Not Your Average Runner: Why You're Not Too Fat to Run and the Skinny on How to Start Today

by Jill Angie

Run for fun—no matter your size, shape, or speed!   Do you think running sucks? Do you think you’re too fat to run? With humor, compassion, and lots of love, Jill Angie explains how you can overcome the challenges of running with an overweight body, experience the exhilaration of hitting new milestones, and give your self-esteem an enormous boost in the process.   This isn’t a guide to running for weight loss, or a simple running plan. It shows how a woman carrying a few (or many) extra pounds can successfully become a runner in the body she has right now. Jill Angie is a certified running coach and personal trainer who wants to live in a world where everyone is free to feel fit and fabulous at any size. She started the Not Your Average Runner movement in 2013 to show that runners come in all shapes, sizes, and speeds, and, since then, has assembled a global community of revolutionaries who are taking the running world by storm. If you would like to be part of the revolution, this is the book for you!

Genres: Nonfiction, Fitness, Health, Self Help, Sports

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot! It is encouraging and motivating. There's nothing really new in it but it points out in a humorous voice that anyone can run. No need to sit at home and wait to lose some pounds before starting and actually ENJOYING to get out there (or on the treadmill) and run.

Who really has the ideal body the magazines make us believe all runners have? Just go out and get started and you may or may not get closer to those ideals but sure is that you will feel better about yourself, gain confidence and become healthier.

I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in running or even walking and especially if you are feeling insecure about being out there dressed in a sporty outfit.

The author also offers training plans and a website with podcasts and even a friendly Facebook group that offers support and a fun and friendly atmosphere.

[Helen Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and encouraging book, written by a running coach that specializes in a Body Positive approach for every size.
If you're interesting in running, but feel insecure and self-conscious about starting, then Jill's book is an amazing find. You'll start on your running path today and with confidence.

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pretty sparse piece of writing. It had some good tips in it, but every time I thought it was about to become more substantive, it just linked to her website (this is a book intended to be consumed as an e-book). The first time I saw that link, I thought, ah, a link exclusively for those who have already spent money on her book. But no, it basically just herds you into a sign-up for her mailing list. Just gauche. If you want to have bonus material for your e-book, it should be easily accessible without having to become another sign-up for her newsletter or whatever.

I do like her podcast though!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Many women believe that they are not well-suited to running, based on the simple fact that when they do, they can’t run very far. Often this is just due to a lack of conditioning, or trying to go too fast, too soon. Running is hard work, and it takes awhile for your body – especially your heart, lungs, and legs – to adapt to the challenge.” – Jill Angie

In Not Your Average Runner, Angie takes readers on a pleasant, informative jog though the highs (literally, the runner’s high) and lows (inclement weather, injuries and…um, chafing) of running, providing us with a step-by-step program for getting started. Her mantra is “If you run, you are a runner,” regardless of your size, ability, or fitness level, and she cites consistency, patience, and time as the keys to success. Angie’s tone is upbeat and chatty, like catching up with your best friend over coffee, and her narrative is laced throughout with humor. Her message is one of body positivity and self-confidence. I really enjoyed this book, which was a very quick read, and I’m looking forward to giving this running thing a go based on Angie’s helpful advice.

Note: The Kindle version also provides a number of free downloads from her website, NotYourAverageRunner.com.

A final note: While the book is geared toward women, men who want to start running and don’t mind skimming past discussions of sports bras will find a lot of good information here.

[Tracy Leigh Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you sort of think you could be a runner but also are pretty sure you can't, then read this! She does a fantastic job of laying out the program and making it seem manageable. She also drives home the idea that if you run, you're a runner. It doesn't matter how much or how far. If you run, you're a runner. I tried some C25K and failed. But this program is manageable to get started and works you into progressively longer intervals of running. I survived a massive heart attack at 50 last year, so I need to do more cardio, and I've wanted to run, but I always got shin splints or chronic discouragement. Not this time. There's also a Facebook group, Instagram account, website, and podcast. Thanks, Jill, for helping me start this journey and for reminding me that, if I run, I'm a runner.

[Alexandria Luttke]

Through running, a person, no matter their age or physical fitness level, can achieve a boost to their confidence. For me, I discovered this book through a podcast and I am so glad that I read it; it reminds me that confidence can come from every aspect of your life. Therefore, I really enjoyed this book because of the tips and tricks for getting into the habit of running. For instance, Angie identifies the running "addiction process has four stages: Experimentation...Regular use...Risky use...Dependency" (Angie 79-81). If you are an overweight, older woman you should read this book; running is not just for the young and sleek, anyone can do it! I believe that this book will make a long-lasting impact on my life.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an easy read and great book to read if you are looking to start running. I believe it was encouraging to read from someone who is experiencing or has experienced similar things I do as I begin running. It includes tips, tricks, and suggestions on getting started as well as resources online to get going. Highly recommend for those who are not the average runner!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written with a very encouraging style. I appreciated the tips on how to deal with your inner mean girl. The part I didn’t appreciate about the book was everything referenced back to the author’s website without providing other resources. The first time was cool by the fifth time it started to feel like an infomercial.

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on how to start running no matter your size. Falls short on the raising self-esteem end. It is short so that was probably the issue. Could have used more personal running stories and less how-to lists.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy quick read - encouraging and inspiring

This is an Easy quick read - encouraging and inspiring. The world needs more books like this one. Enjoyed this and likely will read again

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been mulling over the idea of ‘running’ for quite some time. Most of my forays into running leave me pretty discouraged. This book (only 116 pages) is very encouraging, and worth reading if (like me) you have unrealistic expectations or can’t get out of your head.

[Elaine Budner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! If you are holding yourself back from running because you are overweight you must read this! I love to run and I am a plus size senior woman! Age nor weight isn't a hinderance to running!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read. Has some great tips for beginner runners and motivators for runners at all levels.

[Rhiannon Frix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very motivational and energizing! Great tips for true beginners.

[Jeannette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pamphlet sized and not very encouraging considering all the other good running books out there in the world. Meh.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my Kindle Unlimited downloads based on my interests apparently.

[Anna]

I immediately bounced off this author’s style, alas. Chatty and slang-y, just not my thing.

[Kathryn Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Very positive and some good practical advice! I like her podcast a lot too. Short and sweet, read it in one evening.