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Praise for Depression Hates a Moving Target

“Nita Sweeney’s vibrant memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target, not only captures the runner’s mind, but shows how practice—whether in running, writing, or meditation—and finding a community can transform a life. Sweeney charts the ups and downs of her journey with searing and refreshing honesty. Her story will resonate with anyone looking for a way out of darkness.”

—Natalie Goldberg, bestselling author of Writing Down the Bones and Let the Whole Thundering World Come Home

“Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target is a gallant new memoir about persistence in the face of long odds. If you have an interest in long-distance running, this book has you covered. Dogs? Ditto. A love story? Absolutely! Nita Sweeney not only found a way to survive crippling depression, she created a way to thrive. The love of a good man, the love of a good dog, the love of running, and above all the love of oneself. Come along on this inspiring journey. It goes the distance and then some.”

—Lee Martin, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Bright Forever

“Funny, poignant, touching and inspiring… Nita Sweeney’s tale of finding the strength to do what seemed impossible should encourage all of us to get up off that couch and do something to make our lives better! Nita Sweeney is a terrific writer, and her story is irresistible.”

—Sean W. Murphy, National Endowment for the Arts Fellow in Creative Writing, author of Hemingway Award-winning novel The Hope Valley Hubcap King and The Time of New Weather

“When we first meet her, Nita Sweeney is overweight, depressed, nearly suicidal. She has run a bit in the past, but things always crashed down around her. This time she sets out again, afraid to tell her friends (because who wants to fail in their friends’ eyes?), assisted only by one of those plastic kitchen timers and a dog, Morgan, who walks faster than Nita runs. The voice in her head says, ‘You can’t do this,’ to which Nita replies, ‘But I am doing it. Please shut up.’ Runners like Nita Sweeney don’t win fame and glory, but there are far more of them than there are Olympians. And their stories are just as inspirational. Yes, Sweeney somehow works up to the marathon distance, but it sure doesn’t come easy. It takes everything she’s got, especially when dark clouds gather overhead. And everything a husband, sister, and great friends can provide. Plus, one more thing, Morgan, the dog. He’s as good a coach and training partner as any runner has ever had.”

—Amby Burfoot, winner, 1968 Boston Marathon, author of Run Forever, First Ladies of Running, and The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life

“Nita Sweeney’s courage and grit shine through her candid memoir of ‘running out’ depression. This book has the power to inspire countless others as they pace themselves to mental health.”

—Aimee Liu, author of Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders

“Running isn’t about how far you go but how far you’ve come. Nita had to overcome many obstacles to make it to the start line. The finish line was her celebration. Nita used running to gain insight into herself and the world around her, making the human condition more tolerable.”

—Bart Yasso, retired Runner’s World Chief Running Officer, member, RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame and Running USA Hall of Champions

“Inspiration comes in many forms, and from all sorts of people. Nita’s story, told in an open, honest way, will pull at your heartstrings, and hopefully will get you pulling on your shoestrings and following in her footsteps, whether you walk, jog or run!”

—Darris Blackford, finisher, Badwater 135 Ultramarathon and two-hundred-plus other marathons; Race Director, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon.

“Finally, a running memoir for the rest of us. Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target is inspiring, moving, and very funny. Her journey is both heroic and deeply human. You don’t need a dog or a high-priced pair of running shoes to enjoy this book (but you may end up acquiring them after you finish).”

—Robert Wilder, author of Nickel and Daddy Needs a Drink

“Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink is compelling. The memoir had me in tears at times, and rejoicing at others. The book (and Nita’s life) is a roller-coaster ride, one of the big ones at the super amusement parks, not the teeny ones from our childhood. Wow! The memoir brought back memories of bad form, struggling to make the distance, and that blackout for the last five miles of a first marathon. Well-written, the book is evocative, engaging, inspirational, and compulsive reading. I could not put it down. And what an amazing journey! Nita’s strength shines through, as does her struggle and humanity.”

—Paul Nash, ultramarathoner, two-time Comrades Marathon Finisher, Two Oceans Finisher, Boston Qualifier

“Thrillingly good—an acutely observed memoir that reads like a well-plotted novel. At times funny, gut-wrenching, and frequently both. Nita mesmerizes with tales of the unique life hacks and circuitous corrections she used to cope and triumph. Vibrant, heartfelt, weird, and wonderful, Depression Hates a Moving Target will inspire readers to push through challenges to make what seems impossible real.”

—Lisa Haneberg, writing coach, author of the novel Toxic Octopus, and author of more than a dozen nonfiction books including High-Impact Middle Management

“If it isn’t hard enough to get out the door and exercise, tack on some serious, chronic depression and see what happens! Nita Sweeney’s Depression Hates a Moving Target is a poignant tale of one woman’s triumphant efforts—first small and then epic—to climb her way back to some kind of life worth living. The book is beautifully well written. Nita’s narrative is not just about her, but about the people around her, and soon you begin to care deeply about Nita, her family, and of course her dog. As she trains and runs with Fleet Feet Sports in Columbus, Ohio, pushing through the social anxiety many older runners may feel around younger, thinner, fitter women runners, she finds her group, sticks to a training schedule, and soon, to her own amazement, is exercising nearly every day. Nita’s careful to note that running is not a substitute for treatment such as medication and therapy for her mental health conditions. It’s just one more tool in the toolbox to help her cope and feel hopeful in spite of everything else. If you’re stuck on the couch and doubting whether you could ever enjoy exercising, even if you know it would be good for you, you’ll be inspired by Nita’s story and leash up your own dog, if you have one, and lace your sneakers to head out the door for a walk or run. And maybe grab a kitchen timer on your way out!”

—Carolee Belkin Walker, author of Getting My Bounce Back: How I Got Fit, Healthier, and Happier (And You Can, Too)

“This inspiring and warm-hearted memoir proves that no dream is beyond our reach if we just take one step at a time. I cheered for Nita Sweeney as she described with unflinching honesty her transformation from depressive couch potato to marathon runner, and I laughed out loud at her self-deprecating humor and her conversations with Morgan the dog, her trusty sidekick on the running trail.”

—Tania Casselle, award-winning writer and journalist, author of Insider’s Guide to Albuquerque

“Nita’s story is a gift, a reminder that you can return to something you used to enjoy. You start with a single step. Even if it means running with a kitchen timer on a secluded street in the neighborhood. Even if it means telling your brain to stop saying ‘You’re old and fat.’ Even if it means that you have to continually fight to get up and just do. Reading Nita’s story continuously reminded me of my own journey. Even though our goals are different (because, let’s admit it, running a marathon is not one of my goals), her story inspires us to appreciate the small victories along the way to the big goal. Through her grief and loss of loved ones, Nita kept running. Through her fears and daily problems, Nita kept running. Through the health problems and reminders of the past, Nita kept running. The journey continues, teaching us something new each day we attempt to reach the big goal. I can keep running.”

—Suzanna Anderson, Editor of The Magnolia Review