Running Stories: 88 Extraordinary Stories by Ordinary People who Run

Posted by martin.parnell |
Running Stories: 88 Extraordinary Stories by Ordinary People who Run

Over the years I’ve been asked to write a number of book reviews. Recently, I received the following email:

Hello Martin,

As the global pandemic sees a surge in people taking up running, a new book showcases remarkable stories from people using the sport to overcome adversity and experience positivity in their lives – including battling disease, fighting drug addiction, and coping with domestic violence. There are over eighty fascinating and often moving stories captured in 'Running Stories'.

I wondered if you might like a review copy of our book RUNNING STORIES and be able to share the news with Canadian media and runners? 

Thank you very much

Andrew Roberts

I contacted Andrew and two weeks later the book arrived. The authors are Jerry Lockspeiser and Andrew Roberts and they are members of the Serpentine Running Club in London.

Right off the bat I loved the way the book was laid out. The introduction highlighted the six broad themes: Running got me through, Running Journeys, Racing Tales, The Competitive Spirit, It’s about other People Too and It makes me Feel Good. That was followed by “10 Questions New Runners Ask” and “Running Words and Phrases”.

This is a perfect start to your running journey. Then we entered the heart of the book, 88 stories of runners from all walks of life. People overcoming challenges, people helping each other. All ages, all sizes, all speeds….People who started early, people who started later on. It didn’t matter.

Each individual story gave me inspiration and hope. A number of the contributors had got their running start through the The Running Charity , an organization that is transforming the lives of vulnerable young homeless people through running and 100% of the authors revenue from sales will be donated to this charity. 

I finished the book in two days and was overwhelmed with a “Can Do” feeling. This book opens a doorway and allows people to take that first step and not look back. 

To get a copy of RUNNING STORIES go to www.amazon.com or any reputable book shop. 

I am now looking forward to Running Stories Part 2: The Next 88 extraordinary stories by ordinary people who run.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Martin’s next book THE AGELESS ATHLTE – Age is just a Number will be published on September 28th 2021. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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