Ursina's Shelf - Running strong
Issue 67
Hi Readers,
Blisters, chafing, fueling, and training logs… I am back at it: preparing for a marathon. While training, I find it inspiring to read about running, but sadly many lists of the greatest running books include predominantly male authors. So I am extra excited that three of my female running heroes published books this year that I simply could not put down.
The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team by Kara Goucher with Mary Pilon (2023)
Description: Two-time Olympian Kara Goucher retells her story and time with Nike and legendary, now infamous, coach Alberto Salazar. Kara and her husband Adam were star members of Salazar’s running team and in the book, Kara bravely speaks about the abuse, misconduct, and harmful culture she experienced at Nike, and her journey to the top of the sport. She did eventually find supportive coaches, new sponsors, and the courage to speak out with the US Anti-Doping Association, leading to the eventual life-time coaching ban for Salazar.
My take: While this book contains shocking experiences, Kara also passes on the strength of her family, commitment to her team, and supportive friends around her. Her achievements alone are an inspiration, but so is her love for her sport and family, which oozes out of every page. (Buy here).
Bonus tip: Check out Kara’s new podcast Nobody Asked Us with co-host Des Linden (Spotify link).
Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden with Bonnie Ford (2023)
Description: Boston marathon champion Desirée Linden recounts her win from her perspective interspersed with the story of growing up and becoming the runner and role model she is today. There was a lot more going on behind the scenes in the lead-up to that day in Boston, making her achievement even more incredible. The story is gripping, awe-inspiring, and heartwarming.
My take: I’m a totally biased Des fan girl. I almost cried when Des moved up spots to take 7th in the Rio Games and I shed tears when she brought home the win in Boston in 2018. Des puts in so much hard work and is one of the mentally toughest competitors. On top of all that, she is funny! (Buy here).
Bonus tip: See above.
Bonus fact: Des is an avid reader herself.
Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World by Lauren Fleshman (2023)
Description: Elite American distance runner-turned-coach-and-advocate Lauren Fleshman is a voice of reform in a sport that is failing female-bodied athletes. She weaves together her personal experiences, love of running, and challenges as a female athlete with research on the psychology and physiology of young athletes and calls coaches, parents, and team members to action.
My take: The message here is strong and important for any young athlete. We have so much work to do to fully understand the female body, puberty’s effect on performance, and body image and body shaming. We can do better to support young athletes. I like how the author mixed both deeply personal stories with research-backed facts and science. I even listened to the entire bibliography! (Buy here).
Bonus fact: Fleshman references Caroline Criado-Perez’ Invisible Women, a book previously featured in issue 13.
For more running books (and advice), see my prior running issue, written just after our wedding.
Currently reading: Bretonische Brandung, Commissaire Dupin’s second case by Jean-Luc Bannalec.
Thanks for reading, and look out for an exciting announcement on rewards in the next newsletter. In the meantime, let me know what you are reading and help this newsletter get more visibility by leaving a comment. Thanks as always and have a great weekend.