Humorous, encouraging, and an altogether lovely read for this aspiring “runner”! Thank you for writing a book to help those of us who struggle with the mental game of running.

Genuinely one of the best books on how to start running, and to continue running through the physical and mental roadblocks new, returning, or irregular runners often face. Added bonus: it's funny, charming, and has great illustrations.

This was clever and funny. I don't think it really helped any with my relationship with running though.

The format of this book made it hard to read.

I started this and it seems like an interesting read, but it wasn't for me. There is humor but it also is semi-motivational.

Overall, it's short and it is motivating, but nothing amazing.

Who can resist the title? Who really likes running? This upbeat book was written by someone who runs both short and long distances, It's. a pep talk for those of us who don't like running, with diagrams and illustrations to help readers understand and get started. The steps to begin running and to keep running are outlined and easy to follow, and Leonard's humor keeps the idea of running entertaining.

Positive and encouraging, this book gives you nuggets of support you need to be successful in life, not just in running. I found this title humorous and full of infographics that will made me smile and snap pics to share with friends. Crack it open and you, too, will find all of the support and advice that you'd expect of a good friend. I may never run regularly, but I know it's okay and that it's really the act of trying that makes one successful.

I can totally relate to this book! I've always played sports and been active, but I just jumped into the sport of running in the last two years. Now, at the age of almost-39, I am in the best shape of my life, my stamina is the highest its ever been, and I have muscles in places I've never seen muscles. But -- and I tell this to everyone I know who says they are impressed with my progress -- running sucks. Seriously, it does. It can be really hard to do and it can also be really taxing on your body. There are many times where I procrastinate changing into my running gear because I just don't know if I'm up for the task that day. That said, there are so many positives that I can't even mention them here. The main reason I keep doing it, though? Running is free therapy. But enough about me, let's talk about this awesome book!

Brendan Leonard is pretty much my spirit animal with this book. He says everything I've been thinking about running and then gives me advice and inspiration to keep doing what I'm doing. He offers some great LOL moments and a lot of practical tips that just about every runner can appreciate. For example, I honestly had no idea that many marathon runners actually walk a portion of the race! Mind = Blown! I've completed two half marathons in the last year and while I'm proud of my performance, both kicked my butt and I couldn't imagine running a full marathon. But thanks to Brendan Leonard and the insight he offers in this book, believe it or not I'm actually considering upping my game a bit... His wit is what kept me (virtually) turning pages, though. Like this fun line: "If running were a person I was dating, I would definitely have broken up with that person long ago. But running is more like a weird friend I keep hanging out with and who is good for me in a really strange way - despite being pretty unlikable most of the time." Nailed it! It's like he can see into my soul.

I would highly recommend this to any runner, but especially us "reluctant runners" and to anyone who thinks they'd never lace up a pair of running sneakers.

**Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.**

This was an informative read that included quotes and references from other running authorities. It was organized well and provided interesting perspectives for the would-be or just starting runner. This book is wry and self-deprecating, making me laugh at how we sometimes perceive ourselves or the effort of running. I particularly enjoyed the graphic images and charts that were added. Read this book and it will make you want to lace up your shoes to go for that run!

I would like to thank #Netgalley and the publisher, Artisan Books, for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Leonard has done very well in adding humor about an activity many of us want to do, but find it incredibly hard to do. He uses his knowledge about running to motivate and commiserate with his readers.

A fun, irreverent guide to running from someone who doesn't really hate to run. It's packed with informal advice and personal experience, as well as stats and graphics, and I did write down a lot of helpful tips. This is probably one of the more engaging books about running that I've come across (although I've still yet to leave the sofa...well, he didn't say it was a magic book!)

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher, who provided me with a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will fully admit that I wanted to read this book because I hate running and I was hoping to commiserate on my sediments of the activity. But instead by the end of the book, I was signing up for a virtual race. Do I think it will be something I love? No. But do I think I can do it, yes. This book just helped me realized I don’t need to be a crazy fast runner to be considered a “runner” and that I can just do it at my own pace and eventually I might enjoy it. It really good confidence boost for those looking to start running.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

A fun, lighthearted essay book about running. Don't come here for technical advice or "hacks"--the author is very straightforward about the fact that this book is not about that. I enjoyed it as a casual runner myself.

This was a quick and easy read with no real NEW information but I still found it really relatable and enjoyable and I came away encouraged in my running goals. Would definitely recommend. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Next to me is a page of notes that have nothing to do with running, but everything to do with successful outcomes. Every piece of sage advice I scrawled on this torn sheet of paper is from I Hate Running and You Can Too, which, by the way, is the most approachable book on running I've encountered. Because of the wisdom imparted by Brendan Leonard, I stayed on the treadmill longer, went for the extra mile, and mentally challenged myself to quit my whining and complete the task because we are all our own worst enemies. If we don't admit that, we don't break the cycle.
The witty realism of Leonard's style is like having your best friend in your ear. The tone is encouraging, but also, he's not about to take your BS. What's especially nice are the "hang on the wall" quotes like "The pursuit of passion matters more than the passion itself" and "You have to be the person you don't let down". This is the kind of book you keep and re-read when you need to reboot and find your rhythm again. It is printed motivation that should be displayed, gifted, and pushed upon anyone who needs to get themselves started. Look, I may be laying it on thick here, but reading this book has the potential to be life-altering. And I'm going to go for a run now because I'm out of excuses and maybe, just maybe, I don't hate running as much as I thought.

Finally a running book with which I can agree. I hate running. I always felt less of a runner because of it. Even when I was a triathlete, I hated running. Now I know why, because I made it hard. This author gets it, we can overwhelm ourselves with time, pace, effort ,and comparisons. We forget to have fun, relax, honor our bodies and experience freedom. You decide on your pace and comfort and report to no one. That’s what running should be. No expectation. It’s okay to hate it. What matters is you keep moving and keep trying. Running is running, fast or slow, long or short.
“Slow is eventually fast.”
“Put in the miles so you can put in the miles.”

This is a fun book and quick read. It is meant to inspire people to start running, but as someone who already “hates” running I enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a PRC of I Hate Running and You Can Too. The author of this little book doesn't really hate running. As a long time runner, he has a love/hate relationship with running, like so many of us. This is a fun, breezy read for anyone who runs or wants to run...or should be running. The author is a seasoned runner who knows his subject well. The book is illustrated with fun graphics that help emphasize his points. This is probably one of the most enjoyable books about running that I've ever read!

I Hate Running and You Can Too is a breathe of fresh air to the running world. Brendan Leonard shares his insight to the world of running in a down to earth way.

This is a cheeky book that will help you discover running can be enjoyable and that pushing yourself in your own way will lead you to success, that success can be whatever you deem it to be.

Along the way the author has included several diagrams that help you visualize your goals and the power of taking small steps vs setting huge unrealistic goals. This is by far the most realistic guide to running I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying, and it will definitely give you a few laughs. I couldn't ask for more.

Brendan Leonard speaks to my heart. I hate running. As an adult as a kid no matter what age, I have always hated running. For some reason a few years ago I decided my goal was to run a 5K. I did, a virtual one, but I did. I ran multiple, virtual 5K. My body never looked like a runners body and I still didn't love running. My body felt better and I could move so much better. Then I had a bad abdominal surgery. I have been trying to convince myself I can do a 5K again, that I don't have to be great at it but I need to do it. I have been unsuccessful.

Enter this book, I Hate Running and You Can Too. Filled with such gems as, "Look nobody, ever says a grizzly bear has a "runners body" -- but in a footrace, a grizzly bear would absolutely kick the shit out of the fastest human ever. And the grizzly bear literally spends zero time training." and "Any body that runs, is a runners body". I am convinced I can do this. I will get back on that treadmill and I too will hate running but I will be hating it while I am running and I will love that!!!!!

Thank you Brendan Leonard. This book is an inspiration and a revelation. You make it okay to not be great, to go for the easy run, to stop judging and comparing, to just be and do it! Go for that run! You don't need fancy clothes or shoes, just enjoying moving at your pace, be in the moment. Run!!!!!

This little book was exactly what it promised. It's not a book for people looking for training tips for running. Instead it gives you permission to hate running but still do it anyway. Brendan Leonard uses a fun mix of quotes, charts, and humor to put the activity of running into perspective. His main message is that if you want to run then run. There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you run, then you're a runner. While the book does start to feel a bit redundant after a while, it's still short enough to be useful for someone who just needs some motivation to get started. My favorite part of the book was when a Japanese proverb was followed by a Cardi B quote.