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No Run Intended

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Hannah Phillips never intended to run. Chubby is cute was her motto and cake with pints of cider her diet. Then came 'the' fateful night that saw her staring awkwardly at a ‘fat bird’ with her top on. When that 'fat bird' turned out to be her very own reflection Hannah ran (quite quickly) to the toilets to wail in self-pity and humiliation. Hannah knew she had to make a decision, so she decided to lace up a pair of trainers she happened to have in the cupboard and head for the hills…or at least to the nearest park…if she could ever make it.
Chased by geese, the police and Jack Russel’s, No Run Intended is a small story about a big journey that follows Hannah’s running progress through good times, bad times and can’t be bothered times.
Deeply honest, insightful and a little bit funny, it’s definitely not a how to but a what if kind of book that celebrates running in all its beautiful, ugly glory.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2015

45 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

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Hannah Phillips

23 books4 followers

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5 stars
306 (46%)
4 stars
210 (32%)
3 stars
109 (16%)
2 stars
22 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Jo.
1,367 reviews80 followers
October 27, 2015
Loved this - as an overweight "runner" at the start of last year I have just entered my first half marathon! Great inspiration.
Profile Image for Jules (Never enough time to read).
918 reviews
April 16, 2017
I raced through this book (and yes the pun was intended).

It was an easy and enjoyable read, but more than that I feel inspired to get out and be a bit more active, I'm still not sure whether running is for me but I do love hiking.

I also understood a lot of her miscarriage heartache and the rainbow baby need, far more than I wish I did.

I'm off to go and pick up the next book - Run intended, right this minute.

Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Claire.
1,093 reviews184 followers
March 21, 2021
I have always one of those people who “couldn’t run”. My other half likes running. My kids kind of like running. Me, I tried about 15 years ago as part of a get fit regime and gave up quite quickly. The last thing I ran for was when I was late for the school pick up and I thought I was going to die!! But Hannah Phillips has convinced me to give it another go (but definitely when it’s drier).

“this is certainly not a how to book.”

No, Phillips is definitely right when she wrote this tit-bit. This book does not tell you how to run, how to prepare, how to improve. This is one woman’s account of her going out running from the start. But it’s not just about running, it’s the mental journey and the “side effects” of running. The buzz, the drive… but Phillips does also disclose some of the not-so-nice comments she gets thrown at her as she runs. People – be kind to runners… just be kind….

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a how to book but this does give you some tips if you are inspired to give running a go. It’s also an entertaining read, Phillips doesn’t take herself too seriously in matters. She’s honest about her struggles, her feelings and the ups and downs of her journey. Phillips packs alot into the 100 page book and I really enjoyed the run with her. Will be picking up where I left off with Run Intended soon.
Profile Image for Joanne.
201 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2018
A quick, low effort read post-run on a Sunday afternoon. Admittedly I wasn't sure I was going to get far with this book; the author is brutally honest about her experiences, but I didn't think I'd make it past her shitting herself. However, she was engaging enough to keep me going until the end.

If you've ever been for a run as a new runner after reaching adulthood, you'll find little pieces of yourself scattered through these pages. Though - be warned - there'll be a lot of little pieces of other people scattered in there with you to, so be prepared for some unsavoury moments.
Profile Image for julie williamson.
12 reviews
January 20, 2018
Enjoyable read

An honest and open account of Hannah's relationship with running. I did wish she had expanded on her work problems as well but I suppose it was deemed irrelevant to the books purpose and is probably me just being nosey. Also I'd have liked more detail on the trolling she experienced as I think people should be shown the effect negative words can have but also congratulations Hannah on not letting these things put you off
4 reviews
October 20, 2020
Gave me the push to keep going

I loved this book, its funny and so relatable. I deliberately read it on days when I didn't want to run or had avoided my trainers for days and it truly gave me the push to put those bloody trainers on!
This book reminded me why I started running and why I want to keep going, it also made me accept that it's ok to sit in PJs some days with a tub of ice creams and not feel bad about it!
Profile Image for Evelyn McCrickard.
62 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2018
Funny and Encouraging

Hannah had me engaged from her balaclava on through her finish. I was sad when she started thanking people because I knew the book was done. Thank you, Hannah, for being real. Thank you for making me laugh and making me want to run more. You are inspiring and I think we'd be friends.
1 review
January 12, 2019
Great book. Started running about 9 months ago and have only entered 5k races. I have a 10k race booked in 3 weeks and this book has given me the motivation to get training and do it. I may even sign up for a half marathon, won’t be until later in the year though!! I am going to read ‘Run Intended’ now :)
Profile Image for Gemma Holland.
12 reviews
February 23, 2019
An entertaining read

I’m afraid I agree with some of the previous reviews that this book needs proofreading. As a teacher the grammatical errors make me cringe a tad. That being said, it is a thoroughly entertaining read and I was hooked just a few pages in. Such a relatable, emotional tale of someone refreshingly normal achieving incredible things.
Profile Image for Xina Evans.
33 reviews
February 4, 2018
Absolutely brilliant read for any runner...

Every runner will relate to this book in one part of another ... Loved this and Hannah literally had me in stitches . It felt like I was on each and every run with her ....
Profile Image for Felicia.
288 reviews19 followers
March 15, 2018
This book was so inspiring, heart breaking, and fun! Phillips has such a funny and interesting way of writing her story and it was very hard to stop reading hence why I finished it in about 4 hours. I loved it.
Profile Image for k hughes.
4 reviews
March 29, 2018
Fabulous read

What a cracking read this is. It is hilarious, heartbreaking, a real joy. I was so disappointed when I came to the end. I cannot recommend this book too highly.
To anybody who has thoughts of running but always has a reason not to read this, you will be inspired.

Profile Image for Tina Ratcliffe.
7 reviews
August 8, 2018
What a fan surprise

I surprise myself that I enjoyed this book so much, I've always been a wannabe runner but never committed fully. I do a week miss a week but this book showed me that this doesn't matter as long as I'm doing it for myself
10 reviews
September 1, 2018
Brilliant read very inspiring

Wow where do I start? Laugh out loud funny but brutally honest and actually made me cry (i never cry at books) would thoroughly recommend to someone thinking of running or new to running.
Profile Image for Em Faulkner.
35 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Brilliantly written and funny

Felt fat in my running tights today and didn't want to go out in daylight, but I remembered how you were heckled and I did it.
I do find though, that running with my Jack Russell means I don't get chased by others ;) Diolch
3 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2019
Very Funny

This is a must read for all is chubby birds who want to run/jog/shuffle, but can't be ars*d to get off the sofa. Loved it! Now overwritten this review, !here's to book No.2
1 review
April 11, 2019
Brill book

Language a little coarse in places but an honest funny and uplifting telling of her journey.

Hopefully it will encourage people to run, and whilst I have an injury atm hoping to join Hannah on the roads of this wonderful country soon, tho 10k is my comfort limit
Profile Image for Julie Bouret.
11 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2020
No Run Intended is a candid, laugh out loud story about falling in love with running. An easy, enjoyable read, that is brutally honest and rather inspiring. The light-hearted fun is broken up by moments of heartbreak and great courage. Can’t wait to read the follow up.
Profile Image for Jessica F C .
101 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It had been on my kindle ages, but I’ve not been exercising much of late, and certainly not running. However, reading this book has reminded me about all the reasons I decided to give running a try. So thanks for the reminder..
Profile Image for Susan Lowe.
12 reviews
May 21, 2017
A nice easy read, relevant to my experience of running, but skips periods of time pretty quickly.

Could've done with some proof reading too
Profile Image for Jennifer.
49 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2017
I laughed, I cried and I felt the self-doubt of the writer.
It was a nice fun read of the journey from overweight woman with a wish to become a mother to a fit runner and mother.
Profile Image for Sara.
435 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2017
Fun, fast read about a woman who took up running for her health.

Deals with miscarriage.

Found it really funny. Caitlyn Moran meets spandex.

Recommended to my cousin.
10 reviews
August 4, 2017
Motivational.

This is a really positive book about the joys and the pains of running. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am going to recommend it to my friends.
1 review
March 3, 2018
Absolutely loved this book!!

Laugh outloud funny, true and heartfelt. An inspirational read. Made me feel that I can achieve this running thing too!!
25 reviews
July 9, 2018
Run

Great easy read. Looking forward to the marathon training and run. Was unsure if Scotty Boy signed up for Marathon lottery.
Profile Image for Lucy.
2 reviews
October 7, 2018
Can relate!

A fun read that goes through the reality of starting to run. Comical, relatable and inspiring- with some good tips for beginners.
Profile Image for Mrs D Hopper.
2 reviews
October 22, 2018
Great read. Very funny.

Great read. Very funny.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Would recommend this book to any other person thinking of running soon
Profile Image for Ray Daley.
Author 150 books15 followers
November 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Not just the bits about running either, Hannah, you did a good job here.
Profile Image for Emma.
2 reviews
January 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and after years and years of not even thinking about running I am starting to think that maybe, just maybe it might be possible.
12 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
Fantastic book

I really enjoyed this book and it had me laughing out loud. I'm now going to dig out the trainers and try a run. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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