Chasing the Dragon

Running to Get High

By: Mark Matthews

Narrated by: David L. Stanley

The runner's high: It is not a myth, it is not illegal, but it may be addictive.

Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High is a collection of diatribes, training tips, and off-color wisdom, all processing the running life and how to get the biggest (legal) highs from your life and your runs. The author taps into his personal experience with running and addiction to look at questions such as why recovering addicts turn to running and the nature of positive addictions.

There is something here for every runner: tips on running that Boston Qualifier, pacing, tapering, training philosophy, plus some running flash fiction sure to make you smile.

The author is a 13-time marathoner, a Boston qualifier, a recovering addict of 21 years, and a substance-abuse counselor in Detroit.

©2014 Mark Matthews and Wicked Run Press (P)2014 Mark Matthews and Wicked Run Press

Not just for addicts...

Would you consider the audio edition of Chasing the Dragon to be better than the print version?

David Stanley, the narrator of the audiobook, seems truly excited to provide the information, and he made me even more excited to hear it.

What did you like best about this story?

The stories of overcoming addiction and making positive life changes were inspirational and the solid running advice and tips were practical and effective.

I found this book so motivational that I purchased a copy of this book for my brother, who is a recovering alcoholic.

Have you listened to any of David L. Stanley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I recently significantly increased my running mileage while simultaneously reducing my alcohol intake. Mark Matthews and the audiobook version of his "Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High" joined me for the last month or so of my long runs. Listening to this book was the perfect motivation. I put in more miles in the last month than I ever have in my life, and I don't think that is a coincidence.

Any additional comments?

If Mark hasn't already done so, he should consider sending a copy of this book to another Michigan native, recovering addict, and runner who happens to share the same initials: Marshall Mathers.

One of the best books!

Being in recovery myself and finding running as my fix this book spoke to me as much as reading the Big Book! Thank you for this little gem!

Powerful, Deep, and Fun

If you could sum up Chasing the Dragon in three words, what would they be?

Powerful, Deep, and Fun

Any additional comments?

A variety of snippets about running and alcoholism. Marathon tips, running inspiration, and the fine line between being obsessed for the high of the run and having an addiction. The author looks deep into himself, what makes him tick, what makes him run, and what makes all of us smile.

Like a memoir with running advice

This book read more like a memoir to me. It could also be a motivational book for some. He gives lots of advice on running and stories about his running experience, what's worked for him and what's not. This is advice coming from a normal guy who has tried lots of things and found what works for him and it may or may not work for you. This book is a lot like reading a journal from a runner.

He also compares different addictions and the types of addictions. He used to be an alcoholic so there are some times that he compares that addiction to the addiction of running. I did love some of the comparisons and the final section about good addictions.

The narrator did a good job as well. He would raise his voice and whisper when it called for it and it almost felt like the author was reading the book.

Utterly unlistenable.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who enjoy listening to self-indulgent nonsense.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Running with the Pack by Mark Rowlands.

What didn’t you like about David L. Stanley’s performance?

The performance was completely over-done. Granted, the narrator had garbage to work with. But the narrator didn't help make the book any better.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

None.

Any additional comments?

Completely unlistenable self-indulgent drivel. I was only able to make it through half of this book, but still, I want my 3 hours back. I feel dumber just for having listened to that much of it.

Let down

This book was good to listen to when it was time to go to sleep but not much else. It was dry and I didn’t get what I wanted to out of it. I wanted insight on using running as a gate way to better living. I’ve gotten this from other book but this one fell way short. Also he spends almost a whole chapter plugging his other books. Overall I would not recommend this book.