Our Life on the Run: A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States--A Family Quest [Paperback]

Marlin Keesler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2006

THIS DAD RAN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR HIS KIDS. Marlin Keesler entered his first marathon never imagining that it would become the first leg of a six-and-a-half year race across America that he and his family would embark on –– one in which the benefits of travel would do far more for his two children afflicted with a rare learning disorder than any classroom could offer. "Our Life on the Run: a Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States: A Family Quest" is a treasure chest of beautifully written and inspirational travel tales about the journeys of a family that evolved from merely waiting for Dad to cross the finish line, to a family that learned how to research and plan educational and cultural excursions in every state they visited. From juggling work schedules and living within budget to learning the art of patience by flying stand-by, readers will certainly be able to relate to the Keesler travel adventures, pick up a tip or two and perhaps even emulate them by setting a family goal. Theirs is a true story of bonding that will remain the most precious memories in each family member’s heart and soul.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A terrific book filled with candor, insight and humor." -- Cathleen O’Connor, author of "Harriet Steps Off the Wheel: A Modern Day Fable About Work/Life Balance"

"Not your typical sports memoir. This is a family book..." -- Captain Meryl Getline, author of "The World at My Feet: The True (and Sometimes Hilarious) Adventures of A Lady Airline Pilot"

"The book proves how one person’s goal can turn into a fun-filled activity for the entire family." -- Colin Dopson, author of "Overweight Planet: Why We Are Fat and What We Can Do About It"

About the Author

Marlin T. Keesler to date has run 54 marathons -- a total of 1,414.8 miles. He holds degrees from both Hawaii Pacific University and The Community College of the Air Force. Keesler is currently a Cargo Service Manager for Continental Airlines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Our Life Publishing (January 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977622312
• ISBN-13: 978-0977622313
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,705,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story with Heart...for Runners & Non Runners, Alike, October 22, 2006

By 

Nelson Aspen "Author/Journalist" (Los Angeles & NYC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Life on the Run: A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States--A Family Quest (Paperback)

As a devoted recreational runner and multiple marathoner, I presumed I would enjoy this book from the perspective of a likeminded athlete. The nicest surprise, however, was how much heart the author displayed while telling his interesting story of becoming a 50-state marathon finisher.

His devotion to his family, his patriotism and his drive are evidenced on every page and likely to inspire even non-runners to take on new challenges and set & achieve new goals. Keesler's writing style is simple and direct and his anecdotes are told with a forthright warmth and good nature that make a reader feel as if he's the nice fellow next door.

This is a little book that sneaks up on you in surprising ways and leaves you with a good feeling about fatherhood and fellowship. My only regret is that there is no resource guide for all the various racing events and tourist attractions mentioned throughout...perhaps that can be added in a future edition.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A REMARKABLE STORY. WHAT A REMARKABLE FAMILY., October 29, 2006

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Our Life on the Run: A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States--A Family Quest (Paperback)

I certainly hope I can do this remarkable work justice with this review. This is not just the story of one man's quest. It is the story of a rather remarkable family and their quest. To run just one marathon is quite fete. To run a marathon in each of our great states is quite beyond comprehension for most non-runners, and indeed most runners. Marlin Keesler did just that. Make no mistake though, this is not simply another "jock story." It is the story of a rather typical American Family, and this work, if we read it carefully, teaches us many, many lessons. These are just ordinary Americans, not much different than your family or mine. They have their troubles, they have their trials. Unlike so many others though, this family has actually done something out of the ordinary through sheer will and sticking together. The Keesler family is apparently blessed with two wonderful kids who are afflicted with a rare form of a learning disorder, Asperger's syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. (I work with kids like this and it is no walk in the park). Make no mistake though, these kids are not handicapped in any way. That would be almost impossible with parents such as Marlin and his wife Jeanne. This book is their family story. It is a story of love and togetherness. The quest of Marlin running a marathon in all of our fifty states is not just about Marlin the runner, it is the story of the entire family. The book documents their adventures in traveling across our wonderful nation via car and plane and train. It documents their ups and their downs. It documents each of the races Marlin participated in, physically and emotionally Keep in mind that this is not a privileged, money in hand, type family, they actually work for a living and work quite hard. What they had to do was follow their quest between work, money problems, family problems and everyday hassles. The entire Keesler family was with dad almost ever step of the way. Additionally, this book documents the love between family members and it documents just what a great country we live in. It is also a great lesson to all of us, i.e. get off our tails and do something with ourselves. The book is quite well written with a simple readable syntax and shoots straight from the shoulder. There are no flights of fancy, no excuses, just the facts, the way it was and is. I liked that. It was quite refreshing. There are a number of very nice photos, mostly dealing with the family and not just dad running across finishing lines which I though was a very nice touch. To call the book inspirational of course is obvious but I know of no other word to describe it. I do highly recommend this work. You will certainly be much richer after you read it. NOTE: I have been a runner for well over forty years now and pretty well know that it takes to run the type of races addressed here. The author is apparently blessed with extraordinary physical and mental abilities. The marathon takes both. His training methods, or lack of them, should probably not be followed by the average person. The marathon is not an easy race. I would not want someone to think that they can just decide they want to run one, jump up off the couch, and do so. It normally just does not work that way. My hat is off to Mr. Keesler. Anyway, I highly recommend this work. This is one of those books that will probably not get the publicity it deserves, which is a real shame as many who should read it and would enjoy it will possibly not get the chance.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A VERY MOVING AND UPLIFTING STORY, December 6, 2006

By 

Frederick Trincot (Dyer IN U.S.A) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Our Life on the Run: A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States--A Family Quest (Paperback)

Here's a great story of a guy that had his share of adversity while growing up and as a family man. But he does not give in into fatalism, like most of us would do in similar circumstances.

Read this book and you will find out why.

Meet marlin and his family you won't regret it.