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  • Running Man

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: Charlie Engle
  • Narrated by: Charlie Engle
  • Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

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Running Man

Written by: Charlie Engle
Narrated by: Charlie Engle
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Publisher's Summary

A compulsively listenable, remarkably candid memoir from world-class ultramarathon runner Charlie Engle chronicling his globe-spanning races, his record-breaking run across the Sahara Desert, and how running helped him overcome drug addiction and an unjust stint in federal prison.

After a decade-long addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, Charlie Engle hit bottom with a near-fatal six-day binge that ended in a hail of bullets. As Engle got sober, he turned to running, which became his lifeline, his pastime, and his salvation. He began with marathons, and when marathons weren't far enough he began to take on ultramarathons, races that went for 35, 50, and sometimes hundreds of miles, traveling to some of the most unforgiving places on earth to race. The Matt Damon-produced documentary Running the Sahara followed Engle as he led a team on a harrowing, record-breaking 4,500 mile run across the Sahara Desert, which helped raise millions of dollars for charity.

Charlie's growing notoriety led to an investigation and a subsequent unjust conviction for mortgage fraud. Engle would spend 16 months in federal prison in Beckley, West Virginia. While in jail he pounded the small prison track, running endlessly in circles. Soon his fellow inmates were joining him, struggling to keep their spirits up in dehumanizing circumstances.

In Running Man, Charlie Engle tells the gripping, surprising, funny, emotional, and inspiring story of his life, detailing his setbacks and struggles - from coping with addiction to serving time in prison - and how he blazed a path to freedom by putting one foot in front of the other. This is a propulsive, raw, and triumphant story about finding the threshold of human endurance - and transcending it.

©2016 Charlie Engle (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

What listeners say about Running Man

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Perfect

A perfect biography. So far. Charlie has more to do and offer. A brilliant man. Great book too.

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Speechless!

I had the privileged to meet this genuine man at a camp for entrepreneurs this summer. I was impressed by his achievements and how humble he is. I bought his book to listen to and I just couldn't stop it! So captivating, better than a serie you could watch for hours. I can't wait to see his movie. I follow him on social media and in many areas of my life, he is now an inspiration. I am very grateful

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From an ultra runner to another

Thank you for sharing your story Charlie, truly inspiring. I enjoyed listening to it all, the first half during a 50km run & the second half the next weekend during another 50k! From one alcoholic ultra runner to another, all the best as we trudge the road to happy destiny!

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Excuse me while I go out for my fifth run today

Every listen leads to a great run and appreciation for everything you got already in your hands.

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HIGHLY RECOMMEND

My heart bursted open a million times.
I loved every minute of this book.
Charlie you inspire me beyond belief!
Thank you.

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A Guy and his Addictions/Running/Family

This guy struggles with relationships, family, and securing a home. Although his story is extreme, it’s relatable that adventure running can fill the needs that risk taking and challenge oriented personalities seek.

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For the Long Run

I bought this book as I’m a runner - I figured it would be about races and running-and it was - but it was about a lot more. It was about suffering and personal sacrifice and how there’s a price to be paid when the bill is due. I listened to this book on my runs and wanting to listen to more of Charley’s story I always ran just a bit longer. This book, however, is not just for runners...it’s for everyone. Highly recommended.

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Couldn't Stop Listening to his Story

I finished this book in under 2 days. I was looking for something to listen to before bed, but this definitely was an awful book for that as it was so captivating. I found I couldn't get myself to do anything but listen to his story. Definitely one of the most interesting and inspiring stories I've ever heard.

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Awe inspiring story!

For me this is one of those books that the relatable gripping story captives you and you don't want to book to end...

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captivating story.

loved that it was narrated by the runner himself. an amazing life. from deep dark periods to uplifting ones. its certainly all about a person's perspective and how they handle the cards dealt to them.

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