Runner, by Lizzy Hawker

Runner, a Short Story About a Long Run, by Lizzy Hawker, is a memoire about how Lizzy accidently discovered ultra-running, and her journey of self-discovery through testing her limits with running.

Who Is Lizzy Hawker?

A Ph.D. in oceanography, a Briton with great adventuring spirit now sharing her time between Switzerland and Nepal. Her list of accomplishments includes:

o   100 km women’s world champion in 2006

o   5-time winner of the UTMB, most prestigious Ultra in Europe (unprecedented)

o   24-hour record on the road in 2011

o   First woman to be on the overall winner’s podium at Spartathlon

o   2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the year

o   Ran 320 km through the Himalayas from Everest Basecamp to Kathmandu in Nepal

The book has 16 chapters but falls into 3 distinct parts 

Part 1: A Journey of Discovery.  

Lizzy shows her thirst for the experience of tough challenges and begins winning major Ultra events almost by accident.

Part 2: A Journey of Exploration 

Lizzy falls in love with Nepal and the Himalayas. She also sets FKTs for Everest base camp to Kathmandu. During this episode Alan tries to explain how this feels through his own discovery of trail running and journey to the Himalayas. Liz gets lost a bit in the unfamiliar geography.

Part 3: A Journey of Rediscovery and Exploration

Lizzy battles with injury, a repeated series of stress fractures. Liz marvels at her ability to treat this as another type of challenge and opportunity to learn. Alan is amazed.

At the end Liz has some reservations about the book and Alan is a starry-eyed groupie!

The book itself is nicely presented by UK publisher Aurum Press. (now White Lion)

If you are interested in purchasing a copy this book, you can help support the podcast at the same time by getting your copy through our affiliate link at: Runner: A short story about a long run