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Running Outside the Comfort Zone Lib/E: An Explorer's Guide to the Edges of Running
★★★★★ "I laughed, I cried and I was 100% re-inspired to stick with my own personal fitness goals" Running Outside the Comfort Zone uncovers the brash, bold, and very human sides of running, and along the way Susan Lacke rekindles her own crush on America’s favorite all-comers sport. Running offers much more than road racing! After a decade of writing about running, sports columnist Susan Lacke found herself in a serious running rut. The runners around her seemed to be thriving, setting goals, and having fun, but her own interest in running was lackluster. Seeking to reengage with the sport she once loved, Lacke spends a year exploring running in its many shapes and forms, taking on running challenges that scare her, push her, and downright embarrass her. From races with giant cheese wheels to a regional wife-carrying competition, a naked 5K to climbing the dark stairwells of the Empire State Building, Lacke’s brave forays and misadventures are chronicled in wondrous and funny stories.
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Published April 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 10, 2019
After being in a bit of a slump after finishing a marathon in all 50 states last year, Susan’s stories are exactly the motivation I needed to get excited about training for my next marathon.
July 5, 2019
This book was really fun and funny; I liked the author's voice. I think everyday runners will really enjoy this!
May 15, 2025
Fun quick read. Time to start doing fun races 🏃🏽♂️
February 3, 2025
Listening to someone talk about running while you yourself run is a lot of fun. If you haven't yet tried it, you're missing out.
Susan Lacke was disillusioned with running after an injury precluded her from running a marathon she'd hoped would qualify her for Boston. She began to wonder "am I actually a runner? What's the point?" Luckily, she wondered this aloud to her coach, who reminded her you don't have to run marathons to be a runner. In response, Lacke signed up for several unique races over the course of 12 months, and used this adventure as a springboard to write another book.
The races Lacke describe are indeed unusual: racing up to the top of the Empire State Building, racing a wheel of cheese down an English hill, ultra marathons out west and in South Africa, wife-carrying obstacle courses, costumed coffin running. By the end of her year, Lacke realizes being a runner has little to do with finishing times or training loads. It's a mindset and a love of the sport.
While I found parts of this book very good, I also grew frustrated. At times it veered way too far into memoir territory, she padded the book with multiple silly lists, and she spends an uncomfortable amount of time gushing over the actor Patrick Wilson. Plus, despite having made a career out of writing, her writing style was a little rough. Writing 101 is to be simple when relaying conversation. "He said/she said/they said" should be used. Lacke missed that day in school, because people are constantly exclaiming/interjecting/hollering/whatever other word instead of SAYING. Some people can just SAY things, Lacke!! Whew, okay, glad I got this off my chest.
So, yea, a cute book, but definitely flawed. Let's just say I wasn't bent out of shape when a truck rumbled by and drowned out Lacke's voice for a beat.
Susan Lacke was disillusioned with running after an injury precluded her from running a marathon she'd hoped would qualify her for Boston. She began to wonder "am I actually a runner? What's the point?" Luckily, she wondered this aloud to her coach, who reminded her you don't have to run marathons to be a runner. In response, Lacke signed up for several unique races over the course of 12 months, and used this adventure as a springboard to write another book.
The races Lacke describe are indeed unusual: racing up to the top of the Empire State Building, racing a wheel of cheese down an English hill, ultra marathons out west and in South Africa, wife-carrying obstacle courses, costumed coffin running. By the end of her year, Lacke realizes being a runner has little to do with finishing times or training loads. It's a mindset and a love of the sport.
While I found parts of this book very good, I also grew frustrated. At times it veered way too far into memoir territory, she padded the book with multiple silly lists, and she spends an uncomfortable amount of time gushing over the actor Patrick Wilson. Plus, despite having made a career out of writing, her writing style was a little rough. Writing 101 is to be simple when relaying conversation. "He said/she said/they said" should be used. Lacke missed that day in school, because people are constantly exclaiming/interjecting/hollering/whatever other word instead of SAYING. Some people can just SAY things, Lacke!! Whew, okay, glad I got this off my chest.
So, yea, a cute book, but definitely flawed. Let's just say I wasn't bent out of shape when a truck rumbled by and drowned out Lacke's voice for a beat.
April 18, 2024
Loved this book and found it to be a very inspiring read as a fellow runner!
September 22, 2019
I loved this book. It was so well written and as someone coming back to running after many years away from it, it made me feel welcome in a sport/athletic activity that can seem intimidating and closed off. I definitely would like to some of these races one day, and her rediscovering her joy of running was contagious and has me super stoked for my next run with my pooch!
August 3, 2024
Holy moly I had a few surprise tears reading this book. Friends, read this. I need to be re-inspired by some "That's a terrible idea. What time?" buddies.
P.S read her first one too.
P.S read her first one too.
April 24, 2019
I really, really loved this book. Impulse purchase at Barnes & Noble a couple of weeks ago and then when I got to it, I couldn't put it down. Lacke is a great storyteller even if some of her stories are wonderfully bananas.
After hitting a running rut, Lacke decided to spend a year doing new and different races to her. These included a naked 5K, ultras, running up a ski jump and more. While I personally never want to do any of these, she made me want to do these along side her. From the iconic (Drake Relays) to a trail run on Phoenix's South Mountain to reconnect with her mentor following his death, traveling with Lacke is fun. She mixes her run stories with bits of humor including a tag cloud of all the synonyms for falling: giving the trail a kiss may be my personal favorite.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
After hitting a running rut, Lacke decided to spend a year doing new and different races to her. These included a naked 5K, ultras, running up a ski jump and more. While I personally never want to do any of these, she made me want to do these along side her. From the iconic (Drake Relays) to a trail run on Phoenix's South Mountain to reconnect with her mentor following his death, traveling with Lacke is fun. She mixes her run stories with bits of humor including a tag cloud of all the synonyms for falling: giving the trail a kiss may be my personal favorite.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
March 18, 2019
I received an advance copy of this book to review, and I really enjoyed it from start to end. Lacke brings the reader along on a wide variety of adventures, and she doesn't hold back in sharing both her fear and her joy as she tackles everything from seemingly silly group races to intense, life-changing ultra runs. You might learn a thing or two about the running community -- or yourself -- but there's zero doubt you'll get some good laughs (and maybe even shed a tear) out of this book. And yes, it's about running, but there's a lot in there that will appeal to non-runners as well, so don't be shy about picking it up. After all, who wouldn't want to know what it's *really* like to roll down a giant hill after a wheel of cheese or run a 5k in the nude?
September 22, 2022
Safe to say this book got me crying by the end. It was what I needed to hear. End of the day there’s no magical secret or perfect number to running. We all have running inside of us. Just up to us to embrace it. Through her words I was reminded of the pure joy and release I would feel when running. And that alone is worth it.
March 29, 2022
3.5. Solid, cute read about believing you are enough and that you should enjoy what you do.
June 12, 2021
The balance of the book is harmonious that originates from its pitfalls to feeling great. The author was able to pull the layer that held her over the edge for years and moves with such awe to keep her solidified to reach her goals. Autor has shared a funny-chatty experience with her readers.
She has made it clear by facing her disability and challenging herself to move ahead. Her shortcomings brought her failures with attained atmosphere and her efforts to stay put. The biggest challenge in her life is her hearing aid that brought shortcomings anywhere. Yet, the great challenge was getting out of the comfort zone. It does not have any format or specifics to follow to free from restrains, it's to challenge inner-self to step up with nerve-wracking brains about happenings and defeat yourself by performing the act.
It's all about getting up after hitting the down-falls. Learning comes after we make mistakes and improve ourselves. This determination of the Author has made me determined of following certain things as she did. The book is beautifully presentable for all the readers despite being non-runners or a pro when it comes to running. It's a delightful experience to understand the journey of getting outside the comfort zone isn't just as easy as it looks, it needs courage, determination, and focus is what diluted into the act.
She has made it clear by facing her disability and challenging herself to move ahead. Her shortcomings brought her failures with attained atmosphere and her efforts to stay put. The biggest challenge in her life is her hearing aid that brought shortcomings anywhere. Yet, the great challenge was getting out of the comfort zone. It does not have any format or specifics to follow to free from restrains, it's to challenge inner-self to step up with nerve-wracking brains about happenings and defeat yourself by performing the act.
It's all about getting up after hitting the down-falls. Learning comes after we make mistakes and improve ourselves. This determination of the Author has made me determined of following certain things as she did. The book is beautifully presentable for all the readers despite being non-runners or a pro when it comes to running. It's a delightful experience to understand the journey of getting outside the comfort zone isn't just as easy as it looks, it needs courage, determination, and focus is what diluted into the act.
July 26, 2019
This is a very entertaining book about running. The author is an average runner and finds fun and adventure in running! It's not all about the numbers. It's okay to be different. Outside the comfort zone includes all sorts of different runs. Runs like the Grand Canyon, Empire State, Bay to Breakers, Comrades, nude 5k, downhill cheese run, wife caring run, etc.
There is nothing here about training plans. There is advice here about good running partners. Advice about race sign-up: wait 24 hours after a race finish, not while drunk, etc.
Think of this as a collection of light, humorous stories about the author's adventures while running.
I listened to the audio book version on Hoopla and the reader did a great job of reading in character and with tone and accents.
There is nothing here about training plans. There is advice here about good running partners. Advice about race sign-up: wait 24 hours after a race finish, not while drunk, etc.
Think of this as a collection of light, humorous stories about the author's adventures while running.
I listened to the audio book version on Hoopla and the reader did a great job of reading in character and with tone and accents.
November 12, 2019
Susan Lacke is a wonderful writer. I always enjoy her writing and this book was no exception. I found the book inspiring, but I feel the need to add a caution here. Susan reveals that she suffers from asthma, and in an early chapter she jokes about her asthma with her husband, saying that she "could die" from the extreme race she signed up for. It would be funny, except it's not. Asthma is not something to joke about. The reality is, asthma does kill (and often with little provocation). I admire Ms. Lacke for not letting her illness hold her back (kudos!), however, I really wish she would take her condition more seriously and learn what not to do. For example, running in a dust storm is probably a really bad choice (and yes, could be fatal).
December 15, 2019
Right from the beginning of the book it is clear that Susan’s writing exudes a raw authenticity in how she presents herself and her own journey in running. While this and other running books have been super inspiring, I feel like I’ve been able to connect on a different level with this particular book. One of the questions that Susan asks herself is, “am I a real runner?” This question is one that I many of use fellow runners grapple with. Our digitally connected society makes it so easy to compare our own abilities and bodies with those around us and frankly the majority of us will always be able to find someone better than ourselves…
Keep reading 👉
Keep reading 👉
November 7, 2023
Only negative was that the book ended! I could have listened for a few more hours of her interesting running adventures. Some other running memoir type books try too hard to be funny and before you're halfway through the book, you're over it. But this just felt like I was listening to a genuine friend who doesn't force being funny at times - she just is. I was very close to backing out of my second marathon this week due to a huge loss of motivation and sheer hatred of the cold. But now, I think I will see this race through. Really inspiring read and I highly recommend!
November 19, 2023
This book is fine, I guess. Despite claiming to be someone who struggles with running, the writer ran and wrote about two ultras she completed AND a runs down, across, and up the Grand Canyon but never discussed any of the pain or struggle of a race like those. Everything in the book seemed…easy. Including getting in and traveling to races all over the world. This book is coming from a place of immense privilege, and it became increasingly annoying that the writer did not acknowledge that or even seem to be aware of it. I honestly don’t know if I would recommend this book to anyone.
March 21, 2021
Regardless of if you like running or have ever gone out to try running, and especially if you have written off running - this is a fantastic book! If you need something really funny, a little motivational, and are tired of taking everything so seriously, pick this book up.
Her stories are well written. You feel like she would be an awesome best friend. It’s sad to relate to how she feels even if you have never owned a pair of sneakers.
Her stories are well written. You feel like she would be an awesome best friend. It’s sad to relate to how she feels even if you have never owned a pair of sneakers.
May 28, 2022
Susan is pretty hilarious. I found myself completely relating to her drive. I loved that she found the most interesting, weird races to participate in and through that found her love of running again after getting into a running rut. Ruts happen. Burnout happens. You have to mix it up and make it interesting. I think Susan is pretty amazing with all she has accomplished. This was an interesting read.
January 26, 2023
This book wasn’t at all what I expected. Lacke shares a year’s worth of running adventures all chosen because they pushed her out of her comfort zone. Beyond that, she shares the wisdom of one who’s conquered many battles.
ROtCZ isn’t earth-shattering - it’s irreverent, funny, and a great reminder that sometimes the greatest homage we can pay to others (or to ourselves for that matter), is having a damn good time.
ROtCZ isn’t earth-shattering - it’s irreverent, funny, and a great reminder that sometimes the greatest homage we can pay to others (or to ourselves for that matter), is having a damn good time.
November 11, 2020
Great book. Sometimes there are books where the author impresses you very much. And sometimes you want to invite the author to have a chat. I believe the second one is the bigger compliment you can give...
P.S. Susan Lacke both impressed me while still not intimidated me enough not to want to have a chat with her!
P.S. Susan Lacke both impressed me while still not intimidated me enough not to want to have a chat with her!
July 8, 2024
Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in using physical endurance exercise to cope with mental health issues. It's written in a very straightforward way, has some wonderful memorable stories, teaches you to carry your partner in the Estonian way, and gives great insights into the sport of running.
October 6, 2019
Reading this book is like talking to your running partner on a long run. All the great stories told by a friend. Susan has a great voice that is real and hysterical. If you’ve ever felt like a running imposter...we all have...read this book.
September 12, 2020
It was a nice surprise to find out that the author is deaf. Its nice to know that I'm not the only deaf runner out there. I can related to what she goes through. Thanks for great stories. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one.
August 16, 2023
I listed to this as an audiobook while running, and let me tell you, it was EXACTLY what I needed. The miles flew by as I listened to Susan’s tales of races. The writing is funny and entertaining. Great book to keep my focus on running.
November 28, 2023
This book was unexpectedly fun! Susan is hilarious and I loved listening to the crazy races she ran. Her book was a good reminder to take a step back when things start getting too serious and have a little fun with running! Not sure I’d ever do a nude race though…😬😅
November 28, 2023
A fun and different take on running. I appreciated that the author described herself as a middle-of-the-pack type of runner. The stories that she shared felt relatable and also inspiring. Quick read. I think there may have been a little language sprinkled in there.
May 17, 2024
Such a fun journey through a runner’s year testing her limits. It was inspiring, motivating, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the author’s voice, both funny and relatable, and looking forward to reading more!
April 3, 2019
Read it in two days. Loved it but scared my husband as now he’s wondering what crazy races I will sign up for. Very cool and motivating to get out of our comfort zones!
June 5, 2019
Love this author, and especially this book. If you have ever questioned if you’re a ‘real’ runner, read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews