Official Review: Running the Marathon with Cancer
- Izesicle
- Posts: 748
- Joined: 25 Jun 2017, 00:16
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 140
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-izesicle.html
- Latest Review: With Malice Aforethought by Thonie Hevron
- Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
Official Review: Running the Marathon with Cancer

3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
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.
******
Running the Marathon with Cancer
View: on Bookshelves
Like Izesicle's review? Post a comment saying so!
- juliusotinyo
- Posts: 762
- Joined: 15 Jun 2017, 10:19
- Bookshelf Size: 49
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-juliusotinyo.html
- Latest Review: Marrying a Playboy Billionaire by H M Irwing
- Al Chakauya
- Posts: 241
- Joined: 09 Oct 2017, 04:29
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 40
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-al-chakauya.html
- Latest Review: Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers
- kandscreeley
- Special Discussion Leader
- Posts: 11757
- Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
- Bookshelf Size: 495
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
- Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David
—Neil Gaiman
-
- Posts: 89
- Joined: 23 Oct 2017, 12:44
- Currently Reading: And Then I Met Margaret
- Bookshelf Size: 77
- VanessaAisel
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 27 Oct 2017, 16:28
- Bookshelf Size: 21
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-vanessaaisel.html
- Latest Review: "A Kingdom Forgotten" by Charles W. McDonald Jr.
~Me~
-
- Posts: 161
- Joined: 28 Jul 2017, 11:00
- Currently Reading: HEALTH TIPS, MYTHS, AND TRICKS
- Bookshelf Size: 18
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gifty-naa-akushia.html
- Latest Review: "Tips, Myths and Rips: A Physician's Advice" by Morton E.Tavel
- Reading Device: B00I15SB16
- BookEater213
- Posts: 29
- Joined: 03 Nov 2017, 07:59
- Currently Reading: Horse Manure Grows Great Roses
- Bookshelf Size: 24
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookeater213.html
- Latest Review: "My Trip To Adele" by R.I.Alyaseer and A. I Alyaseer
- Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
- Mercelle
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: 31 May 2017, 03:44
- Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 10262">The Wisdom and Peace of the Teachings of the Tao Te Ching</a>
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 204
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mercelle.html
- Latest Review: The Future of Finance and Money by K. Braeden Anderson
-- 03 Nov 2017, 10:58 --
Being diagnosed with cancer would ruin most people. Doug Limbrick chose to be strong at an unlikely time.
~OluTimehin Adegbeye
- Mtsweni Nelsy
- Posts: 178
- Joined: 27 Apr 2017, 17:32
- Currently Reading: Strong Heart
- Bookshelf Size: 28
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mtsweni-nelsy.html
- Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer
- Manang Muyang
- Previous Member of the Month
- Posts: 11224
- Joined: 02 May 2017, 20:17
- Favorite Book:
- Currently Reading: The Cult Next Door
- Bookshelf Size: 697
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-manang-muyang.html
- Latest Review: Your Great Name by Shawn Funk
- Reading Device: B00KC6I06S
I commend Doug for sharing his story and his strength.
- Izesicle
- Posts: 748
- Joined: 25 Jun 2017, 00:16
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 140
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-izesicle.html
- Latest Review: With Malice Aforethought by Thonie Hevron
- Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
thanks, Julius. Your new profile pic is hilarious.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.
-
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 29 Oct 2017, 08:15
- Currently Reading: The 11.05
- Bookshelf Size: 11
The book is so inspiring not only for those with cancer but anyone who will have a chance to read it
- Tpop
- Posts: 89
- Joined: 18 Sep 2017, 22:52
- Currently Reading: An Obstinate Vanity
- Bookshelf Size: 31
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tpop.html
- Latest Review: "The 11.05 Murders" by Brian O'Hare
- Izesicle
- Posts: 748
- Joined: 25 Jun 2017, 00:16
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 140
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-izesicle.html
- Latest Review: With Malice Aforethought by Thonie Hevron
- Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
thank you. I definitely learned a thing or two about cancer from this book.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.
-- 06 Nov 2017, 16:57 --
you're absolutely right. I read it in October too, Cancer awareness month.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.