Running For My Life: How I built a better me one step at a time

This book has been written with honesty and integrity - a story of how a woman transformed her life one little step at a time through running. So often with these sort of books I'm left thinking, with some frustration, 'but you're an athlete'. This one is totally different because Rachel so completely wasn't when she began her journey, and it was a slow journey too. It means that her story - which is beautifully told, with self-deprecating humour and some lovely turns of phrase - is authentic and relatable. Any one of us could be Rachel and so many people will have faced one of the issues she has, and so many of us have found solace in the amazing and transformative power of exercise. This is an uplifting story of an extraordinary way of battling the ordinary, and succeeding. Thank you, Rachel.

I knew this was going to be a totally absorbing book when I read the first line. "Thank you for being my reason why". This is not a book about self help therapy or how many miles were run in a week. It is a open, frank and brutally account by Rachel from early childhood to adulthood about the 'ups and downs' of life. The book is funny, addictive, sad, happy, has plenty of swearing and Rachel's writing style is a joy to read and I like the caustic sense of humour that permeates throughout the book when she explains what she is thinking in response to some of the actions and conversations with other characters in the book. I can relate to the book as it demonstrates somebody who was not happy or comfortable doing what was expected of them by parents, teachers, peers and colleagues. It is reminder that that not everyone is suited to team sports at school and there is more to life than qualifications, material items and luxurious holidays. It is about Rachel finding that special something that gives her a sense of motivation, achievement and satisfaction and gaining the confidence over the years to pull it off. The book was that good I read it in just over a week whereas I normally read about 2 or 3 books a year. I would thoroughly recommend this book.

I felt compelled to write a review even though I never do this. I am not a reader and have only previously read books as part of mandatory learning in education or work, but something made me buy this. Having just read this book I have to say it is incredible and I resonated with much of the book. It’s such an easy and fun read that anyone whose struggling with the nasty inner chimp, this provides some clarity and hope. I thoroughly recommend you to read this.

Wow. Fantastic read. Diary entries and narrative are interspersed to allow Rachel to share, in a most honest manner her journey from a nervous, farting four year old girl through adolescence and into the challenges of womanhood. Rachel’s style of writing is very personable and the pages fly by as you become immersed in her story. As a sadly retired runner and also a Mum who has suffered with body issues I recognised so much of myself in this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants a heartfelt and uplifting read - whether you’re a (wannabe) runner or simply a fan of wearing a turtleneck body in a night club it’s the book for you. Just disappointed to have finished it.

I bought this book as a runner who has struggled with mental health problems for many years. I was looking forward to it based on the blurb. The book is well written but I was really annoyed by it! I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was so I read it twice! In conclusion, I don't think I could relate to Rachel and I didn't recognise any of my own mental health struggles (though appreciate our demons are all different) in the book. I empathised more with the other people in her life than her who seemed to be an afterthought. I was particularly annoyed at the part where she ran a HM with a friend and then moaned about how slow the other woman was (and it wasn't a bad finish time anyway!) That was unnecessary and I think reflected the writers real attitude to her fellow runners.

The book has already been described as 'inspirational . . . heart-warming', 'brave and inspiring . . . moved me to tears'. Well, it moved me to tears too. Her raw truthfulness is astounding, she bares her soul and gives us an insight of how an overweight child- picked on at school- developed into a teenager with very low esteem. She was so young to be aware of body shapes and sizes. Even with loving support from her family and (few) friends, she suffered from body dysmorphia and depression. "What has happened to me? Why am I so broken? Where have I gone?" How did this lonely and fragile young woman turn her life around to start up and run her own business, and become an accomplished marathon runner? How did she achieve all of this whilst also becoming a new mum? Plus qualify as a solicitor too! "I'd chosen to step up the challenge instead of resigning myself to the sofa of mediocrity." Her story truly is inspirational, brave and heart-warming. One part of the book I can only describe as sad and incredibly moving. So truthful it hurt. Rachel's insights into what is means to love are immensely poignant. "His heart-break was quiet, gentle and dignified. If I could have loved him, I would have . . . I willed myself to . . . " 'The journey is more than the destination.' Brilliantly and evocatively written. "A road map of the inner soul." - I urge you to read it and be inspired - I most certainly was.

Rachel Cullen gives an honest account of her the challenges she’s faced in her personal life and the role running has played in the creation of a version of herself she seems much more comfortable, honest and ultimately happy with. The writing makes her story very relatable to and she manages to tackle the darker areas of her life without becoming mired in self-pity or being morose. I found the story to be uplifting and hopeful in its portrayal of a positive outcome from a life blighted by periods of mental illness. I came to the book as a runner with depression so could empathise with the story but I would recommend it to a wider and more general audience too. There are messages about being honest and kind to yourself that we can all learn from.

Everybody who even thinks of running should read this. This is a good book for someone who wants to run but might not feel like they can. It's also a good book for those who can run but might not know why they should.

Inspirational and something easily understandable if not relatable. I haven't found the inner runner in me, yet. Although I know I will.

Great inspirational book for women who think they aren’t or could never be athletes.

When you purchase a new book you expect it to be clean and pretty. I was disappointed taking this out of the package. It appears to be new from the pages and spine, but the cover is really dirty with grey smudges all over the front and back cover that don't come off. There's also some slight creasing on the front cover. The pictures don't really do it justice, but it simply looks like a book that was lying around somewhere dirty. Obviously it's the content of the book that matters most, but when you spend that much on a paperback you expect it to at least look clean. I'm glad it wasn't a gift.