"Do Life" by Ben Davis: Book review and Giveaway!

Do Life by Ben Davis

I just finished this book, and really wanted to get a review up before it goes on sale on 12/31/12!! And, stay tuned for your chance to win a copy when it is released next week as well!

Before reading this book, I had not heard about Ben, or his amazing journey, so I am so glad I was asked to review this book and learn more about his amazing story!

For an amazing visual summary of his journey, take a look at the video below...




As for the book, I found it equally as inspirational and moving as this video.  Now, if you are not a runner, don't think that this book isn't for you.  It really is for everyone.  Granted, Ben Davis discovered running as his key to true happiness, but the message delivered is that the key could be just about anything, as long as it is a healthy obsession to drive you forward... or as the book is titled... to drive you to truly "do life", rather than sitting back and letting it pass by.  Ben does an amazing job of truly bringing you into his shoes... even in the darkest and lowest moments, and by exposing himself at his rawest moments, carries you forward in his journey to happiness and health.  And, it was not an overnight or painless transition as Ben recounts many setbacks and challenges that are to be expected.

http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com/

Now, as someone who has been on a journey to better health and happiness, I really identified with many of the stories and feelings that Ben relates in this book. Not everyone is going to have the same challenges, or even the same journey, but the basic foundation and strategies offered in this book are sound and offer some great ways to begin thinking about how to change your own life.  Again, things aren't going to be the same for everyone, and Ben notes this often in the book, but the key message remains that you can take control and live life to its fullest, and it's never too late to start.

From a runners perspective, I really enjoyed this book as well.  Besides just documenting the ups and downs of his journey, Ben also takes time to offer a lot of running advice for new runners, based on his experiences.  Included in the book are several training programs for various race distances and some great advice on training, strategies, and gear.  These are by no means in-depth programs (there are complete books on each of these areas), but there is a lot of info I wish I had known when I first started running.  So, if you are a new runner, I would highly recommend this book for the simple tips offered, combined with the inspirational story.

What is also really cool, is that Ben's journey and philosophy has been transformed into a movement as well. You can check out the Do Life Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/DoLifeMovement

And from that page, here is the mission:

Mission

What is Do Life?

Do Life is a choice to take control of our lives. 

It is refusing to accept that life has to be ordinary or inconsequential.

It is identifying the areas of our lives that need improvement.

It is deciding to change.

And the key thing about Do Life is that it’s not about just one thing; if you want to become 

a better father, you become it. If you want to be a better student, you do it. If you want to run a marathon, you run until you can’t run anymore, and then you keep running. 

Do Life is a movement dedicated to achieving these things and helping others as they Do Life as well.

And so.. there you have it. Would you like a copy of the book??  It will be released on 12/31/12, and one reader will have an opportunity to get one of the first copies. Or, you can order it here.  Please note, contest is open to the U.S. and Canada only.  Winner will be drawn from all entries via Random.org after the contest closes at 10PM MST on December 31, 2012.

Enter below... good luck and thanks for reading!



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