Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run - Hardcover

Heminsley, Alexandra

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1451697120 ISBN 13: 9781451697124

Publisher: Scribner, 2013

Synopsis

A charming, hilarious, and practical book about one woman’s stumbling, painful efforts to start running and how becoming a runner ultimately transformed her relationships, her body, and her life.

In her twenties, Alexandra Heminsley spent more time at the bar than she did in pursuit of athletic excellence. When she decided to take up running in her thirties, she had grand hopes for a blissful runner’s high and immediate physical transformation. After eating three slices of toast with honey and spending ninety minutes on iTunes creating the perfect playlist, she hit the streets—and failed miserably. The stories of her first runs turn the common notion that we are all “born to run” on its head—and expose the truth about starting to run: it can be brutal.

Running Like a Girl tells the story of how Alexandra gets beyond the brutal part, makes running a part of her life, and reaps the rewards: not just the obvious things, like weight loss, health, and glowing skin, but self-confidence and immeasurable daily pleasure, along with a new closeness to her father—a marathon runner—and her brother, with whom she ultimately runs her first marathon.

But before that, she has to figure out the logistics of running: the intimidating questions from a young and arrogant sales assistant when she goes to buy her first running shoes, where to get decent bras for the larger bust, how not to freeze or get sunstroke, and what (and when) to eat before a run. She’s figured out what’s important (pockets) and what isn’t (appearance), and more.

For any woman who has ever run, wanted to run, tried to run, or failed to run (even if just around the block), Heminsley’s funny, warm, and motivational personal journey from nonathlete extraordinaire to someone who has completed five marathons is inspiring, entertaining, prac­tical, and fun.

About this title

Review

"If you've ever wept WHY WOULD I WANT TO RUN?, your answer is here."--Caitlin Moran, author of How to Be a Woman

"The morning after I finished this book, I got my running shoes on. Funny, wise, and inspirational, Alexandra Heminsley manages to make running seem not just possible, but life-affirming, liberating, and fun."--Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You

"In Running Like a Girl, Alexandra Heminsley has the courage to abandon her comfort zone and try something truly daunting and intimidating, running a marathon. In doing so she proves to herself that she is better than she thought she was and is capable of going further than she ever thought she ever could. These are invaluable life lessons that transcend running itself. You will enjoy this book--and learn and laugh in the processes--whether you run great distances, modest distances, or not at all."--Dean Karnazes, runner and New York Times bestselling author

In Running Like a Girl, Alexandra Heminsley has the courage to abandon her comfort zone and try something truly daunting and intimidating, running a marathon. In doing so she proves to herself that she is better than she thought she was and is capable of going further than she ever thought she ever could. These are invaluable life lessons that transcend running itself. You will enjoy this book and learn and laugh in the processes whether you run great distances, modest distances, or not at all. --Dean Karnazes, runner and New York Times bestselling author"

Book Description

Very funny, very honest and very emotional, whether you're in serious training or thinking about running for the bus, this book will make you want to put on your trainers.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scribner
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1451697120
• ISBN 13: 9781451697124
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 210