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Running Against The Odds: An Inspirational Journey to Making High School Sports History
Life took Desmond "Coach Dez" Dunham down an unpaved path toward both manhood and coaching, testing his spirit, humility, and purpose. Now a nationally recognized high school coach, Running Against The Odds chronicles Dunham's journey to finding his passion within youth sports, culminating at the 2007 Penn Relays - one of the most defining moments of his illustrious running career.
In this impassioned coming-of-age memoir, Dunham recounts his turbulent childhood, filled with challenges in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana. Despite constant rejection and disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father, Dunham persevered, attended Howard University, and found his passion on the track with key support along the way.
From humble beginnings with the odds stacked against him, Dunham's story shows that underdogs prevail.
In this impassioned coming-of-age memoir, Dunham recounts his turbulent childhood, filled with challenges in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana. Despite constant rejection and disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father, Dunham persevered, attended Howard University, and found his passion on the track with key support along the way.
From humble beginnings with the odds stacked against him, Dunham's story shows that underdogs prevail.
- GenresNonfiction
252 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
3 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Dunham
2 books4 followersDesmond “Coach Dez” Dunham is a youth sports expert with over two decades of coaching and teaching experience in Washington, DC. With an award-winning career in high school cross-country and track and field, Coach Dez boasts many All-American, national, and international titles.
Dunham is an Under Armour running coach and ambassador, the Founder of Kids Elite Sports, and a DC public school teacher. At the core of his coaching philosophy, he believes that all kids deserve opportunities to excel. He is passionate about helping athletes develop to reach their optimal performance on and off the track. He holds a bachelor's degree from Howard University and a master's degree from Trinity University.
Dunham is an Under Armour running coach and ambassador, the Founder of Kids Elite Sports, and a DC public school teacher. At the core of his coaching philosophy, he believes that all kids deserve opportunities to excel. He is passionate about helping athletes develop to reach their optimal performance on and off the track. He holds a bachelor's degree from Howard University and a master's degree from Trinity University.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2022
My greatest reward is when they've learned that there will always be odds to face and they keep running anyway.
🦄🦄🦄
Running Against the Odds is an inspirational to making High School sports history by Desmond Dunham which peaked at the 2007 Penn Relays. Coach Dunham tells his story of resilience and passion starting from the very beginning of his life's story with an alcoholic father and how that experience played a part in shaping the way he is today. The entire journey was a difficult one, but with every hurdle he had to face, he always got back on his feet and pushed forward. Divided into three parts (childhood, college years and coaching), Coach Dunham provides us an in-depth view of life in his shoes. Equal parts heartbreaking, captivating and courageous, this book proves that if you ever want something in life, it doesn't come easy. The work has to be put in and sacrifices need to be made because you do not get everything you want on a silver platter.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone because it can boost your morale and spirit a hundred times more than a self help book. Hard work is the answer to many of our questions and without it, we would be nowhere.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
L
🦄🦄🦄
Running Against the Odds is an inspirational to making High School sports history by Desmond Dunham which peaked at the 2007 Penn Relays. Coach Dunham tells his story of resilience and passion starting from the very beginning of his life's story with an alcoholic father and how that experience played a part in shaping the way he is today. The entire journey was a difficult one, but with every hurdle he had to face, he always got back on his feet and pushed forward. Divided into three parts (childhood, college years and coaching), Coach Dunham provides us an in-depth view of life in his shoes. Equal parts heartbreaking, captivating and courageous, this book proves that if you ever want something in life, it doesn't come easy. The work has to be put in and sacrifices need to be made because you do not get everything you want on a silver platter.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone because it can boost your morale and spirit a hundred times more than a self help book. Hard work is the answer to many of our questions and without it, we would be nowhere.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
L
Read
February 22, 2025I give Desmond Dunham's book “Running Against the Odds” a five out of five. I love the theme of perseverance displayed in this book. Desmond shares many examples of perseverance throughout his life. Desmond also talks about dealing with crisis as an athlete and the fear of not only letting yourself down but your team. Desmond learns from all his mistakes takes responsibility and begins showing determination to change his ways. Desmond made this book very detailed and very enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to friends.
One example perseverance is displayed in the book is when he talks about is when he was diagnosed with bronchitis a week before the College State finals for Cross Country. His doctor had suggested he was not to race in the finals because his condition could have worsened. That did not stop Desmond, he ignored the doctors advice and decided he was going to race. Desmond stated “ I was holding on for dear life. I found myself in familiar territory again. It resembled the asthma attack I suffered in my first year of high school. I struggled, but somehow, I finished. I survived that. I survived the death march. I survived the perils of Gary. I was a survivor. Even when unsure how, I willed myself to persevere.” (Dunham 121). He showed perseverance in this quote by telling us about how much pain he is going through, but he was not going to give up, he was going to push himself to finish that race. While pushing himself to finish Desmond had a flashback about the crisis he experienced his senior year of high school. At the end of his senior season he had a stress fracture in his foot. “ My senior year at Horace Mann ended with me limping across the finish line at the state meet because of a late season stress fracture in my foot.” (Desmond 119). The crisis of having a fracture foot or having bronchitis was having Desmond feel like he was a failure not only to himself but to his entire team.
It can sometimes become overwhelming being a student athlete with keeping up grades and having to do all the mandatory training for your sport. Desmond had some difficulties with classes which had him failing and losing his position on the team. Desmond talked about having to set a resolution to improve his grades and earn his spot back on the team. He worked extremely hard and did not give up until he was back on the team. Once he brought his grades up he went to talk to his coach about reconsidering joining the team again.“Desmond, you’re a good guy. And you’re a hard worker. But you have to keep your priorities straight. You know how many guys like you wish they were here at Howard? Don’t mess this up for yourself.” I sat up straighter. “Yes, sir. I won’t.” I let just a tiny bit of hope creep in. A few seconds passed. More seconds went by. “Okay. I’ll see you at practice tomorrow,” Coach said.” (Moultrie 110).
Desmond is considered to be a static character in the book. In the beginning he is shown playing different sports and he talks about how he loves competition. He hated to lose and sports was the best thing for him. For example “ Dez you’re too small your too slow and you don’t have the talents- made me dig deeper to stay committed to the pace Wyman set.” (Dunham 55). No matter what anyone told him Desmond always proved he was able to accomplish all his goals.
There is not a lot of imagery in this story but the best type of imagery that caught my attention was when he was describing his first time running for a team. “I felt the lactic acid eating away at my muscle tissue. My legs were swimming. I did not pace the first mile and thought if I ran faster in the beginning, I could put myself out front, and then I could slow down and run just fast enough to still finish among the top runners.” (Dunham 14). While I was reading this statement I could picture myself running a meet and seeing some runners ahead of me doing exactly what he stated.
Desmond shows a lot of determination throughout his life. I have learned you work hard no matter what others can tell you if you set your mind to it you will be able to accomplish all your goals. As a cross country runner I really enjoyed this book and will continue to set goals for myself.
Unfamiliar words
Peril
Dawdle
Marginalized
Concocted
Meticulous
One example perseverance is displayed in the book is when he talks about is when he was diagnosed with bronchitis a week before the College State finals for Cross Country. His doctor had suggested he was not to race in the finals because his condition could have worsened. That did not stop Desmond, he ignored the doctors advice and decided he was going to race. Desmond stated “ I was holding on for dear life. I found myself in familiar territory again. It resembled the asthma attack I suffered in my first year of high school. I struggled, but somehow, I finished. I survived that. I survived the death march. I survived the perils of Gary. I was a survivor. Even when unsure how, I willed myself to persevere.” (Dunham 121). He showed perseverance in this quote by telling us about how much pain he is going through, but he was not going to give up, he was going to push himself to finish that race. While pushing himself to finish Desmond had a flashback about the crisis he experienced his senior year of high school. At the end of his senior season he had a stress fracture in his foot. “ My senior year at Horace Mann ended with me limping across the finish line at the state meet because of a late season stress fracture in my foot.” (Desmond 119). The crisis of having a fracture foot or having bronchitis was having Desmond feel like he was a failure not only to himself but to his entire team.
It can sometimes become overwhelming being a student athlete with keeping up grades and having to do all the mandatory training for your sport. Desmond had some difficulties with classes which had him failing and losing his position on the team. Desmond talked about having to set a resolution to improve his grades and earn his spot back on the team. He worked extremely hard and did not give up until he was back on the team. Once he brought his grades up he went to talk to his coach about reconsidering joining the team again.“Desmond, you’re a good guy. And you’re a hard worker. But you have to keep your priorities straight. You know how many guys like you wish they were here at Howard? Don’t mess this up for yourself.” I sat up straighter. “Yes, sir. I won’t.” I let just a tiny bit of hope creep in. A few seconds passed. More seconds went by. “Okay. I’ll see you at practice tomorrow,” Coach said.” (Moultrie 110).
Desmond is considered to be a static character in the book. In the beginning he is shown playing different sports and he talks about how he loves competition. He hated to lose and sports was the best thing for him. For example “ Dez you’re too small your too slow and you don’t have the talents- made me dig deeper to stay committed to the pace Wyman set.” (Dunham 55). No matter what anyone told him Desmond always proved he was able to accomplish all his goals.
There is not a lot of imagery in this story but the best type of imagery that caught my attention was when he was describing his first time running for a team. “I felt the lactic acid eating away at my muscle tissue. My legs were swimming. I did not pace the first mile and thought if I ran faster in the beginning, I could put myself out front, and then I could slow down and run just fast enough to still finish among the top runners.” (Dunham 14). While I was reading this statement I could picture myself running a meet and seeing some runners ahead of me doing exactly what he stated.
Desmond shows a lot of determination throughout his life. I have learned you work hard no matter what others can tell you if you set your mind to it you will be able to accomplish all your goals. As a cross country runner I really enjoyed this book and will continue to set goals for myself.
Unfamiliar words
Peril
Dawdle
Marginalized
Concocted
Meticulous
October 19, 2021
I loved it.
Running against the odds is a thought-provoking memoir about Desmond Dunham and his passion for sports. Overcoming daunting and back to back challenges, this inspiring account articulates the trailblazing triumphs against crunch and hardships.
A powerful and inspiring account of Coach Des that chronologically shows almost all of the vital events that begins with his birth, continuing upto his childhood and adult life. His life was never a bed of roses rather it was filled with outrageous challenges that were stacked against him. But he is a born fighter, destined to inspire millions with his life.
The incorporation of extraordinary resiliency just adds a remarkable side to the difficult situations that he faces in his entire life, his child's life is completely different from that of his own. He talks about the rigid struggles and obstacles that he faced on the track. Written in three parts, the author has marvelously spoken on making the dream bigger than your struggle. It may be difficult but it's not impossible. An aptly titled book!
I'd recommend this book to all the readers because this book contains many such vital and inspiring statements and events which will be a stepping stone in your life. Here is a book that will make you see the potential and the endless possibilities of having a future that you dream of, only if you are willing to believe in yourself and make perseverance your ultimate goal. Highly recommend it.
Running against the odds is a thought-provoking memoir about Desmond Dunham and his passion for sports. Overcoming daunting and back to back challenges, this inspiring account articulates the trailblazing triumphs against crunch and hardships.
A powerful and inspiring account of Coach Des that chronologically shows almost all of the vital events that begins with his birth, continuing upto his childhood and adult life. His life was never a bed of roses rather it was filled with outrageous challenges that were stacked against him. But he is a born fighter, destined to inspire millions with his life.
The incorporation of extraordinary resiliency just adds a remarkable side to the difficult situations that he faces in his entire life, his child's life is completely different from that of his own. He talks about the rigid struggles and obstacles that he faced on the track. Written in three parts, the author has marvelously spoken on making the dream bigger than your struggle. It may be difficult but it's not impossible. An aptly titled book!
I'd recommend this book to all the readers because this book contains many such vital and inspiring statements and events which will be a stepping stone in your life. Here is a book that will make you see the potential and the endless possibilities of having a future that you dream of, only if you are willing to believe in yourself and make perseverance your ultimate goal. Highly recommend it.
March 30, 2022
A powerful story of perseverance, resilience, and success!
Dive into this massively impactful memoir written by Desmond “Coach Dez” Dunham as he battles through his walk of life.
Starting with a turbulent childhood in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana to overcoming constant disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father.
Desmond perseveres and attends Howard University where he finds his passion on the track and how the sport has shaped his life for the better.
Far better than he could have imagined growing up in Gary, Indiana.
The true character and resilience of Desmond shines in his memoir as he carves an unpaved path toward both manhood and coaching.
Now as a nationally recognized high school coach, Running Against The Odds tells the story of Desmond’s journey to finding his passion within youth sports.
It highlights how the 2007 Penn Relays served as a major moment in his impressive running career.
If you are a sports fan or have interest in learning about a great story of perseverance, resilience, and success, then this book should be your next read!
Dive into this massively impactful memoir written by Desmond “Coach Dez” Dunham as he battles through his walk of life.
Starting with a turbulent childhood in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana to overcoming constant disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father.
Desmond perseveres and attends Howard University where he finds his passion on the track and how the sport has shaped his life for the better.
Far better than he could have imagined growing up in Gary, Indiana.
The true character and resilience of Desmond shines in his memoir as he carves an unpaved path toward both manhood and coaching.
Now as a nationally recognized high school coach, Running Against The Odds tells the story of Desmond’s journey to finding his passion within youth sports.
It highlights how the 2007 Penn Relays served as a major moment in his impressive running career.
If you are a sports fan or have interest in learning about a great story of perseverance, resilience, and success, then this book should be your next read!
December 29, 2021
Desmond Dunham is an inspiration. As a coach, father and individual, Coach Dunham exemplifies what is great about the human spirit. He has faced and torn down obstacles throughout his life. In Running Against the Odds, he provides an authentic and unvarnished glimpse into the life experiences that shaped him. In a time when so many of our “heroes” gloss over their shortcomings, Coach Dunham provides a refreshing account of the challenges he faced in his life — learning differences, traumas at home, growing up in a de facto segregated Troy, struggling at Howard University and others — without resorting to easy answers explaining his successes. His story is one of hard work, deep love, perseverance, self awareness and giving back. Coach Dunham is a true hero. His impact on the thousands of lives he touches will last for generations. Running Against the Odds is a must read.
February 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Coach Desmond's experience. The tough family life and upbringing is relatable to a lot of people, but what stands out is his resilience. He didn't play the victim role. He went through his emotions and then used it to help others. Refreshing to see how from a young age, he was able to dust himself off and persevere. His experience shows how sports can help channel those emotions in to something positive. It also shows how positive reinforcement and discipline (not abuse or neglect) can shape a young persons behavior and confidence....huge lessons for all!!
Read
May 21, 2024This book began by discussing his life and how it inspired and led him to pursue running. The narrative draws you in with his discussion of his early family problems with his father and his experiences that forced him to assume the role of an older person due to wrongdoings by his father. The narrative paints a vivid picture of how he developed into the guy he is today and the significance of running in his life. Through his deeds in this book, Coach Duhnam demonstrates true power, love, and commitment, and I, along with many other teens and students, am inspired.
November 9, 2021
This book has a lot to offer its readers; in my view, it's a great book that you can add to your bucket list. I enjoyed the book and its overall concept; it was a good and easy read. The plot is extremely engrossing, and I was completely hooked throughout the reading. There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel that kept me interested and thrilled me. From my perspective, this is a novel that everyone should read.
March 12, 2022
Like the best inspiring sports books, the lessons in this book go far beyond sports. Running Against the Odds is aptly named. Institutions and systems in this country were designed to make it virtually impossible for so many to succeed. May this book be a catalyst for change, not just on an individual level, but on a structural level. I'm grateful to the author for sharing his story in such a vulnerable way. I highly recommend buying this book!
June 5, 2024
I think this book about Coach Dunham is very important because it shows his identity and how he overcame many challenges. I think it really inspired me to be the best version of myself and push through the challenges that come into my life. I also think that reading this book has changed my view on many things and to take stuff for granted because of what some people have had to go through. I really hope in the future Coach Dunham can make another book to inspire more people.
March 18, 2024
THANK YOU!
I don’t normally write reviews but I just got to thank Coach Dez for inspiring me and others with this book. This book is filled with valuable life lessons, it has inspired me to keep going with my passions.
THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING!
And thank you so much for including a Spanish copy too!
I don’t normally write reviews but I just got to thank Coach Dez for inspiring me and others with this book. This book is filled with valuable life lessons, it has inspired me to keep going with my passions.
THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING!
And thank you so much for including a Spanish copy too!
May 20, 2024
Amazing book,
The whole first half pulled on my heart strings, from the circumstances with his father, to over coming the odds the book had me engrossed and often time yarning for more details. My favorite story has to be the portions of the book dedicated to base ball along with the interactions with his coach.
The whole first half pulled on my heart strings, from the circumstances with his father, to over coming the odds the book had me engrossed and often time yarning for more details. My favorite story has to be the portions of the book dedicated to base ball along with the interactions with his coach.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
"Running Against the Odds" is a build-up inspirational narrative that captures perseverance, resilience, and the triumph of the humankind. Dunham takes readers on a journey of overcoming his challenges while growing up building up to the pursuit of athletic excellence. Whether you're a competitive runner or want inspiration, this book will inspire and leave an impact on you like it did for me.
June 4, 2025
Running Against the Odds is an honest and uplifting read. Desmond Dunham’s story feels real and raw, and his drive to succeed is contagious. Some parts could’ve used tighter editing, but overall, it’s a powerful reminder that grit and heart can take you far. Overall was a fun and interesting read and I would rate it a 4/5 stars.
June 11, 2025
unning Against the Odds is an honest and motivating story about pushing through challenges and staying focused on your goals. Coach Dunham’s journey shows how determination and mentorship can make a real difference. It’s a solid read for anyone who needs a reminder that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up.
May 23, 2024
Easily one of the most motivational book i’ve read. I loved reading this in high school and finishing it now, getting to experience Desmond Dunham’s story through a lens i understood helped me learn so much about people and what motivates them.
May 30, 2025
This book was a wonderful read, and shows a true life journey from the very beginning while explaining how relationships, community, hobbies, and more can contribute shape one’s identity. Would definitely read again.
June 2, 2025
Running Against The Odds is an inspirational book that influenced me to reflect on my own identity. This book isn't just about Coach Dunham's career, but it's about finding your purpose and resilience when life gets tough. It was a good book; I would reread it.
November 9, 2021
A great lesson in grit and perseverance and the joy of teamwork.
May 20, 2024
This book was incredibly inspiring for me as I know the author personally and it has put me in perspective of how much adversity he has gone through and how he has responded to it.
May 20, 2024
A very inspirational book showcasing Coach Dunham's Journey. Really shows the power of perseverance and resilience.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews