Running has my heart so books written by or about runners are very interesting to me. I heard about this one while listening to a podcast - picking it up because I love memoir and a quick internet search showed this one is being recognized as award winning in memoir (and especially sports memoir). I wasn’t disappointed by the audio narrated by the author.

Lauren Fleshman shares the raw unvarnished truth of being a female collegiate and professional runner - and its physical, emotional, and relational challenges. Not being an athlete - only an hobbyist runner - I was unaware of the pressures and dangerous practices allowed/encouraged toward young females. 

Freshman is articulate and finds the right balance between honoring tradition and pressing forward in new ways. She is a great writer, organizing the book in a way beyond just chronological. The narrative arc is driven by her transition from running for Dad’s approval and her ego to running for her joy and living to make a difference. She is honest about her mistakes and flaws. She puts her energy behind her ideas, so her complaints about the “system” lead to more meaningful action. She rightly acknowledges there is more to do and as a coach and advocate is working for it to be better. 

This book was enlightening and educational. I really enjoyed knowing Fleshman’s pain to purpose story, gaining more respect for her and others. I recommend this for females, for runners, and for anyone who values athleticism and making performance arenas healthier for people in all areas including mental and relational. This deserves the attention it is receiving.