RUNNING LIKE A GIRL
First published in 2013, Running Like a Girl has now been published in thirteen countries, most recently the Netherlands including the US (Scribner), the Netherlands (Arbeiderspers) and Spain (Ediciones Urano).
Alexandra Heminsley 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 had 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.
“Life affirming, liberating and fun” Jojo Moyes
“If you’ve ever wept “Why do I want to run?”, your answer is here.” (Caitlin Moran)
“Her honesty is winning … What’s truly excellent about this book, though, is its generosity. Heminsley wants to help other women to run” (Miranda Sawyer Observer)
“Candid, funny and inspiring, this is part personal journey, part “how to” guide for female runners.” (Sam Murphy Runners World)
“A meditation (slash romp) on running, life and love. Penned in her own inimitable style, the book is a funny tread through the raft of body insecurities and mental anguish we all go through when we put on our trainers.” (Grazia)
“An emotional whirlwind split into two perfect halves. First is the story of Heminsley’s own running journey – from being certain that she wasn’t a runner at all, to completing five marathons . . . The second half offers the most practical advice on ‘how to run like a girl’, invaluable, as once you finish the book, even the most unenthusiastic of sportswomen will be longing to pull on the Lycra and run for the hills.” (Psychologies)
