Official Review: Running the Marathon with Cancer

Izesicle · Post by **Izesicle** » 31 Oct 2017, 23:06

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Running the Marathon with Cancer" by Doug Limbrick.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Myth: Fit people don't get cancer
Reality: Lack of exercise is not the only risk factor for cancer

Doug Limbrick was training for his 21st marathon at 63 years of age. This is a rare achievement for most people. Everyone would be properly and rightly amazed. On the day of the marathon, he chose not tell his friends and fellow runners that he had just been diagnosed with cancer. Running the Marathon with Cancer is Doug's personal story of surviving colorectal cancer and how running helped him fight it. It is a nonfiction book which I would classify under inspirational reading.

Upon his diagnosis, Doug shared his feelings and the response of his family and friends. He also provided details about his situation as well as pictures and medical images. He talked about undergoing surgery during a holiday and coping with a body that had been weakened with sickness and treatment, devastating for a senior citizen who is used to running marathons. He alternated simple explanations on medical procedures with little observations like hospital people should not be smoking. After undergoing radiology and chemotherapy, a portion of his colon was removed which led to complications that gave him a near-death experience. All throughout his ordeal, Doug rallied with the support of his friends, family and his positive outlook. His main goal was to be active as soon as possible - try to ski and eventually run another marathon which he was able to do.

I like the casual, reflective storytelling style that Doug employed in writing the book. He shared his observations of things that he normally would ignore but mean differently to him given his situation. For example, he was feeling frustrated at not being able to walk properly for a marathoner, then the movie Happy Feet came on TV. He empathized with a neighbouring patient who kept yelling that he was all better and wanted to go home; yet in reality, he was still unwell. He was thankful for drinking water after a fast and for a shave after a long hospital stay. He generously shared his learnings from different inspirational books. I was thankful for his reading list in the appendix. Every quote at the beginning of each chapter is a gem.

There were only a handful of typos such as spelling "heals" instead of "heels", misspelling "focused" and "Dalia Lama" instead of "Dalai Lama". Sadly, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars because I found a lot of parts to be monotonous. The storytelling was too much of a monologue. I wish that some parts had dialogue or maybe excerpts of letters instead of merely an account of the conversations and letters. I realize that the conversations and excerpts may not be actual or verbatim; however, that is not an expectation of this type of book.

Doug's main goal in sharing his story was to prompt people to have themselves tested, including those who consider themselves active and fit. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to be inspired or those who are interested in a cancer survivor's journey. There is some mention of religion and spirituality but it refers to Doug's experience and is not preachy. Upon reading his inspirational story, those who are scared to have themselves tested are reminded that early detection is important. Like him, a survivor can be strong enough to run a marathon with cancer, literally or figuratively.

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Running the Marathon with Cancer
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juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 01 Nov 2017, 23:57

Great review, an interesting story indeed. Cancer has many misconceptions including level of fitness, diet or even lifestyle choices. Good work on your review.

Al Chakauya · Post by **Al Chakauya** » 02 Nov 2017, 02:06

A story full of inspiration and facts about cancer. From your review the book seems a great read. Its unfortunate the book had a few editorial mistakes. Thanks for a splendid review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 02 Nov 2017, 07:26

Cancer is such a horrible reality in today's world. I'm glad that there are those like the author that can share their story of survival and inspire others! Thanks for the review.

Ubheeram Nina · Post by **Ubheeram Nina** » 02 Nov 2017, 12:18

The author is not only a Marathon but a fighter too. Very few survive from such dreadful disease. Even my brother-in-law is suffering from cancer and has very few chances to live. I can recommende him this book because the remedy worth a lot to us.

VanessaAisel · Post by **VanessaAisel** » 02 Nov 2017, 16:11

Wonderful review! Nov. 17th marks one year since taking my mother in law in for her lumpectomy surgery! After that surgery she officially became breast cancer free and has remained so. She is 78 years old! I love stories of inspiration!

Gifty Naa Akushia · Post by **Gifty Naa Akushia** » 03 Nov 2017, 05:00

Great review, very inspiring.

BookEater213 · Post by **BookEater213** » 03 Nov 2017, 08:37

Running the Marathon with Cancer is a good book written by elegant writer and this seems interesting to me

Mercelle · Post by **Mercelle** » 03 Nov 2017, 10:55

Such an inspiring story. I admire Rick's spirit.

-- 03 Nov 2017, 10:58 --

Being diagnosed with cancer would ruin most people. Doug Limbrick chose to be strong at an unlikely time.

Mtsweni Nelsy · Post by **Mtsweni Nelsy** » 03 Nov 2017, 14:40

Great review, the book sounds to really inspiring in that no matter what challenges you are faced with in life, you can still survive.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 04 Nov 2017, 07:15

Cancer has become a common ailment. Perhaps all of us know someone who has it. Let us all be bearers of hope and joy to these sufferers.

I commend Doug for sharing his story and his strength.

Izesicle · Post by **Izesicle** » 04 Nov 2017, 19:39

juliusotinyo wrote:Great review, an interesting story indeed. Cancer has many misconceptions including level of fitness, diet or even lifestyle choices. Good work on your review.

thanks, Julius. Your new profile pic is hilarious.

Crystalvanessa · Post by **Crystalvanessa** » 05 Nov 2017, 10:03

This is a wonderful review!
The book is so inspiring not only for those with cancer but anyone who will have a chance to read it

Tpop · Post by **Tpop** » 05 Nov 2017, 16:11

This books sounds incredibly motivational. I have only run one marathon. Although I completed it successfully,the training is a mental and physical battle on its own. Adding in another physical battle of a disease or cancer is just mind blowing to me. I realize that there are some monotonous spots, but hopefully the shorter length will make it easier to finish. I really want to read this book.

Izesicle · Post by **Izesicle** » 05 Nov 2017, 19:10

Al Chakauya wrote:A story full of inspiration and facts about cancer. From your review the book seems a great read. Its unfortunate the book had a few editorial mistakes. Thanks for a splendid review.

thank you. I definitely learned a thing or two about cancer from this book.

-- 06 Nov 2017, 16:57 --

kandscreeley wrote:Cancer is such a horrible reality in today's world. I'm glad that there are those like the author that can share their story of survival and inspire others! Thanks for the review.

you're absolutely right. I read it in October too, Cancer awareness month.