26.2 Miles to Happiness cover art

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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About this listen

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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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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Had downloaded after a recommendation to try audio books on my runs. Music makes me run off pace and really didn't think this would work for me - I am an avid reader not listener! or so I thought.
I really, really enjoy this book - laughed out loud in so many places even when running up hills! Even got me round my long runs without noticing the time or distance!
Really related to to this even though I am not a speedy runner - we all have similar demons to conquer.

Didn't expect it to be quite so good.

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I listened to this while running and I immensely enjoyed it. It is so funny and the narration is so good it makes it even funnier. Indeed, Paul Tonkinson is not reading a book but doing a stand up show. That said, the book is also at times sad and heartwarming. On the whole it was a great memoir. Definitely worth the read or listen.

So funny I laughed out loud while running

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Really enjoyable and loved the fact it was narrated by Paul. One of my favourite running books so far.

Great listen and very funny

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So sad I've finished it (listened whilst marathon training) Moving, funny - great book!!

Wonderful!

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As a 47 year old Northern runner I greatly appreciated this wonderful book. surprisingly profound

Much more than a running book

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