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26.2 Miles to Happiness

A Comedian’s Tale of Running, Red Wine and Redemption

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26.2 Miles to Happiness

By: Paul Tonkinson
Narrated by: Paul Tonkinson
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Bloomsbury presents 26.2 Miles to Happiness written and read by Paul Tonkinson.

WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2021 – SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR

The hilarious trials and tribulations of stand-up comedian Paul Tonkinson as he attempts to beat the much lauded 3-hour mark at the London Marathon.

Along the way, we are introduced to the characters helping Paul with his quest. Celebrity names such as Bryony Gordon, Russell Howard, Roisin Conaty and Vassos Alexander pop up with wit and wisdom, alongside an alpine adventure to the Mayr Clinic with Michael McIntyre that pushes Paul to the limit. And not forgetting the ‘words of wisdom’ and derision from Paul’s anti-running friend, Richard.

With a supporting cast of fellow comedians, this is a warmly written and wonderfully honest adventure-through-sport that will both entertain and inspire.©2020 Paul Tonkinson (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Performing Arts Running & Jogging Sports Celebrity Comedy Inspiring Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt Running Well
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Critic reviews

I couldn't put it down... insightful, inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny! (Michael McIntyre)
This book is that rare thing - something that actually makes me WANT to run another marathon. Utterly joyous! (Bryony Gordon)
The funniest book about running I have ever read. In fact it is the only book about running I have ever read, but it is HILARIOUS! (David Walliams)
Enjoyed it enormously. Pain. Hope. Misery. Joy. All the big stuff. Excellent. (Dara Ó Briain)
What a brilliant, funny and above all, inspiring book. I read it in three days flat. I literally raced through it as though running alongside Paul. (Tim Vine)
This book is funny (which I expected) and concerns running (ditto), but it is also exceptionally moving and profound. Don't be fooled: it's not really about completing a marathon. It's about life and all its joy and weirdness. Recommended to all, even those who jog no further than the fridge. (Miranda Sawyer)
Funny and captivating, even persuasive. A book that memorably and joyously illustrates how we can find our escape and ourselves by switching off from the rest of the world that actually switches us on. (Robin Ince)
Excellent... Extremely talented. Brilliant.
Very good book... very funny, very insightful, very inspiring (Chris Evans)
Fabulous book (OJ Borg)
You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy 26.2 Miles to Happiness
Hilarious
The best book about running I have read (Nick Cohen)
All stars
Most relevant
I discovered the Running Commentary a few months ago, training for my first marathon. learning that Paul Tonkinson was releasing a book on running sub 3 (my own personal goal) I knew I had to listen.
it was surprisingly touching, very personal in places and really revealing. it both explains Paul's need for running, and how he became a stand up comedian. I've been listening to this whilst training, and as I'm doing 55 miles per week at the moment have finished it in less than a week. I got quite emotional when he described his wife's face, and felt the euphoric high of the last chapter during a 6km recovery run. this is definitely a book I'll be revisiting. Fantastic.

inspiring.

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I loved this book and can't recommend it enough. I love the honesty and grit Paul possesses.

Just awesome

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You’ll love this especially if you are a marathon running, excellently written and well read by Paul himself. What seams like a basic storyline, a sub 3hr pb becomes an exciting, can’t put down listen!

Definitely recommend

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Absolutely loved listening to Paul’s book. I am a runner albeit nowhere near Paul’s level although it has inspired me to know I can be better.
That said, you don’t need to be a runner to listen to this book as it’s not just about running but also about achieving.
Paul’s writing has just the right mix of humour & he narrates his own words which is great.
I thoroughly enjoyed this & certainly recommend it to anyone. If you clicked on it & is reading the reviews to try and make up your mind, think no further. You’ll love it in the end.
Enjoy 👍🏼

Great Listen

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Loved it, the title sounds a bit self help meets how to, but this was a funny biographical journey of training and running and life. I would definitely recommend it and it makes we want to train for a marathon.... one day

Funny biographical journey of running

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