 |
On a beautiful April morning in 2001, Pamela Hansen decided to do something she hadn't done for a very long time. She decided to take a walk. Fearful that she would not be able to take more than a few steps with her morbidly obese body, she was desperate to focus her attention on something other than the tragedies of her life-the death of an infant daughter, the cruel and debilitating autoimmune diseases that attacked two other children, and finally the stillbirth of a son just a few weeks earlier. That first walk, which lasted just 10 minutes, was the beginning of an amazing journey that ultimately led to a 100-pound weight loss (without surgery or pills) and the fulfillment of a dream to run a marathon. In Running with Angels, Pam shares both her struggles and her success, using the marathon race as a metaphor for facing life's challenges. She candidly discusses the pain of living with obesity and the hopelessness that accompanies it. More important, she offers practical suggestions for anyone trying to reach a goal, particularly a goal of weight loss, and shows how small steps over time can help you realize your dreams. ISBN 13: 978-1-59038-381-0; Imprint: Shadow Mountain; On Sale: February 2005; Format: Paperback; Pages: 208; $14.95; Ages: 12 and Up ADVANCE PRAISE FOR RUNNING WITH ANGELS "The story that Pam Hansen tells is both tragic and heartwarming. Not only did she discover that stress is the most common manifestation of obesity, she learned that exercise is the foundation for any successful weight loss program. The way she overcame both personal and familial problems is truly remarkable. This is a 'must-read' for anyone fighting obesity."
Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH Chairman & CEO, Cooper Clinic, Dallas, TX "Readers will enjoy cheering [Pam] on toward the finish line even as they reach for the Kleenex to wipe away tears of compassion."
Publishers Weekly "Running with Angels is a book you can't put down! Pam Hansen weaves a tender, compelling story in this very personal account of loss as a young mother…and loss of self. From the hurtful comments that come with obesity to the euphoria of crossing a marathon finish line, Pam takes us on a journey that makes you want to stand and cheer…then lace up your running shoes! Everyone needs to read this no matter what shape or size!!"
Sammy Linebaugh, athlete and reporter for KSL-TV "Running With Angels is one of the most unique books I've read in a long time. It applies to so many different pockets of people, from runners to grieving families to those with weight issues. Everyone will be inspired by Pam's triumphs over her lifelong struggles. Inspiring!"
Heather Walker, Bereavement Specialist, UVRMC "In my profession, I meet people daily who are heavily burdened down by the troubles of life. I often ask them what would help them most in resolving their troubles. Regularly I hear these words, 'I wish I could talk with someone who understands what I am going through.' I have rarely read anything that more clearly communicates true understanding of the pains and struggles of life than what Pam Hansen has written in this book. Although it deals with overcoming obesity, you can easily translate it to so many other challenges in life. She is remarkably open and honest with her own story. I greatly admire her and her remarkable journey of courage. I commend it to anyone who struggles with anything."
Dr. Jim MacArthur, Psychologist and author of Everyday Parents Raising Great Kids "Pam's story is uplifting and inspiring. Her insights about life and overcoming obesity are powerful and thought-provoking. This is a wonderful book for anyone suffering from obesity or other significant challenges."
Larry Tucker, Ph.D. Professor, Dept. of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University "Pam Hansen weaves a remarkable story of her personal struggle with morbid obesity with the running of her first marathon. She identifies many similarities between the two, as she illuminates the complexity of obesity and its impact on all dimensions of life. Pam's eventual success with both challenges epitomizes the power of strong social support, positive focusing, empowerment, and falling back in love with a body she had grown to despise. Running with Angels exemplifies the power of the personal story to motivate positive health-behavior change. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with any type of health problem."
Keith J. Karren, Ph.D. Professor, Health Science Department, Brigham Young University "Pam's moving story is told with such heart and determination. This book is a must read for anyone faced with life-altering diseases. Her story reminds us that indeed, a lifetime journey does begin with a single step."
Lisa B. Fall, President, Arthritis Foundation,
Utah-Idaho Chapter
|
