Running Like a Girl

Notes on Learning to Run

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Pub Date 08 Oct 2013 | Archive Date 01 Oct 2013

Description

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 drinking white wine than she did in pursuit of athletic excellence. When she decided to take up running in her thirties, she had high 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 exposes the truth about starting to run: it can be brutal.

Running Like a Girl tells the story of getting beyond the brutal part, how Alexandra 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 her first marathon, 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 non-athlete extraordinaire to someone who has completed five marathons is inspiring, entertaining, practical, and fun.

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...


Advance Praise

Praise for Alexandra Heminsley and RUNNING LIKE A GIRL

“If you’ve ever wept WHY WOULD I WANT TO RUN?, your answer is here”

—Caitlin Moran, author of How to Be a Woman

"Alexandra Heminsley’s honesty is winning: her first run is a disaster; on another, she has to dash into a pub lavatory to avoid soiling her pants. What's truly excellent about this book, though, is its generosity. Heminsley wants to help other women to run and she has provided a practical section at the back, where she explains how to overcome injury, how to buy the right gear, exactly what you will need if you build up to running marathons –surprisingly fascinating even if, like me, you have no plans to do so."

–Miranda Sawyer Observer

“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

“This is not simply a book about running—it’s about discipline, self-knowledge and relationships, and should inspire even the most committed couch potato to strap on their trainers and run.”

London Daily Mail

“If the word marathon brings you out in a cold sweat, then this brilliantly titled book is the perfect antidote to running reluctance… It’s an honest and uplifting account, pitching practical know-how…with insights into the personal doubts and daunts of [Heminsely’s] own life. There’s nothing preachy or smug about her stance. Instead, it’s an inspiring reminder of what we’re all capable of

if we put our minds to it.”

Marie Claire UK

“A meditation (slash romp) on running, life and love. Penned in her own inimitable style, the book is a funny tread through the raft of body insecurities and mental anguish

we all go through when we put on our trainers.”

Grazia

“[Heminsley’s] honesty is winning: her first run is a disaster… Her sketches of her family members are witty. What’s truly excellent about this book, though, is its generosity.”

London Observer

‘This book is an emotional whirlwind split into two perfect halves. First is the story of Heminsley’s own running journey – from being certain that she wasn’t a runner at all, to completing five marathons... The second half offers the most practical advice on ‘how to run like a girl’, invaluable, as once you finish the book, even the most unenthusiastic of sportswomen will be longing to pull on the Lycra

and run for the hills.’

—Psychologies Magazine (UK)

“I’m no runner but I loved Alexandra Heminsley’s Running Like a Girl, her vastly entertaining account of her journey to marathon success and beyond. It’s complete with advice for those tempted

to step out of their comfort zone and run.”

Woman and Home Magazine (UK)

Praise for Alexandra Heminsley and RUNNING LIKE A GIRL

“If you’ve ever wept WHY WOULD I WANT TO RUN?, your answer is here”

—Caitlin Moran, author of How to Be a Woman

"Alexandra Heminsley’s honesty...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781451697124
PRICE $25.00 (USD)

Average rating from 7 members


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