Middle Distance: A Graphic Memoir

by Mylo Choy

This heartfelt graphic memoir takes us through the highs, lows, twists, and turns of the author’s relationship with running, down the long road toward self-acceptance

A charming, heartwarming, and poignant story of running and self-acceptance, Mylo Choy’s Middle Distance combines exertion and introspection in an exploration of the physical body’s connection to the human experience. An exciting graphic addition to a growing field, this sports memoir recounts Mylo’s history with running, and how their love for that famously solitary sport pushed them to grow over time. It explores such themes as the interrelatedness of mind and body, the Buddhism with which Mylo was raised, emotional growth through effort but also repose, and the necessity of carving out space for nuance and acceptance. Concrete narrative scenes contrast with more abstract sequences to convey Mylo’s journeys, both inner and outer, and how these inextricably intertwine. Each of the book’s chapters takes its name from a kind of runner’s training: “The Race,” “Speedwork,” “Rest,” and “The Long Run.” The approachability of comics as a medium, coupled with the relatability of Mylo’s search for self-knowledge, results in an honest, searching work of particular interest to transgender and nonbinary runners.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Memoir, Nonfiction, Queer, Comics, LGBT, Graphic Novels Comics

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author muses about the role of running in their life. A quick but meditative read.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: The Race -- Speedwork -- Rest -- The Long Run

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mylo Choy uses running as an outlet for big feelings they don't otherwise know how to express. When injuries prevent them from running, they need to find another way to deal with their emotions.

Middle Distance is a quick read that'll feel familiar to many runners. There are few surprises here and not much beyond that basic narrative. Still a satisfying journey, though.

[Mike Dennisuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a graphic memoir about the journey of self discovery through running and the trials it presents. mylo choy is a non-binary graphic artist that tells their story of the journey. Good quick read.

[Kelvino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel bad that I read this book without buying it in a book store LMFAO. Just picked it up and read this lil comic from start to finish! I am so obsessed with any books that talk about anyone's experience with my hobbies : piano, funny birds and cats facts, reading and RUNNINGGGG. I ate up Muarkami's book on running and this memoir as well. Instead of philosophying (?) running, Choy takes running from a simple sport and transforms and infuses it with meaning as everyone does with everything they love and hate. When human experience is involved, anything can be everything everywhere all at once. Running was for her : an avenue to self-confidence, a part of her identity, a coping method, an achievement to work towards, a source of contempt and suffering, a shelter, a tool to bond with others, a cornerstone of her career and so much more.

Running to me is such a powerful experience and though not everyone sees it how I do, I sure love it when people do. I hope more media talks about running and makes it more cool like peopel have done with the gym lately.

My favourite little scene was when she is assigned the 800m role and her friend pitys her, exclaiming that that distance is the most gruelling one. And the mc smiles secretly and takes pride in being entrusted this difficulty. I'm like this too with everything. Runners that I've met often are. I have a secret theory that anyone who enjoys running is of a certain degree a huge masochist.

[Chris Brook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forget where I heard about this - now that I think of it, maybe it was this short blog on Choy-Sutton on Tracksmith: https://www.tracksmith.com/journal/ar... - but thought this was a sweet and touching graphic memoir on running and challenges when its interrupted threatened by injury.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphics brought to life the spare but rich text in Mylo’s first novel. And I could personally relate to the story of empowerment through running and later limitations and frustrations imposed by injury.

[Ags · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet. As a back of the pack runner with knee pain myself (although not nearly as serious as in this graphic novel), this was cute. So cute I took pics to share with fellow runners. Nice reflection of how running teaches lessons regarding when to speed up, slow down, tolerate pain, and listen to pain. I also appreciated the quick pieces about the importance of acknowledging emotions. Loved how supportive the family was of the main character coming out as nonbinary.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love asks you to grow.” A truly powerful line!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet, fast read. A great option for younger kids as well.

[Olavia Kite · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art and the narrative somehow fell short—it all felt a little bit rushed. It's a sweet story nonetheless.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mylo became a runner early in life, and that love of activity and free movement persisted into adulthood. Running was never about perfection, but it has always been a refuge for them and a way to help them grow and change. Mylo leads readers along a path of movement and rest, pain and healing, accomplishment and the never-ending desire to strive for more.

Middle Distance is a graphic memoir about author Mylo Choy’s enjoyment of running and how that solitary sport gave them the chance to become comfortable with their identity and find a way to process intense feelings and emotions. It’s a quick read with simple black-and-white art that is easy to follow and not too flashy. Stories about running are fairly straightforward. There isn’t a lot of nuance to what Choy is trying to say, but I do like that they talk about time away from running and the way they were able to find a peaceful middle between activity and total rest that allowed them to really process their emotions. I run because it’s joyful; I will never be the fastest person out there but it’s a way of connecting to my body and the world that feels peaceful and fun. Middle Distance was a solid read and a good, if somewhat open-ended memoir.

[Bruna Martini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle Distance shows real promise in the way it describes what running feels like for the author. Using running as a metaphor for emotional growth and self-discovery is a smart and effective idea, and at its best the book captures how physical movement can reflect inner change.
However, the execution doesn’t fully live up to that concept. The artwork is extremely simple and childlike, and the lack of detail, along with the absence of colour, makes the visuals feel flat and underdeveloped. More visual depth could have added emotional weight to the story.
The memoir also touches on the author’s difficulty expressing feelings and on periods of sadness, but these moments are never explored in any real depth. When solutions are introduced ( running but knowing when to stop and rest; exploring themselves and coming out as non-binary) they arrive without enough emotional groundwork. As a result, the book feels like it gestures toward an engaging and meaningful story without ever fully telling it. There’s a sense of missed opportunity, as if an important narrative is just out of reach.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful memoir I picked up because, sorrynotsorry, I judge graphic novels on their cover. This edition had the author on a track for the front and I was sold, despite not being a middle distance runner.

It's a quick but no less poignant read on how the author grows up using running as a way to cope and explore life, only to be set back by an injury. In addition to learning how to rest, the time off their feet gives them space to swim through decades of emotions and feelings they've avoided (because who doesn't actually run to avoid life?), only to come back stronger across all areas.

[anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my shortest and quickest reads to date, however this was a beautiful book infused with love. As a track athlete and runner myself, I felt this book spoke to a lot of the aspects about running that are healing, but also uncovered so perfectly the idea of rest in both a physical and mental lens. The book was simple, but that is what made it so effective. It embodies the quote that "art lays bare the questions hidden behind answers," for it uncovered the true crux of what love and self-peace can mean to a person that is often lost behind the thousands of complex existential ideas of self. This book is gentle yet powerful. A very uniquely touching read!

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very simple graphic novel; almost written as if it were for someone much younger. The book is about a person who enjoys running and their journey with running and learning how to rest when needed. I liked the artwork and the simplicity of the design, but wasn't sure if this was a book geared at teens or adults.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle Distance felt like it must've been a cathartic composition for the author, and I'm down with that. It's important to get it out and put it down in order to learn about yourself and help others learn about themselves. This level of intimate honesty is so necessary and appreciated. Thank you, Mylo Choy!

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slapped. I enjoyed this graphic novel. Seeing how different mindful activities helped the author to work through their emotions and feelings was very insightful. I loved seeing how they expressed their journey with running and how it can be applied to different aspects of their life.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so positive and uplifting! A great inspiration for runners and anyone trying to navigate how to maintain balance in their life.

[Macy Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic memoir!! yes please!!

a very sweet reminder to live life in the middle. love it.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this

[Madeline Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this at an independent bookstore in Madison! Lovely little graphic novel about running, art, reading, and coming into your own with all three.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fun to read books that mention WHS. I found this to be an inviting and heartwarming read with great visuals. I'll be curious to see what the author creates next!

[Shruthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book dealt with the author's relationship with running and the meditative aspects of it.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent memoir, quick read

[jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

endearing and sweet, lovely handwritten text within this graphic novel.

[Shelby Burroughs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, quick read!

[Shashank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and strangely therapeutic

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s pretty simplistic, both writing and art, but I thought it was nice.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This random library pull was surprisingly relatable

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looooved this one!! The art added so much depth to the writing