Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High

Mark Matthews says, “To feel higher experiences is why we live. Running, I have found, is the most effective, natural way to find spiritual, emotional, and mental bliss.”Mr. Matthews has plenty experience in seeking “higher experiences.” He writes honestly and humbly about his past alcohol and drug addictions, and how running helped him recover and stay clean for the last 20 years.The author is a successful runner. His times, from a 4:26 mile to a 3:17 marathon, are impressive. But he humbly gives any advice in this book, usually saying something like, “this is what worked for me, but it may not for you.”While there is a lot of practical (and helpful) advice here, the tone is mostly philosophical. Distance running seems to produce philosopher-athletes like Matthews (George Sheehan, for instance, whom Matthews quotes.)Matthews deals with many serious topics, but his style is usually light and funny:“I am a salty sweater, and there are dried white streaks down my cheeks after a long summer run. It’s bizarre to see. At times, deer come out of the woods to lick my face.”I enjoyed reading this book. And, like other good books on running, it made me want to lace up and hit the trail.

I now have read this twice. I read it the first time about a year ago, back when I was kinda sorta thinking I wanted to run a marathon. And I liked it then. But I'm reading it now for the second time after I have completed my first marathon and I am 9 weeks from my second. And it's speaking to me so much differently this time around. So many times I have said to my kindle, "Yes, Mark, yes! I get it now"This isn't quite a training guide, not quite a journal, not quite a blog. It has part of all of those elements. But it's so much more. It's so gritty and personal and I can really relate to it. (To the running portion anyway, not the addiction elements).The way to know that a book has truly spoken to you - all you want to do is buy copies for all of your friends. And that's what Chasing the Dragon did for me. If you've run a marathon, or are thinking about running one. Or you are a runner of any sort, just read this.

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.The stories of overcoming addiction and making positive life changes were inspirational and the solid running advice and tips were practical and effective.David Stanley, the narrator of the audiobook, seems truly excited to provide the information, and he made me even more excited to hear it.I found this book so motivational that I purchased a copy of this book for my brother, who is a recovering alcoholic.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.

Not for young readers, the author shares his experiences running, as a way to stay sober.Everyone who runs will find this book interesting. The essential message of his experience is conveyed quite well.The downside is that the book has repetitive spots. I speculate the author started with an outline, and so added the same ideas under multiple bullet points, and then didn't have someone else read through the book and point out what should be deleted.

deeper into the 12 steps or the theory of recovery than i'd have thought at first. i was looking for 'how to' run in that sweet runner's high and found a more telling book about the author's travails. a good book. worth what i paid.

I enjoyed the author's point of view. Having obsessive and compulsive tendencies myself I could see some similarities between the author and myself. I am new to running, at age 52, and wondered about some of the mental ponderings that I was having while training. Now I know that this is normal and I look forward to more experiences.

Exuberant, passionate, and full of runnerly love, not to mention great practical advice. On top of that, Matthews weaves in his addicted past, warts and all, but without the braggadocio often seen in recollections of addiction and alcoholism; and how running and marathoning have played a role in his recovery. If you're lacing up for the first time, have several marathon medals hanging on your wall, or have just put down the bottle and are looking for a path forward, Chasing The Dragon is a fine place to start.

This book is everything I want in a book about running. It teaches me things I didn't know, it reminds me why I run, and it makes me want to lace up my shoes as soon as I power off the Kindle. Even better, it does all this while making me laugh. Mark Matthews is one of the best runner/writers working today.