Wellbeing: 5 Books to Inspire a Reluctant Runner

I know running is not for everyone, but for me it has been part of my life in one way or another for the last 12 years or so. When I run I am better mentally, physically and emotionally.  I perform better at work, I sleep better at night and I am certainly more creative and productive. And yet despite all this, sometimes finding the motivation to run is still just hard!

Generally I am a solitary runner, I have never been part of a running club, I often run alone and mostly enjoy being solo as I mentally and physically cross off the kilometres. However, motivation can be low when the days are cold and short, reluctance kicks in when working days are long and the call of the sofa and a good book is greater than running shoes and cold pavements.

Apart from the motivation which comes from the mental and physical benefits I know are the result of almost any run, one of the other ways I have frequently sort motivation is through books by runners.

I’ve read lots of books about running and I have rarely not wanted to run after reading any of them.  The 5 books below are perhaps the ones which have had most positive influence upon me.  These are the authors I have found myself re-living the words of as I have struggled with my own reluctance, or when one more kilometer just felt like one more kilometre too far. Although all of these authors have gone on to run marathons and more, do not be put off. If all you want to do is complete a couch to 5km, then I guarentee these books will spur you on and help you on your way

Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley

Alexandra is writer and journalist and her book is the ultimate from couch to marathon runner  inspiration.  This is the story of her running life, the setbacks along the way and the emotional ups and downs, all told in a humorous and entirely readable way. Alexandra could not run a step when she started out, she struggled with lack of confidence, motivation and self belief and yet she persevered.  She really does encourage every one to believe they can run a marathon; and I would imagine it would be impossible to not read this and want to put on the running shoes and at least attempt a lap around the block.

Don’t Stop Me Now by Vassos Alexandra

Vasson is a sports presenter on Virgin Radio and a commentator for many live sporting events from darts to cricket.  He is also a dedicated marathon, and more recently ultra marathon runner. However it wasn’t always like this.  Vassos did not take up running until he was in his mid thirties, as a reaction to “an alarming tube of fat about an inch wide, wrapped in a yellow golf shirt and flopping over my belt”.  On his first run he could barely make it to the end of the road

This book clearly documents the trials, and tribulations of running but also the pure pleasure that can be gained from slipping on a pair of trainers and setting off.

Its easy to see why Vassos has inspired the majority of the Virgin radio breakfast show team to take up running.  His enthusiasm and love of running and life  leaps off the page, his childlike joy in running is infectious.   He is also rather humble.  He describes himself as an unexceptional runner.  Having read this book I would say he is really rather exceptional.

Runner: A Short Story about a Long Run by Lizzie Hawker

Lizzie Hawker is an exceptional human being and one of Britain’s most successful endurance athletes, and yet I suspect you haven’t heard of her.  She began running as a school girl in London eventually finding her true love of running in the mountains.  Lizzy ran the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and finished as the first woman.  Having trekked the same trail, this is how I first became aware of her.  It is a tough 158km trek on challenging mountainous terrain and I could not imagine how anyone could run it. She has not only run it but has won the race 5 times. She went on to hold the world record for 24 hours road running and has achieved many more remarkable feats of endurance running.

You may be immediately thinking this is ridiculous and not something I could ever do or even want to do.  But do not be put off from reading this book.  I guarantee it will make you want to run.  Lizzie’s story is a remarkable one and will teach you however small your own challenge is (couch to 5km again), there is always a way through. There is so much inspiration here, not just for running but for life.

Eat Drink Run by Bryony Gordon

If you have yet to come across Bryony Gordon, then I urge you to seek her out, she is a brilliant writer and the woman who managed to get a certain Prince Harry to open up about mental health.  Bryony lives with mental health issues herself, and it was in her attempt to deal with these that she began running.  She is not your typical runner, and she challenges all the usual stereotypes of runners in terms of shape, size and ability. She is also vey funny and has the ability to make anyone believe in themselves too

This book charts her journey of falling on and off the wagon and how getting out side and moving probably saved her.  Its an honest and challenging memoir and reinforced my absolute belief in the power of running and exercise.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Murakami

This is Murakami’s book on his relationship with running.  It is described as equal part travelogue, training log and reminiscence, and is a reflection of the influence running has had on his life and on his writing. It was this which attracted me to it, as I’m interested myself in the link between running and creativity.

This is a short book but it moves at a steady pace, giving great insight into the mind of Murakami the runner and Murakami the writer.  It is Murakami’s discipline and sense of purpose in all aspects of his life that comes through.

“So, like my three meals a day – along with sleeping, housework and work – running was incorporated into my daily routine.  As it became a natural habit, I felt less embarrassed about it.  I went to a sports store and purchased running gear and some decent shoes that suited my purpose.  I bought a stopwatch, too and read a beginners’ book on running.  This is how you become a runner.”

I finished this book feeling more inspired to run and have  thought of Murakami’s dedication and self discipline often when pounding the streets.  Although I will never be an ultra distance runner or even a runner who runs every day, I do understand his need to run.

Even if the thought of running is an anathema to you don’t be deterred from reading this book.  It is an insight into the mind of a great writer, a great runner and the a blurred lines between the two.