I know… it’s been a VERY long time since I’ve done a book review (more than three years, but who’s counting?) And I’m taking a step away from books with disability representation to write a review on a book about running… and cycling and swimming. And lest anyone think this is a book for athletes… you don’t need to be any kind of athlete to enjoy this book that is more about friendship than it is about sport.

About the book

They were unlikely friends. She was a young, overweight college professor with a pack-a-day habit and a bad attitude. He was her boss, and an accomplished Ironman triathlete. She was a whiner, he was a hardass. He had his shit together, she most assuredly did not. Yet Susan and Carlos shared a deep and abiding friendship that traversed life, sport, illness, death, and everything in between.
Amusing and poignant, Life’s Too Short To Go So F*cking Slow is about running and triathlon, growth and heartbreak, and an epic friendship that went the distance.

It’s ALMOST too Short

I nearly swallowed this audio book whole. Clocking in at just over three and a half hours, I read it for an hour and a half when I was too keyed up to sleep, half an hour on my way to work, and the last hour and a half at the end of my day. Even if you’re not a reader… it’s short! Read it!

All the Feels

I saw points of my own journey in this book (right down to having a loyal friend who, without fail, made sure I get out for Sunday morning workouts and post-workout coffee). The reminders of “EAT!” and “Don’t be a dumbass!” are phrases I’ve heard – in spirit, if not in words – from my friend and training partner (some of which I, like Susan, soundly ignore). There is much to make a reader laugh, and much to make them cry. This short little book is for anyone who’s ever done a race (any kind of race), anyone who’s had a loyal friend, or anyone who’s ever been challenged to do a thing that scares them.

The Bottom Line

I can’t say much about this book. It’s about racing, but not about racing. It’s about endurance sports, but more about an enduring friendship. It poignantly speaks of one 10-year friendship – the one that defies logic, but is the bedrock of a person’s life. It’s about showing up whenever and wherever you can, however you can. Towards the end of the book, Susan Lacke rights bluntly, “Pain is temporary. Anger is temporary. Sh*t shows are temporary.” I’ll take that nugget with me on my next long run with my good friend. And maybe, just maybe, I won’t be a dumbass.

5/5 stars.