Running Man: A Memoir Hardcover – September 13, 2016

It's been years since I read a book that I was immersed in and I absolutely loved this book. I felt as if I was present as the words put you directly in the experience, feeling what Charlie felt. His vulnerability and his authenticity is felt on every page. Learning of his childhood and finding out the path he chose had my heart racing at times, my eyes tearing, my fears rising inside of me as I felt as if I was overcoming these challenges with him. He is such an excellent writer. I suggested to my husband read this book since it was so inspiring and he felt the same way. My husband rarely reads books or makes the time to read; however he couldn't put this book down either! Charlie's description of his experiences keep you on your toes! I felt so much compassion for him and just couldn't wait to find out how everything turned out, page by page.I recommend that you read this book and be open to embracing his vulnerability and you'll gain insight into his struggles many of which are problems that we see in the lives of others. He helped me understand the "WHY" of addiction and his compelling story is so satisfying because he is REAL about his past in such a way that opens up his life for others to see how you can overcome anything by reconfiguring your relationship with pain. He exposes the life of an adventure runner, something I knew nothing about prior to this book! This book was so much more than I expected, as I learned about his struggle in such a vulnerable light, he's very descriptive, and I felt like I was right there, in his shoes. He's an EXCELLENT WRITER! GET THIS BOOK, grab a blanket and get cozy on your couch because you won't leave until you finish it! Share it with your friends!

This is a remarkable book. Charlie Engle is already a famous high level (some would say crazed) ultra distance runner. He is known as the first person to run across the Sahara Desert, and for many other exploits. And while Running Man certainly is about his many running adventures, and is totally fun for any runner at any level for that reason, it is also so very much more. It tells the story of Charlie's recovery from addiction, and his dealing with some of the really difficult cards that he was dealt, or he dealt himself during that phase in his life. Beyond that, it also tells the INCREDIBLE tale of his totally unfair, almost surreal, incarceration for "mortgage fraud" during the 2008 mortgage bubble which was fueled by the wholesale (read millions) production, packaging and resale of mortgages exactly like the ones he had, and was offered, during that crazed period (read The Big Short for detailed description of this debacle of finance). His time is prison is absolutely gripping but also incredibly uplifting, as he makes the best of what would break most people, for himself and many people in the facility where he was unfairly placed. These three angles (running, recovery, incarceration) create a base for a deeply moving story with emotional honesty, humor, insight, and secular-spiritual inspiration. I was very sad when the book ended. And you will be too. You will also feel an overwhelming desire to see the IRS agent who went after this honorable and inspiring man for incredibly pathological and pathetic reasons duly brought to justice, but that probably won't ever happen. We can't have everything, but this book teaches valuable lessons about how to get the most out of what we do have. Thank you Charlie Engle.

Charlie provides a new mantra-learn to appreciate the suffering. Be it addiction, prison or running pain his story reveals how we can all benefit from accepting our circumstances and working through them.

Such a great book that I bought it twice! Charlie is an excellent story teller. He can bring you through low moments and highs and make you feel that you are with him and part of his team cheering him on. His stories make you feel like his friend as he battles and overcomes difficult lows and achieves excellence. The ultra marathons he takes on, even some he does on his own, are a true testament to will power of the human spirit and also his God given talent. The book is great for ultra marathon runners as well as for non-runners - a story of overcoming the odds and becoming better for it. A very inspirational story by a very inspirational man.I also love how he was able to take you to his lows, but not keep you there. Some books can become too heavy and hard to more forward. This book does not do that. He brings you to his hardest chapters of his life but shields you from getting stuck. The way he tells the story you feel like you are with him. I have been very lucky to not have an addiction, but I feel that this book could be very inspirational to those fighting those demons. Charlie is a very gifted man and I look forward to a part 2 as I'm sure he has a lot of wonderful adventures in his future.

I ordered this book because I like true running stories and I've read quite a few! Well, I could NOT put this book down!! It's such an amazing account of Charlie Engle's life (the author of the book)...that you just want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next!! I was up reading til 2 am the first night that I received the book and I finished it in 2 days which is unusual for me! I was impressed that he was very open and actually shared the many struggles when he was young to the relapses that addicts go through. And I think he's so right that the real "key" is to fill that time with something else. Something meaningful." And his "something meaningful" was definitely running! And the runs he chose weren't simple everyday runs!! I've never run an ultra marathon - I've never even run a half-marathon! But the perils he subjected himself to, and those "crazy" enough to run with him were just incredible!! And he NEVER GAVE UP!! I've already bought 2 more copies and sent to a friend who loves running and my oldest son (who's a drug addict and I hope he finds the inspiration that the book radiates! It has something for everyone - even if you've never run and never plan to!! TWO THUMBS UP!!