Running on Thin Ice

by Nicole Rizzo

It’s impossible to run on thin ice without falling through eventually.

At ten years old, Nicole Rizzo discovered cross country. The sport was a gift – with it came chaotic runs fueled by Bugles, an eccentric coach, and hilarious teammates. Before long, the laughter faded, and everything shifted. She slipped into a battle with overexercising, undereating, and perfectionism. Joining a high school team obsessed with winning, she remained exhausted physically and numb mentally. Forced to heal if she wanted to live fully, she uprooted the destructive habits of her past and unearthed what it really means to be strong.

Running on Thin Ice traces a journey of past selves and captures those painful, unsettling, and beautiful moments that show it’s possible to grab hold of solid ground and escape the frigid water just in time.

236 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2022

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly when I picked it up I didn't think it would be a 5 star read of the year, but I have to say it is so good! Nicole Rizzo writes authentically about her struggles through middle school, high school, and college as she navigates the world of cross country, but also growing up and the challenges that come with it. Nicole is just an ordinary girl and sometimes I feel like when I read memoirs from celebrities, you don't get a lot of vulnerability, however Nicole gives so much vulnerability tapping into those ages that she once was. Highly recommend!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good memoir of a cross county runner and her challenges. She started running in middle school and continued on through high school. Nicole struggled with her weight and always strived to excel in the sport. Her competitiveness pushed her to the limits and finally she realized she needed help. Easy to read format and dated chapters. The author noted her own mindful thoughts in italics.