Confessions of an Unlikely Runner: A Guide to Racing and Obstacle Courses for the Averagely Fit and Halfway Dedicated Kindle Edition

I am not a runner, and I really didn’t think this book would be for me. But, the intro changed my mind, and I’m so glad I read it. This book is entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, and relatable in ways I didn’t anticipate. Who hasn’t been knee deep in a situation they didn’t expect? Who hasn’t relied on the kindness of strangers? Who hasn’t used a banana peel as a tissue? (OK, actually I haven’t had to do that…thankfully) I feel like this book is a combination of an instructional book on how to live life to the fullest, practical tips for self-motivation, and a collection of hilarious escapades.Dana’s voice reminds me of Sloane Crosley with a hint of Tina Fey – she never takes herself too seriously, and she can find the humor in any circumstance. Her reflections and sarcastic takes on situations will have you laughing and feeling like you are in the middle of the chaos with her. This book reads like a friend recounting hilarious story after story while sharing some useful advice.“Confessions of an Unlikely Runner” also gave me a new understanding of the running culture in a way I didn’t anticipate. I don’t think I’ll ever do a marathon, but I get the appeal a bit more. Tough Mudder isn’t my thing, but I have a new appreciation for friends who have experienced it. And, this book will arm anyone with anecdotes and questions for the next time you engage in small talk with a runner.I still don’t plan to become a runner, but it does feel possible for the first time. And, of course, if I start running and something crazy occurs – like a whole Nativity scene passing me in the middle of a race – I know it won’t be the first time that’s happened.This book really stuck with me more than I expected. Not only do I have new motivation tools and some stories that make my embarrassing moments seem not that bad, but I’m also starting to see floss sticks on the ground.

Fun, quick read about Ayers' experiences being a "casual" runner. Not a "how-to" for budding marathoners but it does give insight into the nitty gritty of different types of marathons and relays."We are the casual runners, as opposed to the competitive runners. Casual makes it sounds like it's my choice. Like I'm just keeping things casual with running. Like running and I sometimes see other people, because we're non-committal like that." That's basically the tone of the whole book. Very enjoyable, specially if you're intimidated by something you've wanted to try but don't think you'll fit in - a yoga class, cross fit, marathons... she'll inspire you to not take yourself so seriously and get out there and do it anyway.

What a fun, inspiring, read about the joy/pain/fun of recreational running. Dana Ayers writes in such a warm friendly connecting way that wraps you up in her experiences of running various road and obstacle course runs. As a "2nd half" of the pack rec runner myself, many of the things she has seen and situations she has experienced are very relatable. Her style is casual and her manner engaging. It is one of those kind of books that you catch yourself smiling while your reading it.Within her stories you'll find courage and inspiration mixed together with humor. I recommend this book to any person that enjoys a good read, runner or not. I especially recommend this book to anyone who has always wanted to achieve something (run a 5K, find a new job, etc.) but have held back because of <INSERT REASON HERE>. Dana shows us how to push past those reasons, achieve unlikely things, and perhaps have some fun along the way.

Heart warming, honest, lighthearted, and inspiring. A very pleasant stroll of a read. The author, Dana Ayers, captured my interest quickly with the perspicacious and unassuming manner in which she describes her experiences as a slower runner. Without self-deprecation, Dana paints a vivid picture of the hardships and triumphs of distance running. Every scene is punctuated with a wry sense of the funny side of life and typically rounds out with a silver lining moment and some home truth. Dana is quick to point out that what matters most is not speed or performance, but perseverance, helping others, and one’s attitude to life. I am left with a distinct sense of gratitude for the power and joy of continually challenging oneself and of participating as a member of a team. I cannot help but wonder what bizarre adventure her next marathon or hardcore mud run will take this gutsy author on - up Kilimanjaro? Through the Aussie Outback? Whatever’s next, Dana’s bound to leave you believing in yourself too.

Read this book in a weekend! As someone who is an aspiring runner, this book is both inspiring and comforting. It feels like your friend is telling you about their adventures with running marathons and obstacle courses and Tough Mudders and other races without being pretentious about it. I always found these things to be rather intimidating, but she makes them actually sound fun. She admits her weaknesses – no, she embraces them! I found myself cheering her on as she tackles obstacles in these races that I could never imagine doing on my own (why would anyone run through charged electrical wire???), then actually imagining myself doing them too! I broke out in “puddles” (tears) on a subway platform when reading chapter 5 and found myself shaking my head in amusement at how many times one person can throw up during a race. This book is for anyone who is possibly thinking about starting to run, has started running, accomplished runners, and those who used to run. The author does a great job of using a real person’s voice – not those blogs you read in fitness magazines – to describe training and races and comradery with fellow slow runners. Great light read!

A lovely book for runners and non-runners alike. It's funny and lighthearted. Personally, I was motivated to go for a run after reading this.

Really inspired me, made me laugh out loud and also feel like I'm not the only slow runner on earth.

The book is short, like a collection of blog posts. The writing is humerous and the author is obviously sincere in her encouragement of the runner. I can learn, want to learn something from every running book I read. There was not much learning to be had here except a little more information regarding Ragnar Races. The demographic this book appears aimed at seems to be the brand new runner, possibly teenager ( I think). This is where it makes most sense to me however there are better books out there that do this better; Running like a girl is one of them.I was interested in reading some of her blog posts but sadly could not access the 'blog' button on the page despite finding and wrestling with it .If this book were meant as a meal then it falls short as a snack and left this reader under nourished.

Enjoyable read, especially for a back-to-middle of the pack runner.

A motivating, light-hearted and very enjoyable read describing one woman's accidental journey from novice to runner. Funny, honest and well paced.