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Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run
In Mile Markers, Runner’s World contributing editor Kristin Armstrong captures the ineffable and timeless beauty of running, the importance of nurturing relationships with those we love, and the significance of reflecting on our experiences. This book considers the most important reasons women run, celebrating the inspiring passion runners have for their sport and illustrating how running fosters a vitally powerful community.
With unique wit, refreshing candor, and disarming vulnerability, Armstrong shares her conviction that running is the perfect parallel for marking the milestones of life. From describing a hard-fought race with her tightly-knit group of sweat sisters to watching her children participate in the sport for the very first time, Armstrong infuses her experiences with a perspective of hope that every moment is a chance to become a stronger, wiser, more peaceful woman. Running threads these touching stories together, and through each of them we are shown the universal undercurrents of inspiration, growth, grace, family, empowerment, and endurance.
With unique wit, refreshing candor, and disarming vulnerability, Armstrong shares her conviction that running is the perfect parallel for marking the milestones of life. From describing a hard-fought race with her tightly-knit group of sweat sisters to watching her children participate in the sport for the very first time, Armstrong infuses her experiences with a perspective of hope that every moment is a chance to become a stronger, wiser, more peaceful woman. Running threads these touching stories together, and through each of them we are shown the universal undercurrents of inspiration, growth, grace, family, empowerment, and endurance.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
73 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Armstrong
10 books29 followersKristin Armstrong is a mother, a writer, and a runner. She has written six books, including her latest, Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run.
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June 14, 2015At first, I really liked this book, but I became bored by halfway through. I could relate to the topics she picked as chapter emphases, but it read too much like a blog so it was hard to stick with it for the long haul and is a book I would consider reading a chapter at a time, but not all in one sitting.
One point she made in the friendship chapter sticks with me: (p 25)
"I wish women could be more [free and less judgmental] in other areas of our life (besides running). I wish we could always support each other without comparing. I wish we could allow others to be sad without trying to fix it. I wish we could always be happy for someone else without seeing the holes in our own lives. I wish we could always share in another's gratitude for good fortune instead of poisoning it with our own regret. I wish we could always laugh together without our mirth coming up at the expense of someone else. I wish we could always lift each other up without having to be on top. I wish we could always applaud others' gifts without pining. I wish we could always freely celebrate our own gifts without feeling the need to play small. Until then, I will appreciate my running friends for being consistently and undeniably real."
One point she made in the friendship chapter sticks with me: (p 25)
"I wish women could be more [free and less judgmental] in other areas of our life (besides running). I wish we could always support each other without comparing. I wish we could allow others to be sad without trying to fix it. I wish we could always be happy for someone else without seeing the holes in our own lives. I wish we could always share in another's gratitude for good fortune instead of poisoning it with our own regret. I wish we could always laugh together without our mirth coming up at the expense of someone else. I wish we could always lift each other up without having to be on top. I wish we could always applaud others' gifts without pining. I wish we could always freely celebrate our own gifts without feeling the need to play small. Until then, I will appreciate my running friends for being consistently and undeniably real."
March 26, 2014
I actually found a book on running I did not like. The book felt too preachy, too sermon-like, too motherly, too "the women I don't relate to", too everything that running is not for me. I didn't need advice smacking me in the face. I'd prefer stories that I draw my own connections and lessons from rather than life lessons with little stories/details thrown in.
The book is a collection of blog entries by Kristin Armstrong from Runner's World. The entries are broken into 26 chapters with a different theme (pace, race day, gratitude...).
I just did not relate to Armstrong. I'm not a mother; I don't like running in a group; I don't practice a religion; I don't have the same doubts and insecurities (not to say I don't have my own!). I felt this book was meant for a mother rather than women. I wish she had included more details and stories of her own life. I wish the story had been richer in details and shorter on advice that felt too much like a preacher giving a sermon. I don't think I could recommend this book, but I know some women who absolutely love this book. I would say the right audience is a 30-something mother of 2 who goes to church and bible study.
The book is a collection of blog entries by Kristin Armstrong from Runner's World. The entries are broken into 26 chapters with a different theme (pace, race day, gratitude...).
I just did not relate to Armstrong. I'm not a mother; I don't like running in a group; I don't practice a religion; I don't have the same doubts and insecurities (not to say I don't have my own!). I felt this book was meant for a mother rather than women. I wish she had included more details and stories of her own life. I wish the story had been richer in details and shorter on advice that felt too much like a preacher giving a sermon. I don't think I could recommend this book, but I know some women who absolutely love this book. I would say the right audience is a 30-something mother of 2 who goes to church and bible study.
June 6, 2011
True confession: I didn't know the author was the ex-wife of Lance Armstrong until after I'd read this and looked at some other reviews. That doesn't really play into the book, however. I picked it up as part of my "running book" kick.
This book is a collection of short essays on various topics, like endurance, friendship, hills, and more. Running is the common thread throughout all of them. After I got used to the dis-jointed nature of the essays, I thoroughly enjoyed these. I hope someday I enjoy running as much as Kristin seems to (I alternate between liking, loving and loathing right now).
Some of the gems from this book:
"There is an underlying purpose and meaning behind my training, always. It isn't about the next raice or the next workout. It's about fitness and fortitude for the next test around the corner that I cannot see. Everyone faces challenging experiences . . . When my next moment comes, I want to be strong and centered enough to handle it with some measure of grace. But perhaps even more importantly, I want to be fast enough to be the first on the scene when a loved one needs me, and I want to be fit enough to help carry the load for as long as it takes to reach the other side." p. 32
On a similar theme, on p. 251-252: "That's why I train, right there. I don't train because I want to be able to DO things (run a faster 5-K, beat my marathon PR, make someone eat dust on a trail, though those things aren't bad). I train because I want to BE something better than I would be if I didn't train. If someone I love is faltering, I want to be the kind of woman who can [move]; I want to be strong enough to carry some of his or her burden along with my own. I want to have a clear head and a clear heart so if I am asked for advice, I can offer wisdom instead of a mere opinion. If my big opportunity arises to serve, I want to be ready. If it takes more out of me than I anticipated, I want to know something about endurance. If the terrain suddenly changes, I want to be steady. If someone I love looks at me with eyes full of fear, terrified that she won't be able to finish whatever happens to lie ahead of her, I want to look at her, wordless, with unblinking eyes that assure her that there is no way that she won't. That right there is why I run. In case you were wondering."
An essay about anti-venom on p. 197-200. Kristen believes we need a boost of compassion and kindness towards others when we feel poisoned by a bad attitude. She writes of the small things she did to acknowledge the contributions of others and the way that changed her day from a gloomy one to a bright one.
Insights about roadblocks and detours starting on page 255: "When we encounter a ROAD CLOSED sign, in traffic or in life, the next logical thing to look for is a DETOUR sign. As runners we know the benefit of being light on our feet; we have to be able to adapt quickly to climate changes, terrain changes, pace changes, and course changes. No matter what we come up against, there is always a detour. And sometimes, when we're really lucky, the detour leads to a more scenic route. Roadblocks always have something to teach us. Maybe it's a lesson in patience or perseverance. Maybe it's an opportunity to rethink the direction we chose in the first place. Maybe it's an essential tutorial about life. Maybe it's a profound examination of self."
* Ideas about cultivating a "get to" attitude instead of a "have to" one on page 266-267.
This book is a collection of short essays on various topics, like endurance, friendship, hills, and more. Running is the common thread throughout all of them. After I got used to the dis-jointed nature of the essays, I thoroughly enjoyed these. I hope someday I enjoy running as much as Kristin seems to (I alternate between liking, loving and loathing right now).
Some of the gems from this book:
"There is an underlying purpose and meaning behind my training, always. It isn't about the next raice or the next workout. It's about fitness and fortitude for the next test around the corner that I cannot see. Everyone faces challenging experiences . . . When my next moment comes, I want to be strong and centered enough to handle it with some measure of grace. But perhaps even more importantly, I want to be fast enough to be the first on the scene when a loved one needs me, and I want to be fit enough to help carry the load for as long as it takes to reach the other side." p. 32
On a similar theme, on p. 251-252: "That's why I train, right there. I don't train because I want to be able to DO things (run a faster 5-K, beat my marathon PR, make someone eat dust on a trail, though those things aren't bad). I train because I want to BE something better than I would be if I didn't train. If someone I love is faltering, I want to be the kind of woman who can [move]; I want to be strong enough to carry some of his or her burden along with my own. I want to have a clear head and a clear heart so if I am asked for advice, I can offer wisdom instead of a mere opinion. If my big opportunity arises to serve, I want to be ready. If it takes more out of me than I anticipated, I want to know something about endurance. If the terrain suddenly changes, I want to be steady. If someone I love looks at me with eyes full of fear, terrified that she won't be able to finish whatever happens to lie ahead of her, I want to look at her, wordless, with unblinking eyes that assure her that there is no way that she won't. That right there is why I run. In case you were wondering."
An essay about anti-venom on p. 197-200. Kristen believes we need a boost of compassion and kindness towards others when we feel poisoned by a bad attitude. She writes of the small things she did to acknowledge the contributions of others and the way that changed her day from a gloomy one to a bright one.
Insights about roadblocks and detours starting on page 255: "When we encounter a ROAD CLOSED sign, in traffic or in life, the next logical thing to look for is a DETOUR sign. As runners we know the benefit of being light on our feet; we have to be able to adapt quickly to climate changes, terrain changes, pace changes, and course changes. No matter what we come up against, there is always a detour. And sometimes, when we're really lucky, the detour leads to a more scenic route. Roadblocks always have something to teach us. Maybe it's a lesson in patience or perseverance. Maybe it's an opportunity to rethink the direction we chose in the first place. Maybe it's an essential tutorial about life. Maybe it's a profound examination of self."
* Ideas about cultivating a "get to" attitude instead of a "have to" one on page 266-267.
June 26, 2015
What an inspiring book for beginning runners! I found myself telling stories from the book while warming up for a run... "Kristin said this" and "Kristin said that" until someone pointed out that I was talking like Kristin and I were old friends! Clearly, her stories resonated with me. I can't say as I've tried a peanut butter and motrin sandwich yet, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility...
The only detail which struck an off-cord with me was Ms. Armstrong's over-the-top humility about her own running skill. Humility is a good thing overall, and certainly referring to herself as a "slow runner" early in the book held my attention. However, as the book went on, these references became perplexing. Eventually it became clear that being one of the slower members of a running group needs to be considered in the context of the fact that one of the members was training for the OLYMPICS. Sigh.
Overall, this book was an excellent read - funny, inspiring, and full of solid (and not preachy!) advice. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your first marathon, I'd recommend this book.
The only detail which struck an off-cord with me was Ms. Armstrong's over-the-top humility about her own running skill. Humility is a good thing overall, and certainly referring to herself as a "slow runner" early in the book held my attention. However, as the book went on, these references became perplexing. Eventually it became clear that being one of the slower members of a running group needs to be considered in the context of the fact that one of the members was training for the OLYMPICS. Sigh.
Overall, this book was an excellent read - funny, inspiring, and full of solid (and not preachy!) advice. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your first marathon, I'd recommend this book.
March 22, 2011
This book doesn't read like a novel. It isn't a training guide or "How To" book. It is constructed of old blog entries and stories. I found the overall format to be hard to follow at times: races and/or experiences were mentioned here, explained there, briefly talked about again somewhere else. In spite of the format, I was moved by the running achievements of all the women described in the book. Not only the author herself but her running friends.
She has planted many seeds that will likely be harvested and thought about while I run. Making an effort to enjoy the mile markers of life instead of racing by, completely overlooking them, or dreading the next one ahead. The importance of running my own race, at my own pace, focusing on my own goals. Viewing "me" time as renewal, invaluable, important. Marking a tangible date for the things I want to get done, not relying on the term "later" to suffice. Much of what she wrote spoke to me in many ways. A book that will probably be referred back to often...especially when I need a little extra motivation to drag my butt out of bed.
She has planted many seeds that will likely be harvested and thought about while I run. Making an effort to enjoy the mile markers of life instead of racing by, completely overlooking them, or dreading the next one ahead. The importance of running my own race, at my own pace, focusing on my own goals. Viewing "me" time as renewal, invaluable, important. Marking a tangible date for the things I want to get done, not relying on the term "later" to suffice. Much of what she wrote spoke to me in many ways. A book that will probably be referred back to often...especially when I need a little extra motivation to drag my butt out of bed.
May 31, 2018
I won’t be finishing this one. I prefer running memoirs with grimy sweat and bloodied knees and exhaustion hallucinations and puncturing toenails to release the puss and profound frustrations and scrambling over rocks and...well, that type of running.
Armstrong is a perfectly fine writer, but this book is more of a glowy, intimate chats with friends, cozy kids snuggled in bed while you run, saccharine analogies, praising god every mile of a marathon...THAT type of running. It’s just SO cozy and SO sweet and it’s not for me.
I love running. For me the joy is in the suffering and testing my limits, and this is probably not the book for that kind of runner.
Armstrong is a perfectly fine writer, but this book is more of a glowy, intimate chats with friends, cozy kids snuggled in bed while you run, saccharine analogies, praising god every mile of a marathon...THAT type of running. It’s just SO cozy and SO sweet and it’s not for me.
I love running. For me the joy is in the suffering and testing my limits, and this is probably not the book for that kind of runner.
May 24, 2023
This book was written like a love letter to running filled with all the lessons, joys, and wonders the author has experienced in her own journey as a runner. She writes about how running has made her a better mother, a better, friend, and better daughter, a better writer, and generally a better person. Whether you run ultras and have a seasoned relationship with running or just signed up for your first 5k and are enjoying the honeymoon period in your relationship with running, this book will stir your soul, give you fresh eyes with which to view the act of lacing up your shoes, and cultivate in you an even deeper gratitude & joy for the gift of movement and all the gifts that come with it.
April 22, 2018
What a WONDERFUL book! Kristin Armstrong’s writing style is extraordinarily engaging, and her book is filled with practical tips and thoughtful reflections not only on running, but on life in general. This book is one I will be re-reading over and over again. I would write a longer review, but I’m inspired to slip on my running shoes now and get out in the sunshine!
May 17, 2023
Just meh for me, but clearly great for someone with younger children and a larger quantity of friends- good for those needing to balance parenting with friendship.
May 27, 2011
I Heart Kristin Armstrong. I've been a long time follower of her blog, where she frequently makes me feel like she's speaking directly to me. Though she is writing about running, the message is generally about something much more important. I love her willingness to be vulnerable and question herself. This book is a compilation of blog posts, organized into 26.2 great themes.
Many of the blog posts I had already read, but it was a great ebook to read while sitting at the doctors office, or waiting at the airport - full of heart, deep thoughts, meaningful moments. In fact, I highlighted 20 different lines in the book (this is a serious record for me) because they spoke to me so deeply. I have a few below so that you can get a real feel for what is in the book.
Chapter 3: Friendship "There is a quote by Isak Dinersen that I love: The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea."
- (important because my best friend and I are dedicated to running the Summer Series 5K's when we are in our 90's) "These are the people that I want to grow old with, puffing out the miles side by side. In honor of us, I take calcium, glucosamine, and do yoga."
- (About a recent study done by UCLA) Women who maintain close and consistent friendships with girlfriends over a 9 year period cut their health risk by 60%!....Therefore we are actually harming ourselves and all of our other priorities when we let our friendships slide, because the other relationships (those with our spouses, children, coworkers, parents, etc) are forced to take on weight that was never intended for them.....the problem lies in thinking that friendship is a luxury, when instead it is essential for optimal health and happiness.
Chapter 4: Healing "I am a seeker. I am a wanderer. I am who I am. Nothing more, nothing less. Life is a series of great paradoxes. To find ourselves, we get lost. To gain, we lose. To know the light, we plunge into the dark. To succeed, we fail. Opposites seem forever linked. Without one, we cannot define the other."
Chapter 8: Endurance "We can't do anything well, not one single remarkable thing, without reaching far enough beyond ourselves that we are bound to fail from time to time."
- "Preparation is not suddenly accomplished, it is a process steadily maintained."
Chapter 13: Fear "Fear can constrain us and compel us, sometimes in equal measure. It can tether us to our past or catapult us into our future. It can force us outside our comfort zones and pull the covers up over our heads. It can hurt us. It can heal us. It can warn us. It can stop us dead in our tracks and render us useless. One thing is certain about fear: We cannot ignore it. The braver we are about examining and identifying it, the more victorious we will become.
Chapter 26: Gratitude "In a moment when you feel low or frustrated with someone, find something to be thankful for and speak it: Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for doing what you could. Thank you for being here."
A great read, a good book to give to women friends - especially if they are runners.
Many of the blog posts I had already read, but it was a great ebook to read while sitting at the doctors office, or waiting at the airport - full of heart, deep thoughts, meaningful moments. In fact, I highlighted 20 different lines in the book (this is a serious record for me) because they spoke to me so deeply. I have a few below so that you can get a real feel for what is in the book.
Chapter 3: Friendship "There is a quote by Isak Dinersen that I love: The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea."
- (important because my best friend and I are dedicated to running the Summer Series 5K's when we are in our 90's) "These are the people that I want to grow old with, puffing out the miles side by side. In honor of us, I take calcium, glucosamine, and do yoga."
- (About a recent study done by UCLA) Women who maintain close and consistent friendships with girlfriends over a 9 year period cut their health risk by 60%!....Therefore we are actually harming ourselves and all of our other priorities when we let our friendships slide, because the other relationships (those with our spouses, children, coworkers, parents, etc) are forced to take on weight that was never intended for them.....the problem lies in thinking that friendship is a luxury, when instead it is essential for optimal health and happiness.
Chapter 4: Healing "I am a seeker. I am a wanderer. I am who I am. Nothing more, nothing less. Life is a series of great paradoxes. To find ourselves, we get lost. To gain, we lose. To know the light, we plunge into the dark. To succeed, we fail. Opposites seem forever linked. Without one, we cannot define the other."
Chapter 8: Endurance "We can't do anything well, not one single remarkable thing, without reaching far enough beyond ourselves that we are bound to fail from time to time."
- "Preparation is not suddenly accomplished, it is a process steadily maintained."
Chapter 13: Fear "Fear can constrain us and compel us, sometimes in equal measure. It can tether us to our past or catapult us into our future. It can force us outside our comfort zones and pull the covers up over our heads. It can hurt us. It can heal us. It can warn us. It can stop us dead in our tracks and render us useless. One thing is certain about fear: We cannot ignore it. The braver we are about examining and identifying it, the more victorious we will become.
Chapter 26: Gratitude "In a moment when you feel low or frustrated with someone, find something to be thankful for and speak it: Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for doing what you could. Thank you for being here."
A great read, a good book to give to women friends - especially if they are runners.
June 6, 2011
I am about 24% through this book. I am loving it so far.
Ms. Armstrong is passionate about running (hey she writes for runner's world)
But more important she champions being a woman, being a friend, but mostly being a mother.
It is so wonderful to read how much she truly loves her children and how being a mother is so important.
There are so many great quotes throughout the book, but I have to share this one before I forget.
"When we run we are showing our children, teaching them without words, that we value ourselves, our hearts, our fitness, our health, our friendships, our clarity, and our balance. They see us push, and with every stride, they learn a measure of what it is to prepare for their own races. We are passing the torch."
I don't think she is really just talking about running here. This book makes me glad that I am a mother and a woman. And I am so happy to have a wonderful daughter that I hope I have passed knowledge to, and now I also am blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law to share with too. And love my sons too -- but this is a "chick read."
Loved this book. Not perfect, but still awesome, or at least what I needed to read at this point in my life.
Ms. Armstrong is passionate about running (hey she writes for runner's world)
But more important she champions being a woman, being a friend, but mostly being a mother.
It is so wonderful to read how much she truly loves her children and how being a mother is so important.
There are so many great quotes throughout the book, but I have to share this one before I forget.
"When we run we are showing our children, teaching them without words, that we value ourselves, our hearts, our fitness, our health, our friendships, our clarity, and our balance. They see us push, and with every stride, they learn a measure of what it is to prepare for their own races. We are passing the torch."
I don't think she is really just talking about running here. This book makes me glad that I am a mother and a woman. And I am so happy to have a wonderful daughter that I hope I have passed knowledge to, and now I also am blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law to share with too. And love my sons too -- but this is a "chick read."
Loved this book. Not perfect, but still awesome, or at least what I needed to read at this point in my life.
February 10, 2012
If you are a woman and a runner you must, must read this book!
I saw MileMarkers sitting on the New bookshelf at the library, walked past once and on the return out the door knew this book was for me. Let's just say it didn't disappoint.
There is no plot to this book. There is no storyline, no timeline, hardly any character development...you are probably thinking what's the point!?
Well, it's a compilation of great running experiences with a tie-in to real life. I loved reading about her different training drills, big mile runs, elations of accomplishing a great race, and the bond with her "sweat sisters", people who we as runners love and can't live without.
I found lots of inspiring quotes in this book. I hope to develop the inner confidence that she mentions and the gratitude that keeps her running.
This is not a "quick" read, but a great book to celebrate womanhood and running. It helped me evaluate why I run and get me excited to lace up my shoes again and again and hit the road morning after morning.
I saw MileMarkers sitting on the New bookshelf at the library, walked past once and on the return out the door knew this book was for me. Let's just say it didn't disappoint.
There is no plot to this book. There is no storyline, no timeline, hardly any character development...you are probably thinking what's the point!?
Well, it's a compilation of great running experiences with a tie-in to real life. I loved reading about her different training drills, big mile runs, elations of accomplishing a great race, and the bond with her "sweat sisters", people who we as runners love and can't live without.
I found lots of inspiring quotes in this book. I hope to develop the inner confidence that she mentions and the gratitude that keeps her running.
This is not a "quick" read, but a great book to celebrate womanhood and running. It helped me evaluate why I run and get me excited to lace up my shoes again and again and hit the road morning after morning.
August 14, 2011
AWESOME! She just nails it so many times. I took a long time to read this because I wanted to savor each essay and let them all soak in. I didn't know when I started running that it would be such an emotional piece of my life. Its hard to put into words what running means to me and it was amazing to read this book and think, "exactly".
March 25, 2011
I love her. This book makes me want to run and reminds me why I am a runner.
July 9, 2014
So far, this book has been a great read. Really inspiring!
December 26, 2012
Touching snippets from a blog by a talented writer and runner.
Re-read December 2012.
Re-read December 2012.
June 30, 2020
4 STARS for MILE MARKERS by Kristin Armstrong. Most of you know, the only thing that I give up my sacred reading time for is now running. I used to run in college and have been on a hiatus for (shhh) 15 years now. I finally got sick enough of myself and my excuses to hit the pavement again. And, I needed some MAJOR motivation.
I wondered what it is that runners tell themselves when they don't want to show up. What do they do to increase their endurance? What shoes do they love? What about that stitch in my right ribcage that isn't allowing me to take a deep breath?
I found Kristin's book on a running blog, along with a few others that I'm diving into- feet first. I think this one was a good one to start with, although I didn't get much insight into the hows and whats, I did come away with some nuggets and have been able to see how my running frame of mind is spilling over into my daily life.
The book reads like a bundle of articles, journal entries, or nuggets. It's a bit all over the place, but that was okay because most of the time lately my attention span for reading has been zilch nada.
Next up on my list is 401 by Ben Smith. The man who ran 401 marathons in 401 days and changed his life forever. I'll be starting it tonight and hope to be finished with it in a few days and also, forever changed.
Any running readers out there? What books have had an impact on your growth?
Cheers to all of you!
#runningbook #booksofinstagram #4stars #bookreview #bookblog #blogger #busymom #working #sendmebooks #behindonnetgalleyreads #drowninginwords #onedayatatime #motivationalbook #exercise #peptalks #changeyourmindchangeyourthoughts #runningisnotcancelled #milemarkers
I wondered what it is that runners tell themselves when they don't want to show up. What do they do to increase their endurance? What shoes do they love? What about that stitch in my right ribcage that isn't allowing me to take a deep breath?
I found Kristin's book on a running blog, along with a few others that I'm diving into- feet first. I think this one was a good one to start with, although I didn't get much insight into the hows and whats, I did come away with some nuggets and have been able to see how my running frame of mind is spilling over into my daily life.
The book reads like a bundle of articles, journal entries, or nuggets. It's a bit all over the place, but that was okay because most of the time lately my attention span for reading has been zilch nada.
Next up on my list is 401 by Ben Smith. The man who ran 401 marathons in 401 days and changed his life forever. I'll be starting it tonight and hope to be finished with it in a few days and also, forever changed.
Any running readers out there? What books have had an impact on your growth?
Cheers to all of you!
#runningbook #booksofinstagram #4stars #bookreview #bookblog #blogger #busymom #working #sendmebooks #behindonnetgalleyreads #drowninginwords #onedayatatime #motivationalbook #exercise #peptalks #changeyourmindchangeyourthoughts #runningisnotcancelled #milemarkers
April 11, 2023
It’s always sunny in Austin and Santa Barbara, and Kristin is meeting her friends to go run and hanging out with her kids. I can’t begrudge her this—I, too, would love to be a middle-aged mom in Tarrytown who can throw on shoes and head out the door to run for a long time. I am very annoyed at the amount of PT it takes me to get out the door and the care my small children necessitate. While we are at it, let’s also include my jealousy at her writing career and perceived stability in life.
But here’s the thing, like any human I’m sure Kristin has lived through her share of fear and loss. And unlike many humans, her ex-husband was lance Armstrong???? And we never talk about this??? She was with him when he had cancer. And this book is post-divorce. But the book doesn’t touch that with a 10-foot pole so instead we get a choppy series (this book was originally blog posts) of gratitude list items and reminders to stop and smell the roses. I wonder if she isn’t allowed to write about it legally, but it’s just hard to get into something so surface-level.
While I came to this book looking for perspective on parenting and running, there isn’t much here other than that running helps the author feel good—and sometimes skip your runs to see the kids. Her kids are older, 5-9. Maybe it gets easier. Mine are 2 and 6 months so that’s probably why I’m so bitter!
Favorite part: the descriptions of her team workouts captivated me. It was like sports writing, but for the every woman.
But here’s the thing, like any human I’m sure Kristin has lived through her share of fear and loss. And unlike many humans, her ex-husband was lance Armstrong???? And we never talk about this??? She was with him when he had cancer. And this book is post-divorce. But the book doesn’t touch that with a 10-foot pole so instead we get a choppy series (this book was originally blog posts) of gratitude list items and reminders to stop and smell the roses. I wonder if she isn’t allowed to write about it legally, but it’s just hard to get into something so surface-level.
While I came to this book looking for perspective on parenting and running, there isn’t much here other than that running helps the author feel good—and sometimes skip your runs to see the kids. Her kids are older, 5-9. Maybe it gets easier. Mine are 2 and 6 months so that’s probably why I’m so bitter!
Favorite part: the descriptions of her team workouts captivated me. It was like sports writing, but for the every woman.
March 28, 2021
I’m sure Kristin Armstrong is a lovely person in real life, but this book was extremely dull. So dull that my book club, formed entirely of runners—mostly marathon runners like Kristin—all disliked it so much, we decided to change books.
Each chapter read like boring entries from a running journal. She was completely oblivious to her life of privilege where not only was she lucky enough to have parents, a sibling and friends ready to babysit and run with her seemingly every day, but she could also afford a running coach, a trail coach and a gym coach. She also had the ability to run every day and plus go to yoga and Pilates and a myriad of classes.
She also said how she was very fast and running didn’t “come easy” to here, yet she was running 1:30s and 3:30s in her half/full marathons.
There was no wit, no real humor, just boring platitudes and too many mentions of God and other people’s tragedies which caused her to either be inspired or rethink things describe in definitely non-eloquent terms.
I barley finished this book and it just left me wondering how she has sold 5 other books before this one.
Each chapter read like boring entries from a running journal. She was completely oblivious to her life of privilege where not only was she lucky enough to have parents, a sibling and friends ready to babysit and run with her seemingly every day, but she could also afford a running coach, a trail coach and a gym coach. She also had the ability to run every day and plus go to yoga and Pilates and a myriad of classes.
She also said how she was very fast and running didn’t “come easy” to here, yet she was running 1:30s and 3:30s in her half/full marathons.
There was no wit, no real humor, just boring platitudes and too many mentions of God and other people’s tragedies which caused her to either be inspired or rethink things describe in definitely non-eloquent terms.
I barley finished this book and it just left me wondering how she has sold 5 other books before this one.
April 3, 2022
3.5 stars! Kristin Armstrong inspires me. Back when I had a subscription to Runner’s World, her Mile Markers column was my favorite. Always easy to read, inspiring and thoughtful. I actually love how her book was easy to read. I could pick it up when I had only a few minutes to spare and be encouraged and challenged by her words. Running is not only the prefect parallel for marking the milestones of life but it’s also a parallel to our walk with our Lord, Jesus.
She’s blessed with her supporting family, with a brother who is always willing to watch the kids when needed regardless of the hour and with a tight group of running buddies who share life with her. Kristin keep on writing and sharing life with your readers.
She’s blessed with her supporting family, with a brother who is always willing to watch the kids when needed regardless of the hour and with a tight group of running buddies who share life with her. Kristin keep on writing and sharing life with your readers.
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August 11, 2017This book was exactly the inspiration I needed to jump into running again and sign up for a race. Kristin writes beautifully about running's ability to lift you from any dark place, fight through the hard times and savor the good times even more. Her humor and love for life is apparent in her respect for the sport as more of a spiritual practice, that when treated with reverence, will bring you to a better place mentally, physically and emotionally. I'm going to buy a copy to revisit chapters in the future :-)
April 27, 2019
I can’t say this was an easy book to get into. For the first half I was reading it along with other books and every time I picked it up I liked it but was a bit bored. I’m so glad I stuck with it because it was a wonderful read. It inspired me in running and in life. Kristin gets what it is to be a woman with a full life who identifies herself as a runner, among other things. I have so many sections of this book marked so I can go back and use her inspiring words to help me through races and life.
Thank you Kristin!
Thank you Kristin!
February 5, 2017
Another one from Kristin that is great. Also great because she pairs health and encouraging words here. Oh did I mention already that she is a mom too?! You're going to love this one as she walks you thru some of her tough days of just trying to roll out of bed to stay healthy and having to line up her brother to come over at the crack of dawn to watch her sleeping kiddos in efforts to take advantage of her only uninterrupted time to exercise. #awesomebrother
June 29, 2017
Even though I've read a lot of books about running, I always gravitate towards books like these. They are awesome and inspiration. Not giving it a 5-star because something wasn't quite there. I can't point what exactly didn't make it a 5star book (and honestly ratings are nothing) but still.
It's funny she considered herself as a slow runner when she was running a marathon within 3:36 :D likw what? Girl. Bye.
Recommended for fellow runners.
It's funny she considered herself as a slow runner when she was running a marathon within 3:36 :D likw what? Girl. Bye.
Recommended for fellow runners.
February 12, 2018
I loved this book even though many of the overarching themes don't apply to me. I am not a mother, I don't practice a religion, and I don't have a core group of female runner friends to suffer through speedwork and hill repeats with.
But this book made me feel inspired to be a better runner and a better person. I am so excited to chase my sub-2 hour half marathon goal and my sub-5 hour marathon goal. I love running and I love how running makes me feel, both physically and mentally.
But this book made me feel inspired to be a better runner and a better person. I am so excited to chase my sub-2 hour half marathon goal and my sub-5 hour marathon goal. I love running and I love how running makes me feel, both physically and mentally.
August 5, 2020
I grew up a runner and wanted to read Kristin's book after watching the recent ESPN documentary on Lance, her ex-husband. I love that Kristin has always taken the high road when it comes to her public divorce and Lance's fall from grace. I felt like I really got to know Kristin as I read her book and love that she has her gang of best friends and seems to be a wonderful mother. I really enjoyed her book!
January 11, 2021
Overall I loved the book and do consider myself a runner. Lots of sweet, thoughtful takeaways you truly don't have to be a runner to appreciate (though it probably helps...I also feel like it could work for any "sport" of choice). I found it sweet/frustrating that the author considered herself "not a great runner" but still managed to both qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. But to take away from the book, I'm two plus hours behind her pace running my own race.
April 9, 2022
I love running. I do. This was a pleasant read, although a bit too much focused on faith at times for me. But, to each their own. We all run for our own reasons and with our own goals. A lot of this resonated with me, althoughfew of us have so much support and flexibility in our lives to live like Kristin Armstrong.
(Disclaimer: It was not until I started reading this that I realised it was written by Lance Armstrong's ex-wife.)
(Disclaimer: It was not until I started reading this that I realised it was written by Lance Armstrong's ex-wife.)
March 8, 2018
Only made it about halfway through. I enjoyed Armstrong’s early articles for RW, though she reminded in every. single. one. that she was married to Lance Armstrong long enough to have three kids with him. This collection of blogs rang pretentious and braggy-while-playing-off-like-humble and was too much for me to take.
June 10, 2018
She writes well
I understand what the author tried to do. She wanted to correlate running to every facet in life. Some people will find this motivating. As for me, I go with Freud's statement of "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar", and change it to sometimes running is just running. I felt this book was well written, but just not for me.
I understand what the author tried to do. She wanted to correlate running to every facet in life. Some people will find this motivating. As for me, I go with Freud's statement of "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar", and change it to sometimes running is just running. I felt this book was well written, but just not for me.
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