Running Away

A Memoir

By: Robert Andrew Powell

Narrated by: Robert Andrew Powell

When journalist Robert Andrew Powell finished his first marathon, he cried, cradled in his father’s arms. Long distance runners understand where those tears come from, even if there are others who will never understand what drives someone to run 26.2 consecutive miles in a grueling mental and physical test. Powell’s emotional reaction to completing the race wasn’t just about the run, though. It was also about the joy and relief of coming back up after hitting rock bottom.

Running Away is the story of how one decision can alter the course of a life. Knocked down by a painful divorce and inspired by his father, Powell decided to change his mindset and circumstances. He moved to Boulder and began running in earnest for the first time in his life. Over the 26.2 chapters that follow, Powell grapples with his past relationships, gaining insight and hard-won discipline that give him hope for the future.

©2014 Robert Andrew Powell (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

The true grit of the Marathon and the training.

I try to listen to all the athletic endurance books. I put this off for a while but, just like running, there is someone in a running novel for all runners. We all get something out of it that is unique to ourselves. I have been on a running peak for awhile running marathons and it was great to be reminded of the reward of qualifying for Boston.

Pretty good

At first I didn't like the way he was reading or wrote his book but it quickly grew on my and I enjoyed listening to his story.

I found this a really interesting book

I heard the author interviewed on the local pbs affiliate radio station a couple of years ago. Then forgot about it. When I came across it recently, I decided to listen to it.

This book has vivid descriptions of Miami and Boulder, Colorado. Perhaps it is because I grew up near Miami and now live close to Boulder that I found these descriptions made the story a lot more interesting.

I also really enjoyed reading his critique of Boulder and the priorities of some of the people that live there. Perhaps because I found myself agreeing with much of what he said.

While parts of the story struck me as a bit depressing, I enjoyed reading it a lot. And the good news is that the person at the end of the book is not the same one on the first page. This I see as proof that the year he spent in Boulder had a tremendous impact on the direction of his life. Or is it due to the fact that he became a really good runner? And let’s face it, running is a powerful metaphor for life.

Real

Loved it! Loved the writing style! I will listen to this again and again because I understand where his head is.

Truly A Masterpiece

Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read/listened to (purchased both Kindle and Audible versions). Procrastination never felt so real. The author puts me there in his internal conversations, struggling with self-doubt, struggling with regrets, struggling with the voice of his father in his head. The author conveys a degree of radical self-honesty and self-awareness that is rare in this genre. The intimacy of the storytelling is so engrossing all you want to do is keep reading. Truly a masterpiece. All else being equal good writing is good writing is good writing. This is that in a memoir. I had previously read Powell's documentary "This Love is Not For Cowards" so I knew he was a strong writer. However, writing about others and writing about yourself are two very different skills. With this work, Powell proves he is a master of both.

boring style

Author just talked about himself in a monotone voice for the first couple of chapters. Aren't there any other people in his life?

Depressing and boring

all the author does is beat himself up. depressing and not motivational. narrator is way too monotone.