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Run Like a Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives
Run Like A Girl is about the impact that participating in sports has on women, how the confidence and strength that it helps to build makes us stronger and better prepared for life's many challenges. In this inspiring book, Mina Samuels uses the personal stories of women and girls of all ages and backgrounds, as well as her own, to take a broad look at the power sports have to help us overcome obstacles in all arenas of life. Run Like A Girl includes the stories of a US-ranked amateur triathlete who's raising an autistic son, a thirteen-year-old girl who falls in love with cross-country running, a woman who runs her first marathon at age sixty, an investment banker who quit her job to become a yoga teacher and adopt a daughter on her own, a young mother with scoliosis who cycled her way back to health and became a jewelry designer along the way, and countless other women, including Kathrine Switzer, Rebecca Rusch, and Molly Barker, who have been changed by their experiences with sports. Run Like A Girl argues that physical strength lends itself to psychological strength, and that for many women, participating in sports translates into leading a happier, more fulfilling life.
269 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2011
43 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Mina Samuels
7 books20 followersMina Samuels is a freelance writer and editor, and in a previous incarnation, a litigation lawyer and human rights advocate. In addition to many ghostwriting projects, her previous books include a novel, The Queen of Cups, a collection of short stories, Crucifixion and Other Fictions and The Think Big Manifesto, co-authored with Michael Port. When she is not writing she might be off doing triathlons, marathons, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, or hiking in far off places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 2, 2011
I was surprisingly disappointed with this book. I purchased it because a percentage of the proceeds would go to Girls on the Run, and I thought it would be a positive enjoyable read. Unfortunately, it was neither positive, nor enjoyable.
First, the tone of the book really frustrated me. It’s written in a very familiar gossip girly tone – which was sadly catty and negative even though the entire story was supposed to be about being positive in our girlhood. I think the author was going for a “coffee hour girl talk” tone, but it just didn’t work – or I hate girls. For example, “Need proof? Hello Barbie, you iconic every-girl’s-fantasy doll. Did you know your plastic proportions, if applied to a regular woman, would result in a freakish being around seven feet tall, weighing a hundred pounds, with an eighteen inch waist. Beautiful? Not!” (pg. 147 - the punctuation error was in the book). Though she was trying to talk about how body image is negatively influenced by the media, she spent the next several pages talking about ‘normal’ women, who all happened to be at least 5’8, and 110 lbs or less. Is that normal?
At the end of each chapter, the gossip girl tone was interrupted with an excessively whimsical portrayal of some event in her life (not always sports related) – like “My mind empties. I’m watching as the water falls away from the side of my paddle, like a stream slipping over rocks, flat cascades running sideways away from the paddle with each stroke.” (pg. 45) The difference in tone was jarring.
The novel was also poorly edited, with several errors in the Introduction alone. I can also say conclusively, that the author’s favorite word is deleterious. It was used to the point of annoyance. However, the most frustrating part was the need to add additional sports into the mix, when the book was called RUN like a girl. I felt like the author needed kudos because she does triathlons, marathons, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking (yes, it actually says that on the back jacket). I understand the desire to open it up to women who are generally active in a variety of channels, but it was excessive to continuously repeat “Whether you’re competing in triathlon, marathon, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, or hiking….” throughout the book .
Overall, I walked away from this book feeling annoyed, and frustrated with the negative tone - not inspired, motivated, or proud of running like a girl.
First, the tone of the book really frustrated me. It’s written in a very familiar gossip girly tone – which was sadly catty and negative even though the entire story was supposed to be about being positive in our girlhood. I think the author was going for a “coffee hour girl talk” tone, but it just didn’t work – or I hate girls. For example, “Need proof? Hello Barbie, you iconic every-girl’s-fantasy doll. Did you know your plastic proportions, if applied to a regular woman, would result in a freakish being around seven feet tall, weighing a hundred pounds, with an eighteen inch waist. Beautiful? Not!” (pg. 147 - the punctuation error was in the book). Though she was trying to talk about how body image is negatively influenced by the media, she spent the next several pages talking about ‘normal’ women, who all happened to be at least 5’8, and 110 lbs or less. Is that normal?
At the end of each chapter, the gossip girl tone was interrupted with an excessively whimsical portrayal of some event in her life (not always sports related) – like “My mind empties. I’m watching as the water falls away from the side of my paddle, like a stream slipping over rocks, flat cascades running sideways away from the paddle with each stroke.” (pg. 45) The difference in tone was jarring.
The novel was also poorly edited, with several errors in the Introduction alone. I can also say conclusively, that the author’s favorite word is deleterious. It was used to the point of annoyance. However, the most frustrating part was the need to add additional sports into the mix, when the book was called RUN like a girl. I felt like the author needed kudos because she does triathlons, marathons, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking (yes, it actually says that on the back jacket). I understand the desire to open it up to women who are generally active in a variety of channels, but it was excessive to continuously repeat “Whether you’re competing in triathlon, marathon, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, or hiking….” throughout the book .
Overall, I walked away from this book feeling annoyed, and frustrated with the negative tone - not inspired, motivated, or proud of running like a girl.
June 11, 2011
A very inspiring book with a writing style that irked me in a lot of places. It motivated me to get off the couch, but also motivated me to edit the flow of the book in my head. I didn't really care for how the people in the book were introduced in an early chapter, and then were referred back to in later chapters by some sort of gimmick (like: "remember our friend the tire-changing lady?" -- yes, for the fourth time, I remember her. But now I just think about her as the tire-changing lady.).
For the most part, it's awesome to read books on women and athletics that are authored by women, so definitely pick this up if you want inspiration to get started or keep going.
For the most part, it's awesome to read books on women and athletics that are authored by women, so definitely pick this up if you want inspiration to get started or keep going.
September 13, 2011
It only took a few pages for me to feel as though I'd been transported back to one of my favorite classes at Cal: Sociology of Sport. We learned about the commodification of athletes, discussed gender roles, and debated requirements of student athletes. Having learned many of my greatest life lessons on the sport's field, much of the class was easily relatable to my life or things I'd been through, making much of the class content immediately tangible.
It only took a few more pages for me to realize this book was nowhere near the text I thought it would be. Written in a conversational tone, the author's poorly quoted research and platitudes weaken what could be a very inspirational read. With the title, Run Like a Girl, I expected a book about running that would provide me with personal stories of how running inspired, motivated, changed the lives of others...not so much. In fact, there is very little text about running itself. I'll save you a trip to the library or $16.95 and share the main premise of this book:
* sports can be incredibly empowering to women. Where a woman's strength can be questioned in various other realms of her life, she can rediscover, find, or uncover her own strength in sport.
Having discovered running relatively late in life, after the birth of my second child, I expected a great deal from this book. I have seen first hand just how much sports, and running in particular, can in fact empower a woman. Training for a half marathon taught me more about myself than any other single endeavor. Finishing my first half marathon ranks up there with one of the most memorable days of my life. The ladies who joined me for the journey, a journey we had no idea would impact us so greatly or forge a bond so deep, will be lifelong friends.
Extremely disappointing book. I read through page 100 and skimmed the rest. I highly recommend Run Like a Mother or Mile Markers if you are looking for an inspirational running read.
It only took a few more pages for me to realize this book was nowhere near the text I thought it would be. Written in a conversational tone, the author's poorly quoted research and platitudes weaken what could be a very inspirational read. With the title, Run Like a Girl, I expected a book about running that would provide me with personal stories of how running inspired, motivated, changed the lives of others...not so much. In fact, there is very little text about running itself. I'll save you a trip to the library or $16.95 and share the main premise of this book:
* sports can be incredibly empowering to women. Where a woman's strength can be questioned in various other realms of her life, she can rediscover, find, or uncover her own strength in sport.
Having discovered running relatively late in life, after the birth of my second child, I expected a great deal from this book. I have seen first hand just how much sports, and running in particular, can in fact empower a woman. Training for a half marathon taught me more about myself than any other single endeavor. Finishing my first half marathon ranks up there with one of the most memorable days of my life. The ladies who joined me for the journey, a journey we had no idea would impact us so greatly or forge a bond so deep, will be lifelong friends.
Extremely disappointing book. I read through page 100 and skimmed the rest. I highly recommend Run Like a Mother or Mile Markers if you are looking for an inspirational running read.
February 22, 2019
A bit of not-so-distant history lessons on female breakthroughs in sport, a bit of inspirational anecdote from women athletes, and a bit of personal memoir from the author. I couldn't put it down, it's so readable and dynamic and spot-on re. the emotional challenges and rewards of being a woman in motion.
And Mina, I think you showed Mr. E (or should I say, "chicked" him - across the finish line of transformative success;)
And Mina, I think you showed Mr. E (or should I say, "chicked" him - across the finish line of transformative success;)
June 15, 2011
This book is ridiculous. Why on earth would you thank Roe v. Wade in a running book? What does abortion have to do with running. What an incredibly poor choice in trying to mix a controversial political issue and something positive for women like running. I'm so disappointed that I spent money on this book as a gift and it will be returned. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK AND SUPPORT THINGS LIKE THIS!
December 26, 2011
I feel dreadful marking this book as "read." I really, really wanted to love this book. I love running, I love feminism, I love empowerment. This book was more of a memoir/cheerleader/collection of famous people saying shit that meant something to the author randomly strung together and it made no sense.
See that last sentence? Imagine an entire book of that, but interspersed with "snippets" from said sentence. Please to allow me to elaborate (fictitiously of course):
Running is a mind-game. Your mind has to be focused, intent on your breathing, your feet moving left and then right and then left again, unless of course you find the "zen-moment" to just lose yourself. I do this frequently while listening to music.
You've got to lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you gotta never let it go..." -Eminem
Blah blah blah blah.
Yes, it was like that. I kept hoping it would improve but by chapter 3, I gave up...
See that last sentence? Imagine an entire book of that, but interspersed with "snippets" from said sentence. Please to allow me to elaborate (fictitiously of course):
Running is a mind-game. Your mind has to be focused, intent on your breathing, your feet moving left and then right and then left again, unless of course you find the "zen-moment" to just lose yourself. I do this frequently while listening to music.
You've got to lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you gotta never let it go..." -Eminem
Blah blah blah blah.
Yes, it was like that. I kept hoping it would improve but by chapter 3, I gave up...
November 22, 2013
Incredible, powerful, moving. I've never thought of myself as athletic, let alone an athlete. A lifetime of not participating in anything sports related -- in fact spending a great deal of effort avoiding participating in anything sports related was the norm for me. When I started running a few years ago, I had no idea how profoundly it would impact my life and how I define myself. Now I look forward to the opportunity, not just to run, but to pursue other sports as well. I'm comfortable being uncomfortable -- and that has opened the door to so many great adventures and friendships. This book covers so many of the topics that are central to life -- balance, friendship, self-image, aging -- it's a thought provoking read and one that is relevant to women and men, athletes and athletes-in-waiting. Highly recommend.
December 21, 2012
Ok, so I only read 1/2 of it. B/c it's a library book and I had to take it back. BUT! this would make a great bathroom book. By "bathroom book" I mean that it it's anecdotal in nature so it can be read in short spurts (and those kinds of books are fantastic for your bathroom bookshelf). It's also inspirational if you are looking for some motivation for your daily sports goals.
December 4, 2023
Exercise & self-help, empowering, motivating. Not too long.
November 14, 2011
Hated it. Just hated it. Refuse to finish it & might actually ask for a refund.
January 23, 2017
After reading this book, I laced up my tennis shoes and started training again. If you want a book to motivate you to start running again, this is it.
April 24, 2020
This book is quite a nice little pep-talk - not only for women on the run, but for every woman. (I guess even men could use it at times...)
Having read and loving Running: A Love Story: 10 Years, 5 Marathons, and 1 Life-Changing Sport I try to compare the two...
Now while Jen A. Miller wrote about her personal relationship with running, Mina Samuels is doing more of a survey. Having spoken to a lot of (?!?!!) women, she supports all of her points not only by science but also by little episodes and anecdotes. Best thing about them? Most of the women are not elite athletes but just "normal people" - aka much more relatable (though admittedly a bit less exciting to read...).
The style is easy and casual. The research is fair (while of course a bit dated by now...) and the messages are clear and very comforting...
Good book for anyone who - in times of COVID19 or any time basically - wants to get (back) to (outdoor) sports or revisit their motives and goals. Great relationship builder!
I might want to try karate now (do they have youtube tutorials or online classes?)... And I seriously crave a running buddy (but that might be COVID19).
Having read and loving Running: A Love Story: 10 Years, 5 Marathons, and 1 Life-Changing Sport I try to compare the two...
Now while Jen A. Miller wrote about her personal relationship with running, Mina Samuels is doing more of a survey. Having spoken to a lot of (?!?!!) women, she supports all of her points not only by science but also by little episodes and anecdotes. Best thing about them? Most of the women are not elite athletes but just "normal people" - aka much more relatable (though admittedly a bit less exciting to read...).
The style is easy and casual. The research is fair (while of course a bit dated by now...) and the messages are clear and very comforting...
Good book for anyone who - in times of COVID19 or any time basically - wants to get (back) to (outdoor) sports or revisit their motives and goals. Great relationship builder!
I might want to try karate now (do they have youtube tutorials or online classes?)... And I seriously crave a running buddy (but that might be COVID19).
February 20, 2021
I am all for books that empower women and that are about physical activity, but this was not the book I expected it to be. There were a couple of things that really irritated me, which is unfortunate because it takes away from the overall message the book is trying to send. I would recommend (and rather have read) a book that is more informed by research and doesn't have the personal perspective.
1) The way the book is written: The overly chatty, rah rah, love everyone, girl power, informal tone was off putting. There was also quotes taken from the text and put into a block quote text with an image of a woman running from the front cover. This made it seem juvenile and didn't add anything to the experience.
2) At times some serious issues seemed to be brought up, but then not really gotten into or just skimmed over. At one point a woman who had serious back issues was discussed and how she spent months recovering by putting herself through lots of painful exercises. The "you can do anything" message was circulated with this, by this could have serious implications for other individuals.
3) Throughout the book there were various sections that spoke about relationships and finding partners. Not only did this boil my blood because my own physical activity should not revolve around my partner's, but because this book was EXTREMELY HETERONORMATIVE. Every example talked about a man, boyfriend, husband, etc.
Would not recommend.
1) The way the book is written: The overly chatty, rah rah, love everyone, girl power, informal tone was off putting. There was also quotes taken from the text and put into a block quote text with an image of a woman running from the front cover. This made it seem juvenile and didn't add anything to the experience.
2) At times some serious issues seemed to be brought up, but then not really gotten into or just skimmed over. At one point a woman who had serious back issues was discussed and how she spent months recovering by putting herself through lots of painful exercises. The "you can do anything" message was circulated with this, by this could have serious implications for other individuals.
3) Throughout the book there were various sections that spoke about relationships and finding partners. Not only did this boil my blood because my own physical activity should not revolve around my partner's, but because this book was EXTREMELY HETERONORMATIVE. Every example talked about a man, boyfriend, husband, etc.
Would not recommend.
January 18, 2023
Maybe this book was revolutionary in 2011 when it was published (doubtful as that was only 12 years ago). Today, it just seems prosaic. More like a self improvement project and the author shared he anecdotes, which do not hold universal appeal.
This subjects were all over the map, too, lacking a coherent flow. One chapter went from a bit about the lack of resources for women in Africa to a quandary of whether or not to wear a running skirt. Huh!!??!!
If you are looking for a book to help you tap into your inner badass, pick up Glennon Doyle’s Untamed. You can even do an audio version and listen while you go for a run. 2 birds :)
This subjects were all over the map, too, lacking a coherent flow. One chapter went from a bit about the lack of resources for women in Africa to a quandary of whether or not to wear a running skirt. Huh!!??!!
If you are looking for a book to help you tap into your inner badass, pick up Glennon Doyle’s Untamed. You can even do an audio version and listen while you go for a run. 2 birds :)
August 27, 2024
I almost put this book down. I wasn’t too excited about the beginning as it felt repetitive. The more I read it, though, the more I liked it. The references to history, books and studies was very interesting to me- especially the fact that women could participate in an Olympic marathon until 1984! Holy crap! The discussion around how we as women feel when our husbands or partners try to give us advice was pretty eye opening and I had a fantastic discussion with my partner about this.
I related to many sections- running has been in my life on and off for more than 40 years and I’m training for my second marathon. Again- this inspired me.
I related to many sections- running has been in my life on and off for more than 40 years and I’m training for my second marathon. Again- this inspired me.
June 26, 2018
Run like a girl by Mina Samuels is about the impact that participating in sports has on women and how the confidence and strength that it helps to build spills over into all of our experiences, making us stronger and better prepared for lifes many challenges. I didn't end up finishing the book as there was a point in the book where I couldn't understand what they were talking about as there was words I didn't recognise. Overall I would give this book 2 stars because I didn't really understand it.
January 8, 2018
Quote from book.
“The women on her team go from strangers to bridesmaids in a matter of months, incorporating each other into their lives as if they’d known each other for ages.”
Maybe I loved the above quote so much because of my passion for the outdoors, staying in shape and close relationships.
The book wasn’t exactly an “easy” read, but I did love reading about resilient and tenacious women in the outdoors / sports world.
“The women on her team go from strangers to bridesmaids in a matter of months, incorporating each other into their lives as if they’d known each other for ages.”
Maybe I loved the above quote so much because of my passion for the outdoors, staying in shape and close relationships.
The book wasn’t exactly an “easy” read, but I did love reading about resilient and tenacious women in the outdoors / sports world.
April 2, 2019
Mina is a good story teller - she shares tales of kickass women doing kickass things and isn’t confined by a strict narrative. She returns to the women time and time again as elements of their stories become relevant and poignant. I felt like I knew them all by the end of the book and, what’s more, felt like I was one of them. The strong ladies in this book are now my friends (even though they don’t know it). Highly recommend.
August 6, 2019
#readingchallenge2019 (my book with an R)
When it comes to books about running, everyone recommends reading Born to Run, however now having read both, I full heartedly feel this novel inspires running, covers the woes, and educates in a more well-rounded approach.
Samuels relayed the impacts of participating in sports through the concept of confidence, strength, and struggles-while mainly focusing on specifically how women prepare for the challenges and rewards of all. She was a great story teller, providing examples from real women for motivation!
Reading about women overcoming, presented positive messages with a lot of great affirmations.
I also really appreciated the section on body image, positivity, and eating disorders. It helped address individual discovery.
I loved this book for many reasons, it wasn’t ‘life changing’ but it did help provide a perspective of celebration, fitness, and push yourself!
When it comes to books about running, everyone recommends reading Born to Run, however now having read both, I full heartedly feel this novel inspires running, covers the woes, and educates in a more well-rounded approach.
Samuels relayed the impacts of participating in sports through the concept of confidence, strength, and struggles-while mainly focusing on specifically how women prepare for the challenges and rewards of all. She was a great story teller, providing examples from real women for motivation!
Reading about women overcoming, presented positive messages with a lot of great affirmations.
I also really appreciated the section on body image, positivity, and eating disorders. It helped address individual discovery.
I loved this book for many reasons, it wasn’t ‘life changing’ but it did help provide a perspective of celebration, fitness, and push yourself!
April 30, 2020
It was interesting to read how sports has assisted women with their struggles in finding their identity.
I do admit that i had to take multiple breaks to have the right frame of mind to enjoy reading about stories of other women.
This book has definitely inspired me to take care of my body when I had given up on wanting to be as physically active as I am now. All said, I still believe in moderation.
I do admit that i had to take multiple breaks to have the right frame of mind to enjoy reading about stories of other women.
This book has definitely inspired me to take care of my body when I had given up on wanting to be as physically active as I am now. All said, I still believe in moderation.
Read
March 30, 2020Got to ~page 75. Too all over the places.
June 9, 2022
Loved all the inspirational stories and anecdotes. It made me appreciate my abilities more and not beat myself up over being perfect all the time. The chapter on balance was especially needed.
May 5, 2024
An intriguing look into the world of women’s endurance sports. I learned a lot from this book and appreciated the topic.
October 30, 2024
2.5. Cute but nothing to write home about
January 30, 2019
I didn’t enjoy reading this book, it was quite disappointing. I missed a read thread, I felt the author just gathered a whole bunch of examples of stories about the women she met in her life. I had to force myself to finish it.
December 26, 2023
Not a book written for me, but still eye opening into the gender inequality in sports.
September 19, 2011
This book is very motivating and has lots of great advice for runners but also for women athletes in general. Hearing story after story of women overcoming things that could have stopped a running dream but didn't, is very inspiring. I also love how the author is able to describe the specific things in her life that helped her become the runner she is today. All in all I just love stories of anyone, male or female, getting from one point in life to another after being told they cant do it. This book has loads of these stories!
The part of the book I didn't like was the disjointed writing style. It was hard for me to get through some of the chapters because it didn't seem like they flowed at all. I am not the best writer by a long shot, but I do love to read and when I book doesn't seem to flow it makes reading a little harder. I resolved this issue getting to me by just reading a chapter a night. I overall liked the message the book was presenting and was happy to have the chance to read it!
The part of the book I didn't like was the disjointed writing style. It was hard for me to get through some of the chapters because it didn't seem like they flowed at all. I am not the best writer by a long shot, but I do love to read and when I book doesn't seem to flow it makes reading a little harder. I resolved this issue getting to me by just reading a chapter a night. I overall liked the message the book was presenting and was happy to have the chance to read it!
August 19, 2016
A bit disappointing. The author is definitely long winded and a bit too perky...like Stepford Wives kind of perky. The reader is led to believe that the book will be filled with inspirational stories about all kinds of different women, like a Chicken Soup For The Soul kind of collection, when, in reality, the author hogs up most of the pages with her own personal stories and crusades. The few stories about other women are very brief and all of the subjects she chose would be hard to relate to unless you've been an athlete for most of your life. I found myself wishing that the author would just stop talking about herself so much and move on to someone else, but when that did happen, it was just a let down. Nonetheless, I was still able to take away a lot of positive messages from this and I appreciate what the author was trying to convey, even if it wasn't executed very well.
June 24, 2012
Though this book is non-fiction, it aims for inspirational rather than informational. The excessively cheerful tone and general lack of content made reading it felt disgustingly like bingeing on candy. Then I hurt my elbow and the cheerful encouragement helped me feel better while I wasn't training . . .
Unlike anther reviewer here, I appreciated that the author talked about sports other than running ... in fact, I was sort of annoyed because of the implication that running marathons and triathlons are the pinnacle of being a sportswoman.
Unlike anther reviewer here, I appreciated that the author talked about sports other than running ... in fact, I was sort of annoyed because of the implication that running marathons and triathlons are the pinnacle of being a sportswoman.
September 19, 2014
I shudder to think what this manuscript must have looked like before an editor got their hands on it. The writing is terrible. I wish it were better, but it's flat-out bad. Is it memoir? Research-based nonfiction? Inspirational piece? The author has no clue, and so it is none of these things, instead it's cliche after cliche, bad prose and terrible transitions, little fact and too many unsupported quotes from "inspirational" women. I wanted to read a good book about running for women. This is not that book, nor is it good, or really about women running.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews