Running for a Higher Purpose: 8 Steps to Spiritual and Physical Fitness

by Thomas John Paprocki

What if you could improve your physical health while deepening your spiritual life? In Running for a Higher Purpose , Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, Catholic bishop of Springfield—a marathon runner and hockey player—shares how the simple discipline of running can help you unlock profound spiritual benefits. Paprocki took up running as a teenager for his health; he ran his first marathon in his forties. Along the way he discovered that improving your physical health through running is a way to honor God and grow deeper in your spiritual life. Perfect for those who want to try running for the first time as well as for more experienced runners who want to set goals for a new challenge, Running for a Higher Purpose offers eight steps to reach spiritual and physical fitness. Each chapter includes an inspirational quotation, a personal promise statement, and a prayer.

Genres: Catholic

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

Reviews

[Marty Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a Catholic Fitness Coach, I greatly appreciated Bishop Paprocki’s wisdom in creating are more defined bridge between physical and spiritual wellness. Whether your a marathon runner or someone who values overall fitness this book is a must read!

[Kyle Kowalczyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Catholic bishop who runs marathons––What!?

There are a lot of running books out there, but none from the Catholic perspective, but this one. Many Catholic runners, especially who run long distance (marathons and ultras), question whether they should be spending all this time running. Well, here is a bishop who says you can, and does himself.

There is an excellent little discussion near the end of the book on the "vocation to be a runner", because when it comes down to it, if the answer to "Why do you run?" isn't "Because God wants me to," then should you really be running?

[Bonnie Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic school for the first eight years of my life, so it was fascinating to read about the priest's experiences. As someone who has been running for over 40 years and is the same age as the author, I found it wonderful to see how he weaves together his passion for running and his faith to create a seamless and beautiful form of worship. His ability to find solace and peace in running is something I can definitely relate to, and it's inspiring to see how he uses this passion to deepen his connection with God.

[JEM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about how a priest combines running and faith. Loved reading his story and reading about the connection he makes between physical and spiritual health. He (naturally, being a priest) comes from a perspective of Catholic theology (so i would differ on some things) and it does account for quite a large proportion of the book.