I haven’t run much at all since the Chicago Marathon last October — I’m not injured, I’m just not motivated. 

So I picked up this memoir by elite ultra runner Katie Arnold who broke her leg in a rafting accident, used Zen practice and meditation to help her deal with the mental impact of her injury, and then came back stronger than ever barely two years later to win the grueling Leadville 100 in 2018. Yes, wholly inspiring. 

I learned once again — for about the 2,329th time, it truly is a lesson you have to learn over and over and over again — not to take running for granted. It can be gone in an instant. 

Arnold is an astute writer, and tells her story with passion and profound insight. Banish the thought that she’s a good writer “for a runner.” She’s an amazingly talented writer, period. (I found out after finishing this she regularly teaches at writing retreats — which makes sense.)

If you’re looking for a great running book to inspire you to get your ass off the couch, this is it. No excuses!