Stephen’s Comments (group member since Aug 04, 2021)

Stephen’s comments from the Bookhounds Running Club group.

Just finished 'Runner' by Lizzy Hawker. The first two thirds of the book I really enjoyed. The tales from Nepal and UTMB were both inspirational and gripping. Lizzys endurance and speed are phenomenal. The final third of the book became very repetitive. The why we do it, what for and what does it mean, philosophical musings got a bit much for me. I love my running but perhaps I don't think so deeply about it?
Overall though a good one!
I look forward to Bookhounds return in the future. Thanks for a great year of reading.

Can't wait to start this one! Looks like a great choice Char. Just finishing off one of my Christmas (cycling🤗) books first.

Never Mind The B******S…Faster Louder!
Best book so far for me. Cracking read from start to finish. I know very little about the fell running scene, living in the flatlands of Norfolk. But it sounds amazing! This book really bought to life the terrain, the extraordinary effort and skill to complete these epic races. It felt like the perfect running sub culture to run alongside the music/fashion/lifestyle culture of punk.
Garys alternative lifestyle certainly didn’t seem to fit what is generally the norm for a top class athlete. I suspect though we only got a glimpse of the hard work he did in training and can only imagine how naturally talented he is.
Great piece of writing and research by Boff Whaley to put this story together.
Thanks as always to Char for picking this literary gem out for us. Very much looking forward to our last book before she takes a well earned break.

Just noticed….”Coasting” is listed in The Times sports books of the year. In today’s Culture supplement. Well deserved.

It would be great to meet up for a run over Christmas Char. Let me know what you’re up to 👍

Evening,
Just finished The Running Book by John Connell. What an amazing run and a great piece of writing! It took a little while for me to work out where the book was going, but his 26.2 miles took us on Journey through his local area and Irish history that I was both surprised and fascinated by. The characters he spoke of, the connections with his own family and friends made the landscape and events really come to life.
Having lived in my Norfolk village all my life. It makes me wonder who has lived and what has happened over the years on the lanes and trails I run so often.
Well done Char. Again a book I doubt I would have discovered, or maybe picked off the shelf but I thoroughly enjoyed! Thanks. Stephen

Apologies. Lowri 🙌

Hi, just finished chapter 10, and the Jungle Marathon. The race sounded incredibly gruelling. It was an epic tale!
A magnificent achievement by Lowrie to finish the race, but to finish in 10th place in her debut ultra was amazing.
I think many of us will have lost a nail through running, but to lose all of them in one race! I wonder how long they took to grow back?
A couple of sentences really resonated with me….“I need running though, to give me perspective. It makes me aware of every fibre which comprises the physical me, which can be flogged so that the mind and soul can be soothed.” Sums it up for me.
How the heck do you pronounce “cwtsh” though? 🤷‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🙂

How scary was the mountain lion encounter? I was scared for him!

Thanks for the book. I’m excited to read this one! The first three chapters paint a pretty bleak picture! The writing is superb, so descriptive and thought provoking. I can feel Álvarez spirit and drive shining through though, as he dreams of a better life for him, his friends and his family. I’m hooked 🙂

What a great read! Elise made a 5000 Mile adventure sound simple in spirit. Tough but fun in reality!
Loved hearing how the running and adventure community chipped in to help her round. I laughed at times and had my head in my hands at others. I certainly feel inspired to find an adventure of my own.
Superb choice!

Hi, I know I’m a bit late, but I’ve only just finished This Journey We Call Running by Brian James Siddons.
I struggled with this one! I tried initially to read the book as I always do, but found because it skipped around from subject to subject it just didn’t flow for me and the words didn’t sink in. I took to dipping into it randomly which was better. Some of the short stories were interesting and I could relate to, but I never really felt like I had a connection or any empathy with the author. The poetry again for me was a mixed bag. Some I liked and some I didn’t.
Overall the book was not for me, but I’m glad I read it. That’s why I joined the club. To try all sorts of books. I’ve just received my book for August . Looks right up my street! 🙂Stephen