Running For My Life
Rachel Ann Cullen
11 January 2018
9781911274841352 pages
Synopsis
'An amazing story of one woman's journey through mental illness... So inspiring and proving once again that exercise changes lives' Mel Sykes
Suffering from depression but desperate for 'normality', Rachel Cullen found herself in failing relationships, the wrong career and a reliance on alcohol and chocolate to get her through each day. Stuck in an endless cycle of mental misery, she put on a pair of old trainers.
She'd never been able to think of herself as a 'runner' before, and the first time she forced herself out the door, she knew it would hurt. Everywhere. She just didn't realise how much it would heal her, too.
Interspersed with Rachel's real diary entries, from teenage non-runner to London Marathon finisher (just months after giving birth), she questions if she really can outrun her demons.
Suffering from depression but desperate for 'normality', Rachel Cullen found herself in failing relationships, the wrong career and a reliance on alcohol and chocolate to get her through each day. Stuck in an endless cycle of mental misery, she put on a pair of old trainers.
She'd never been able to think of herself as a 'runner' before, and the first time she forced herself out the door, she knew it would hurt. Everywhere. She just didn't realise how much it would heal her, too.
Interspersed with Rachel's real diary entries, from teenage non-runner to London Marathon finisher (just months after giving birth), she questions if she really can outrun her demons.
Brave and inspiring, Running For My Life moved me to tears. It also moved me into my trainers and out for a run!Ruth Field
A searingly honest account of Rachel's amazing journey from sedentary teenager, lacking in confidence and self-esteem, through to accomplished and inspirational member of the running community. She kept me engaged from start to finish, with plenty of laughs along the way, and I'd thoroughly recommend this book to runners everywhere.Tom Williams, Global COO of parkrun and co-host of the Marathon Talk podcast
It's so inspirational to read how Rachel's discovery of a passion for running helped her to overcome her mental health struggles. For Rachel, running became so much more than purely keeping fit. It became something which enabled her to fully conquer the battles of severe anxiety and self-doubt. It's heartwarming to learn how Rachel has been able toJo Pavey, medal-winning long-distance runner
