Running, Still

Finding Joy in Motion and Peace in Stillness

By: Emma Campbell

‘Emma’s moving and beautifully written memoir shows us that running isn't about pace or marathons; it’s about reclaiming your joy, your strength and yourself' – Bryony Gordon

A book about running. And not running.

Like many modern women, Emma Campbell has spent her whole life ‘running’: to keep up, to hold everything together, ‘running’ because the alternative, slowing down or (god forbid) stopping is actually quite terrifying. It took her third cancer diagnosis to discover the restorative power of slowing down – both in life and in her runs.

In Running, Still, Emma truly learns how taking your time can be life-changing. Amid relationship breakdowns, cancer treatment, raising her four children and caring for elderly parents, she finds the joy of a soul-boosting, recharging, gentle real-life run. Alongside her own journey Emma draws on the words and wisdom of other women: she shares slow miles with friends – including Bryony Gordon and the late Dame Deborah James – who are running on empty and considers why so many of us don't know how to stop ‘running’ and start truly living.

Written by someone who isn’t particularly bothered about personal bests, runs staggeringly slow marathons and still doesn't know what splits are, this is a story about choosing a different pace. It’s about the elation that running can offer, and a reminder that there’s no rush.

Critic reviews

Emma’s moving and beautifully written memoir shows us that running isn't about pace or marathons; it’s about reclaiming your joy, your strength and yourself.

This beautifully written book speaks directly to the warrior within, a reminder that we are all much stronger than we know and that most of that strength is in the stillness, however we find that. Whether you’re a survivor, a runner or just a human grappling with the messy largeness of their lot, Emma’s wise words will light your inner fire and soothe your frazzled soul.