A tale of love, loss and laughter, this life-affirming memoir describes one woman's determination to survive unbearable grief - and get back into running - one step at a time.
Lisa didn't think anything could be more devastating than the death of her beloved husband Graham. But then she lost her sister and father too - all in the space of 17 months.
Feeling utterly broken as she navigated these bereavements, Lisa turned to an old friend that had helped her through many tough times running. But whereas it had previously been a source of solace, fun and companionship, before long a debilitating injury meant she lost her running mojo, too.
Aiming to complete her 109th marathon in Graham's honour, Lisa set out to rekindle her love affair with running - and to build a new life by the sea. As she laughed and cried her way through the miles, she realised running wasn't just helping her get fitter, it was also taking her on a journey from heartache to hope.
Still Running After All These Tears is a survival manual for the broken-hearted, and for anyone struggling with major life challenges. It's a celebration of the redemptive power of running, and the life-enhancing lessons it can teach us. Above all, it's a meditation on how to thrive in the face of trauma, what makes a good death and, most importantly, how to lead a joyous, meaningful life.
The author sent me an advance copy of this book, and I’m very glad I had the chance to read it. It’s well written and easy to read, with some genuinely moving moments as well as plenty of humour.
The book avoids turning into either a sob story or a score-settling exercise. Instead, the author takes the reader with her through a particularly dark period in her life in a way that feels honest and balanced. It’s informative, thoughtful, and a tribute to the people she loved and lost, especially her husband Graham, who she really brought to life through the pages.
On a personal note, I was dealing with my own grief while reading this and was struggling to even get out of the door to go for a run. Reading this book helped give me a bit of that running spark back.
The photos and stories throughout are warm and engaging, and add a lot to the book as a whole. I’d recommend it to runners and non-runners alike.