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Becoming Forrest : one man's epic run across America

by Pope, Rob (Long distance runner),

Format: Print Book 2021
Availability: Available at 5 Libraries 5 of 6 copies

Available (5)
Location Collection Call #
CLP - East Liberty Non-Fiction Collection GV1061.15.P66 A3 2021x
Location  CLP - East Liberty
 
Collection  Non-Fiction Collection
 
Call Number  GV1061.15.P66 A3 2021x
 
 
CLP - Main Library Mezzanine - Non-fiction GV1061.15.P66 A3 2021x
Location  CLP - Main Library
 
Collection  Mezzanine - Non-fiction
 
Call Number  GV1061.15.P66 A3 2021x
 
 
Mt. Lebanon Public Library Non-Fiction 796.42 Pop
Location  Mt. Lebanon Public Library
 
Collection  Non-Fiction
 
Call Number  796.42 Pop
 
 
South Park Library Nonfiction 796.42 POP 2022
Location  South Park Library
 
Collection  Nonfiction
 
Call Number  796.42 POP 2022
 
 
Upper St. Clair Township Library Sports 796.42 POP
Location  Upper St. Clair Township Library
 
Collection  Sports
 
Call Number  796.42 POP
 
 
 
Unavailable (1)
Location Collection Status
Sewickley Public Library New Book CHECKED OUT
Location  Sewickley Public Library
 
Collection  New Book
 
Status  CHECKED OUT
 
 

Summary
The remarkable true story of an unrivalled journey to recreate the greatest run in film history: 15,621 miles, five-times across the United States.



'Rob Pope has made his name revelling in challenges that range from the unconventional to the extraordinary.' BBC News

Becoming Forrest is the incredible story of Englishman Rob Pope, a veterinarian who left his job in pursuit of a dream - to become the first person ever to complete the epic run undertaken by one of Hollywood's most beloved characters, Forrest Gump. After his momma urged him "to do one thing in life that made a difference", he flew to Alabama, put on his running shoes, and sped off into the wilderness.



His remarkable journey covered 15,600 miles, the distance from the North to the South Pole and a third of the way back. Over a grueling 18 months, braving injuries, blizzards, forest fires and deadly wildlife, he crossed the United States five times. During one of the most turbulent periods in recent American history, Rob immersed himself in American life. His time on the open road saw him forever changed, trying to make that difference, in the process of Becoming Forrest.



This is a tale of one man who just wanted to make a difference.
Published Reviews
Booklist Review: "Before Rob Pope's mother died in 2002, she made him promise to "Do one thing in your life that makes a difference." When you're an only child and a "momma's boy," he admits, you do just that. The veterinarian from Liverpool, England, an accomplished marathoner, and a fan of the movie Forrest Gump, set a lofty goal of re-creating Forrest's 15,000-mile, transcontinental run across of the U.S. while raising awareness for Peace Direct and the World Wildlife Fund. From 2016 to 2018, Pope completed his challenge, restaging scenes from the film, including starting in Alabama clean shaven and finishing at Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border with a full beard. His partner, Nadine, provided logistical support from an RV (named Jenny), but after the vehicle breaks down, she returns to England, leaving Pope to continue solo, pushing a baby jogger filled with necessities. In this memoir of self-discovery, Pope grows from ultrarunner to adventurer, experiencing harsh conditions and the generosity of everyday folk. His monumental endurance feat makes an enjoyable travelogue and a welcome antidote for anyone needing an affirmation of faith in humanity."
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Publisher's Weekly Review: "Ultra-athlete Pope debuts with a stirring chronicle of his more than 15,000 mile run across the United States to recreate Tom Hanks's famous cross-country trek in Forrest Gump. An English veterinarian, marathon runner, and longtime Gump enthusiast, Pope dedicated his run to raising money for charities including the World Wide Fund for Nature and Peace Direct. Early chapters detail his start in Alabama in 2016--decked out in "Gump paraphernalia," including a "pristine new pair of white Nike Cortez"--and then follow Pope day by day, state by state. Along the way, he meticulously catalogues his experiences, dutifully posting his mileage, new roadkill spottings (in Louisiana: "one otter"), and his latest gnarly blisters. What quickly becomes striking--on top of the extreme distance of his runs, often "forty miles every day without rest"--is Pope's innate curiosity and fascination with the world around him. While running near the Mexican border, for example, he reflects upon George Harrison's quote that "all things must pass," and after President Trump's declaration that the U.S. would be leaving the Paris Agreement regarding climate change, Pope ponders the shifting tides of American life and culture during a stop in Indiana. This is sure to inspire distance runners as well as those interested in a hearty slice of Americana. (Feb.)"
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Additional Information
Subjects Pope, Rob.
Ultra running -- United States.
Long-distance runners -- Great Britain.
British -- United States.
Ultra running.
Ultra running -- United States -- Biography.
Autobiographies.
Travel writing.
Publisher Manchester :HarperNorth,2021
Language English
Description 422 pages : color illustrations, map ; 24 cm
ISBN 9780008472511
0008472513
9780008472528 (paperback)
0008472521 (paperbck)
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