Dave Clark is an amazing man. Have you ever tried to lose a massive amount of weight? Have you ever [or been close to someone who ever] kicked years of alcohol addiction? Now imagine doing both of these things AND going on to run marathons! David Clark did all three. This book is nothing short of incredible. David Clark was not only a successful businessman and entrepreneur, but also a loving family-man. But he shows how easily addiction can lead a person who seems to have everything to bankruptcy and ruin.
What struck me about this story is the raw and uncensored narration of what got him to that spot of "rock-bottom". Coming from an Irish-American family, he had alcohol around him from childhood at all family celebrations. He also relates a young life of instability at the hands of a father who was forever chasing his fortune and the next best thing. Eventually, his father's quest for an elusive American dream led David and his family to nightmare. Whether it was an inherited addiction to an adrenaline rush or a sincere goal of providing his own family with the stability he never had, Dave soon gets caught up in a spiral of wanting more than he already has, coupled with some bad luck and an alcohol-fueled drive to overshoot his bounds. Overconsumption and poor nutrition leads to obesity and it all comes crashing down on Dave.
Clark decides from his place on the floor, to stop the drinking and get sober and healthy. He finally gets through that first of the 12 steps -- to admit he had a problem and surrender to his powerlessness. He only goes up from there; his mantra is "marathon" and he begins to run. Nowhere does Dave blame anyone except himself for his downfall. Sure, while he's drinking, he's in denial -- like all alcoholics -- saying things like "I'm Irish" or "I need a drink just to relax", but when he finally hits his bottom and decides to change for good, he knows he got himself into his mess and it's up to him to get himself out.
I am totally in awe of this guy who stops drinking on his own and puts in the work necessary to stay sober and get slim. Those are amazing feats for sure; but then to become a marathon runner is icing on the cake. If you want to get the "Wow" that I did, from reading David Clarke's raw and honest story of rehabilitation, reflection and redemption, follow the link on the side of this blog to purchase "Out There: A Story of Ultra-Recovery" from Amazon.
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