The Lola Papers

A simple request for training advice turns into a year of high-intensity coaching, unexpected adventure, unlikely friendships, and the realization that life, like the marathon, isn’t about the finish line. It’s about what you learn along the way.


Through the journal of Lola, a nom de plume created to embody the spirit of all runners, author Amy Marxkors chronicles her journey into the strange world of distance running—and the surprising self-discoveries she makes along the way. From blown workouts to big races to training runs with her coach, the unforgettable Mr. Speedy Pants, she highlights the unique experiences of the endurance athlete, revealing wisdom and strength that reaches beyond the sport and into life itself. Dedication. Fatigue. Failure. Victory. Monotony. Adventure. Sorrow. Joy. Redemption. And the unshakeable determination to keep going.


Humorous and endearingly candid, The Lola Papers reveals the universal truths and profound humanity hidden in the miles, showing that sometimes the greatest gift in life is getting more than what you bargained for.


“Amy Marxkors’ The Lola Papers are amazingly insightful and thought-provoking.”

—John L. Parker, Jr., author of Once A Runner and Again to Carthage



“I love what Amy Marxkors writes about the heart of running in The Lola Papers. Captivating! Whether you are an ultramarathoner or fresh off the couch, this is a must read.”

—Sally Edwards, CEO and Founder of Heart Zones, USA, Founder of Fleet Feet Sports, and author of over twenty books, including The Complete Book of Triathlons