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Why Running Matters: Lessons in Life, Pain and Exhilaration – From 5K to the Marathon
You might run for fitness. You might run for speed. But ultimately, running is about much more than the physical act itself. It is about the challenges we face in life, and how we measure up to them. It is about companionship, endurance, ambition, hope, conviction, determination, self-respect and inspiration. It is about how we choose to live our lives, and what it means to share our values with other people.
In this year-long memoir, which might be described as a historian’s take on Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, the celebrated historian Ian Mortimer considers the meaning of running as he approaches his fiftieth birthday. From injuries and frustrated ambitions to exhilaration and empathy, it is a personal and yet universal account of what running means to people, and how it helps everyone focus on what really matters.
In this year-long memoir, which might be described as a historian’s take on Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, the celebrated historian Ian Mortimer considers the meaning of running as he approaches his fiftieth birthday. From injuries and frustrated ambitions to exhilaration and empathy, it is a personal and yet universal account of what running means to people, and how it helps everyone focus on what really matters.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2019
80 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Ian Mortimer
39 books1,442 followersAKA James Forrester.
Dr Ian Mortimer is a historian and novelist, best known for his Time Traveller's Guides series. He has BA, MA, PhD and DLitt degrees from the University of Exeter and UCL. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and was awarded the Alexander Prize by the Royal Historical Society in 2004. Home is the small Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead, which he occasioanlly introduces in his books. His most recet book, 'Medieval Horizons' looks at how life changed between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries.
He also writes in other genres: his fourth novel 'The Outcasts of Time' won the 2018 Winston Graham Prize for historical fiction. His earlier trilogy of novels set in the 1560s were published under his middle names, James Forrester. In 2017 he wrote 'Why Running Matters' - a memoir of running in the year he turned fifty.
At present he is concentrating on writing history books that have experimental perspectives on the past. One example is a study of England as it would have appeared to the people living in his house over the last thousand years. This is provisionally entitled 'The History of England through the Windows of an Ordinary House'. It is due for completion in December 2024 and publication in 2026.
Dr Ian Mortimer is a historian and novelist, best known for his Time Traveller's Guides series. He has BA, MA, PhD and DLitt degrees from the University of Exeter and UCL. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and was awarded the Alexander Prize by the Royal Historical Society in 2004. Home is the small Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead, which he occasioanlly introduces in his books. His most recet book, 'Medieval Horizons' looks at how life changed between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries.
He also writes in other genres: his fourth novel 'The Outcasts of Time' won the 2018 Winston Graham Prize for historical fiction. His earlier trilogy of novels set in the 1560s were published under his middle names, James Forrester. In 2017 he wrote 'Why Running Matters' - a memoir of running in the year he turned fifty.
At present he is concentrating on writing history books that have experimental perspectives on the past. One example is a study of England as it would have appeared to the people living in his house over the last thousand years. This is provisionally entitled 'The History of England through the Windows of an Ordinary House'. It is due for completion in December 2024 and publication in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 18, 2019
There are some enjoyable moments in this book but on the whole, as a young female who enjoys running, I found this an uncomfortable read and am beyond surprised it has been published in 2019. The author showcases a number of examples of overtly sexual, sexist, and demeaning language throughout the book.
This worrying trend appears to begin in chapter 6. For example, the thought that when I, or any other female, run(s) a parkrun, there may be men out there who ogle at our running clothes that "show off" our "figure so alluringly" that those men are "completely distracted" is something I'd rather not read about in a book seemingly about parkrun. I run for myself, not to "distract" or "motivate" men behind me to run further or faster themselves.
We hit peak gross in chapter 26, Desire. The author doesn't see any females at the start of this parkrun that have "the magic line to her body that grabs" his "animal self within 2 seconds." He instead prefers to describe one woman as "plain and unattractive". She was probably there to run for herself too, much like me. At the end of the parkrun, however, he finds her attractive as the "perspiration glistens on her collarbone and upper chest in the sun.". Oh, goody. She should be so glad that he now finds her attractive. What a lucky lady. (I'm sure you can detect my sarcasm there.)
At one point later in the book, upon listening to a Radio 4 discussion, the author goes on to express his dismay that many females in the discussion felt that women "should stick to 'dance, yoga, long-distance walking (with or without a dog) and casual swimming'." He answers his own questioning of this throughout the book with further examples of casual sexism and belittling of female achievements. This is one huge reason why females don't do as much competitive sport. Perhaps unknowingly, the author is part of the problem. The author continually refers to female runners (and at times running in general) in overly sexual ways, which is not what I was expecting from a book about running in 2019.
A frustrating read, especially disappointing as it was recommended on the Free Weekly Timed parkrun podcast.
This worrying trend appears to begin in chapter 6. For example, the thought that when I, or any other female, run(s) a parkrun, there may be men out there who ogle at our running clothes that "show off" our "figure so alluringly" that those men are "completely distracted" is something I'd rather not read about in a book seemingly about parkrun. I run for myself, not to "distract" or "motivate" men behind me to run further or faster themselves.
We hit peak gross in chapter 26, Desire. The author doesn't see any females at the start of this parkrun that have "the magic line to her body that grabs" his "animal self within 2 seconds." He instead prefers to describe one woman as "plain and unattractive". She was probably there to run for herself too, much like me. At the end of the parkrun, however, he finds her attractive as the "perspiration glistens on her collarbone and upper chest in the sun.". Oh, goody. She should be so glad that he now finds her attractive. What a lucky lady. (I'm sure you can detect my sarcasm there.)
At one point later in the book, upon listening to a Radio 4 discussion, the author goes on to express his dismay that many females in the discussion felt that women "should stick to 'dance, yoga, long-distance walking (with or without a dog) and casual swimming'." He answers his own questioning of this throughout the book with further examples of casual sexism and belittling of female achievements. This is one huge reason why females don't do as much competitive sport. Perhaps unknowingly, the author is part of the problem. The author continually refers to female runners (and at times running in general) in overly sexual ways, which is not what I was expecting from a book about running in 2019.
A frustrating read, especially disappointing as it was recommended on the Free Weekly Timed parkrun podcast.
February 25, 2020
I didn't feel the desire to finish this. Some chapters were engaging but occasionally the author's description of a female runner jarred. I guess its that, when I run, I don't care to think that someone else might be leching over me or judging my body, however true that might be.
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July 28, 2024I think that you can only love this book as much as you love running. If you hate it, I don’t think this book will be of any value for you. But if running has improved your life in anyway then I think you will be able to relate to every sentiment he has shared, challenges or triumphs
January 11, 2020
I suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety and panic attacks with a liberal sprinkling of depression for the package deal. I used to partake in long distant running including 5k's, 10k's, 10 milers, half marathons and including 8 full marathons (2 London).
The last few years I ballooned to nearly 19stone and recently decided to try and get back to running, or in my case jogging. I need to find a meaning in life and running can allow that to happen. In this book Ian Mortimer (IM) tells his Frank and honest experience about what he feels when running and how he links it to work, family, marriage, life and all manners of everyday things.
Recently I started back on the park run scene and I am starting to feel alive again. For me it's not about times, places and percentages but taking part which IM mentions as everyone has their own reasons for running. I am allowed to be fat on the course, as I come to terms with why I gave it up all those years ago. I have to deal with my frailties and face new challenges by running again.
My illnesses put a ring of steel around me, hindering me and telling me I have many limitations and restrictions. But reading this book my limitations are in my mind and I am capable of managing another half marathon and hopefully in the process, I might see my penis again.
I enjoy the freedom that running brings and this book reiterates those feelings for me. I am not only running now for physical health but for my mental health, the running is also bring freedom withing my brain.
Running does matter and I am using it to find a strength I used to have. The strength to turn up to a run, to train, to set goals, to challenge myself and to allow me to run away from 10 years of hell.
The book is nothing but inspiration for me and we all need inspiration, Ian got it from his friends and his two sons Oliver and Alexander, it kept him going and he put it all down in this book. Just like IM found a sense of flow in his marathon that was a truly remarkable effort; I want to feel that sense of flow that I used to have when running like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talks about. Not only that I want to find flow with my mental health issues. This book has given me the opportunity to look at my running in more depth and not only find meaning but possible answers.
I listened to this on Audiobook, read by the author and it was thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking. Read at a great pace and with feeling.
The last few years I ballooned to nearly 19stone and recently decided to try and get back to running, or in my case jogging. I need to find a meaning in life and running can allow that to happen. In this book Ian Mortimer (IM) tells his Frank and honest experience about what he feels when running and how he links it to work, family, marriage, life and all manners of everyday things.
Recently I started back on the park run scene and I am starting to feel alive again. For me it's not about times, places and percentages but taking part which IM mentions as everyone has their own reasons for running. I am allowed to be fat on the course, as I come to terms with why I gave it up all those years ago. I have to deal with my frailties and face new challenges by running again.
My illnesses put a ring of steel around me, hindering me and telling me I have many limitations and restrictions. But reading this book my limitations are in my mind and I am capable of managing another half marathon and hopefully in the process, I might see my penis again.
I enjoy the freedom that running brings and this book reiterates those feelings for me. I am not only running now for physical health but for my mental health, the running is also bring freedom withing my brain.
Running does matter and I am using it to find a strength I used to have. The strength to turn up to a run, to train, to set goals, to challenge myself and to allow me to run away from 10 years of hell.
The book is nothing but inspiration for me and we all need inspiration, Ian got it from his friends and his two sons Oliver and Alexander, it kept him going and he put it all down in this book. Just like IM found a sense of flow in his marathon that was a truly remarkable effort; I want to feel that sense of flow that I used to have when running like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talks about. Not only that I want to find flow with my mental health issues. This book has given me the opportunity to look at my running in more depth and not only find meaning but possible answers.
I listened to this on Audiobook, read by the author and it was thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking. Read at a great pace and with feeling.
March 27, 2019
I’ve read a few of Ian Mortimer’s history books as well as some of his fiction, so when I saw that he had released a book about running I was puzzled. I do park run so I knew what he is talking about when he sets himself goals and tries to up his speed. I have a couple of years on Ian but I am very impressed with his level of fitness and has spurred me on to improve.
The book is about running and what running teaches you. A very thought provoking book and very enjoyable.
The book is about running and what running teaches you. A very thought provoking book and very enjoyable.
February 24, 2023
I love Ian Mortimer's work, and this book was interesting - his outlook on life and how running benefits him was an enjoyable read, and definitely made me want to get out and do a parkrun. Deducted a few stars for the tone in some points and I wasn't a fan of his weight loss advice of eating tiny amounts of calories etc. He explained why he did it for him and that's fair but wasn't to my taste
June 16, 2020
Inspirational
A book about running that isn’t actually about running... and yet it’s by far my favourite running book. This is a must for anyone you has even dared tie up their laces and stepped outside.
A book about running that isn’t actually about running... and yet it’s by far my favourite running book. This is a must for anyone you has even dared tie up their laces and stepped outside.
March 24, 2019
I absolutely loved this wonderful book. First book in a while that I couldn't put down and loved from start to finish. Bravo and thank you to Ian for writing such a stellar work.
October 2, 2020
Running might be hard work physically but, mentally, it is the ultimate escape from pressure.
Amen, brotha. But I was not inspired by this running book in the same way I was by Born to Run, for example. As the short chapters wore on I found myself increasingly rubbed the wrong way by the author, whose humble-bragging was cringeworthy: personal stats for each week's run, excuses for subpar performances, and always how much he beat his teenage sons by... items better suited for a private logbook than a memoir. Mortimer seems like the kind of guy who would write his own Wikipedia article and then claim he didn't.
In one of the final chapters he mentions in passing that it wasn't until middle age that he took up running. He did it to improve his health, and apparently lost 40 pounds. I would've loved to hear more about that. What a triumph! But perhaps Mortimer was afraid it would expose a weakness to his readers?
On a side note, I was delighted by the book's British English and I started keeping track of every phrase and spelling that differed from my American English:
9 standardise
13 realise
19 colour, favourite
20 I wonder who will come first
20 shopping trolley, ploughed
22 tennis racquets, 800 metres
23 in respect of
26 press-ups, aeroplane
27 treble, 13 stone 2 lbs
30 organisers, travelling
31 coach stop, cancelling
32 humour
33 chap, cinema
34 brilliant
37 neighbour
39 gale
48 behaviour
58 landlady, pub
69 flavour
72 fulfil, fulfilment, recognise
76 colourful
79 colours
80 cognisant
92 bring on
93 maths, maths teacher
95 honour
97 demoralising
99 endeavours, tantalisingly
100 haemorrhage
107 lie in
109 work surface
113 finalised
115 organisation
116 pub
119 called
126 labour
130 smouldering
142 ageing, bullock
156 beauty spot
160 tarmac
161 bucks fizz
189 recognising
197 endeavours
198 analyse, criticise
200 posh
202 bollard
204 prioritise
213 judgement
217 besotted
218 hen night
221 spoilt
274 doughnuts
276 Mr
277 1 degree centigrade
277 fillip
278 klaxon
279 Go on Ian
279 shingle beaches
280 stiles
281 nattering
282 energised, motorbike, carriageway
283 apologise
284 3 stone overweight
285 Lucozade Sport
288 yoghurt
296 favour
305 cheeky
December 3, 2020
Ian Mortimer, a professor of Medieval and Elizabethan England, has produced a piece that is not about language. He uses his knowledge of many things to produce an engaging book that explains why people consistently run for their own pleasure and inspiration. In each of the short and readable 42 chapters, he tries to answer the question, “Why do you run 26.3 miles.”
The book opens with his experience at the London Marathon in 2017, a challenge he took on for the first time after have been a runner for many years. He demonstrates the theme of the book in the early pages when he links the New Testament story about the Good Samaritan.
He looks running from many perspectives. “It [running] is about companionship. It is about endurance, ambition, hope, convocation, determination, self-respect and inspiration. It is about how we chose olive our lives, and what is meant to share our values with other people.” He says we run “First you run for fitness. Next you run for speed. Then you run for meaning.”
He tells us why marathons attract all kinds of people who have tried running and want to do more. We see (and he would want you to experience) marathons.
The book is useful to long-term runners or starters. The book has some statements that I don’t like. These are not about running per se.
In 42 short chapters, he doesn’t try to make all the readers to put on the running shows and run. He writes some things that I don’t like but it’s not about running per se. But it will be a good book to explain why people run and it may help a reader to make a decision to start or advance his/her running.
The book opens with his experience at the London Marathon in 2017, a challenge he took on for the first time after have been a runner for many years. He demonstrates the theme of the book in the early pages when he links the New Testament story about the Good Samaritan.
He looks running from many perspectives. “It [running] is about companionship. It is about endurance, ambition, hope, convocation, determination, self-respect and inspiration. It is about how we chose olive our lives, and what is meant to share our values with other people.” He says we run “First you run for fitness. Next you run for speed. Then you run for meaning.”
He tells us why marathons attract all kinds of people who have tried running and want to do more. We see (and he would want you to experience) marathons.
The book is useful to long-term runners or starters. The book has some statements that I don’t like. These are not about running per se.
In 42 short chapters, he doesn’t try to make all the readers to put on the running shows and run. He writes some things that I don’t like but it’s not about running per se. But it will be a good book to explain why people run and it may help a reader to make a decision to start or advance his/her running.
Read
April 8, 2022I'm a keen runner but I didn't enjoy this book. I'm not sure that I even accept its authenticity. For someone who claims that running is joyous, about finding yourself and not about time or competition, he spends an awful amount of time throughout the book logging his times and in what position he finished each of his competitive runs. It was billed as a year to complete 50 resolutions (who commits to 50 resolutions?) - I don't think he called them New Year's resolutions, but who cares anyway? - and where he offered his son fifty pounds if he beat him in a race before the end of the year, which he did. He came across as very egocentric. I remember looking at a page of the book at one point and asking myself: How many 'I's are on this page? The writing is clunky and pompous. I only finished it because I'm a runner. It didn't make me feel joyous.
January 1, 2020
This was an interesting experience as my main hobby is running and I take it pretty seriously so reading about a man roughly my age and his running should be perfect.
Mortimer can write well he shows the mindset and inner views of some runners well but I couldn't enjoy it past page 204 .
I can almost understand why my wife glazes over if I talk about running to her .
I think if you are not a runner you will enjoy this more than I did .
Mortimer can write well he shows the mindset and inner views of some runners well but I couldn't enjoy it past page 204 .
I can almost understand why my wife glazes over if I talk about running to her .
I think if you are not a runner you will enjoy this more than I did .
November 2, 2019
The running game..
I enjoyed this account of a running year. Ian Mortimer allows you to journey on the runs with him, even as in my case you’d be many minutes behind. The thrills, mutual enjoyment and encouragement and inevitable downs are something all runners will identify with. Recommend it.
I enjoyed this account of a running year. Ian Mortimer allows you to journey on the runs with him, even as in my case you’d be many minutes behind. The thrills, mutual enjoyment and encouragement and inevitable downs are something all runners will identify with. Recommend it.
January 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Being a keen runner myself (and frequent parkrun participant) I could relate to the content. I have even planned my run down memory lane as Ian did in chapter 34. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who currently runs or has an interest into the mindset of a runner.
April 3, 2021
Picked this up from audible as a running audiobook. It's more relatable than most, at least for me, because he's quite similar to me demographically: a few months older, even more gratingly middle class, runs faster but not intimidating so, and he is bald so I can put the time difference down to the drag caused by my magnificent mane of not-yet-fallen-out hair, which is some consolation for what I lack in the speed department.
Anyway, this kind of park run tier stuff is less awesome than, say, Scott Jurek's book, but that's OK, because I feel like he's talking about the kind of running I do, and not about some rarefied level of performance that I'll never be able to attain.
He talks about this and that, using running as a way into discussing parenthood and history and whatever else takes his interest, which is a good structure for a book to have. So it's all non-challenging, enjoyable thoughts to listen to while running.
I noticed some reviewers have found passages in the book a little creepy because one of his digressions is about the effects of running (and athleticism in general) on our basic, animal tendency to be attracted to other humans, and he uses his own experience of being momentarily attracted to other runners as examples of this. It's fair to say that he is hornier than I am as well as faster (it's the baldness again, you see: excess of testosterone) because I am usually too busy trying not to hyperventilate to notice other people's glistening lycra-clad flesh, but I don't think he's really out of order here. I tend to apply the test of reversing the genders to see if some sexist bullshit is occurring: have I read books in which women check out men in similar situations? Yes. Gay men checking out other men? Ha ha, oh god yes yes. Lesbians checking out other women? Again, yes. Fifty year old women checking out younger men? Struggling to think of one tbh, OK, you've got me there. Maybe middle aged women have other things on their mind, or maybe that's a gap in my reading i need to address.
I can see it's uncomfortable for a woman to think of a man noticing her in a way it wouldn't be if the genders were reversed. It's easy to imagine why that would be the case. But we all notice other people all the time, and there's a sort of low-level, transitory sense of some people being more eye-catching than others. It doesn't really mean anything other than just that we have evolved that way. It would be a bit puritanical to pretend otherwise. I don't think he crosses the line that separates clocking someone from outright perving. He's careful to put it in context and I don't see any suggestion that - say - women should feel flattered by his noticing them, or that they should dress a certain way. It all seems pretty inoffensive.
But then I, another Gen X man, would say that, wouldn't I?
Anyway, he has apologised in comments to various reviews, which is good. I'm certainly not out to say the people who didn't like it are wrong to feel that way, but I don't agree with them about those passages and certainly don't see a reason to bin the whole book because of them.
Anyway, this kind of park run tier stuff is less awesome than, say, Scott Jurek's book, but that's OK, because I feel like he's talking about the kind of running I do, and not about some rarefied level of performance that I'll never be able to attain.
He talks about this and that, using running as a way into discussing parenthood and history and whatever else takes his interest, which is a good structure for a book to have. So it's all non-challenging, enjoyable thoughts to listen to while running.
I noticed some reviewers have found passages in the book a little creepy because one of his digressions is about the effects of running (and athleticism in general) on our basic, animal tendency to be attracted to other humans, and he uses his own experience of being momentarily attracted to other runners as examples of this. It's fair to say that he is hornier than I am as well as faster (it's the baldness again, you see: excess of testosterone) because I am usually too busy trying not to hyperventilate to notice other people's glistening lycra-clad flesh, but I don't think he's really out of order here. I tend to apply the test of reversing the genders to see if some sexist bullshit is occurring: have I read books in which women check out men in similar situations? Yes. Gay men checking out other men? Ha ha, oh god yes yes. Lesbians checking out other women? Again, yes. Fifty year old women checking out younger men? Struggling to think of one tbh, OK, you've got me there. Maybe middle aged women have other things on their mind, or maybe that's a gap in my reading i need to address.
I can see it's uncomfortable for a woman to think of a man noticing her in a way it wouldn't be if the genders were reversed. It's easy to imagine why that would be the case. But we all notice other people all the time, and there's a sort of low-level, transitory sense of some people being more eye-catching than others. It doesn't really mean anything other than just that we have evolved that way. It would be a bit puritanical to pretend otherwise. I don't think he crosses the line that separates clocking someone from outright perving. He's careful to put it in context and I don't see any suggestion that - say - women should feel flattered by his noticing them, or that they should dress a certain way. It all seems pretty inoffensive.
But then I, another Gen X man, would say that, wouldn't I?
Anyway, he has apologised in comments to various reviews, which is good. I'm certainly not out to say the people who didn't like it are wrong to feel that way, but I don't agree with them about those passages and certainly don't see a reason to bin the whole book because of them.
May 4, 2020
An honest and open look into the mindset of a likeminded person to myself. Running is my out. It has got me through hard times. It has guided me through intersections in life. Given me great strength and empowerment. I found as a runner i could understand and relate to Ians diary. I was never a numbers person for running. I just went out to enjoy the pace of the day, let the legs take the body how they felt fit that particular day. However yesterday on my half marathon distance run i realised i am the numbers person. I do notice my 2 min lag time, my speeds throughout the increment training. I don't compete against others ever, just myself. However this morning on a recovery run i found myself having a conversation with the 'running me', when seeing someone up ahead i just had to pass her. I had to push myself. Then that voice comes in. No don't do it, you will get an injury, you will blow your recovery. I found myself reflecting a lot on Ian's words. I even had a giggle from time to time at little arguments he had with himself.
I enjoyed the honesty most of all. Also the relationship he formed with his sons over the year.
I enjoyed the honesty most of all. Also the relationship he formed with his sons over the year.
June 5, 2023
This was a good book about running and had some good inspiring moments. I felt it was quite out of my league though - the author is in his 50th year and set himself the challenge of running 44 park runs and 6 half marathons (I think that was the numbers!). His 5k time is around 20mins and a lot of this was about the competitive nature of his running and his desire to constantly improve his time and how his sons would sometimes over take him! As a runner in my early 40s and a female struggling to break the 30min barrier again for a 5k and lacking motivation to do any great distance, you can probably see how this runner’s journey is worlds apart from my own. Having said that, there were similarities as there are for all of us who run, so there were useful snippets of information. Also, this Author is an historian and I have a fair few of his history books to read (which is how I came across his running book) and I liked that occasionally he referred to history. His voice is also very good for audio and so I will look forward to listening to his history books soon!
February 13, 2024
I downloaded this book because someone said it might be similar to Haruki Murakami's What I talk about when I talk about running (a beautiful, simple, HUMBLE account of what running means to someone and the effects of age). This did not live up to that. I feel the editor let the author down - the editor should've told the author that he comes across as quite insecure (certainly not ageing gracefully) - needing to regale the reader with the many triumphs he has over his sons (whether it be in running or chess) but, what's worse, disguising it as some virtuous attempt to actually lift his sons up. It was also repetitive: when he starts telling some story involving a son, I know what the ending will be (they will be beaten by this author desperately trying to hold on to his youth). I won't even discuss his views on female runners (that have been addressed by previous comments). To each their own, but, for me, this was not a pleasant read - which is a pity because I'm a running/parkrun nut!
July 24, 2025
The author seeks to draw a wide ranging set of life lessons from his experiences running the weekly "park run" (a popular weekly running event in the UK) with his sons. The blurb suggesting that the books can be described as a historian's taken on Murakami got me to pick up the book. Unfortunately, even as the author seeks to draw out lofty ideas from his running experiences (such as conviction, self respect etc.), the ideas appear to be forcibly drawn out, rather than organically developed. The main motivation behind running park runs, instead, appears to be for a middle aged runner wanting to show the world that he can - through his sheer determination and force of will - beat his teenage sons over - not just one but multiple 5k races! Sadly, the author has failed to grasp even the basics of what running, or indeed, a park run is all about. It is difficult to enjoy the book as a pure running book either since the author's running and endurance accomplishments are really quite limited.
May 1, 2023
Personally I found this book very much a curate's egg, some parts very engaging, others somewhat jarring , others just not for me.
I'm a regular runner but not in a competitive manner, more so for the physical and mental health benefits so when I saw this book on the shelf of my local library I was intrigued.
Ian Mortimer is clearly a skilled and committed runner and I enjoyed the reflections on why running was important to him and the key part it plays in his life.
The tendency to shoe horn a homily or life lesson into many chapters became tiresome for me and felt forced - I really don't think the book needed to be this quasi self help manual.
I agree with other reviewers who found the references to the bodies of young female runners unpleasant and I was surprised at (a) the author's judgement as a 50yrs old man to write these passages and not pause for thought to consider them as inappropriate and also (b) for this to have got through the editing process
I'm a regular runner but not in a competitive manner, more so for the physical and mental health benefits so when I saw this book on the shelf of my local library I was intrigued.
Ian Mortimer is clearly a skilled and committed runner and I enjoyed the reflections on why running was important to him and the key part it plays in his life.
The tendency to shoe horn a homily or life lesson into many chapters became tiresome for me and felt forced - I really don't think the book needed to be this quasi self help manual.
I agree with other reviewers who found the references to the bodies of young female runners unpleasant and I was surprised at (a) the author's judgement as a 50yrs old man to write these passages and not pause for thought to consider them as inappropriate and also (b) for this to have got through the editing process
September 15, 2024
A one year running memoir by the author detailing his progress via parkruns most weeks and various other distances. It took me a while to get into his perspective but once there, thoroughly enjoyed reading about his very personal experiences and reflections on his running.
Laugh out loud funny in many parts, warm and tender in others. Particularly when it comes to his family. Sons Alexander and Oliver regularly run with him, and boy is he a competitive Dad ;-). The thing is, it’s all done with love and affection and pride.
There are a number of memorable recollections from the year which make you realise the deeper meaning behind why people run, and a make you reassess your own running - why you do it etc.
Thoroughly enjoyable, this book was recommended highly by a running friend who told me he “couldn’t put it down”. I gave four stars as it started slow for me as I got used to his style and approach. Still a strong recommend from me.
Laugh out loud funny in many parts, warm and tender in others. Particularly when it comes to his family. Sons Alexander and Oliver regularly run with him, and boy is he a competitive Dad ;-). The thing is, it’s all done with love and affection and pride.
There are a number of memorable recollections from the year which make you realise the deeper meaning behind why people run, and a make you reassess your own running - why you do it etc.
Thoroughly enjoyable, this book was recommended highly by a running friend who told me he “couldn’t put it down”. I gave four stars as it started slow for me as I got used to his style and approach. Still a strong recommend from me.
May 25, 2021
Could not put this down once I got into it. It felt like an honest reflection of someone who loves running and yet does not always find it easy. Incredibly motivating to read of older runners who are often still doing very well when you look at their age grading. Has given me renewed energy for finally getting back into running. After time out following a hip operation (only just 40!), and an unresolved lack of movement that leads to lower back pain, I have been very disheartened and felt my running years were leaving me behind. Now I think anything could be possible with the right mindset and that Ian is right, I should try to remember the feeling of not being being able to run the next time my brain is trying to tell me I just don’t want to! If Ian can run some of the distances he did with so little training then I can break through the ‘eurgh I’m so unfit barrier’! :-)
October 12, 2022
As somebody who really enjoys the weekly event that is parkrun, this book really appealed to me, and I wasn't disappointed.
I bought the audiobook version so that I could listen to it whilst running, and it is clear that the author approaches his park run in a similar manner to what I do, always looking to set personal landmarks whilst partaking for the main reasons of community and fitness.
Having since checked Ian out on the official parkrun database I do note however that his volunteer credits are quite a low percentage of his overall runs. As somebody who looks to volunteer at each park run that I participate in, whether running or not, I would encourage him to try and get a view more under his belt. Perhaps a resolution for 2023? ;)
Great book, and really resonated with me!
4.5/5.0
I bought the audiobook version so that I could listen to it whilst running, and it is clear that the author approaches his park run in a similar manner to what I do, always looking to set personal landmarks whilst partaking for the main reasons of community and fitness.
Having since checked Ian out on the official parkrun database I do note however that his volunteer credits are quite a low percentage of his overall runs. As somebody who looks to volunteer at each park run that I participate in, whether running or not, I would encourage him to try and get a view more under his belt. Perhaps a resolution for 2023? ;)
Great book, and really resonated with me!
4.5/5.0
June 6, 2024
ця книжка схожа на марафон, спочатку йде дуже легко та гарно, але потім настає той 30й кілометр і вже дочитуєш щоб дочитати.
як людина, яка бігає, мені ця книжка одночасно сподобалась і не дуже: я очікувала більше історії та історій, а отримала персональний мемуар. я заздрю автору що в нього такі класні стосунки в родини, де вони насолоджуються бігом разом; я б теж хотіла щоб в нашій країні бігова культура досягла того рівня, де в багатьох містах проводяться щотижневі parkrun, а ще деякі інсайти та порівняння вийшли дуже влучні та зрозумілі.
але з іншого боку під кінець вже було трошки нудно і я не уявляю не-бігуна, який щиро зацікавиться бігом після прочитання цієї книги.
і насамкінець, чому ж біг має значення? з тієї самої причини, що має значення все інше - він дає відчуття сенсу та приналежності, от і вся історія.
як людина, яка бігає, мені ця книжка одночасно сподобалась і не дуже: я очікувала більше історії та історій, а отримала персональний мемуар. я заздрю автору що в нього такі класні стосунки в родини, де вони насолоджуються бігом разом; я б теж хотіла щоб в нашій країні бігова культура досягла того рівня, де в багатьох містах проводяться щотижневі parkrun, а ще деякі інсайти та порівняння вийшли дуже влучні та зрозумілі.
але з іншого боку під кінець вже було трошки нудно і я не уявляю не-бігуна, який щиро зацікавиться бігом після прочитання цієї книги.
і насамкінець, чому ж біг має значення? з тієї самої причини, що має значення все інше - він дає відчуття сенсу та приналежності, от і вся історія.
June 21, 2024
A funny kind of book where I could give some chapters five stars while others should have been axed from the book entirely. Lots of Ian's ruminations on running, meaning, and inspiration, are really enjoyable and relatable. There is a fair bit of repetition, but a diary format book about running is probably destined to be. However there are some bizarre detours into the sexualisation of female runners which were jarring, distasteful, and gave me great pause not only as to how Ian thought it was a good idea to write them down at all but how it made it through the editing and publishing process to end up in the finished book without someone saying nope. Why you gotta make it weird.
June 1, 2025
What’s not to love a book about a book on parkruns and half marathons … well a bit tbh. The author and I run for very different reasons and the obsession and analysis in times, places, wava rating wasn’t my thing. I much preferred the personal stories. I did find myself shaking my head at some comments, I feel the philosophy of parkrun is a little different to his interpretation, although as this was written 8 years ago both may have developed. Also I can’t believe someone would do a 20 mile run without a drink. Perhaps best not to use this as a training manual! However there are nice parts to the book and it was generally an enjoyable read.
April 28, 2019
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book but I actually found myself keen to get back it and keen to get out running after reading it. There were parts where I felt we didn't need to know the author's full thoughts as he raced behind woman in figure hugging leggings and as other reviewers have said maybe it is a bit weighted towards the male achievements. However, I would certainly read more by Ian Mortimer and may now try a parkrun or two!
May 8, 2019
This is more than just about running. It gives nice little historical snippets- the history of numbers, the history of running to name a couple that interested me. It's also philosophical- looking at life affirming issues, family values, what motivates us. I'm not sure it would encourage a non- runner to give it a go and having been feeling quite optimistic about my first half marathon I'm now veering more towards apprehensive, but it was a good read.
June 7, 2021
If there’s one thing this book has encouraged me to do it’s to actually attend a parkrun! I relished in the bond between father and son and loved hearing about the competitiveness between father and son from a father’s perspective. If there’s one thing that could’ve been reiterated (more so for the sake of the average runner) is that no matter how slow or fast you run you’re still beating those on the couch! :)
January 9, 2022
2.5 stars. It was a running book and that's all one could say about it. I found that I didn't care all that much about Ian's near obsession about the paces and age rankings and his vocal defense of competitiveness and his need to win and pass others in a race. There were some moments one could identify with as a runner : the small joys but a lot of his expositions about aging and marriage didn't make any sense. I'm not even mentioning his anachronistic views on certain issues. Overall just meh.
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