Recently, I’ve been contacted by a number of local authors to review their books and this is a huge honour for me, local is lekker after all and I’ve always maintained that my perfect job would be as a professional book reviewer, I mean, seriously, I can’t think of anything more fabulous than getting paid to spend all day reading.
So when Kelly Kidgell, local blogger, turned author, contacted me to review her book, Surviving The Runner, I jumped at the chance.
Synopsis:
A ‘spit-your-drink-out’ funny, brutally honest account of being married to an ultra – runner, all the while doing The Thirties as a mom of 3 young children.
Stories that’ll make you snort, as she overshares on what everyone thinks but few would EVER publicize.
If you aren’t laughing with or crying for Kelly, then you are cringing at her graphically funny reflections on the daily truths of being a mom, while encouraging her perpetually sweaty, overly obsessed runner hubby to achieve his goals.
This book is for anyone who loves sportsman/women, for anyone parent (or non-parent) who questions their sanity and most definitely, for anyone who needs a good pee-inducing laugh.
The last few chapters set a ‘calmer’ tone as Runner Guy himself writes his technical, run-savvy story on shaving nearly 4 hours off his Comrades time (6h39 in 2016).
His focused, goal driven personality shines bright as you’re left in awe at his training schedule of over 6000kms a year – an inspiring, unwavering dedication to his passion for road shuffling.
You’ll definitely wonder how a man so normal puts up with his nutcase wife.
“Kidgell exposes the peculiar habits of her runner-husband, warts-and-all. Raw, real and laugh-out-loud funny, her writing speaks truths with which every runner and their partner can resonate.”
– Runner’s World magazine.
Because it’s a blog to book type, the reading experience is enjoyable because it’s broken up into a series of short stories.
Kelly is very funny, in a sort of toe-curling-OMG-I-can’t-believe-she-went-there sort of way. And anyone who is married to or participated in any kind of competitive sport will enjoy her descriptions of being the supporter of a dedicated athlete. My husband once cycled in a race, a few years ago, it was one of those ridiculous 200km’s in a day sort of races and so much of what Kelly describes happening in the lead up to Runner Guy’s Comrades marathons reminded me of the lead up to Walter’s cycle race. The panic, the paranoia, the nerves, the moodiness. I also saw myself in so much of what she describes, as the wife of an athlete. It can be exhausting and extremely frustrating and their were moments when I just wanted to shove his bicycle up his arse and I’m pretty sure Kelly has imagined this with running shoes and Runner Guy in the lead up to plenty of Comrades.
It’s a light, easy read, with plenty of laughs, especially if you are married to an athlete!
You can buy your copy of Surviving The Runner here:
http://www.survivingtherunner.co.za/surviving-the-runner
Or on Amazon here:
Or even better, win a copy right here!
Just leave a comment below, letting me know you’d like to win this book! And it could be yours!
Competition closes on Friday, 7th April!
Good luck!
Lizann Chiccaro says
I am already laughing! I am sure my hubby will actually enjoy this book! I participate in obstacle courses ( albeit for the fun of it, but the same applies for the lead up..lol)
Vernon young says
She is a grate story discriber and a stunner to boot
Melissa Javan says
I would LOVE to win this book. I’m so happy your doing more reviews on local authors; keep them coming!
Lesley Hutchins says
As the wife of a runner, been planning on getting this book just had not done it. Would love to get a copy.
Tracy Taljaard says
As an ultra runner, mom and physio, I can relate to this book both personally and through my work in treating lots of my Comrades running friends. ‘Surviving the runner’ is a real thing and even the title made me laugh out loud. A friend of mine recommended this book and I am desperate to get my hands on a copy. Please pick me!!!
Sofiah says
Would love to win this book
anel Lewis says
I would love to win this book. As a former runner’s wife, I eventually realised that if you can’t beat them you have to join them, and last year I ran my first Ultra. Kelly is so funny! Would love this book 🙂
Irfaan says
I love books and read everything I can get my hands on . Would love to win this book
Ayesha says
Have a passion for running, want to win this book