Book Synopsis An endurance athlete and coach reveals how the marathon transforms the lives of everyone who attempts it--and how it has helped his own family cope with serious adversity Step after step for 26.2 miles, hundreds of thousands of people run marathons. But why--what compels people past pain, lost toenails, 5.30 am start times, The Wall? Sports writer Matt Fitzgerald set out to run eight marathons in eight weeks across the country to answer that question. At each race, he meets an array of runners, from first timers, to dad-daughter teams and spouses, to people whod been running for decades, and asks them what keeps them running. But there is another deeply personal part to Matts journey: his own relationship to the sport--and how it helped him overcome his own struggles and cope with his wife Natakis severe bipolar disorder. A combination of Matts own How Bad Do You Want It? and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , Life Is a Marathon captures the magic of those 26.2 miles. At the end of the day--and at the end of the race--the pursuit of a marathon finish line is not unlike the pursuit of happiness. You will pick up the book for a powerful personal story about what running does for the people for whom it does the most. You will put it down with a greater understanding of what it means to be alive in this world. Review Quotes Life is a Marathon is a running book, of course, but its also about love, family, passion, and what it means to find your true self. Its a must-read for anyone who has run a marathon -- or wants to. -- Jen Miller, author of Running: A Love Story Life is a Marathon is a powerful inspiration for the body, mind, and heart: after reading the book, I want to run longer, better understand myself as an athlete, and most importantly, love with more patience and generosity. -- Mark Lukach, author of the international bestseller My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward Ive long admired Matt as a writer. Life is a Marathon allowed me to get to know him as a person. Thoughtful runners will appreciate this honest and insightful book. -- Scott Douglas, author of Running is My Therapy, Advanced Marathoning, and several other running books Matt Fitzgerald reveals how perseverance and authentic love (whether it be for a partner, a sport, or anything thats close to ones heart) can transform a life into one thats worth living. Life is a Marathon is nothing short of remarkable. -- Dyane Harwood, author of Birth of a New Brain: Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder About the Author Matt Fitzgerald is an endurance sports writer, nutritionist, and author of more than twenty books. He is a coach and spokesperson for PEAR Sports and former senior editor at Triathlete and Competitor . Fitzgerald has contributed to Mens Health , Outside , Runners World , Shape , and other publications. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Natak