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Running Like a Girl cover art

Running Like a Girl

By: Alexandra Heminsley
Narrated by: Alexandra Heminsley
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Summary

The ultimate running guide for women brought to life in audio by author Alexandra Heminsley.

Alexandra had high hopes: the arse of an athlete, the waist of a supermodel, the speed of a gazelle. Defeated by gyms and bored of yoga, she decided to run.

Her first attempt did not end well. Six years later, she has run five marathons in two continents. But, as her dad says, you run with your head as much as with your legs. So, while this is a book about running, it's not just about running. You could say it's about ambition (yes, getting out of bed on a rainy Sunday morning counts), relationships (including talking to the intimidating staff in the trainer shop), as well as your body (your boobs don't have to wobble when you run). But it's also about realising that you can do more than you ever thought possible.

Very funny, very honest, and very emotional, whether you're in serious training or thinking about running for the bus, this is a book for anyone who after wine and crisps for supper a few too many times thinks they might...just might...like to run like a girl.

Alexandra Heminsley is a freelance journalist and broadcaster and a dedicated runner.

©2013 Alexandra Heminsley (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"If you've ever wept 'Why do I want to run?', your answer is here." (Caitlin Moran, author of How to Be a Woman)

What listeners say about Running Like a Girl

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It's not just for girls or runners

Goodness knows why I chose this book, but I'm glad I did. I don't run. Have only vaguely thought about trying.I am a girl and (I suspect) am somewhat more 'curvy' than Alexandra. But that didn't matter, because this was a book to be involved in someone else's story, but who could provide incentive to give running a go.

Alexandra's reading is witty and charming. I so understand the issue about boobs bouncing too much. And I loved her description of her first run. Putting on trainers and walking out the door only to realise you don't know what to do then. She describes so well the feelings of embarrassment, the trepidation of taking that first step and the pain (and pleasures) that running can bring.

She also explains the the reasons for using all the kit that sports shops try to sell you. I knew that the footwear and bra would be important, but didn't think about socks or shirt. She also provides advice about running, especially long-distance/marathon running.

This book is a great read whether you are a runner, a wannabe runner or a stay-at-home non-runner. Her story is engaging and light-hearted, told with humour and honesty.

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19 people found this helpful

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Loved it

Read this book 2 years ago. Downloaded the audio for my first marathon two weeks ago. Listened to it all the way round. Loved having Hemo with me!
It was even better on audio than on paper. A true & honest account of what it is like to start running & to become a runner. Loved it, love her & fab voice.
Thankyou

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10 people found this helpful

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Listened to it twice, I enjoyed it so.

I listened to this first of all when I was just starting my running journey. And recently listened again as I have become more experienced. I loved it both times!
The first time was March 2015 and it really inspired me to get out there and start.
Most recently I have joined a running club and ran in various events including a half marathon and have listened again November 2015 and found it just as interesting, entertaining and inspiring! Lots of great tips, extremely well written and read.
Would recommend.

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9 people found this helpful

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Well worth a listen!

If you could sum up Running Like a Girl in three words, what would they be?

Truthful, funny, entertaining

Who was your favorite character and why?

Umm - it's autobiographical. There really is only one character.

What does Alexandra Heminsley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

There is a nice natural way to the reading, and it feels like a friend chatting to you and telling you tales of her life out running.

Any additional comments?

I dithered about buying this book for a while - I've been dissapointed by how seriously some books on running take themselves. I needn't have worried, Its a really good book. I'm a runner myself and probably of a similar age and standard to the author - having just completed my first marathon at the time of listening - I really did identify with the stories told in a way I don't think I ever have in a book before. Not all of her stories and experiences have been the same, but enough were to make me realise how terribly normal I am! Especially the small 'Oh whats the point?' meltdown (which I was in the middle of when I bought the book for motivation!)

The fact that the book is read by the author makes it so much better to listen to in my opinion too - makes it more real.

Now - how do I sign up for the San Francisco marathon?

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8 people found this helpful

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Put trainers in and run. That's it.

It would have made a decent magazine article but a whole book was self indulgent.

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placement advertising

gave up after a couple of chapters, how many businesses can you name in one short section?

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5 people found this helpful

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Excellent!!

What did you like most about Running Like a Girl?

I found this book so inspiring. Read beautifully by the author herself which made it even more interesting as I was able to personally identify with her and the trials and tribulations she went through while running! I found the section on bras and fitness clothing shopping hilarious. I haven't been able to run as I want to for the past 3 years and this book has given me the confidence that I can and will start again. Many thanks

What about Alexandra Heminsley’s performance did you like?

Excellent - see above

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The parts I found most moving were following the developing relationship with her dad and the realisation that he had done all this before!

Any additional comments?

Excellent! I've already recommended the book to many of my close running friends

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4 people found this helpful

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  • J
  • 16-06-15

GREAT READ FOR ANYONE

I was already a 'beginner' runner when I listened to this book but I would of enjoyed it even if I had no interest in running. However being as I am (or was) rather on the curvy side and am still quite large busted I could fully identify with the authors trials and advice. I haven't run a marathon and not sure that I want to but the inspiration and advice in this book applies to all levels and is presented in a direct and amusing way that keeps you going back for more.
Ruth

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Funny & truthful

Would you consider the audio edition of Running Like a Girl to be better than the print version?

I only have the audio

What other book might you compare Running Like a Girl to, and why?

none that I have read so far, very individual the sample did not really fit the book as the book is more interesting that the sample you listen

Which scene did you most enjoy?

all the book

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she talks about falling out of love with running … as everyone goes through such periods

Any additional comments?

Very truthful, contains all the questions you may have as a beginner running but did not about and you also learn from her mistakes like buying half a size bigger running shoes …I have learnt by lesson my two black & blue big toe …..Now I go up a half …I wish someone had told me this before….. This book contain a wealth of knowledge which you will need to know if you want to become a serious/middle/long distance runner

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Inspiration for female runners

Would you consider the audio edition of Running Like a Girl to be better than the print version?

Fabulous for any female training for a marathon - funny, encouraging and great to listen to when running -the honesty of running. Love it!

What does Alexandra Heminsley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

honesty

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