The Hurt Artist: My Journey from Suicidal Junkie to Ironman
“Talk about being competitive and being down to his last strike, Shane Niemeyer's harrowing journey from suicidal to successful offers everyone hope that change is possible and victory only comes when you refuse to give up or give in. I was alternately horrified and hopeful as I read the pages of this honest and intense book.” —Tony La Russa, National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee andNew York Timesbestselling author ofOne Last Strike“What does a junkie do with their life after abusing their body and mind for years with drugs and alcohol? He continues to push the limits the human body can withstand while becoming one of a handful of athletes that can call themselves an Ironman! The Hurt Artist is a riveting memoir by Shane Niemeyer that takes us on a raw, unedited life journey that includes the struggles of an addict trying to find peace and the joy and journey to every triathletes promised land: Kona, Hawaii!” —Jason Peter,New York Times bestselling author ofHero of the Underground“An honest, gritty portrayal of a life that began in Loveland, Colorado and derailed somewhere in childhood between California and the Midwest. Niemeyer's once slippery slope lifestyle was turned on its head with the ultimate goal of competing the Iron-Man World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.”—5280 Magazine“Like most of us, Shane Niemeyer likes to test his limits. THE HURT ARTIST gave me an entirely different perspective on just how far he fell before becoming an Ironman. His life story deserves to be told and demonstrates what perseverance can do for anyone no matter how hopeless they may feel their situation is. You may never compete in an Ironman Triathlon, but Shane shows how anyone can overcome any obstacle and pursue their dream with passion.” —Craig Alexander, Five-time Triathlon World Champion and author ofAs The Crow Flies “The Hurt Artistis an open, honest account of a misspent youth and young adulthood, centered on an incomprehensible life of drug abuse, self-loathing, and stints in jail and rehab. Shane’s metamorphosis from imprisoned drug addict to an accomplished Ironman athlete is truly inspiring. Ditching needles for Lycra was no easy task, but the vigor and enthusiasm with which Shane made this transition is sure to motivate anyone looking to achieve an insurmountable goal.” —Joanna Zeiger, Olympian and Ironman 70.3 World Champion“It takes a strong person to conquer their demons but even stronger to share and expose their weakness allowing for judgment and criticism. Shane has met his demons and come out the other side on top with one of the best attitudes we know” —Laura Bennett and Greg Bennett, Olympians