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Get Off Your Ass and Run!: A Tough-Love Running Program for Losing the Excuses and the Weight
Is there a large ass-shaped dent in your sofa? A gym membership burning a hole in your bank account? Does the sight of your wobbly thighs leave you cowering under a blanket?
Straight-talking, funny, and brutally honest, Get Off Your Ass and Run! will give you—yes, you—the push you need to get out of the door, up and running, and shedding pounds in no time.
Hate running? No worries. Get Off Your Ass and Run! provides all the tools you need to transform that passion into real motivation. In just six easy steps, you
• Locate your long-lost energy and get moving
• Follow a simple and completely foolproof beginner’s program
• Learn to fuel your new running habit with the right foods
• Take control of your life!
If you want to lose weight, get fit, and embrace a completely new way of being, there’s only one thing left to do...RUN!
Straight-talking, funny, and brutally honest, Get Off Your Ass and Run! will give you—yes, you—the push you need to get out of the door, up and running, and shedding pounds in no time.
Hate running? No worries. Get Off Your Ass and Run! provides all the tools you need to transform that passion into real motivation. In just six easy steps, you
• Locate your long-lost energy and get moving
• Follow a simple and completely foolproof beginner’s program
• Learn to fuel your new running habit with the right foods
• Take control of your life!
If you want to lose weight, get fit, and embrace a completely new way of being, there’s only one thing left to do...RUN!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
137 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 6, 2012
Ok. So this is what I felt.
My problem, personally, is the shock when I realise the person in the mirror doesn't reflect how I look in my head. So self-help weight loss books aimed at making me feel better about myself as a person, or about addressing emotional eating aren't really suited to me. What I need, ultimately, is a kick up the backside.
A lot of self-help and weight loss books in general tend to repeat the same things. Think positive. Imagine yourself as thin. Imagine your improved life. Learn to love yourself. Blah blah blah. Well, if those things don't work for you, then this book probably will. Think of it as a mental bootcamp for people who take the whole "love yourself and the rest will happen" mentality, and use it as an excuse to tuck into a nice cake as a reward for all that self-love.
So what's the premise of this book? Well, the idea, is if you're like me, then you're fat. You're a lard ass. Stop dressing it up as love/hate, and be the only person who's going to be genuinely honest with yourself. It's about using that inner bitchy voice to motivate you.
in terms of the layout and style... its really not straight forward. There's lots of memos, back and forth, from people the author refers to, including the grit doctor. There's "journal" type entries about the author's own motivational problems or back story. I can see how that interrupts the flow, but I liked it.
The idea is stop faffing, stop making stupid excuses for not doing exercise. Stop saying things like "when my diet starts working" or "I need to buy the latest kit". This is from a woman who isn't a sports therapist, or nutritionist, or any of those things. She's just a believer in getting up and fixing it, and that there's no point in buying loads of expensive kit until you're into a regular routine. Everyone has to start somewhere, and few people start running from day one with all the kit ready and sorted.
I love the no-nonsense approach of this book. I mean it really is no-nonsense. There are short snippets as well, which will stick in your head, just short and simple. Things like:
No stuffing your face as a reward for yesterday's exertions. You do not deserve it.
and
Rest days are not "reward" days.
It talks about food, and drink, and that sort of nutritional diet. The response is simple: Eat less crap. There's no carb-free, eat according to your blood group, magical diets. It's not "why are French women thin" diets, or anything like that. It's simple, basic advice, that despite every weightloss diet programme that comes out and every A list celebrity tries, it's the simple method that's been around since time began, and actually works.
Nor does it make any claims about running being fun. It's bloody hard work! that's why people sweat when they run, and get puffed out, and so on. Getting fit isn't ever going to be easy, or come easy, you just have to do it. What you do have to do it for though, is looking amazing, feeling incredible, and feeling just a bit smug at the end of a decent run.
I know people talk about the routine of run for 2 mins, walk for 1, then build up, but I did that, and this is what I've learned: the book method is better. The idea of running (slowly) until you're tired and you have to take it to a walk is better. It's about being in tune with your body. And from experience, I think I run longer than when I'm waiting for that 2 minute to finish, if I'm waiting for a beep to tell me to walk, I start to think about it, and it makes the whole thing much more boring. Running until I'm tired feels better. I try and challenge myself to run a little further each time than I managed the previous run. There are no right or wrong ways to start running, I don't think, but this method works for me.
So who would I recommend this to? I guess anyone who like me, doesn't need things to be dressed up for them, and actually needs to be given motivation and a kick up the backside; anyone who is prepared to give up making excuses; and anyone who fancies the idea of developing their own inner bootcamp running bitch.
My problem, personally, is the shock when I realise the person in the mirror doesn't reflect how I look in my head. So self-help weight loss books aimed at making me feel better about myself as a person, or about addressing emotional eating aren't really suited to me. What I need, ultimately, is a kick up the backside.
A lot of self-help and weight loss books in general tend to repeat the same things. Think positive. Imagine yourself as thin. Imagine your improved life. Learn to love yourself. Blah blah blah. Well, if those things don't work for you, then this book probably will. Think of it as a mental bootcamp for people who take the whole "love yourself and the rest will happen" mentality, and use it as an excuse to tuck into a nice cake as a reward for all that self-love.
So what's the premise of this book? Well, the idea, is if you're like me, then you're fat. You're a lard ass. Stop dressing it up as love/hate, and be the only person who's going to be genuinely honest with yourself. It's about using that inner bitchy voice to motivate you.
in terms of the layout and style... its really not straight forward. There's lots of memos, back and forth, from people the author refers to, including the grit doctor. There's "journal" type entries about the author's own motivational problems or back story. I can see how that interrupts the flow, but I liked it.
The idea is stop faffing, stop making stupid excuses for not doing exercise. Stop saying things like "when my diet starts working" or "I need to buy the latest kit". This is from a woman who isn't a sports therapist, or nutritionist, or any of those things. She's just a believer in getting up and fixing it, and that there's no point in buying loads of expensive kit until you're into a regular routine. Everyone has to start somewhere, and few people start running from day one with all the kit ready and sorted.
I love the no-nonsense approach of this book. I mean it really is no-nonsense. There are short snippets as well, which will stick in your head, just short and simple. Things like:
No stuffing your face as a reward for yesterday's exertions. You do not deserve it.
and
Rest days are not "reward" days.
It talks about food, and drink, and that sort of nutritional diet. The response is simple: Eat less crap. There's no carb-free, eat according to your blood group, magical diets. It's not "why are French women thin" diets, or anything like that. It's simple, basic advice, that despite every weightloss diet programme that comes out and every A list celebrity tries, it's the simple method that's been around since time began, and actually works.
Nor does it make any claims about running being fun. It's bloody hard work! that's why people sweat when they run, and get puffed out, and so on. Getting fit isn't ever going to be easy, or come easy, you just have to do it. What you do have to do it for though, is looking amazing, feeling incredible, and feeling just a bit smug at the end of a decent run.
I know people talk about the routine of run for 2 mins, walk for 1, then build up, but I did that, and this is what I've learned: the book method is better. The idea of running (slowly) until you're tired and you have to take it to a walk is better. It's about being in tune with your body. And from experience, I think I run longer than when I'm waiting for that 2 minute to finish, if I'm waiting for a beep to tell me to walk, I start to think about it, and it makes the whole thing much more boring. Running until I'm tired feels better. I try and challenge myself to run a little further each time than I managed the previous run. There are no right or wrong ways to start running, I don't think, but this method works for me.
So who would I recommend this to? I guess anyone who like me, doesn't need things to be dressed up for them, and actually needs to be given motivation and a kick up the backside; anyone who is prepared to give up making excuses; and anyone who fancies the idea of developing their own inner bootcamp running bitch.
August 23, 2012
This book is all about degrading, hating and putting yourself down so you will feel motivated to do something.
I might have found it helpful years ago when I had no self esteem but nowadays I like myself too much to call myself names.
There are much kinder ways to motivate yourself - try them before resorting to self loathing!
I might have found it helpful years ago when I had no self esteem but nowadays I like myself too much to call myself names.
There are much kinder ways to motivate yourself - try them before resorting to self loathing!
April 2, 2012
RUN FAT BITCH RUN is not enough material to make a whole book stretched out and set in a selection of different fonts and layouts to make a whole book. A good starter for someone who wants to begin running, but as someone who has struggled with her weight for about a decade now, I found some of the things in it infuriating. Field has obviously never been seriously overweight—and she admits that, right off the bat—but she also doesn't seem to acknowledge that while, yes, some people are overweight because they're lazy or gluttonous, some people are overweight for deep-rooted psychological reasons that no amount of running is going to undo or heal. There is no difference between a food addict and an alcoholic (other than the fact that an alcoholic can at least aim to avoid alcohol completely; a food addict has to still eat food, of course), but would you write a book that advises alcoholics to "just stop with the excuses and say no"? Hardly. This book is funny and its advice useful, but only if you've put on an extra few pounds because you don't have time to exercise or you've let yourself go a bit. It's not recommended reading for anyone with an actual weight problem.
January 4, 2013
I've got mixed feelings on this book. I like her idea about just getting off your backside and doing it, but in the same respect, her actual methods are very different from the methods my personal trainer taught me.
Her logic of walk, then run a little till you can't run any more is nice. However, I was taught to run for two minutes, walk for a minute, run for two minutes, etc etc.
Then there's the total lack of editing. Certain sections are just repeated over and over. The book could have been half the size, including the fact it has inch long gaps around all of the text.
The changes between fonts makes it tricky to read as well.
Personally, the book taught me nothing I didn't already know. At times I think the advice is ill advised. It's poorly edited and relying on the 'shock title' to get people to buy it. I did, I was fooled. I don't recommend anyone else is.
Her logic of walk, then run a little till you can't run any more is nice. However, I was taught to run for two minutes, walk for a minute, run for two minutes, etc etc.
Then there's the total lack of editing. Certain sections are just repeated over and over. The book could have been half the size, including the fact it has inch long gaps around all of the text.
The changes between fonts makes it tricky to read as well.
Personally, the book taught me nothing I didn't already know. At times I think the advice is ill advised. It's poorly edited and relying on the 'shock title' to get people to buy it. I did, I was fooled. I don't recommend anyone else is.
April 1, 2013
I found this book not only funny but motivational, inspirational and I loved it. Three months ago I couldn't even walk up the stairs of my house (town house) without being out of breath. Today I achieved 6.28miles in 1hr 19mins. If I can do it anyone can - no excuses! Can wait for Ruth's new book. Perhaps one day I will meet her so I can say THANK YOU :)
July 6, 2022
I'm in two minds about this book.
I understand we are somewhat lazy and we should exercise more but I don't think bullying yourself and degrading yourself is the way to motivate yourself or anyone for that matter.
I understand we are somewhat lazy and we should exercise more but I don't think bullying yourself and degrading yourself is the way to motivate yourself or anyone for that matter.
June 28, 2013
I think that this is an excellent book for those who haven't exercised or eaten well in a very long time. There are two things I particularly love about Field's approach; one being tough love and the other being the importance of exercise over diet. Changing your lifestyle is really really hard. Being an active person my whole life I can't imagine what it would be like to go from sedentary to active. It takes a huge amount a motivation and I have learned that people find motivation in different ways; some positive, some negative. While I would view the technique in this book as a negative reinforcement technique I believe that it would work and be what it takes to completely change your mindset. Facing the ugly, lumpy truth isn't easy at all. It's not fun and it makes you want to crawl into bed and never see the light of day again. Yet, where is the fun in that. The second aspect - focusing on exercise first I think is brilliant. As someone who has always struggled with eating habits I feel that focusing on a "diet" or even an actual lifestyle change first or while also changing exercise is a recipe for failure. The beauty about exercise is that no matter who you are there are always wins, big or small, that keep you going and make you feel better about yourself. Food to me is the exact opposite. What I really love isn't good for me, or indulge and then guilt myself for the next week. Changing food lifestyle choices are akin to torture to me and I feel there is anxiety inherently built into the whole process. Thus, going for a nice long run will make me feel better and more accomplished than making it a month without french fries. A person still wants to live life and I feel this book/plan best suits that goal
February 21, 2015
The short review is : I didn't like this book.
I'm a beginner runner, I've not run since school, I wasn't keen or great at most PE in school, but I want to be healthier and I was ok-ish at running so it seems a way forward. So I went to the library looking for possible reads, which might motivated me. Ok so the title grabbed me when I saw it in the library and the general premise seemed ok and worth a read but in reality I didn't find anything particularly motivational or inspiring.
I didn't read it word for word as it seems the type of book that you can dip in and out of. But the bits I did read just seemed very shouty, very much about telling yourself you are rubbish and can do better. Well I don't need a book to do that - I'm perfectly capable of shouting at myself to try better next time.
There are training plans included but I've seen enough on the web and in magazines to not find these particularly inspiring.
I am enjoying Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running which is an inspiring, reflective read on the author's road to marathon running.
I'm a beginner runner, I've not run since school, I wasn't keen or great at most PE in school, but I want to be healthier and I was ok-ish at running so it seems a way forward. So I went to the library looking for possible reads, which might motivated me. Ok so the title grabbed me when I saw it in the library and the general premise seemed ok and worth a read but in reality I didn't find anything particularly motivational or inspiring.
I didn't read it word for word as it seems the type of book that you can dip in and out of. But the bits I did read just seemed very shouty, very much about telling yourself you are rubbish and can do better. Well I don't need a book to do that - I'm perfectly capable of shouting at myself to try better next time.
There are training plans included but I've seen enough on the web and in magazines to not find these particularly inspiring.
I am enjoying Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running which is an inspiring, reflective read on the author's road to marathon running.
February 24, 2017
I picked this book up more out of interest than because I actually needed it, which is fortunate because if I had actually used it as a guide to starting to run, I would probably have had agonising shin splints (at best) within 2 weeks.
As a motivational tool, I can see this book working for some people (in fact, it clearly does or she wouldn't have written several more in the same vein). However, calling myself a 'fat bitch' (even tongue in cheek) isn't really my thing. In a world where it's easy to feel guilty about pretty much every area of life, I prefer to exercise and eat well because I feel that I deserve to treat myself well, not because I have guilted myself into it. My mindset won't work for everybody, of course.
I do think Field makes a few useful points. The fact that anything worth doing in life is difficult and sometimes unpleasant (and that the two aren't necessarily the same thing) is important and often forgotten. I also like her 'no frills, no nonsense' approach - much time that could be spent running is often wasted by faffing.
However, some of what Field defines as faffing is actually pretty important. Running for up to an hour, six times a week, in whatever trainers you happen to own, is a less good plan than buying some proper running shoes early on. Many people will get away with it but some won't. Telling her readers that, unless they're in agony, they haven't got a proper injury, and should therefore continue to run, is frankly dangerous. And her suggested 10km training plan is a bit dodgy too.
Field should have stuck to giving motivational advice that I'm sure will work for a certain subset of people. I wish she had stayed away from giving any technical advice about running - she is clearly not qualified to give it.
As a motivational tool, I can see this book working for some people (in fact, it clearly does or she wouldn't have written several more in the same vein). However, calling myself a 'fat bitch' (even tongue in cheek) isn't really my thing. In a world where it's easy to feel guilty about pretty much every area of life, I prefer to exercise and eat well because I feel that I deserve to treat myself well, not because I have guilted myself into it. My mindset won't work for everybody, of course.
I do think Field makes a few useful points. The fact that anything worth doing in life is difficult and sometimes unpleasant (and that the two aren't necessarily the same thing) is important and often forgotten. I also like her 'no frills, no nonsense' approach - much time that could be spent running is often wasted by faffing.
However, some of what Field defines as faffing is actually pretty important. Running for up to an hour, six times a week, in whatever trainers you happen to own, is a less good plan than buying some proper running shoes early on. Many people will get away with it but some won't. Telling her readers that, unless they're in agony, they haven't got a proper injury, and should therefore continue to run, is frankly dangerous. And her suggested 10km training plan is a bit dodgy too.
Field should have stuck to giving motivational advice that I'm sure will work for a certain subset of people. I wish she had stayed away from giving any technical advice about running - she is clearly not qualified to give it.
March 25, 2013
I am a runner and I have lost a significant amount of weight through running, so this book should have been very much like preaching to the converted. However, from the very start it became apparent that “Run Fat Bitch Run” is all show but no substance. Just like the title already suggest, the language is used to get your heckles up, which in return is supposed to motivate you: Negative affirmations? Thinspiration? Running in the dark? Ignoring pain? Don’t bother with stretching – you probably don’t know how to do it and you’ll look like an idiot.
As other people have mentioned before, Ruth Field jumps back-and-forth and repeats herself. She is also contradicting herself: you don’t need to diet, but you must not eat sweets or pastries . Anyone who still advises “no pain no gain” or recommends buying a juicer is seriously outdated. The only part that appeared in any way genuine was about her struggles to get back into running after pregnancy and birth and post-natal depression.
If this gets you motivated, all the better. But once you start running, pick up a properly researched running book for solid technique, plans and advice. Unlike the books suggests, running is not for everyone and there is no one fits all solution.
As other people have mentioned before, Ruth Field jumps back-and-forth and repeats herself. She is also contradicting herself: you don’t need to diet, but you must not eat sweets or pastries . Anyone who still advises “no pain no gain” or recommends buying a juicer is seriously outdated. The only part that appeared in any way genuine was about her struggles to get back into running after pregnancy and birth and post-natal depression.
If this gets you motivated, all the better. But once you start running, pick up a properly researched running book for solid technique, plans and advice. Unlike the books suggests, running is not for everyone and there is no one fits all solution.
October 14, 2017
Well, I happened upon this in the library fitness section and the shocking title grabbed my attention. I really didn’t identify with the negative affirmations in this book. Insane stuff like telling people to look in the mirror naked and hurl insults at themselves - no thanks. The food advice was very basic and also confusing. Also,the author isn’t even a trainer, nutritionist or expert on running other than being a runner herself and she’s never been more than a few pounds overweight. There is no science here, just one woman’s opinion. I’ll return this for something well researched that I can take seriously.
March 31, 2022
Despite all the negative comments and criticisms, this book delivers in one very important way - IT WILL HELP YOU RUN. Pure and simple. I've always wanted to run (I have dogs who need running, I have some marathon running friends) but I could never crack it. I read this, applied it to my life, used a little common sense and now I'm running almost half my 1hr circuit (it's been about a month since I started). I have NEVER been able to run much more than a block. It is an amazing feeling to have achieved this. THIS BOOK IS FUCKING GOLDEN!
October 6, 2016
I didn't read a considerable portion of this book because it was about working your way to marathon running and I am not anywhere near that stage yet. I did however find this book somewhat motivational and I am keen to give running a try.
May 24, 2023
Despite the negative reviews here I think this book achieved the impact I wanted it to achieve for me – to push me to run more. Everything she said in the book really motivated me. I also love the concrete day-by-day running/half-marathon/marathon plans she provided; they're real, actual tips I can follow instead of vague meaningless words. While I'm now just heeding her advice and tips for the normal running plan and am not following her half-marathon/marathon training schedule yet (as I'm not preparing for such a race), I can see myself going back to the book and following her plan religiously when I sign up for such a race.
September 21, 2023
The advice about the actual running is good I think. The motivation bit would depend on your personality. I don't like how negative it is, but at the same time, I like that it's not saying to love your body if you are not happy, but to address the problem.
October 14, 2022
Awful awful awful. Zero stars.
July 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Very whimsical and very comedically written!
June 30, 2022
Ok I suppose now that I have finished the book I need to start. Run, drink water, eat less crap. Yep, I knew that but this book did map out a plan, which I plan to start…….tomorrow 🤭
February 3, 2018
Maybe more like a 2.5
November 26, 2016
I really like this book. I mean, it's a bit messy in its organization and could really use some good editing, but the author is great in the motivation department, and not in the ultra serious or hearts and rainbows way, but humorously whipping her verbal towel at you to get out the door. I've realized in this last spurt of grabbing up some running books for more info! more info! that I really have no need for more info right now; I just need to follow the call of this title. I'm getting frustrated reading more running plans, when I already know what to do and just can't seem to stay consistent with it. I've found this author's words/thoughts to be helpful motivation for getting to the running, as well as getting to other things that seem from the outside to be part of the unpleasant realities of life. She's also good at cutting away all the other stuff that you plan on beginning all at the same time and getting you to focus on the one thing - in this case, running regularly and building up your distance capability - always a temptation to try to fix everything at once in that beginning burst of motivation, but really, I agree that this often overwhelms, whereas once you've been regularly exercising for a bit, this enables you to more easily change the other things you need to change.
In the end, getting back to the running, I used her suggestion to establish a routine 3-4 mile running loop and just do it... again and again. I think the further details of her running plan in its looseness would be a good way to start running for someone entirely new to it, or for someone used to doing the really long runs and just getting back to it, maybe. For my own use, I combined the above regular loop with the C25K walk/run training schedule b/c I like that it gives regular increments for running/walking and increases in them (I've also used the about.com run/walk to a 5k or 30 minutes running and may switch back to that later, depending... well, depending on how I feel about the C25K when it gets to longer running splits and depending on whether I actually make it through running regularly to the later). And having that pushes me past some of the discomfort to build my stamina. Ack! and I really was going well through the first 2+ weeks and I've stalled again, though I knew it would be difficult once the term started - need to figure out how to do all the things! without going crazy. Guess maybe an evening run is on the docket?
In the end, getting back to the running, I used her suggestion to establish a routine 3-4 mile running loop and just do it... again and again. I think the further details of her running plan in its looseness would be a good way to start running for someone entirely new to it, or for someone used to doing the really long runs and just getting back to it, maybe. For my own use, I combined the above regular loop with the C25K walk/run training schedule b/c I like that it gives regular increments for running/walking and increases in them (I've also used the about.com run/walk to a 5k or 30 minutes running and may switch back to that later, depending... well, depending on how I feel about the C25K when it gets to longer running splits and depending on whether I actually make it through running regularly to the later). And having that pushes me past some of the discomfort to build my stamina. Ack! and I really was going well through the first 2+ weeks and I've stalled again, though I knew it would be difficult once the term started - need to figure out how to do all the things! without going crazy. Guess maybe an evening run is on the docket?
March 3, 2014
I've got a lot of mixed feelings about this book. It's funny and easy to read, and the basic message of "be honest, be realistic, keep it simple, suck it up, just do it, it may not always be fun but it WILL be worth it" is absolutely spot-on. The method, however, is something I'm very worried about. Negative affirmations (here, basically telling yourself repeatedly that you're a fat ugly bitch who doesn't deserve cake) are a huge no-no in my books, I'm definitely one of those people who believe in positive reinforecement. Realistic and punishing are two different things. (The author does make it clear from the very beginning that this book is not for those without a certain sense of humour, those with self-esteem issues, or those with any kind of tendency toward eating-disordered behaviour, so points for that.)
Also, I think that for beginners it's best to go from walking to walk-jog intervals to walk-run intervals before attempting to even jog for longer times, but that's just my personal opinion.
Also, I think that for beginners it's best to go from walking to walk-jog intervals to walk-run intervals before attempting to even jog for longer times, but that's just my personal opinion.
April 12, 2015
Ok I didn't like some of the self talk, after reading many motivational books about how we should be positive with our self talk and love ourselves I was really unsure with how I felt when encouraged to stand in front of a mirror and call myself a fat bitch. Hard truths are throughout the book, and by the end I get why we have to be hard on ourselves if we need to be. After all saying that everything is ok when it is clearly not isn't going to get us anywhere, so saying that you are fit and healthy and all is ok when you are overweight is just hiding the cold hard truth. I like the bits by the grit doctor and the connection to real live issues, like how to go for a run when you have 100 different things to do. I also like the message that you seem to get throughout that you are important and you deserve to be healthy, you just need to take that first step. If you want to be told off and have a kick up the backside then this is a very good book to read.
March 4, 2016
If you want the truth about running, the whole truth with no spin or fluff this is the book for you.
The advice and guidance is honest and inspiring, and pulls no punches. It doesn't promise it will be easy to go from couch potato to a fit and healthy peach of a body. However it gives anyone thinking of slipping on a pair of running shoes a helping hand with simple, steady steps to success.
Walking until you can run is a great piece of advice - as is just starting to move rather than simply reading about it.
A great start for all novice runners - and you don't have to be fat to find this book a useful guide.
The advice and guidance is honest and inspiring, and pulls no punches. It doesn't promise it will be easy to go from couch potato to a fit and healthy peach of a body. However it gives anyone thinking of slipping on a pair of running shoes a helping hand with simple, steady steps to success.
Walking until you can run is a great piece of advice - as is just starting to move rather than simply reading about it.
A great start for all novice runners - and you don't have to be fat to find this book a useful guide.
July 9, 2018
Absolutely awful!
Firstly, the advice is basically non-existent: go for 3 45 minute runs a week. That's it.
Other shockingly poor advice includes "eat as much pasta and rice as you want" and your diet doesn't matter to weight loss, only running matters. Encouraging "weekend blowouts" and with no guidance on scaling up running from zero to the recommended 45 minutes, it's clear this author isn't and never has been fat or deconditioned.
Whether deliberately flippant or actually misguided, it's hard to tell. But the abrupt tone, misadvice and lack of actual content for fat people means this is one to skip.
Damaging, dangerous and badly written.
Firstly, the advice is basically non-existent: go for 3 45 minute runs a week. That's it.
Other shockingly poor advice includes "eat as much pasta and rice as you want" and your diet doesn't matter to weight loss, only running matters. Encouraging "weekend blowouts" and with no guidance on scaling up running from zero to the recommended 45 minutes, it's clear this author isn't and never has been fat or deconditioned.
Whether deliberately flippant or actually misguided, it's hard to tell. But the abrupt tone, misadvice and lack of actual content for fat people means this is one to skip.
Damaging, dangerous and badly written.
March 5, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. I had already started to run when this book came out but I found it very motivating. She talks sense anyone can learn how to run. The book is written a bit in your face but you have to take it for what it is - a book to get you out there running. I think it could be time for a re-read however as my Grit Doctor has gone very quiet lately!
December 7, 2019
Oh my goodness, I’m glad I only borrowed this from the library and didn’t spend my hard earned money on it. What a load of tosh, repetitive and full of inserts and blank spaces to fill the pages up, I borrowed the book hoping it would encourage me to run in an entertaining way, but it just exasperated me. Would give it zero stars if that was possible.
May 28, 2017
Has some good pointers that make starting a new workout routine seem less daunting. Other pieces don't fit my plan, but take what you can from it. The no BS writing style is funny and enjoyable to read.
January 6, 2012
Well it sure got me off the couch, seriously ... love it!
March 3, 2012
A very inspirational read. Right,now where are my trainers!!
February 27, 2012
Love the lamguage and style of this book, however, the training regime for beginners may be a little too ambitious if you're very overweight and/or if you have never run before.
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