About the Book
This book isn't about achieving sub-3-hour marathons or maintaining a running streak for a decade. Instead, it's the narrative of an ordinary runner who laces up their shoes, steps out of the door, relishes the joy of running, but has also experienced their fair share of setbacks along the way. It's about overcoming obstacles and having faith in yourself.
Just Run is a memoir motivated by Merili Freear's discovery of running during the Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020. Since then, she has run many thousands of miles, including two marathons and two ultra marathons. It reflects on all the highs and lows that come with running, showing how running helps to silence her inner gremlins and tackle whatever life throws at her. Cementing the notion that nearly anyone can run, this is a book is for all types of runners, but particularly beginners and casual runners, as Merili shares how she created a sustainable running habit and combines this with practical tips and advice.
Whether you're aiming for marathons, ultras, or you stick to 5ks, you are a runner, and that's truly awesome! Discover the transformative magic that unfolds when you lace up your shoes and decide to just run.
About the Author :
Merili Freear's running journey began in April 2020 during England's first Covid-19 lockdown. Since then, she's conquered thousands of miles, including two marathons and two ultra marathons. Originally from Estonia, she now lives in rural Lincolnshire with her supportive family and spirited schnauzer, Jack. Merili runs to help maintain her mental well-being, driven by a passion for pushing her own boundaries. Her goal is to inspire and empower others to discover and unlock their full potential.
Review :
'Merili shares her running experiences with unflinching honesty and vulnerability, proving that running isn't just about finish lines - it's about embracing the journey, overcoming obstacles, and discovering our limitless potential.'
- Lisa Jackson, author of Your Pace or Mine?
'Merili has managed to do what might seem beyond reach to most people. She has proven that it is not only possible to start running from the lowliest of places - from barely walking 3,000 steps a day during the Covid pandemic in 2020 to completing an ultra marathon just a handful of years later - but she has also shared her story skilfully and passionately in the pages of her new book, Just Run. In reading this book, I can see echoes of my own journey, not only with running but also with disordered eating, overcoming obstacles, including self-doubt and the fear of looking foolish. As somebody who knows how hard it is to tackle those fears head on, I can only applaud Merili for being brave enough to push herself far beyond her old self-imposed limits and create a new reality for herself, and then sharing her story so articulately with the world.'
- Rachel Ann Cullen, author of Running For My Life
'Merili Freear reminds us that running at its essence is quite simple: it's about getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other. The rest is discovery. And as you'll discover in her aptly named book, if you "just run", no matter how slowly or tentatively at first, a new world will open up before you.'
- John Hanc, author of The Essential Runner and The Coolest Race on Earth
'If you're struggling to start running, this memoir is the running buddy you need to get out there! Just Run is the encouragement to find joy in running without comparison and illustrates more is possible from running three times a week than you may have imagined.'
- Ronnie Staton, ultra runner, coach and HOBO Pace race director
'It's a very honest book, and it's made me realise that a lot of things I personally worry about as a runner are things that also bother other people too, as I found myself nodding along to a lot of what Merili says in here. Merili overcomes obstacles - self-doubt, injury, lack of motivation - and helps the reader understand that we all experience these at some time or another, and that they are not insurmountable. Beginners would find this useful - there are lots of tips in there, as well as useful pace charts and mile/kilometre conversions. However, I've been running for many, many years and also found lots in there for me too - including an entire chapter dedicated to canicross, which I don't often see written about in books. I loved that the chapters are short, so it's a very easy book to dip in and out of, even if you only have 5 minutes to spare at a time. I am also a busy mum, like Merili, so appreciated this format. All in all, this is an inspiring read about all aspects of running, both positive and negative.'
- Michelle Mortimer, UKRunChat
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly as two of my favourite worlds collided: running and reading. Whether you're just thinking about running, are a beginner, or an experienced runner, there's something here for everyone.'
- Susan Wheatcroft, Virtual Runner UK
