Reviews for Running like a girl notes on learning to run / [electronic resource] :

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

With humor and honesty, Elle UK books editor Heminsley details the anxiety and exhilaration she felt when she decided to try running in her mid-30s. Like most children, the author had enjoyed running around and playing, but over the years, she writes, she had forgotten she could run: "Somehow I had lost sight of the fact that not being a runner and being unable to run were not one and the same." Her first run quickly turned into a walk, and she didn't lace up her shoes for another three months. Then her brother announced that he was entering the London Marathon, and Heminsley decided to sign up, too. Months of training and proper eating ensued. The author takes readers on the emotional ups and downs of that first race as the miles passed slowly by and Heminsley reached and pushed past her limits. The author's supportive family, including a father who had run marathons and a brother also in training, encouraged Heminsley to finish that first marathon and sign up for many more. Each time she finished a race, she experienced the high of accomplishment followed shortly thereafter with the question, now what do I do? As the years and miles passed underfoot, Heminsley spent increasing amounts of time questioning this need to run. Finally, she realized she didn't need to run for a cause, although she did; she didn't need to run for weight loss or exercise, although the benefits of running were evident in her new, more streamlined body. She could just run for the sake of running. For anyone contemplating running, Heminsley provides valuable insight into the mechanics and emotions inherent in the sport. The author also includes information regarding proper gear, physical ailments and preparing for a marathon. Useful insights into how to run and why one woman does so for sport and for its life-enhancing effects.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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