Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink
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Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Nita Sweeney (Author), Sarah Zimmerman (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 612 ratings
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It's never too late to chase your dreams: Before she discovered running, Nita Sweeney was 49-years-old, chronically depressed, occasionally manic, and unable to jog for more than 60 seconds at a time. Using exercise, Nita discovered an inner strength she didn't know she possessed, and with the help of her canine companion, she found herself on the way to completing her first marathon. In her memoir, Sweeney shares how she overcame emotional and physical challenges to finish the race and come back from the brink.

There's hope and help on the track: Anyone who has struggled with depression knows the ways the mind can defeat you. However, it is possible to transform yourself with the power of running. You may learn that you can endure more than you think, and that there's no other therapy quite like pavement beneath your feet.

Depression Hates a Moving Target is a witty and poignant story of rediscovery. Whether you're born to run or just looking for rebirth, you will:

  • Be inspired by the powerful story of one woman-and her dog.
  • Cheer on Nita as she endures the challenges of a marathon and a mind in turmoil.
  • And discover the power of running to overcome obstacles.
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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 37 minutes
  2. Author
    Nita Sweeney
  3. Narrator
    Sarah Zimmerman
  4. Audible release date
    September 10, 2019
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07WT5M3SP
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 37 minutes
Author Nita Sweeney
Narrator Sarah Zimmerman
Audible.com Release Date September 10, 2019
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07WT5M3SP
Best Sellers Rank #169,676 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#133 in Running & Jogging (Audible Books & Originals)
#277 in Mood Disorders (Audible Books & Originals)
#350 in Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
612 global ratings
It’s easy to read & pick back up where you left off.
5 Stars
It’s easy to read & pick back up where you left off.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down! I found it an enjoyable book to read.
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Top reviews from the United States

Brianna Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel good, gentle guide to loving yourself and following your dreams in memoir format
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
I related so much to this author, her writing style, her experiences, and her perspective. This book is written like a memoir and it is also a step by step manual of how she became who she is, specifically how she started running. Step one is use Facebook and step 2 is dream about doing the things you saw someone else doing on Facebook so I feel like we can all relate to that! Each additional step is similar in size and before you realize what’s happening she’s training for a marathon and you’re rooting for her with all your heart, and wondering if she can do it, maybe you could too. And maybe you should try meditation, and lo and behold she wrote a book about that also! She’s very helpful that way. Back to this book though, it’s all funny, heartfelt, real and forgiving of herself and others. She’s a very gentle person and it’s a gentle book. If you’re in a fragile place, like I was, it’s a soft book for you. It’s honest and hopeful. If you’re ready to think about changing your life, this book breaks it down for you. It is so empowering and nonjudgmental. It makes me want to start running, writing, following every dream I’ve ever had, and it also makes me feel like it’s okay if I don’t. I’m still good. It’s a feel good read if you don’t want to run. It’s guilt free. It has so many cool resources if you did want to start running, without the stress and pressure if you don’t. Read it now. I guarantee you’ll find something that resonates with you in your life. I’m so grateful I found it! It was a free read on kindle at the time but now I’ve bought a few copies for my home and friends.
3 people found this helpful
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Krissy
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest, Achingly Transparent and Truthful
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2020
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I saw this book recommended in a Facebook group for women runners over 50. As I am starting back running again and have also dealt with some of the author's challenges in my own past, I was interested to see how she met her own obstacles.

This book isn't a suspenseful or non stop page turner. It is a simple, honest account of Nita's journey and the things she learned along the way.

It's achingly honest with the frustrations of being a "older female" runner and the things women deal with.

Nita doesn't pretend to be an inspirational know it all. This is not a "how to" book. It's not even written in a tone of giving advice. It's a simple accounting of what she did. How slow it was. The days she didn't want to get out of bed. The reality of depression and how sometimes accepting it and working through it on your own terms can work.

You see her life changing and her scope of connections evolving in parallel with her own progress.

If you're starting to run and just not sure if you can or will or even want to - this is a book that will have you wanting to read more but is not something that you'll stay awake all night cause you must know now what happens.

But in its quiet. Strangely regal simplicity - you'll find yourself coming back to it one more ... coinciding with your own running phases..." I'll run just one more minute, a little further... Nita did... I want to..."

Glad I bought this one. ♥️
6 people found this helpful
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Chana
4.0 out of 5 stars Real raw honest
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
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The author brings us along a deeply personal and moving (literally) journey. It is courageous to share such vulnerable experiences with a wide audience. It is not the light inspirational read I was looking for, but a brutally honest account of her journey. Kudos for sharing!
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Heather Dusterberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Great up close view of overcoming what you don't think you overcome
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2023
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Loved the deep dive into the psyche of someone struggling with a broken brain and walking through what you think you cannot do only to find you're actually capable of things you never dreamed of. I ran the Columbus marathon as my first marathon the year before the author so it was great to read about her journey to the same finish line I knew. Highly recommend!
3 people found this helpful
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Cinthia Ritchie
3.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational marathon-training story from an older, overweight woman
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2021
I wanted to like this book and I certainly did, at least during the first part. Then I became bogged down by the repetition, and the small and often inaccurate details (so much on chi running and midsole striking and taking a gel during a very short run and her wobbly/swelling ankle, etc.).
Yet, that said, I commend Sweeney for having the courage to write this book, which centers on her depression and crippling anxiety (though, I'll admit, it was sometimes difficult for a runner who has been charged by bears to relate to someone afraid to run over a bridge, so I'm sure that I brought my own personal bias to the read, and for that I apologize).
I also suffer from depression, and running has been a godsend, so it was nice to travel along with Sweeney on this journey of empowerment. It's just that too much of the book read like a training log. I'd have rather read more about her depression struggles and her daily life than the aches and pains of each run, how much water she took, etc.
Running a marathon is indeed a huge accomplishment, and I congratulate Sweeney. It's just that there were so many holes in this story, so many places where she could have added more depth, more richness.
I've read many running memoirs and sadly, this isn't one of the best.
Still, I recommend it for beginning runners, and those looking for inspiration to get off the couch and out the door. Because it's true: If an overweight, depressed, anxious, 49-year-old woman can train for and run a marathon, that means that anyone, including you, can also.
A big, big fist-pump to Nita Sweeney for relaying this very important and often ignored message.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Maribel Martinez
5.0 out of 5 stars Despresión
Reviewed in Mexico on December 12, 2023
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Buen libro para una persona que esta pasando por depresión. No es el fin del mundo
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klm1780
5.0 out of 5 stars Such an open and honest book
Reviewed in Canada on March 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
The writer was extremely open and honest with her journey with extreme depression and anxiety and how she used running to try and cope. It could be triggering if you are in the thick of things but I found it helpful to read anyway because it gives me hope that I can get through it as well.
The only thing that I will say is that she is extremely lucky to have a very, very supportive husband who not only was there for her emotionally but also financially since he worked hard to make the money to support her lifestyle. Not many people are that lucky.
3 people found this helpful
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Cheryl
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational a must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2020
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I came across this book by chance eight weeks and so glad I did. My goal was to get back to running but being 40 and very overweight I was unsure. Nita’s personal journey was inspiring. It made me laugh, cry and feel pure joy. At the time I was only walking 1,000 steps. I have built up using jeffing and now I am running 5km and 10kms multiple time’s a week. The way Nita described how depression shows up for her made me realise I was not alone. The running has become my therapy outside of actual therapy. I have a much clearer and less anxious mind. This was a complete joy to read and I would highly recommend it especially if you do have depression because Nita shows, proves and inspires you to know there are no limits - only the ones we listen too and we just need to tune into another thought. Thank you for this masterpiece Nita. Cheryl
7 people found this helpful
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Jill-Anne
4.0 out of 5 stars Reminiscing on my running days
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2024
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This beautiful book resonates deeply with both current and retired runners, capturing the essence of the running journey with its highs, lows, and everything in between. It not only reignites the excitement of running but also serves as a reminder of the sport’s power to guide us through challenges. The narrative beautifully intertwines personal experiences, highlighting the universal struggles we face and the resilience that comes with determination. Thank you for sharing your story.
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Kitty
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read for anyone who suffers from depression type stuff
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2022
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I’m no runner / but somehow this book was properly good / uplifting… inspiring (not that I’ve dusted off my trainers (sneakers?) yet …!!!)
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