Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie

10 reviews

ambergreen's review

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informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

2.75

It’s a good story and I like the facts and story about how running is so good for you and how she started. It makes me feel less bad about not being a marathon legend yet. However I feel like it’s incredibly stretched and I had a hard time reading through all the monologues. I felt like it was quite repetitive and I hate to admit I skipped a few pages in the end. Other than that I did learn something and got inspired to run again while i started this book! Which is the goal of this book!

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louise010's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0


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ksmo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

The first four chapters were a bit of a slog, as they focused almost entirely on the mental health aspect of her story, with only occasional mentions of running. One chapter was mostly definitions of different mental health issues, and almost felt like she was bragging about how many symptoms she had experienced? I appreciate her honesty and openness, but for me it tipped over the line from relatable to 'alright, we get it'.

But I stuck with it, and really enjoyed the second half of the book. It has made me feel more positive about my own running 'journey', and more able to see the benefits that running (and other physical activity) are bringing to my life.

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yclepit's review

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funny hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0


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leahewhite's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

2.75


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ludivinev's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75


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arachan's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative medium-paced

5.0

Picked up on holiday because I was trying to get back to running after a whole load of life got in the way.  Not the typical running memoir.  Mackie is very clear that running has helped her deal with anxiety and mental health issues but also, unflinchingly honest that it is not a panacea.  It's refreshingly honest because so much of the talk around running talks about the mental health benefits.

This is unambiguously a pro-running book but Mackie does not pretend that running 'fixes' serious mental health issues.  It is useful.  It is a tool.  It is not a fix, quick or slow.  There are too many factors and serious mental health needs more than just adding exercise to one's daily routine.

Very good.  Very worth reading.

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georgia29's review

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

3.5


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booktrotting's review

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0


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sweekune's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

3.5/5

Audiobook narrated by Bella Mackie

A good solid book about the benefits of running for mental health. It is one of the best books I've read on improving your mind and mental health and I enjoyed the laid back but we'll referenced approach taken. Bella Mackie got me to go for a run three times this week so the topics covered are persuasive. However, the repetitive nature of the advice and stories and the occasionally monotone narration did lead to me unintentionally zoning out of certain sections. Otherwise an enjoyable read and specifically one I would recommend if you experience mental health issues.

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