When JJ's grandfather dies things start to unravel at the edges. JJ is worried about his parents but they don't really seem to notice. In order to deal with his grief and to keep his anxiety at bay, JJ does what his grandfather did best: running. Round and round the Olympic Park, aiming for the nationals, running to escape, JJ only seems to be heading ever closer to disaster. Running on Empty is a beautiful book about false starts and emotional journeys, with hope as the ultimate finishing line.