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I Hate Running and You Can Too: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion
BRENDAN LEONARD HATES RUNNING. He hates it so much that he once logged fifty-two marathon-length runs in fifty-two weeks. Now he’s sharing everything he’s learned about the sport so that you can hate it too.
Packed with wisdom, humor, attitude, tips, and quotes—and more than sixty illuminating charts— I Hate Running and You Can Too delivers a powerful message of motivation from a truly relatable mentor.
Leonard nails the love-hate relationship most runners have with the sport. He knows the difficulty of getting off the couch, teaches us to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, embraces the mix of running with walking. And he shares all that he’s learned—celebrating the mantra of “Easy, light, smooth, and fast,” observing that any body that runs is a runner’s body.
Plus Leonard knows all the practical stuff, from training methods to advice for when you hit a setback or get injured. Even the answer to that big question a lot of runners occasionally Why? Running helps us understand commitment, develop patience, discover self-discipline, find mental toughness, and prove to ourselves that we can do something demanding. And, of course, burn off that extra serving of nachos.
Packed with wisdom, humor, attitude, tips, and quotes—and more than sixty illuminating charts— I Hate Running and You Can Too delivers a powerful message of motivation from a truly relatable mentor.
Leonard nails the love-hate relationship most runners have with the sport. He knows the difficulty of getting off the couch, teaches us to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, embraces the mix of running with walking. And he shares all that he’s learned—celebrating the mantra of “Easy, light, smooth, and fast,” observing that any body that runs is a runner’s body.
Plus Leonard knows all the practical stuff, from training methods to advice for when you hit a setback or get injured. Even the answer to that big question a lot of runners occasionally Why? Running helps us understand commitment, develop patience, discover self-discipline, find mental toughness, and prove to ourselves that we can do something demanding. And, of course, burn off that extra serving of nachos.
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2021
173 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Brendan Leonard
35 books422 followersBrendan Leonard is the creator of Semi-Rad.com and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Outside, CNN.com, Adventure Journal, Alpinist, Climbing, High Country News, Adventure Cyclist, and dozens of other publications. He lives in Missoula, Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
February 5, 2021
Next to me is a page of notes that have nothing to do with running, but everything to do with successful outcomes. Every piece of sage advice I scrawled on this torn sheet of paper is from I Hate Running and You Can Too, which, by the way, is the most approachable book on running I've encountered. Because of the wisdom imparted by Brendan Leonard, I stayed on the treadmill longer, went for the extra mile, and mentally challenged myself to quit my whining and complete the task because we are all our own worst enemies. If we don't admit that, we don't break the cycle.
The witty realism of Leonard's style is like having your best friend in your ear. The tone is encouraging, but also, he's not about to take your BS. What's especially nice are the "hang on the wall" quotes like "The pursuit of passion matters more than the passion itself" and "You have to be the person you don't let down". This is the kind of book you keep and re-read when you need to reboot and find your rhythm again. It is printed motivation that should be displayed, gifted, and pushed upon anyone who needs to get themselves started. Look, I may be laying it on thick here, but reading this book has the potential to be life-altering. And I'm going to go for a run now because I'm out of excuses and maybe, just maybe, I don't hate running as much as I thought.
The witty realism of Leonard's style is like having your best friend in your ear. The tone is encouraging, but also, he's not about to take your BS. What's especially nice are the "hang on the wall" quotes like "The pursuit of passion matters more than the passion itself" and "You have to be the person you don't let down". This is the kind of book you keep and re-read when you need to reboot and find your rhythm again. It is printed motivation that should be displayed, gifted, and pushed upon anyone who needs to get themselves started. Look, I may be laying it on thick here, but reading this book has the potential to be life-altering. And I'm going to go for a run now because I'm out of excuses and maybe, just maybe, I don't hate running as much as I thought.
January 29, 2022
This is a tiny, fun book that not only makes fun of our ridiculous sport but is oddly motivational. Filled with quotes from the who's who of running, Leonard reminds us of the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other and the mammoth effort it takes to continue putting one foot in front of the other. He makes fun of our many ways of avoiding the discomfort of it all and the small things that make us continue pursuing those finish lines. It has pages and pages of meme-like pics, pie graphs, venn diagrams, flow charts and tables which simply illustrate the humour of his ideas.
Definitely worth the time to read. Although I spent that time sitting on the couch, I think I'll consider that book 'training' for my next race.
My favourite quotes:
Definitely worth the time to read. Although I spent that time sitting on the couch, I think I'll consider that book 'training' for my next race.
My favourite quotes:
"Question #1 - Do you run?
If you can answer yes to all these questions, you are without a doubt a real runner."
Alistair Jones
"Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit"
Dr George Sheehan
August 19, 2022
This book is sly. With disarming humor and graphics as insightful as they are simple, this is a primer on how to progress as a runner -- from couch potato to once a week jogger, to daily runner, to 5K racer, to regular long race participant, to ultramarathoner.
But that's not what it's really about. Really this book is a motivational speech for any personal growth that requires sustained effort and ephemeral rewards. It is a book about how to make a quilt, how to grow a garden, how to become a skilled baker, how to write a novel.
A quick read, and a delight.
But that's not what it's really about. Really this book is a motivational speech for any personal growth that requires sustained effort and ephemeral rewards. It is a book about how to make a quilt, how to grow a garden, how to become a skilled baker, how to write a novel.
A quick read, and a delight.
March 22, 2021
I loved this little book! Encouraging, accessible, and funny. It's not a book that will tell you exactly what to eat or how to run the farthest or fastest - which is perfect, because I don't really care about that. Instead, Brendan encourages you to just start, and keep with it - however you can. Mixing walking with running? All good. Eating? Whatever works for you. How far should you go? Whatever distance will keep you doing it, rather than overwhelming you. And if you find that you kind of hate but also kind of love running...welcome to the club.
P.S. Possibly my favorite part of this book is that there is only one line about weight loss ("burning off that plate of nachos") in the whole thing, which makes it one of those very, very rare exercise/motivation books that are safe for the disordered/eating disorder recovery community.
P.S. Possibly my favorite part of this book is that there is only one line about weight loss ("burning off that plate of nachos") in the whole thing, which makes it one of those very, very rare exercise/motivation books that are safe for the disordered/eating disorder recovery community.
April 9, 2021
So beautifully put all my thoughts and feelings about running into words, charts, and graphics. Highly recommend for any and all runners or aspiring runners!
March 12, 2023
I read this in one sitting and loved it! It felt like a really healthy reminder that everyone who runs/jogs/runs some and walks more is a “good runner”. The author did a really good job of talking about running in a way that felt approachable and achievable and not gatekeep-y. Thanks @austin for the rec and letting me borrow!
My favorite quote: “Here's a good saying to remind yourself: Any body that runs is a runner's body. If you run enough days per year, you'll see all shapes and sizes of people out running too, wearing all kinds of clothing, from top-of-the-line running gear to old cotton T-shirts and basketball shorts. We're all runners and we're all trying to improve just a little bit on the person we were yesterday, or last month, or last year.”
My favorite quote: “Here's a good saying to remind yourself: Any body that runs is a runner's body. If you run enough days per year, you'll see all shapes and sizes of people out running too, wearing all kinds of clothing, from top-of-the-line running gear to old cotton T-shirts and basketball shorts. We're all runners and we're all trying to improve just a little bit on the person we were yesterday, or last month, or last year.”
November 4, 2024
We love a book with graphics and humor. This book Austin and Em told me to read when I made the goal of wanting to “enjoy” running again. Such great reminders and mantras about running. Loved the tid bits on how we set our own goals, we have to motivate ourselves bc it’ll never be the “right time” and also how we don’t have to run to win- but rather we get to run to move our bodies. Loved loved loved
QOTB: “If you run, you’re a runner”
QOTB: “If you run, you’re a runner”
February 5, 2024
Fantastic!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
I bought this book because of the title because when I saw it I shouted "hey that's me!"
As did I around 80 times while reading this book, when Leonard wrote stuff like "running isn't fun", "I want to run but it rains" or "I really would go for a run, if I just had the time for it".
I really like these type of books, that gets your ass kicked for specific topics and also for life in general.
The better when it is written in such an humerous style like Leonard did.
This Book and a good running app really made me get my ass up and run now for several weeks, with a diffrent mindset and believe it or not...fun while running!
I bought this book because of the title because when I saw it I shouted "hey that's me!"
As did I around 80 times while reading this book, when Leonard wrote stuff like "running isn't fun", "I want to run but it rains" or "I really would go for a run, if I just had the time for it".
I really like these type of books, that gets your ass kicked for specific topics and also for life in general.
The better when it is written in such an humerous style like Leonard did.
This Book and a good running app really made me get my ass up and run now for several weeks, with a diffrent mindset and believe it or not...fun while running!
June 10, 2022
I was a runner for 31 years. Not a very good one. If I could I would still be running 5-7 days a week. During my time as a not very good runner I often said that all runners are crazy. I haven't changed my mind. Also, almost all runners are really funny. This author is both. If you run, read this short book. If you don't run, read it anyway. You might be surprised.
May 31, 2022
Много приятна, сбита книга за тичането. Няма да те научи как точно да станеш най-великият маратонец, но пък дава нагледно как може да мразиш тичането (дори и ние, които тичаме не го харесваме), но да го практикуваш. Един по-различен поглед върху разбирането и нагласата на хората към тичането.
October 7, 2023
Encouraging, hilarious, and helpful.
May 3, 2021
A quick and delightful read that really helps you get out of your head and out on a run. The charts are great and the humor hits at the right moments. Read this along with Running Like a Girl, and Running with a Police Escort: Tales from the Back of the Pack for maximum inspiration.
February 1, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a PRC of I Hate Running and You Can Too. The author of this little book doesn't really hate running. As a long time runner, he has a love/hate relationship with running, like so many of us. This is a fun, breezy read for anyone who runs or wants to run...or should be running. The author is a seasoned runner who knows his subject well. The book is illustrated with fun graphics that help emphasize his points. This is probably one of the most enjoyable books about running that I've ever read!
October 23, 2023
Sometimes, I think about padding my reviews. I think "I could say the same thing once, or twice, or three times, or five times." But no matter how many times I pad it, I know I've written once more, twice more, three times more, five times more than the guy who didn't pad it at all.
Terrible, terrible book. Should've been a pamphlet. One star.
Terrible, terrible book. Should've been a pamphlet. One star.
June 4, 2021
Knocked this book out in one day. It's short and sweet, but it packs a punch. Lots of great wisdom in here, both about running and about life in general.
June 15, 2021
Didn't expect to finish this book in less than three hours, but I raced it till the end. It's a fun book, but as the description says "Everything you need to know to start - or just explain - your running habit. With charts" it's exactly that. Funny little books, nice charts and a lot of very good explanations that you could give people when they ask why you run, a lot.
May 20, 2022
10% mildly inspiring, 90% completely unhelpful but all and all cute book
July 10, 2022
Lighthearted book about running.
May 9, 2024
such a cutie little book, highly recommend for any runners-that-feel-like-they’re-not-‘runners’
April 15, 2025
Very fun, heartwarming, encouraging
February 14, 2024
It was not extremely profound but did help me see things in a different way. I will remember some of the points for a long time to come!
August 24, 2025
Entertaining and good for a couple chuckles. Quick and easy read. Would recommended to anyone thinking about getting into running.
January 2, 2026
easy read, fun graphics, slightly comical. not just inspiration, but getting to the facts, too.
June 6, 2022
This little book is great! It made me laugh, taught me a few things and made me realize that I'm a runner no matter whether I always feel like one or not :) I needed this read.
March 11, 2023
Loved this, done in an afternoon. I can get behind everything Leonard says about encouraging folks to get into running by tackling unhealthy stereotypes. The visual aids were actually so helpful to the points he was making. Must read for all my running/jogging/sprinting/walking friends.
October 5, 2024
Great read! Perfect for runners and non-runners who are interested in getting started
February 23, 2024
Cute lil motivation book for running and the philosophy of to go with it for anyone starting to run or doing ultras
January 29, 2023
Hilarious and very motivating
April 22, 2021
A fast read about something I love and often don't like.
April 17, 2021
So many truths in this book. Running is about our own personal goals and journeys. Can we beat ourselves?
Regardless, this book made me go for a run in the rain yesterday 😫🏃🏻♀️
Regardless, this book made me go for a run in the rain yesterday 😫🏃🏻♀️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews