Smile, or You're Doing it Wrong: A Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption

by Andy Glaze

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Puk Nørby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeg elskede den her. Jeg læser sjældent ikke-fiktionsbøger, men den her var det hele værd. Wauw. Meget smuk, tankevækkende, rå og ærlig🥺✨

[alessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to preface this by saying that I love memoirs and I think Andy Glaze is an awesome, inspirational role model who has conquered and achieved a lot. Zero hate to him, this just wasn't the type of memoir I enjoy reading. To start, it feels extremely written by AI and this hindered me from ever really getting into the groove of it. I also think that the last 20% could have been chopped off; the like over-the-top inspirational messages really dragged it on. Do I feel inspired? Sure. But this feels like it is targeting more those incel boys who don't shower or gym bros more than an already fit woman (just saying). Worth the read, just not my fav.

[janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I almost never give 5 stars for books and finish them in one day. Not only is the story of him owning his choices, his determination, his compassion and hardships compelling, but it is well presented, not something you often see in autobiographies.
We all have $h!t happening in our lives and it comes in waves.Some of his stuff is pretty deep, but his outlook is inspiring and contagious.
Definitely worth the read, even if you have never run before, you are living a life that I am sure has faced hardships, get some inspiration and give it a read.

[Melanie Somnitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like almost everyone who probably picked up this book and read it, I started following Andy on social media. I used to be a casual runner for decades and quit about 9 years ago after a very challenging race (The Pig), year , season of my life. Much like Andy, I had trauma, grief, life, shit just taking up space in my brain, so this book really resonated with me and where I am in life. So while I never want to race anything even in the ball park of ultra racing, I would love to get myself back in shape enough to do the things I enjoy - running a good 5k (maybe my 13th half?), pacing groups, guide running, maybe swimming. The book motivated me to pick up my old blog, tie on some new shoes and hit the walking path again... because I have to walk before I can run.

If Andy's goal was to have just one chubby menopausal woman start to run again, he achieved it. I put in 12 miles last week and started a streak. I might regret it one day... but I will do it with a smile.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

heartbreaking at times

I was heartbroken over things Andy has experienced, especially in a short time, but there were also times that I felt like the story jumped timelines and I wasn’t sure where we were. It’s not a linear story of his life, which is just fine, but it did make following some parts a little more challenging because you had to remember what happened before/during/after that same time.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Engaging and pleasant to read, Andy is a champ. This book is a strong reminder to keep doing hard things and that hard things are good for you. It is a book about personal resilience, struggle, and pushing through to the other side. Thanks for sharing your journey. It is also a great testament to how remarkable the human body can be and that mind > matter.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even chapters filled with listings of each failed ultra race held positivity and Andy's mentality that growth can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. "smile not to pretend everything is ok, but to affirm that you are ok, that you can handle this and will get through it... it won't change the mountain you're climbing but it might change how the climb feels"

[Rebecca M Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and open

Andy speaks to the inner warrior in all of us. He's not afraid to expose all of the warts and foibles that brought him to this place in his life. He is relatable and transparent.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

AI generated unfortunately

The stories are real and very impactful, but the prose and style is extremely likely to be AI generated. This is pretty distracting, and it removes the sense of rawness that this story deserves. Isn’t this the easy way out?

[Chris Wallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

So much resonated stared ultras cuz he wanted something bigger than his problems that’s me lots going on I have my first marathon in nov but my first ultra in aug ( running forever just gaining medals since 2025 ) thank you for relating

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story and teachings

Great book, love Andy, so many great teachings and stories to apply in life. Recommend this book to everyone no matter where they’re at physically, everyone can learn something from Andy and his stories

[Zachary Hacquard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!!! So inspiring and motivating, it will make you want to run an ultramarathon, loading… Roller coaster of emotions, I was hooked from A to Z. Definitely recommend!!!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how real open and honest he is

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

Very good and honest, the author was very vulnerable and open regarding his highs and lows. He did not hold back.

[Darby Lusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re having a bad day, week, month,… read this

Runners will know Andy Glaze, the general public might have seen a video or two of his on social media, but everyone can understand and get behind the message of the book. Andy wants us to learn from his mistakes and our own to understand that the current situation you’re in isn’t permanent if you have the agency to dig yourself out. The messaging is solid and something only a crazy person, or a troll, is going to take issue with. But again, we know how he attracts trolls.

This is one hell of a motivational book with enough race recaps to give the running community a real look into the psyche of someone who willingly runs one hundred miles each week. It gives the general reader a look into how discipline from running and fitness in general can positively impact other aspects of life.

Read this book no matter who you are and what your relationship is with running. You won’t be disappointed.

[Reannabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

So grateful that there are people like this in the world. People that challenge, grow, try to relate and encourage others to find their own greatness.