Mile Markers : The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run

I am a runner.

Nowhere in that statement do I mean to imply that I am a fast runner or a strong runner. I simply mean by that statement that I run. I run to feel good and whole. Runners are runners if they say so  — and Kristin Armstrong emphasizes this sentiment in Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run.

I can understand why the title restricts the reading audience to women, but I truly feel that this a good book for any runner, male or female. If anything, it will make one think about how and why they run. That being said though, readers of the running-fare could enjoy Armstrong’s perspective on balancing life, work, and the raising three children, or having something to anchor us in our daily activities.

I also appreciated Armstrong pointing out that runners are hardly salad-eaters (or light eaters). We need fuel. We need burgers. I did not recognize with Armstrong’s desire to run with others though. I am a lone runner. Running allows me time to think and visit what’s really going on inside me. I run against myself. Although, that will change this New Year’s when I run the Resolution Run with another bookie, runner friend.

Armstrong presents a thoughtful, well-constructed book about life and running. Each of the 26 chapters (representing the 26 miles of a marathon) are associated with a particular “reason” for running, may it be family, friends or the line. Mile Markers is constructed of chapters though from Armstrong’s blog posts to Runner’s World of the same name. Overall, Mile Markers was enjoyable and thoroughly convinced me that it is time for me to get “serious” about running.

Thumbs: 2 out of 2.