My Year of Running Dangerously : Book Review


Book Review
 
Title: My Year of Running Dangerously
Author: Tom Foreman
Genre: Memoir/Non Fiction
 
It feels good to share a review of this running memoir on the occasion of Global Running Day today. 
 
My Year of Running Dangerously chronicles the journey of CNN Correspondent Tom Foreman from a couch potato to an ultra-marathon runner with four half marathons, three marathons and 2,000 miles of training in between.  When Tom’s daughter college going daughter asks him to sign up for a marathon with her, he agrees albeit reluctantly. Even though Tom has been a runner in his 20s, he has lost touch and is trying to get back the momentum at the age of 51. 
 
What starts off as a small request from his daughter turns into an undying passion and madness for the sport. We see Tom’s process of starting from scratch-finding a suitable training plan, running small distances, his gradual addiction to the strides, upping his mileages, braving winters and his tenacity throughout. 

Tom manages to sketch a vivid portrayal of his training runs and running events. It gives the feeling of running with him on those frosty winters in North America, dark woods, hilly terrains and picturesque trails. We are privy to the flora and fauna of the place, the weather conditions and the other participants in the several events. Readers get to experience the mind and musings of a long-distance runner. Tom’s honest depiction of his struggles, pain and triumph is interspersed with doses of humor that evokes a chuckle many times. 
 
The author highlights many other issues like the fear of aging, injuries, difficulty in maintaining a balance between family and long hours in training and overcoming that inner voice that wants you to quit. At the same time, his love for running is apparent. This comes through when he is training amidst nature as he states, “One of the great pleasures of ultra-running is that it allows time for reflection, including stops to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.” Along with nuances of running, the book also captures the father-daughter bond, importance of family and imparts lessons on dedication and commitment without sounding preachy. 
 
My Year of Running Dangerously is a delightful read for every runner who are bound to find themselves in many parts of the book. Even non-runners will be inspired to take that first step towards the strides. This heartwarming and honest read consists of several lines that speak volumes. 

One that stood out to me is as follows- “Everyone wants to quit when things get hard. It is a measure of your character that you overcome that feeling and fulfill the commitment you made, not to others but to yourself.”
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