Stride Magazine - Spring 2022

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.

• Coasting by Elise Downing is published by Summersdale Publishers, £9.99

Why Running Matters by Ian Mortimer

The subtitle of Ian Mortimer’s book is “Lessons in Life, Pain and Exhilaration – From 5K to the Marathon” and this has relevance for what running means to all of us who put on running shoes, at whatever level.

Ian is approaching 50 and sets himself a running target of 50 races for the year ahead. The book takes the form of the diary of a year of parkruns and other races, including the Portsmouth Marathon. These runs illustrate the high and lows, agonies and ecstasies of his training, injuries and achievements. Each short chapter focuses not only on a particular run but also on the lessons learned during that run as Ian reflects on life in general.

Chapters have themes such as humility, optimism, determination, inspiration, endurance, ambition and self-respect. Family is of continuing importance throughout, as Ian is accompanied in parkruns with his sons Alexander and Oliver, 18 and 13 years respectively. The relationship with other runners who are met at races are also a key element to the narrative.

The message comes across strongly that running is not just about times but more about meaningful experiences. In the introduction Ian writes about the bond shared by runners: “Running together imparts insights, values and understandings that go far beyond their normal level of kinship and friendship.”

It is a thoroughly interesting, enjoyable and thought-provoking book which certainly makes you consider why running matters to you.

• Why Running Matters by Ian Mortimer is published by Summersdale Publishers, £9.99