Depression Hates a Moving Target

"This book, Depression Hates a Moving Target, illustrates how Nita went from over-the-top underconfident and prone to catastrophizing to strong and self-assured. She credits this to running and shows you just how this happened."
-JulienMadBlogger

 “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 the Hemingway Award-winning novel The Hope Valley Hubcap King and The Time of New Weather

“This is a book I think any runner will like and especially beginner runners and those who run and who have or currently battle for positive mental health. Well written!”—No Paine, No Gain “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

“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 of Badwater 135 Ultramarathon and over two hundred marathons and race director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

“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 5 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, Marathon PR 3:30

“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 with 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