The Running-Shaped Hole
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A searching, self-deprecating memoir of a man on his way to eating himself to death before discovering the anxiety and fulfillment of distance running.
“Uplifting, emotional, and just plain hilarious, The Running-Shaped Hole may even inspire you to put down your fork and pick up those running shoes.” — JAY ONRAIT, TSN host and broadcaster
When Robert Earl Stewart sees his pants lying across the end of his bed, they remind him of a flag draped over a coffin — his coffin. At thirty-eight years old he weighs 368 pounds and is slowly eating himself to death. The only thing that helps him deal with the fear and shame is eating. But one day, following a terrifying doctor’s appointment, he goes for a walk — an act that sets The Running-Shaped Hole in motion. Within a year, he is running long distances, fulfilling his mother's dying wishes, reversing the disastrous course of his eating, losing 140 pounds, and, after several mishaps and jail time, eventually running the Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon.
At turns philosophical and slapstick, this memoir examines the life-altering effects running has on a man who, left to his own devices, struggles to be a husband, a father, a son, and a writer.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In this candid and inspiring memoir, Canadian poet and journalist Robert Earl Stewart reflects on how sometimes making a single choice can be life changing. Stewart chronicles how he overcame obesity, depression, and ever-increasing health issues by literally running away from his problems. He recalls how a solemn talk with his physician spurred him to start walking and then jogging, until he eventually became an accomplished runner. We love Stewart’s raw openness about all the awkward hiccups he encountered along the way (who knew there was so much etiquette to running in groups?), and his fantastic sense of humour made us excited to join him on his uphill journey. But we were even more taken with Stewart’s unending determination, which helped him lose 140 pounds and complete a half-marathon. The Running-Shaped Hole will make you want to lace up some sneakers and sprint toward your dreams.
