Running Kind: Because running doesn't have to hurt

by Christine Stovell

Christine Stovell didn’t think she was the running kind. Running, she believed, was for elite athletes and hardcore fitness freaks. Then, after causing a local scandal, she found herself hiding in her parents' loft with her two young daughters and decided to try running as a means of escape. That attempt ended so painfully it was four years before she felt brave enough to try another run.

Christine's story takes her from running scared to running half marathons. In twenty years, she’s run through sad, bad and good times and dealt with everything from territorial pheasants to scary loos. Above all, she’s discovered not only that running doesn’t have to hurt, but that it has a great capacity to heal.

If you’ve ever been tempted to try running but think it isn’t for you, Christine’s experience might just convince you that you too can become the running kind.

Genres: Nonfiction

121 pages, ebook

Published April 16, 2019

About the author

Setting sail, with her husband, from a sleepy seaside resort in a vintage wooden boat provided Christine Stovell with the inspiration for her ‘Little Spitmarsh’ series of novels, but never cured her seasickness although she continues to sail.
Christine lives on the beautiful west Wales coast where long-distance running helps her plan her plots and inspired her to write her running guide, 'Running Kind'. Half marathons, she thinks, especially when the going gets tough, are like the writing process; both begin with small steps.
As well as writing long and short contemporary fiction and poetry, Christine has written features for various magazines and is a regular contributor to The English Home magazine.

Reviews

[Clare Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful, original and inspiring book! I’ve been interested in running for a while and have had several false starts. (I have apps but don’t keep up with the schedule, and I tend to feel like a twit, most of the time!) Christine Stovell makes you realise it’s fine to go at your own pace and see what happens. As she says, you just need to ‘take one step and then another’. It feels as though Running Kind has a double meaning – Stovell encourages you to be kind to yourself and her whole approach fits with that word too. The content is a wonderful mix of tips and personal experiences directly related to the physical process of running, coupled with compelling accounts of Christine Stovell’s own running journey. The book is atmospheric, moving, funny and touching – a fantastic, engaging read in its own right, as well as a great resource for anyone who wants to run but has been put off for whatever reason. It’s filled me with the urge to get out there with a fresh mindset.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Stovell is an inspiration - respect!

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Kind by Christine Stovell has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

The honesty in this book will leave you smiling, laughing at times and emotional. Ms Stovell paints an honest account of the joys and pains of running. It is an inspirational story for everyone and demonstrates no matter what life throws at you, you can find a way back.

Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Award

[Chloé Panayiotou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to run but had to stop for a while. I have been trying for a while to start again but couldn’t find the motivation I needed for that. This book helped me see running differently. I am now ready to put myself out there and run for pleasure!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life affirming, joyous ode to the power of running! From a writer who was for many years a member of my running club. A very honest account of the highs, lows and transformational effects running can have on our sense of selves.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, light read about a half marathoner's journey to fourteen marathons. Nothing earth shattering, but felt like a lovely conversation with a running buddy. Stovell is in West Wales so I've never run the races she has, but I enjoyed getting to know them through her recaps.

[Sarah Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice read, some lovely story telling but just a bit repetitive in some points ended up skim reading as a result.

Good if you have an upcoming race and want an extra little pep talk - feee on kindle unlimited.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into running for everone

Some lovely stories but most of all the encouragement not to fret when you can't train. Looking after your body is so important xx

[Gurpreet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but nice

Short but really nicely written book. Plenty of tips for beginners, and great stories for everyone! Would recommend it's a good book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like chatting to an old friend, this is a lovely book.

[Hayley Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed. Although I’m even more eager to be back running. But I’m working out in other ways and still trying to get a physio app. Full review to come.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming

A thoroughly enjoyable, amusing and heart-warming read.
Absolutely inspiring for those just starting their journey to become 'the running kind'.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t bother. Plenty of other running books out there that are way better. Gave it 3 stars for effort as she is an older runner - and that needs encouraging!

[Caroline James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read!

All credit to the author for this very inspiring read (especially chapter ten). Have dusted off my trainers and done as advised - one foot in front of the other. Well written and packed with sensible and encouraging words.