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Why I Run: The Remarkable Journey of the Ordinary Runner
Entertaining and inspirational, Why I Run is the new book from the founder of iRun magazine, Mark Sutcliffe. Drawing on more than five years of writing about running in newspaper columns, magazine features and blog postings, the 13-time marathon runner chronicles a journey that begins with a guy looking for a bit of exercise and evolves into running as a way of life.
At once analytical, self-deprecating, enthusiastic and inspiring, Why I Run provides a fresh and rousing perspective on the rapidly growing sport that has allowed thousands of individuals to overcome challenges and fulfill their dreams, literally one step at a time.
In sharing his own experiences and those of other runners who have inspired him, Sutcliffe narrates his love affair with the sport. And in the many stories ranging from stumbling through his first trail run to tumbling at the finish line of a marathon to cheering his training partner to a qualifying time for the famed Boston Marathon, every runner will find both entertainment and motivation.
At once analytical, self-deprecating, enthusiastic and inspiring, Why I Run provides a fresh and rousing perspective on the rapidly growing sport that has allowed thousands of individuals to overcome challenges and fulfill their dreams, literally one step at a time.
In sharing his own experiences and those of other runners who have inspired him, Sutcliffe narrates his love affair with the sport. And in the many stories ranging from stumbling through his first trail run to tumbling at the finish line of a marathon to cheering his training partner to a qualifying time for the famed Boston Marathon, every runner will find both entertainment and motivation.
303 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Mark Sutcliffe
18 books9 followersMark is the author of Why I Run: The remarkable journey of the ordinary runner, Canada's Magnificent Marathon and Big Joe and the Return of Football. A runner since 1998, he ran his first half-marathon in 2003 and his first marathon in 2004. He has completed over 20 marathons and has raised more than $100,000 for local and national charities through running and other fundraising efforts.
Mark is the founder of iRun, Canada's most popular running magazine and website. He hosts iRun's weekly radio show and podcast.
Mark is also an accomplished print, radio and television journalist. He writes two columns per week in the local daily newspaper, hosts the Chat Room, a top-rated morning talk show on Ottawa's news-talk radio station; a national Sunday morning political television show; and a local issues program airing three times a week.
He lives in Ottawa with his wife, Ginny, and their children, Erica, Jack and Kate.
Mark is the founder of iRun, Canada's most popular running magazine and website. He hosts iRun's weekly radio show and podcast.
Mark is also an accomplished print, radio and television journalist. He writes two columns per week in the local daily newspaper, hosts the Chat Room, a top-rated morning talk show on Ottawa's news-talk radio station; a national Sunday morning political television show; and a local issues program airing three times a week.
He lives in Ottawa with his wife, Ginny, and their children, Erica, Jack and Kate.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 2, 2012
As a Canadian and a runner, I found this book inspiring, entertaining and informative. It's a quick read consisting of about 70 short essays on a wide range of running topics.
There is definitely a Canadian flavour to it. Some of the stories are about running in the cold Canadian winter, Terry Fox, Around the Bay, and The Ottawa Marathon. But any runner no matter where they are from can relate to this book.
Sutcliffe is the founder of irun magazine and the chapters of his book read like magazine articles, which I liked. They contain a few interesting facts or anecdotes, they get to the point quickly, and they all express his passion about running. To me there was a comfort in reading his take on racing and training because he talked about many of the same things I've experienced in my own racing and training but said them so much more eloquently than I ever could.
A few of the topics I particularly enjoyed were 37000 Stories about the New York City Marathon, Nothing can Help Your Running about how hard it is to taper before a big race, Round and Round the Gravestones about Canadian runner Ed Whitlock (if you haven't heard of him, google him. You'll be amazed!) and Fathers and Sons about Dick Hoyt who pushed his handicapped son through 25 Boston Marathons and over 100 triathlons.
I highly recommend this book if you are a runner.
There is definitely a Canadian flavour to it. Some of the stories are about running in the cold Canadian winter, Terry Fox, Around the Bay, and The Ottawa Marathon. But any runner no matter where they are from can relate to this book.
Sutcliffe is the founder of irun magazine and the chapters of his book read like magazine articles, which I liked. They contain a few interesting facts or anecdotes, they get to the point quickly, and they all express his passion about running. To me there was a comfort in reading his take on racing and training because he talked about many of the same things I've experienced in my own racing and training but said them so much more eloquently than I ever could.
A few of the topics I particularly enjoyed were 37000 Stories about the New York City Marathon, Nothing can Help Your Running about how hard it is to taper before a big race, Round and Round the Gravestones about Canadian runner Ed Whitlock (if you haven't heard of him, google him. You'll be amazed!) and Fathers and Sons about Dick Hoyt who pushed his handicapped son through 25 Boston Marathons and over 100 triathlons.
I highly recommend this book if you are a runner.
July 25, 2019
This book is exactly as advertised. A lovely collections of easy to read essays on running from the perspective of the Canadian runner. Each essay is, as would be expected, short and digestible and gets straight to the point. The style of writing isn't anything extraordinary but it is honest and passionate. Makes for good bedside reading if you're into the sport. You probably won't learn anything life-changing in this book, but the many stories and anecdotes presented by Mark Sutcliffe give plenty of food for thought and are likely to make you curious about the history of running. I quite enjoyed this book!
May 5, 2024
A simple and reasonably quick read despite being 300 pages long. Lots of great stories from Mark and profiles on others.
Was very interesting to peer into the mind of Ottawa’s mayor from before he had political ambitions. I very much appreciated seeing his comments on traffic and cycling, etc.
Was very interesting to peer into the mind of Ottawa’s mayor from before he had political ambitions. I very much appreciated seeing his comments on traffic and cycling, etc.
February 11, 2025
Collection of stories and thoughts about running. Reads like a blog in book form. It really captured what it's like to be a non-elite runner that likes to do races.
Minus one star for the entry of him complaining about how much easier it is for women to qualify for Boston, all while saying only 2 out of 5 runners iat Boston are women. How is it easier for women if there's more men than women at the race? Starts story by saying he was upset about his female runner friend qualifying for Boston and not him despite them going the same speed. Read like a teenage boy huffing and puffing saying "it's not FAIR".
Also, the chapter ranting about Runner's World"s of the top 40 achievements in running in the issue celebrating 40 years of the magazine. Sutcliffe was pissed they included Oprah over Terry Fox and other people rather than others. Didn't really fit with the rest of the book. Felt like a letter to the editor for that specific issue of Runner's World.
If those two entries hadn't been in the book, I would have gave it 5 stars.
Minus one star for the entry of him complaining about how much easier it is for women to qualify for Boston, all while saying only 2 out of 5 runners iat Boston are women. How is it easier for women if there's more men than women at the race? Starts story by saying he was upset about his female runner friend qualifying for Boston and not him despite them going the same speed. Read like a teenage boy huffing and puffing saying "it's not FAIR".
Also, the chapter ranting about Runner's World"s of the top 40 achievements in running in the issue celebrating 40 years of the magazine. Sutcliffe was pissed they included Oprah over Terry Fox and other people rather than others. Didn't really fit with the rest of the book. Felt like a letter to the editor for that specific issue of Runner's World.
If those two entries hadn't been in the book, I would have gave it 5 stars.
April 10, 2013
What a great read! As a newbie runner I found all the chapters and anecdotes truly inspirational. What was also fantastic was the author was someone from our city so it was fantastic to read about his journey through running locally with local landmarks and races.
Fantastic, Inspirational, Motivational and Uplifting.
Fantastic, Inspirational, Motivational and Uplifting.
December 21, 2016
Great read for runners ... even better if you're a Canadian runner. An awesome collection of inspiring stories that motivate you to get out the door every day you can! A book to read again and again. And I was even lucky enough to have my copy signed by the author :)
June 10, 2013
I loved this book. I think it would appeal to all runners - whether you are running a 5K for the first time or have run 50+ marathons. Each chapter offers a great glimpse into an aspect of running.
July 28, 2014
I enjoyed this book. Funny quips about runners that only runners could appreciate.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews