Runner: A short story about a long run

I found the beginning of this book to be quite engaging -- the story of a woman starting on her journey as an elite ultrarunner, and discovering that she had talents she didn't know she possessed.I read on, and on, and on ... and the rest of the book was filled with more of the same. After a while the stories become dull and repetitive, the tone becomes increasingly arrogant, and one starts to wonder why this book was published at all. Here's a synopsis: She goes to Nepal, runs the same exact route at least three times -- each of which is told in excruciating detail -- and stops at the same inns for the same food. And she's an amazing runner and always wins races except when injured.The beginning would have made for a great magazine piece. Unfortunately, the story in its entirety is just not all that compelling. And to make matters worse, the editing is slipshod and the book is full of odd grammatical inconsistencies.One shining note came very late in the book, with a discussion on the spiritual implications of long-distance running. I found that section to be interesting and fairly thought provoking. If you encounter this book, my recommendation is that you read the first chapter, then skip to the end. You'll not miss out on much by passing over the detailed descriptions of her various running feats. You can look them up on Wikipedia if you're bored.

In the last 48 hours I dove into the mountainous world of the Alps and the Himalayas running in spirit for hundreds of miles along rocky mountain trails. I stopped to sleep and eat and use the bathroom. It is extremely rare that a book pulls me in as this book did and I have the luxury of time to finish in in almost one solid sitting. It is a wonderful read, a great love story for the sport of running, for the mountains, and for life.The challenges we set ourselves or that life presents us with are what make Lizzy's story and our own individual stories rich and worthy of sharing. We each have a story to tell and we belong to each others stories. Lizzy tells hers very eloquently. Thank you for sharing it with us!!

Lizzy hawker has done a great job catching the spirit of trail running and putting it down on paper. This is not just a story of success, rainbows, lollipops and happiness - Lizzy talks through her hard times and challenges, what drives her, what made her keep going and how she achieved it. A well written narrative with a storyline suitable for a movie. If you like to dream big, read this book

unexpectedly loved this book! Lizzy Hawker is an amazing athlete, yet she writes in an unassuming way - not falsely humble, but with a genuine love for running long in gorgeous but challenging terrain and a matter-of-fact delivery that makes it seem like she is recounting her adventures to friends. She is able to evoke the feeling of her races and runs along with the places she runs through. and She is an amazingly accomplished athlete without the big ego you would expect.

This is an amazing story about an elite ultra runner. It is a world I am not a part of yet I enjoyed learning about all the ins and outs of endurance races. Lizzy tells her story in a very inspiring manner and takes the reader on a travel adventure of a lifetime.

Running as a way of being in the world & as meditation, an enjoyable read, well written with some great photos.I felt a little frustrated by the "conversation" of the final chapter & the unresolved conclusion…Exciting to hear of the new venture (ultratourmonterosa) - inspiring stuff.

I read a lot of books written by and for runners, but this novel from Lizzy Hawker is exceptional. It is very inspiring, and makes you think about what are the real important things in life.If you are into running, its a must, if not, its still a good read.

Inspiring, motivating and exhausting all rolled into one. Loved this book. Gave my running the kickstart it needed.

My friend recommended before UTMB then I took this. Actually I wasn’t expected so much but I was wrong. I would recommend every trail runner

I'm reading "Runner" by Lizzy Hawker at the moment and loving it. It's as thoughtful and profound as you'd expect from a modest scientist who chooses to eschew societal norms.Here's a quote-"When I’m running there is no longer anything between me and my surroundings – my feet are in a rhythmical contact with the earth, I’m breathing the air, I’m looking, I’m listening – it is a sensually intimate relationship. And the more at one I am with my environment, the more I am pulled into the present."

Probably the most successful female runner the UK has had for a long time. I was looking forward to learning more about her.The book is easy to read though the layout could be better. You don't read about the end of her first ultra to about 30% of the way into the book, even though the book starts with it.If you are looking for a rough training log, how many MPW she runs, how many gels or sports drink does she have when running a 100K race, you will not find it here. In fact she doesn't really mention any other types of races apart from her ultra races, her sub 3.00 hour London marathon just gets a brief mention.The book could be better if a few maps were included, as she when she talks about her races, the only description of the end of the race is a mention of the village she is passing with the line "not long to go" she rarely mentions numbers, so you have no idea if that is 10K or 35K.The last quarter of the book is a spiritual, journey where Lizzy addresses "you the reader" and talks about her multiple stress fractures. She does mention that maybe running two or more ultra marathons in a month or two is not a great idea, but still runs ultra marathons till stress fracture number six. Stress fractures are normally an over use injury, though Lizzy does not mention over use injuries.Overall an interesting read.

As a life long runner I am always looking for great reads. This is most definitely one of those. I have recommended it already to at least 3 people, it's insightful, exciting and very thought provoking. I challenge all runners new and old to not want to go running in mountains after you read it!If you are looking for an intelligent gift for a running buddy then do not hesitate to buy this book, they will thank you for introducing them to Lizzy's world :)

There were bits of this book I really enjoyed and bits I hated. The author is clearly an exceptional athlete and the story of her her physical endeavours I found enthralling. However the introspection and self analysis that occurred mostly towards the end of the book was tedious, repetitive and self indulgent.I always like to finish books I start. This was a struggle with his particular read. The end couldn't come soon enough!