night and then two hours later runs his FIRST marathon in under 4 hours. As someone who would kill for a 4 hour (minus) time, this is just sort of frustrating and not relatable. He had moments of extremely beautiful prose (the storm running, his first brush with alcohol), but overall it was hard for me to get into.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. I love hearing all the back stories on ultra runners. Brutally honest memoir.

[Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a memoir and there are parts that I like and parts that I don’t like. When the story is about races and adventure I enjoyed the book. When the story talks about drugs and addiction or time in jail and legal problems I was turned off. Maybe 1/3 or 1/2 of the book I didn’t care for.

Others might like it more than I did. Especially if you want to more fully understand his problems. I want to hear about his running.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking, fast-paced read that frequently leaves you running short of breath. I devoured this book and was genuinely let down when I got to the last page. I particularly enjoyed his Beckley Badwater experience and could vividly picture the inmates watching on, offering support and encouragement. A simply amazing story that won't be forgotten.

[Vyacheslav Okun sj · Rating 5 out of 5]

To jest książka więcej niż o bieganiu... To jest opowieść o niezwykłej drodze biegacza w poszukiwaniu samego siebie. Historia, która może zainspirować tych, którzy jak i autor padają, jednak mają w sobie siły nie załamać, lecz podnoszą się i mimo zmęczenia i braku sensu w życiu idą dalej.
Polecam wszystkim!!!

[Matthew Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It was great to see Charlie recall his experiences and how everything has shaped his life. It is not a running book but rather it highlights his personal struggles and how running has always served as a foundation for him. I would recommend this book.

[Rosie]

DNF at 18%. I would have preferred a memoir about running to involve more running, not a play by play of every time he took various drugs and got himself into scary situation..

Anxiety inducing and just not motivational at all

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great memoir about how Charlie turned to running to overcome addiction and drug abuse. Honest and forthcoming.

[Abby Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best memoir I’ve ever read. Absolutely stunning! Please read!!!

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I love books about running, because I have always wanted to be a runner. I wanted it so much that I willed it into existence, because in fact, all you need to do to become a runner, is run.

I didn't know anything about Charlie Engle before this book. I just periodically search books about running in Libby and this time this one came up.

I apparently have read Wild (I don't remember it) by Cheryl Strayed. But I remember I didn't like it. Engle references Strayed's influence on him writing this book - how he read her book and loved it and how he was inspired to write his own memoir. I liked Engle's book much better than Strayed's.

This book starts off with Engle leaving prison. This of course draws the reader's interest, but the rest of the book unfortunately isn't so much about how he ended up there. It's just about what happens before he goes to prison and then gets out. In fact, he probably should have gone to prison way BEFORE he actually does, and definitely for different charges.

Like many running books, this one starts out talking about how the author always loved running and couldn't stop moving even as a child. For once, I want a book I can identify with - a protagonist that was a slug child who slurped soda and vegged out on tv and didn't learn running existed until late in life. Where is that book I ask?!

Anyway, Engle was always running. But also his childhood was tough. He doesn't seem to talk too much about this except some parental abandonment which obviously had more of an effect on him than he lets on. He starts out early with running away and drinking, and yet his parents are never blamed. He doesn't do any sort of analysis as to what part they may have played in his behavior before he was an adult. This may be because of his later participation in the 12 steps/AA which forces him to take responsibility for all he does. But as an autobiography, it falls short.

As he grows, he switches to hard drugs. He has brushes with the law many times. He is married and has kids but he is somehow always on work trips and hanging out in seedy motel rooms with women who he is chastely only using for their drug hookup. He gets clean a few times, relapses a few times, and then finds endurance racing. He decides to start punishing himself from the outside in, rather the inside out.

The racing part is what I came for after all, so this book doesn't get into that until almost a half way through. Then Engle brushes over how he somehow has connections to Matt Damon. But this part makes me interested to know - are we reading this because of this man's feats or because of who he knows? Probably both.

It is about at this point when you start to realize that the "jackass" portrait that Engle painted of himself as a youth, is actually just his personality. I listened to the audiobook and he narrates it himself. And you would think I would have noticed earlier that he kinda is a jerk. However it wasn't until he was in prison and he talks about a call he receives that tells him his son has just been arrested for doing heroin that you realize wait a minute... He didn't want to go into detail about whatever might have caused his own addiction and issues as a child, and yet now we know he kinda abandoned his kids and now one of them is an addict...

He leaves it on a note of hope for all involved but one wonders if in a few years time we will be reading Engle Jr's autobiography of his climb out of addiction.

And so the sins of man run on.

[Luke Harnisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would rate the book Running Man by Charlie Engle a very respectable 5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book primarily because of the meaning it had through it and how it overlaid a inspirational story of a man who was able to overcome a huge problem. The book was so good because the story had so many parts that made it where you did not want to put the book down as they had so much suspense. He would be out on a drug run and ended up with a gun in his face and it was parts like these that made for a real nail biter. I am usually not one who likes to read but reading this book I enjoyed just because of the amazing story this guy had. At the beginning of the book he had a huge problem but by the end he was able to overcome this but there were many ups and downs and because of how dense the journey was it made the book earn a 5 out of 5 on stars.
The man in the book had a lot at stake for him to overcome his addiction and because there was such a reward at the end it made me really want him to succeed because if he didn't he had so much to lose. I really enjoyed the book because the man found running and even though it was a small thing it was what got him through this point in his life and what helped him save his family. I liked how there was an escape because it made me feel good for the man when he was able to always have something he loved to turn to whenever things got hard for him so he had an escape. The total well rounded story made for one of the best books I have ever read and him succeeding was part of this, watching someone grow into a better version of himself made me love this book so therefore I had to give it a 5 out of 5.
My favorite quote was when he said “one of them flashed a gun. Another Gun”(47) because the meaning behind this quote and what this part made him do made it a very good part. The man had been doing drugs his entire life but when things started to go bad and he was seeing that he could have some significance and major consequences on him. Once there were guns involved he made a bigger effort to stop his drug addiction problem. After he said this you really started to see a change for the better and he started becoming the person he was meant to be. He was doing good at his job and starting to become a good father to his son and just all around doing much better. To conclude this quote was my favorite because of its significance on his journey and how it made a turn in the book for the better.
Running mas is about a man who had a major drug issue and his addiction was tearing apart his life and family. He was trying to overcome his addiction but he kept having relapses and would end up in the same palace with the same excuses doing the same drugs. Charlie found running and it ended up to be his thing and between running and counseling he was able to overcome his drug problem. After this he wanted to take his running to another level and started doing competitive races almost every weekend. This was not enough for him so he went right ahead and decided he wanted to do these extreme races all over the world where he kayaked, biked, swam, and ran on top of having to navigate his way to the finish line. This was his thing and the book went into a long story of how these races changed him and all the accomplishments and failures he had competing in these mega races.