Running for My Life

One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

By: Lopez Lomong

Narrated by: Brandon Hirsch

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible: faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more.

Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.

©2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. (P)2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." (Michael Johnson, Olympic gold medalist)

"This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." (Richard Stearns, president of World Vision US and author of The Hole in Our Gospel)

So Encouraging!

An inspiring story of a dream born in a hard place, trust, and faith. No spoilers- join Lopez’s journey and imagine the possibilities for your life.

riveting

a must read, and difficult in the beginning. the fact that it's true is where the difficulties lie, it's painful, even from a distance

Happier Tears than your wedding

Lopez Lomong is the definition of inspiration. Healthy, happy, holy, and jaw dropping. I fought tears from his NRC 3 part series, and fought off new tears from the book. Just absolutely amazing, Thank you Lopez!

A must read for every age!

Inspirational, awesome, heartbreaking story. I'm so blessed Lopez has shared his story with all of us.

Survival story that inspires

Did not know what to expect prior to my listen. Narration was well done and the story kept me engrossed. Believe it will be hard for listeners not to be moved and inspired regardless of faith. Faith plays a roll in the account but for me did not interfere or overwhelm the story.

THIS is what overcoming adversity looks like....

Reading this man's story brings a whole new perspective on what it means to overcome adversity, and in light of today's bubbling cauldron of social justice issues, it should be required reading. Really.

It was so humbling. After all that he went through, one can hear in his words an abiding faith in God, an astounding gratitude, and his hope and belief in humanity. David Brooks, in his book The Road to Character, described people who have acquired a strong foundation, a powerful backbone, a deep and steadfast character, as individuals "who are inclined in all ways to be useful to others and to the world" . This perfectly describes Lopepi. He never stopped striving to be useful to the world, to achieve good things, to do the right things, and to always try his very best in everything he set out to do. This book contained no words of remorse, anger, hostility, or resentment. He never talked about being forgotten, written-off, or diminished. (He was presumed dead, and he learned that his family and his village buried the few articles of clothing left behind a few years after he was taken.)

While in a refuge camp, he happened to see clips of Michael Johnson setting an Olympic record. He was already running 18 miles a day; this he did in order to be able to play soccer. Seeing Michael Johnson, a man who looked like him, win a gold medal for the USA, filled him with a joyful dream which he clung to with real happiness. He wanted to run in the Olympics.

The voice of Lopepi in the book is simple and earnest. It is a quick and easy read. The events are told as they unfolded, year-by-year. It is a book which can appeal to any age.

During the worst times of his life, his unconquerable spirit prevailed. I felt completely renewed by reading his amazing odyssey.
#Inspiration #Running #SudanLostBoys #Olympics #Faith #Endurance #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

Inspiring read!

I won't soon forget the journey and resilience of Lopez Lomong. His story of faith in the midst of evil and his triumph over it is a hope-filled example for all of humanity.

What An Inspiration

This story reminds me to be grateful for what we have, to continue to work hard in what we do, and despite any failures we can always try just "one more time". I've seen him run a couple of times on TV, including the Olympics. But after reading his story, I've officially become a fan of this man. After all that he's been through and to be where he's at today just proves that anything is possible. If you have any interest in the Lost Boys of Sudan, running, or just need a novel for motivation....this is for you. Not to mention that the reader tells the story as if it was his.

A worthy listen

Lomong's story makes a great listen. It fizzles a little toward the end, but I guess that's to be expected; it's really his childhood experiences that will hold the most interest.

The narrator has a sort of fairy-tale storytelling style that wouldn't work for most audiobooks, but which is very appropriate for reading this story.

Lomong is a religious guy; I'm not. But he doesn't beat you over the head with his beliefs. It's just who he is, and that's cool. He's not the fastest in the world. He's not the most brilliant guy in the world. He has an interesting story worth hearing, that's all. This audiobook does a good job of delivering on that.

What an inspiration!

An incredible and truly inspiring story. I'm thankful Lopez wrote this book. It was honor to read his story.