I’d like to start by saying good morning, afternoon, evening, etc. I hope that you are staying safe and well. Although some of the lockdown restrictions have eased, my life doesn’t feel that different. I’m still working from home and was recently informed I’d probably be working from home for the rest of 2021. I realise that I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to work from home, however, spending the majority of my time alone is difficult.

Since last year, I’ve been trying to read more books. Books have provided an invaluable break from reality during the various lockdowns. Books have also provided my eyes with a break from my work and personal laptop screens and from my TV. If you haven’t already done so, please check out my other ‘Books I’ve read recently’ posts.

Books I’ve read recently #1 | Books I’ve read recently #2 |  Books I’ve read recently #3

Below are short reviews of the books I read during March and the first half of April. A couple of books I’d read before, others were new to me. Like last time, I’ve also included the books I’m currently reading. Wherever possible, I’ve included links to either the publisher or to the author of each book rather than to Amazon.

Books I read during March and April  

Limitless* by Mimi Anderson

“At the age of 55, record-breaking ultrarunner Mimi Anderson embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet. She wanted to become the fastest women in history to run across America from Los Angeles to New York. Her journey would cover 2,850 miles, 12 states, and four time zones, dealing with extreme changes in terrain, weather and altitude along the way…”

I’m recovering from a knee injury so Mimi’s description of her knee operation and her rehab from that operation struck a chord. The way that Mimi stuck to her rehab has encouraged me to continue with my strength and conditioning. I found the insight into the amount of preparation that goes into setting a record attempt incredible. It’s clear that without the support of friends and family, this record attempt wouldn’t have happened.

Mimi set off from LA and shared the highs and lows of her record attempt. I loved reading about the different environments Mimi ran through and about the kindness of strangers. The occasional not so positive encounters left me asking myself ‘what is wrong with some people?’ The story of the mishap with the RV made me chuckle. Unfortunately, Mimi didn’t make it to New York, the onset of severe pain meant that Mimi had to make a difficult decision; carry on and risk never being able to run again or give up on her goal. Mimi chose the latter.

“Could I even call myself a runner now I wasn’t able to run?”  

So, what did Mimi do when she was told she could only do low-impact sports until the knee pain had disappeared? How did Mimi cope with the transition from running between 50-60 miles a day for 40 days to not running at all? I don’t want to give away too much, but Mimi didn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself.

‘Limitless’ is an amazing book, one I’m happy to recommend to everyone. I’ve purposely kept this review short as I want people to go and buy the book. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Mimi and for being so honest. Thanks for being you. I look forward to seeing what Mimi does next.

This Girl Ran* by Helen Croydon

‘This Girl Ran’ is an incredibly well-written, honest, and absorbing book that documents party girl Helen Croydon’s transformation into an endurance athlete. ‘This Girl Ran’ isn’t what I’d describe as a how to manual, but rather a journey of becoming an athlete. The book demonstrates something I’m yet to discover for myself; what can be achieved when you push your body to the limit.

While ‘This Girl Ran’ is a journey of becoming an athlete, the book also documents the journey many of us face in life, moving on from the past and the challenge of discovering and making meaningful connections. While I’ll never be a triathlete, I found it easy to relate to a lot of ‘This Girl Ran’. The feelings Helen experienced at the end of the World Championships most definitely resonated with me, having no support at the end of a race sucks.

“I held it together enough to smile for the camera – a fake smile, hiding the tears welling up behind my sunglasses. I walked away with my head down. I made my way past the hoards of triumphant triathletes hugging each other, sharing moments of the race. 

I was out of the enclosed finish area now and into the public meeting place. I squeezed my way through the crowds, desperate to get away while I could still hold it together. I looked around just in case, but there was no one I recognised. I’d just done the race of my life and there was no one here to say ‘well done’.”

So, ‘This Girl Ran’ is a brilliant book, one that I’m happy to recommend to everyone. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Helen. Thanks for leaving me with a few things to think about and for inspiring me to get off my bum and onto my exercise bike.

Running for my Life by Rachel Ann Cullen

I was completely engrossed in ‘Running for my Life’ from the first page, so engrossed I read it in one sitting. Put simply, the book documents the journey that Rachel went on from non-runner to runner.

Rachel is a natural writer. Parts of ‘Running for my Life’ made me sad; I also suffered from low self-esteem when I was growing up. Other parts of the book – I also had a bad experience drinking Hooch – made me smile. I’m slightly younger than Rachel and also grew up in the 80s and 90s so I found a lot of ‘Running for my Life’ relatable.

Reading about Rachel’s childhood and teenage struggles made me look back on my life and how I felt growing up. It made me reflect on the complex relationship I had and probably still have with my parents. It also made me realise that I’m still seeking approval from others.

‘Running for my Life’ illustrates how running and fitness have a large impact not just on our physical health, but also on our mental health. The book isn’t just about running it’s also about never giving up.

So, ‘Running for my Life’ is an amazing book, a book that I think would appeal to both runners and non-runners as Rachel’s story is so inspirational.

Downstream by Caitlin Davies

When I worked as a hydrologist based in Wallingford, I got to learn a lot about the non-tidal section of the River Thames. During the hot summer of 2018, I got to witness people swimming in the River Thames. I thought these swimmers were incredibly brave and given the quality of the water in the Thames perhaps a little reckless. I genuinely had no idea just how popular swimming in the River Thames was and still is, ‘Downstream’ tells the story of swimming in the Thames.

Caitlin Davies’ journey starts at Thames Head in Gloucestershire the narrative then flows downstream through the non-tidal section of the river to the point the tidal Thames flows into the North Sea and the English Channel. ‘Downstream’ gives the reader a glimpse into how the River Thames has shaped and defined many who grew up and lived along its banks.

‘Downstream’ introduces and highlights a large number of historically important swimmers. The book introduces several fantastic female swimmers including Annette Kellerman, Mercedes Gleitze, Agnes Beckwith, and Lily Smith, pioneers who until this book was published had not received the recognition they deserve. The book contains many poignant photographs of men and women wearing baggy costumes, frozen in mid-air as they dive into the Thames. I loved these historical photos, particularly those of the Charing Cross floating baths.

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As a hydrologist who was once described as a frustrated historian, I loved ‘Downstream’. While I doubt that I’ll ever be brave enough to swim in the River Thames, I enjoyed learning more about those who are.

In it for the Long Run* by Damian Hall

“In it for the Long Run is ultrarunner Damian Hall’s story of running a first marathon aged thirty-six, dressed as a toilet, and representing Great Britain four years later. His midlife-crisis running problem escalated to 100-mile ultramarathons and record-breaking bimbles, culminating in his 261-mile Pennine Way run in July 2020”.

While my fragile knees mean that I’ll never be an ultrarunner, I loved ‘In it for the Long Run’. The book provides a very balanced view of Damian’s running experiences. Damian describes his somewhat mixed experiences of being coached by others. Not everything was beneficial, and his commentary provides a useful reminder to understand what is being recommended and to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.

I particularly enjoyed reading about Damian’s experiences of turning ‘pro’ and his vivid descriptions of the Spine Race and the Ultra Trail Mount Blanc (UTMB) which culminated in an impressive fifth place in 2018. ‘In it for the Long Run’ also looks at how Damian discovered the attraction of personal challenges such as tackling the Fastest Known Time for the Pennine Way last year. Once again, the supportiveness of the ultrarunning community stands out.

Damian writes in such a conversational tone, I felt like I was running alongside him, and I got to experience the highs and the lows. I appreciated the descriptions of mountains, hills and bogs and the discussions about snot and dislodged toenails, and all of the gruesome details. Ultrarunning is clearly physically and mentally demanding and isn’t for the fainthearted.

The last chapter ends with Damian asking his friends in the ultrarunning community why they do this “long hurty stuff” and if they get anything from a personal challenge they don’t get from an organised event. Some of the answers are incredibly enlightening. I’ll never be an ultrarunner!

‘In it for the Long Run’ is well worth reading if you have any interest in distance running of any variety. It’s also worth reading if you have concerns about climate change and the environment.

‘In it for the Long Run’ is released on May 6^th and is available for pre-order.

Books I’m currently reading  

The Round by Steve Chilton

I picked up my copy of ‘The Round’ in a local charity bookshop a few years ago. Although thanks to starting a new job and other life commitments I’ve only managed to read the first chapter, I can already tell that I won’t be donating this book back to the charity bookshop.

Practical Zen for Health, Wealth and Happiness* by Julian Daizan Skinner with Sarah Bladen

I was sent a copy of ‘Practical Zen for Health, Wealth and Happiness’ to review in 2018. Unfortunately, I found the first two chapters of the book difficult to read and after I found myself having to reread the second chapter for the third time, I’m ashamed to admit that I gave up. After discovering the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon, I decided to give the book a second chance.

Books I’m aiming to read next 

As I’ve now reached the end of my pile of running books, I’m planning on asking for some for my birthday at the start of May. This is where I need some help!

Last time, when I asked for running book recommendations both on here and on Twitter the response was amazing. I’ve listed six running-related books I think I’ll enjoy reading. If you’ve read any of these books, I’d really appreciate your honest feedback.

Are there any books you’d recommend? Are there any I should avoid? I haven’t included the summary of each of these books here as I’m aware that this blog is already far too lengthy. If you want to find out more about any of these books, please click on the links I’ve provided.

The Lost Art of Running: A Journey to Rediscover the Forgotten Essence of Human Movement by Shane Benzie

Out of Thin Air: Running Wisdom and Magic from Above the Clouds by Michael Crawley

Why Running Matters: Lessons in Life, Pain and Exhilaration – From 5K to the Marathon by Ian Mortimer

Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with my Dog Brought me Back From the Brink by Nita Sweeney

Tough Women Adventure Series: Stories of Grit, Courage and Determination by Jenny Tough

Running in the Midpack: How to be a Strong, Successful and Happy Runner by Martin Yelling and Anji Andrews

Do you think I should continue to write and share ‘Books I’ve Read Recently’ posts? I’m aware that this post is far too long and that I should probably produce individual book reviews.

Have you read any running-related books recently you’ve enjoyed? If you have, please share your recommendations with me.

Are there any running-related books I should avoid? Please let me know!

**Full disclosure: I was gifted the books marked* all other books I purchased myself. As always, all opinions and typos are my own** 

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