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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 :)
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.
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 ....
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.