Broken Open: Mountains, Demons, Treadmills and a Search for Nirvana

By: David Clark

Narrated by: David Clark

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

David Clark is a formerly obese alcoholic and fast food junkie who found a new life in running. Now, 13 years after his transformation, he shares his inspiring story of taking running to the extreme edge of his physical and spiritual breaking points. Having run more than a hundred races, including the Leadville 100-Mile Trail Run and the Hardrock 100, David has achieved unimaginable success in the ultramarathon world, considering his humble start. From barely finishing his first 5k to running 100 miles in less than 18 hours, David shatters the notion that the front of the pack is a birthright.

Among his many outlandish adventures, David talks about doing 10 epic events in one year to celebrate his 10th year of sobriety. This mind-bending year of running included running the Boston Marathon four times in one day, running 343 laps around a high school track, and running 48 hours on a treadmill. You will feel like you are running alongside him as he navigates his vision quest - all the while hallucinating and breaking from reality in one of the most epic Badwater 135 race experiences ever told.

David’s story is raw, honest, and pure adrenaline-laden inspiration as he shares his unique brand of Americana and heavy metal Buddhism. This book has far more to offer than just miles traveled and mountains climbed. It's about trying to find a way station of balance somewhere in a world of extremes. It’s about running to create a legacy and develop your own inner strengths. After listening to Broken Open, you’ll never doubt how strong you can be, how much you can endure, or whether or not you are capable of finding true happiness.

©2018 David Clark (P)2019 David Clark

Inspiring!

Though a bit long sometimes, David's story is inspiring and heartfelt. I could envision his environment and feel his emotion.

Interesting story but...

He has a great story of recovery but for me this audiobook could have been better: (1) during recording a pop-shield on the mic wasn’t used so we hear the constant click of saliva and swallowing (2) the recovery story is great but this is also billed as a book about ultra-running and, for me, the didactic part is too strong (3) there’s nothing wrong with patriotism, but in this book it’s very overt and, as a non-American, that’s uncomfortable -

Must Read

The book took me through the journey through David’s life and his discovery of his inner self through running. I love the fact that he was not judgie about other pipo who a different lifestyle from his such as diet.

Exceptional

Exceptionally well-written, touching, insightful and inspiring. Highly recommended to anyone who are on the way of becoming a better self.

raw, true, and unbelievable

David Clark walks you through his struggle to find happiness. Listen on a good long run.

Unbelievable

I cried, cheered, laughed and found new inspiration! hands down one of the best honest books I have read to date. RIP David Clark Thanks for sharing your life and your heart.

Life changing

I just finished listening to this book, after listening to OUT THERE for the second time. He was the real deal. He had an uncanny writing ability and I love that he reads his own books for Audible. I aspire to be a better person because of him. I’m now looking forward to listening to his third book EAT SH#T AND DIE.

I could feel his emotion

I could feel his pain from running and from his emotions. I thought the book was great and before I finished it I went looking to see what else David had wrote. I was, well I don't know the right word because it is more then disappointment but I was so excited to follow David and read his books and while searching for them I saw that he passed a few months ago. I am still going to listen/ read his other books I just think he could have helped so many people if he was still with us.

Wow!

words can't express how bad I needed a book like this in my life. Sad ill never be able to thank him personally.

supremely open .

the most honest account I've been apart of to date. a true gem of honesty