Running from Perfection: My Journey from Eating Disorders to Endurance Sports—and the Neuroscience Behind It

by Caitlin Massone

268 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2025

Reviews

[Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided an interesting perspective on the social pressures girls face in modern western society and internal framework for perceiving these pressures. I enjoyed hearing the authors personal stories which made her story of recovery truly relatable. The perspective of treating a psychological/mental disorder with a more rigorous medical/scientific analysis was refreshing and I believe the only veritable way to treat mental illness. The author provides her own outlet while also acknowledging that it is only an attainable solution for the well-to-do as expensive trips and gear are wholly out of reach for many people but that there are other ways for everyone to benefit from some nature in their lives. Something I think the author does mention but perhaps downplays a little too much is the mindset change which is necessary for true recovery. For the author I think it is less noticeable because it is something that naturally came with age and a change in perspective because obviously exercising yourself into the ground is not inherently more healthy than anorexia or bulimia but unlike the latter can be an effective tool for recovery. Overall very much enjoyed the book and the personal touch and ideas for treating this and other disorders which involve some of the same mechanisms in the brain and central nervous system.