The book’s title suggests the main theme. Chance is a runner, but he doesn’t run for his high school track team, and the story doesn’t center on running as a sport. Chance likes to run, and it helps him clear his mind. Thus, running becomes a way for Chance to escape. His situation isn’t rosy. He lives with his dad in a “crummy” boat, and aside from running, he lacks identifiable interests. Chance doesn’t have goals or something to look forward to. His main concern is making time go quickly. He watches “stupid” TV shows and “unfunny” movies and counts the hours before he can “flick off the lights and call it a day” (33). He doesn’t like school, and he doesn’t try hard, but he goes to school because cutting class would only make his days longer. Chance craves guidance and order, which is why he joins the Army. By enlisting, he escapes his hopeless situation. He can get away from his dad and the boat. Chance explains,

All the other years I’d lived on the boat, I’d hated seeing the activity at the start of boating season. Knowing that other people were headed off to other places had made me feel nailed to the pier.