Mindful Thoughts for Runners

I simply felt that this book was "fine". It very specifically adheres to one concept, the mindfulness of running. The problem is that I don't think there's anything here that an established runner doesn't already know, yet it's not nearly enough for a running beginner. I worry that a beginner would read this book and believe this is all the information they need to start running.

The book attempts to create a great bubble of positivity around running, such as: Running should be simple and carefree. Run like you did when you were a child. If you have negative thoughts, push them away. Or, if you have negative thoughts just acknowledge them and move on.

Okay, this is all well and good, but it's also not super helpful.

The reason there are so many running books is because while running is natural and carefree, it is also hard work and it can be done incorrectly. People can push themselves too hard as they get excited, and this can lead to injury. The correct running shoe for your foot and stride is important. Yes, you can simply go out and run, but if you want to be a runner, and do this amazing thing regularly, you really do need some good solid information and this book doesn't give it. Don't even get me started on the "running barefoot" section where the only advice is to "start slow".

I do think there is a place in a runner's library for this book, but only as a companion book to more detailed ones that teach you how to run correctly, find the right equipment, listen to your body and avoid specific injuries, and train carefully. Thinking positively isn't going to prevent you from getting a stress fracture.

I would recommend this book to runners who already enjoy books about positive thinking and meditation, runners who have past experience and want motivation to get back into the sport, and possibly for a beginner runner as long as they also have a more detailed book to learn what they need to know.

I did receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I'm a bit disappointed. Not every running book must be a super detailed running encyclopedia, but I do have a firm belief in running safely and smartly, not just mindfully.

This is a lovely little book that clearly sets out how running and mindfulness overlap and the different ways in which runners can practice mindfulness. The book is aimed at newer runners or runners who view running as an aggressive activity (perhaps college athletes who have only run with winning in mind). I think it would be a useful book for those beginning their journey and it would be a purchase I consider for others as they start their mindful running journey.

Mindfulness in the workplace seems to be a popular philosophy at moment. And perhaps this book can be seen as just another tangent of this in vogue mind-set. Having said that you can’t knock the author for putting together a quick little read that helps remind us of why we love running.

There are definitely some key factors that I often lose sight of in my day to day running, and this is a nice reminder that I could do with a focus shift. I could certainly do with changing routes more often, ditching the music a bit more often, and really focusing on getting lost in the moment. Oh, and probably the most endearing chapter was on the ageing runner. As I am mere weeks away from the 40’s, I am often plagued with thoughts/doubts of how running will look/feel like when I start getting slower (thankfully that hasn’t happened yet). But it need not be about slowing down, but about rekindling the true essence of what makes running so enjoyable.

Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a review copy.

This is a sweet little reflection on the quirk of running for enjoyment.

I have never in my life been fond of exercising. A couch potato from way back, I tried swimming, reasoning that if I was going to sweat, I might as well do it in the pool where I wouldn't notice it. That lasted about three weeks, if that. I have taken up weight training in a haphazard sort of way because I really can't run every single day, but the satisfaction, the happy feeling, the endorphins (I guess?) just aren't there.

I started running on the slimmest of coincidences after being handed a book on running to check in at my library job. And to my astonishment, I loved it. So parts of this book really connected with me - the analogy of running being like a cup of tea was pretty brilliant. But other parts...didn't. Overall, the book didn't seem to be able to decide who its audience was - runners or non-runners, and consequently, in order to be accessible to both, sometimes the sections - which, to be fair, did cover a broad spectrum of running topics - felt a little superficial.

Still, it's a nice book with cute illustrations, and I did like the sort of wholesome feel to it. I can also attest that runners in general seem much nicer than those in other fitness communities - don't get me started on hikers - and the topics covered did get me excited and give me something to think about for the next time I'm able to get out and run after being in a bit of a mini-slump.

ARC from NetGalley--

Cute little book on mindfulness and running. The pictures are great and for a digital ARC it was formatted and ready for publishing (thank you! so many of them are not).

"Allow yourself to wonder at the world..." the best mindfulness advice. As someone who used to run, it can be difficult to be mindful while running, let alone in our daily lives. If someone is just starting a running regimen, this book would be for you, as it does include other tips and tricks about running. If there is a more advanced runner reading this review, the book might not have anything new in it, other than being more mindful about running.

This would be a great book to gift to a runner. The chapters were short and quick to read. I liked the advice that it gave and would help someone who is starting out (or wanting to start) running.

I was very excited to read this book and learn more about mindful running, since I am trying to build a regular running habit. This book is definitely written more for people who are regular runners and not for beginners who want to get into running. There are more prompts for mindful reflection on running than there are mindful activities to do while running, which was what I expected when I picked it up. This book would be a nice gift for an avid runner.

Mindful Thoughts for Runners is a fantastic book for you or the runners in your life. The short chapters and illustrations make the book more airy and fun. It motivated me to start running outside over the treadmill to see what the differences were of the ultimate debate, inside or outside.