I Can Run

by Amy Lane

I CAN RUN is not a running book for ‘runners’ – it’s the must-have running book for every woman who has ever experienced a moment of defeatism and had the little voice in their head make the excuse, ‘I can’t run’. In 12 chapters, you will discover that you can. You will dig deep to find your inner athlete. You’ll learn how to train smart, recover well, sync your runs to your menstrual cycle and fuel right. I CAN RUN will ensure you never again wait until you’re thin enough, fast enough, athletic enough, whatever-next enough to call yourself a runner, because if you put one foot in front of the other, repeatedly, you are a runner.

I CAN RUN recognises that this is hard and that committing to consistent training is often more of an accomplishment than the 10KM, half marathon or marathon race itself. You will find comfort and encouragement in Amy’s experience of cramps, chafing and the occasional little sick, while learning from leading experts about how to set yourself up for success and get the very best from your runs both physically and mentally.

This book is real talk about the keys to going well far. We’re all in it for the long run, together. We CAN do this!

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2020

About the author

Amy Lane is host of iTunes featured podcast Well Far (more than 250K downloads) and digital editor of Women's Health UK. She's a qualified fitness expert and regarded as one of the most influential editors in health and wellness. When not podcasting or editing, Amy regularly speaks at health and fitness events and can be found sharing insight into healthy living via Instagram @Wellness_Ed (55K followers). She has been featured by the Telegraph, Get The Gloss, Elle, Popsugar, The Times and Esquire and is passionate about inspiring women everywhere to fall in love with fitness, for mental and physical boons.

Amy lives in London with her husband Ted.

Reviews

[Amy Lane]

Kudos to the author for making running a part of her life--I'd just like to say to my own readers that I didn't write this book, and it's not a romance. To the other Amy Lane--bless you, honey, I hope you get mad sales.

On a related note, if anyone can get this book off my book page, I think both Amy Lane the runner and Amy Lane the romance novelist would be very, very grateful.

[Melissa Riley]

This was skewed toward a UK running view, (E.g. how to run when its really cold) which isn't particularly useful to someone with the complete opposite issue haha. It is aimed at getting women to get over certain hurdles to get into running. I'm not sure how effective it was for me as a reader BUT there were some great anecdotes from different running experts. My favourite was from a trans woman in chapter 8 or 9.

[Dawn Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but didn't love it as much as I hoped I would. It felt more targeted towards a serious runner than a recreational runner. Some of it was interesting but it didn't inspire me at my level. There was also a whole chapter relating to your monthly cycle and it's affect on running with no mention of perimenopause and beyond.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong and empowering start.
The first 50% was helpful and engaging.
Final 50% felt like it focused primarily on marathons.
By the end, I wasn't engaging in it as it wasn't relevant to where I was in my running journey.

It felt like the author ran out of things to write about, and the publisher demanded more. The chapters "See you at the start line" and "training plans" were irrelevant to me.

Personally, I found the mini-interviews with people that were scattered throughout the book to be unnecessary.

I guess I'm unsure who the target audience for this book was. The first half of the book was running 101 with the basics. Then suddenly, all she talks about is marathons. Is this book for someone starting out running or an experienced runner? Having it be both means that half the book will likely always be irrelevant to someone.

Finally, yes, you did the London Marathon. We get it.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is v focussed on those that want to run to join races etc. and assumes a level of interest eg in gym going which limits the appeal. A lot about disordered eating and behaviour. Some helpful points about getting going for beginners. Didn’t enjoy the interviews with other people, little of which was about the central premise.

[justreadingforthesoul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I class myself as a novice runner. I run 5k 3 times a week. This book is ideal for someone at that stage. It’s full of information about wearing the correct footwear, clothing, nutrition, injuries as well as training plans. Each chapter includes interesting stories from other runners and cover a range of issues. This is a really well thought out book that would be beneficial to any runner.

[Katy Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this book are really useful and belong in a book about running, but I felt like there was a lot of padding going on and diving into vaguely running related problem subjects that were only going to affect a minority of runners. Somehow it felt more like an autobiography for the author than a guide to running which wasn’t uninteresting, but also wasn’t really what I wanted from the book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was perfect for what I needed - I, like a lot of people I imagine, signed up to a 10k without any running experience, and then panicked! Great book that covers the fundamentals of running and how to get to doing a goal such as a race or target length. A good accompaniment alongside Couch to 5k etc.

[Kerri Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book to help get my running mojo back. Really enjoyed the layout of the book with having the authors experience in certain topics, as well as professionals opinions and inspiring interviews with real life runners. Would definitely recommend!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book. A good motivational tool. Some sections though weren't useful because they were solely aimed at female runners. Still worth a read.

[Charlie Lavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has taken me on such a journey, but loved it! Very empowering and makes me want to not give up. Also Intrresting to learn more about womanhood and running and how they match up.

[Anne Macnamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Amy’s Well Far podcast and enjoyed the book. Useful running tips, ideas and inspiration along with expert interviews.

[Kirsten W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both practical and inspiring for runners at any stage of their journey!

[Charlene Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring but nothing new.

[Jane Ventisei · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read for the underconfident female runner. Some good practical advice and interesting interviews.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book… loads of great advise, some really inspiring interviews and funny relatable quotes!

[Charlotte Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the interviews with people and it was really interesting to see the sport from different angles.

[Sarin Delahunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible guide to running whatever distance! Will definitely pick up and read again.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and enjoyable read that got me motivated to put my running shoes!

[Esme Loasby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Amy’s story really opens up the possibility of running to everyone. She covers all aspects that surround the sport too. Really informative.

[Julie McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book - not only about running but also workouts,nutrition, feminism and empowering women! Loved it and would recommend!