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Running Away: A Memoir Hardcover – April 15, 2014

4 out of 5 stars 125 customer reviews

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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: New Harvest (April 15, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0544263669
  • ISBN-13: 978-0544263666
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (125 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #618,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

Format: Hardcover
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book initially, the author as the main character seemed to be so unlikeable as a person. The writing was strong enough to keep me engaged and get past the negative lifestyle choices he had made. Once I stopped judging, I then saw him as a genuine person, with no clue what he was doing. He was stumbling through life trying to find his passion and drive, trying to find something to keep going for. His relationship with his father throughout the book is admirable, and I found myself able to relate to his story as he uncovered more. Needing to get out and run away and to find oneself in something is a goal I think most people have either succeeded at, or continue trying to do. Do not feel mislead, while running is a consistent thread and undercurrent in this memoir, it is not the primary focus. This book is a great story to read, regardless of your physical activity level or interest in running, it is a captivating book that had me turning pages for the story and adventure, but not for the miles.
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Format: Hardcover Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
I just finished reading Robert Powell's book, "Running Away", which I could not put down. Juxtoposing stories of his life and captured brillantly in the book's 26.2 chapters I was amused and enthralled with his story. Without giving too much away, Powell starts his story off by telling us about his divorce, his life in Miami and his dream to qualify for Boston. After feeling let down career wise and at the same time finding out his ex-wife is now living in Europe, Powell embarks on a personal journey to Boulder, Colorado. He is on a mission to qualify for Boston within a year. The stories are intertwined with his past and gives us an insight as to why he is who he is and why he is doing this. Focusing on past relationships with the women in his life he goes back to when the relationships started, evolved and dissapated at times showing us his emotional roller coaster with humor and pain. His most important relationship is his father, who at the age of 37 ran his first Boston Marathon. Trying to get respect from his dad, due to his screw ups and basically feeling lost, he is determined to achieve his goal to qualify for Boston. Mr Powell enthralled me with his memoir and I felt every motion he was going through especially his training (I have also had the bear the early wake ups and endless training) This book is a keeper for me which shall be read over and over when I feel self doubt to achieve my dreams. Mr Powell no matter what you think, you have qualified as one of my favorite writers!
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Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Out of the dozen or so books I've read about people pursuing the Ironman, an ultra marathon, or some other high physical achievement, I have to say that I enjoyed this book the most. The author writes in a manner which puts questions in your head, which he later answers with a story of a memory. Giving up everything to pursue a dream, he made me envious of the opportunity yet value the life in which I have. It's great that he left the story as is and later followed-up with an update, rather than modify the flow of the original writing. Thanks for the story, Robert, and I'm glad there was a triumph even tho it wasn't what you had originally set out for.
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Format: Hardcover Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
Although Powell started running as a way to correct his life, this book is unlike any of the other running books. The writing and storytelling are solid. Everything ties together well and flows naturally from one thing to the next. The only thing that the book misses is an ending that wraps up his attempt to get into the Boston Marathon. Maybe his story is ongoing and there is more to come.

Instead of worshipping runners and the sport, he has a clear-eyed view of his experience. He moved to Boulder but saw it as a bit of a Stepford town crowded with running coaches, life coaches, body workers, and many other sorts of people trying to make a buck off the affluent amateur athletes who have taken over the town. He goes back to the Native Americans who traveled through this area and spoke of the curse of an area so beautiful that you don't want to leave.

And, unlike most running books, he doesn't brag about his abilities. Quite the opposite in fact; he continually thinks he's behind the curve and falling behind even as he's running faster than most marathoners. It's a bit sobering to listen to him talk about failing at a race because he only ran 7 minute miles, a pace I can't keep up for long. But, he's comparing himself to the group he trains with and he's found one that challenges him.

If you're a fan of Olympic champion Frank Shorter, you'll probably be surprised by Powell's encounters with him. You might be surprised that the sport that you love has complicated, flawed, and damaged characters just like the rest of life, and no matter how well you run, you can't get rid of the demons.
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Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I love a good story. I love a meaningful memoir. Powell's Running Away is both a good (and well-written) story and an insightful look at life. I was happy every morning when I got up and was able to get back into it, and a little saddened when it ended.
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Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I thought this novel was a remarkable document of one man's courage to face challenges in his life and overcome obstacles and adversity with determination. A memorable biography of this man's striving to accept himself and his place in the world. Well written and worthwhile reading!
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