Book review: Coasting by Elise Downing

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The strapline to the title of Elise's book is 'Running around the coast of Britain - life, love and (very) loose plans.' 

It tells of an adventure which involved running around the coast of the UK - 5000 miles - in 10 months in 2016. 

At the time Elise didn't class herself as a runner and her sole long run had been a marathon dressed as a crayon and crying all the way round. This provides just one of the many hilarious anecdotes this book is replete with.

Despite the lack of experience she took a risk, gave up her relationship, home and job and set off. The book is the working out of this step of faith and the way that life honoured that.

It is a tale of running and the incredible resilience of the body and mind. 

It is a tale of the kindness of strangers.

It is a tale of redemption and revelation.

It is a tale of the strange things that can happen when you least expect it.

It is a tale of broken dreams and rediscovered passion.

It is a tale of one kind, broken woman discovering her strength, her place in the world and her voice. 

It's a romping yarn, a philosophical reflection, a geography lesson and comedy skit all rolled into one. 

There are some parts that made me snort with laughter - thankfully I was alone at the time. I especially loved her dad's life lessons (always weed your patio) and the tale of Ram swinging.

Cake also features quite prominently as do wet feet and bouts of crying. Sounds just like many of my long runs.

Here is my Amazon review:

Books about running can be very hit and miss. I know, I’ve read most of them.

In a good book you can connect with the author and their journey. In a bad one you feel like a passenger watching from the outside. This book is definitely in the former category. 

Elise is relatable and personable. This comes from the honesty, humility and sheer joy of her writing. When I finished the book – which was far too quickly as I couldn’t put it down – I felt like I had experienced the adventure alongside her; cried with her, laughed with her and eaten lots of cake with her.

Some running books preach at you with an evangelical zeal that leaves you feeling that what you have read about is beyond the everyday runner’s ability. In this case Elise has a way of sharing gently, yet, with passion a tale that is at the same time exceptional and accessible to all.

There are insightful and inspiring passages about running, but also about relationships, values, purpose, priorities and the innate goodness of people, all shared without judgment or cynicism. 

She fills her prose with a depth coupled with a lightness that enables you to tear along the 5000 mile journey in just 320 pages while still having time to contemplate some profound and enlightening truths.

I was drawn to the book by the adventure, but I was captured by Elise’s spirit. The combination of the two makes this a highly recommended read, not just for lovers of running, but lovers of nature, people, and the richness of life.

My aim was to write a balanced review, but I have failed to find anything to criticise. Some photos would have been nice. Maybe a link to her charity page if it is still open. Other than that I can't fault it. 

This book doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is - one person's incredible story written to entertain and inspire. You won't become a better runner by reading it. You won't get a 'how to' lesson in planning a trip around the coast of the UK (more like a 'how not to'), but you will be a more hopeful, positive and inspired person because of it. You can't ask more than that.

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