Today’s post is going to be a bit different than usual. I’ll be sharing some of my thoughts on the book Running Like a Girl: Notes On Learning To Run by Alexandra Heminsley and joining in the Running Book Club this month with Wendy!
I’m a sucker for a good running book, and when I saw this listed in the monthly link-up I was intrigued. However, I can be picky about running books and want to be able to feel like I relate to in some way to the characters. From the moment I turned the first page I knew this would be a good one.
Heminsley tells her story of becoming a runner throughout the first half of the book. It begins as she is recovering from a break-up, and spends her time feeling envious of her roommate who is able to go out on runs, seemingly effortlessly. She takes us through her first attempts at running, all the way to her goal marathon.
Throughout the book Heminsley shares her fears and doubts about becoming a runner. I think that no matter how long we have been running, we can all relate to the feelings of self-doubt, self-consciousness, and frustration, especially in the beginning. She was brutally honest, and said the things we have all thought from time to time. At the same time, she was funny and inspiring.
I enjoyed reading about how she overcame obstacles along the way, such as injuries, figuring out fueling, and finding the perfect sports bra. She also turned to her dad for support and guidance, although at first she was hesitant to do so. I think that sometimes it can be difficult to admit that we need help and don’t know it all when it comes to running. There are plenty of lessons learned along the way in this book, many of which I believe we have all encountered.
Running Like A Girl was a light, quick, easy read- the perfect summer book for reading by the pool or on the beach. I was able to fly through the chapters and I felt like I got to know Heminsley as a person. While I preferred the first section of the book which tells her story, the second section is dedicated to explaining the answers to common running questions. This would be a helpful resource for a new runner. Not only would the story provide encouragement and hope, it is also full of tips and suggestions for those starting their own running journey.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who runs or is thinking about starting to run! (And despite the title, I think that guys would get alot out of this book too! Just ignore all the sports bra talk!😃)
What is your favorite running book?
Does this sound like a book you would enjoy?
Do your remember what it was like when you first started running?
I haven’t read a running book in at least a year but this seems like a fun one 🙂 thanks for writing the review!
It was a nice easy read! I don’t love all running books but this one was definitely amusing.
I enjoyed the book too- she has a way of making you feel like part of the story!
I agree! I think Wendy said she felt like she was talking to her friend, and I definitely felt the same way! Made it easy to stay interested.
I’ve only just begun reading running books in the past year (thanks to Wendy) and I’m glad I started. This book was definitely a great resource for all types of runners! Great review!!
Im so glad I found such a great list of books on Wendys blog! Sometimes its tough to find a good running book or to know which ones are good reads.
Great review! I’m so glad you liked this one! Seems like this one really struck a chord with everyone.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for books you want me to include. And thanks for linking up! 🙂
It was a good choice! I probably wouldn’t have found it on my own so thanks for recommending it!
I’ve never heard of this one but love this kind of story, thanks for the review of it 🙂
If you like reading about other runners’ experiences than it would probably be a book you would enjoy!
Great review! I’m always looking for new books to read, so I’ll add this one to my list. I always prefer nonfiction of any sort to fiction, so this really sounds interesting to me!
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
I’ve only read Marathoning for Mortals, and that was at the beginning of my first half training. I do want to read Meb’s but I have a lot of books lined up, so I don’t know when I’ll get to that one.
There are so many great running books! I haven’t read either of those, but I want to check them out.
Marathon Woman is my favorite book. Katherine Switzer is my absolute favorite and I think her story is so inspiring. I ran through high school as a form of cross training, but I think that when I first started to focus on my running I felt overwhelmed with a lot of “how am I going to do this” thoughts.
I remember being totally overwhelmed at the idea of running in high school. When I heard we had to run 3 miles for field hockey I never thought I would survive! So funny to think about that now.
I have a trip with a long flight coming up and am looking for books to download on my kindle to read. This sounds perfect, I’m definitely going to have to add this to my list.
It would be perfect for your trip! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This is going to sound crazy but I don’t like reading books about running! Isn’t that weird? I like reading about the body, injuries, things like that. And of course I like reading blogs about running…
Thank you for the recommended reading you left on my blog today. I already started reading a couple articles and I am INTRIGUED. I does sound a little “out there” but it does make sense. Especially since I was told for sure that there is nothing wrong with my knee. This seems like the next logical thing to consider…
I also really like reading books about anatomy and injuries which probably sounds weird to most people but I know we can relate! When I wasn’t running I didnt like reading about actually runners either.
Glad you are interested in the article/books! I think the Runners Connect article is more down to earth and easier to wrap your head around. But hopefully some of that stuff can guide you to overcoming your pain!
I actually haven’t read a running book but always wanted to buy the Oatmeals running book (forget exact title) because the sections I have glanced at are hysterical.
That was the book for last month, which is what got me intrigued about the book club! And I do want to read that one at some point too.
My sister and I both read this book and really enjoyed it. I really like the book Run by Dean Karnazas. So inspiring!
I haven’t read that one- I will have to check it out! Glad you both enjoyed this book too!
What a great review, Lisa! Ironically, I haven’t read many running books; I did really enjoy Kara Goucher’s book and the one by Katherine Switzer that Jamie mentioned in her comment, as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have had a hard time finding running books to read, so when I came across Wendy’s blog I was excited to have a resource for running books!
You know, to be totally honest, I’m not a fan of running books. I love running and I love books, but not mixed together. I love steak and potatoes, but put it in a stew and I go ape-shit. Anyway, I think it’s great though for people to get inspired in any way they can and this book sounds like a great way to do it!
Its definitely inspiring, I think especially to anyone who doubts that they can be a runner. And I can understand not wanting to read books about running! I am kind of picky about the running books I read.
This sounds like a great pick for me 🙂
Since I am still working on the trying the marathon distance I enjoy reading about how others tackled the challenge.
Sounds like you may really enjoy this book!
I’ve never heard of this book but it sounds like a fun one! Have you ever heard of or read “Onward! The Absolute, No B.S., Raw, Ridiculous Soul-Stirring Truth About Training For Your First Marathon” by Brook Kreder. It’s a really quick and hilarious read that made me laugh during my first marathon training.
I’ve never heard of that one! I will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t been reading many books at all lately! I miss it. Thanks for the review.