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Book corner Jog leader with Anster Allsorts, George Findlay, dips into the ever-growing genre of ‘books about running’ and reviews some of his favourites.
Coasting by Elise Downing Elise describes herself as a runner, hiker, writer, speaker and above average cake eater. This has not always been the case (well - maybe the cake eater part). At the age of 23 Elise had a job and was in a relationship, both of which were making her miserable. At this point she decided to have an adventure and would reassess her life in the process. So, in November 2015 Elise set out to run the coastline of Great Britain carrying her kit on her back, with no experience of ultrarunning or solo adventuring. Ten months and 5,000 miles later, she became the first woman and youngest person to run a lap of Britain selfsupported. “Coasting” is a story of Elise’s ups and downs, laughing and crying and setbacks and successes. It is a very enjoyable read which is heart-warming, funny, entertaining and inspirational. Elise’s humour really comes through in her writing. Her insecurities and self-doubts are overcome as she “finds herself” and comes to terms with her mental wellbeing. Around the coast she discovers the best in human nature, trusting in strangers whose kindness and generosity offer her accommodation and food, which she finds overwhelming. This book is about what you can achieve with determination and endurance when you set your mind to it. It is also about the mental benefits of running and exploring outdoors and enjoying our landscape. • C oasting by Elise Downing is published by Summersdale Publishers, £9.99
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jogscotland magazine
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Spring 2022
