The Path She Runs

A Personal History of Women’s Ultrarunning

De: Jen Benson

Narrado por: Jen Benson

The longer the distance run, the more women have an edge over their male competitors. Yet, the longer the distance, the less likely women are to start the race.

In this engrossing personal account, writer and sport scientist Jen Benson looks at the science and hidden history of ultramarathon running, and details her own attempts to finish a 100-mile race.

Jen lays bare the intensity, unexpected humour, and profound personal sacrifices that define the world of ultra-running, and delves into the fascinating science of ultra-endurance performance. Interweaved with this are the untold stories of trailblazing women from the last four decades, including Jasmin Paris, the first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons; Eleanor Robinson, the first woman to complete the 153-mile Spartathlon race; and Courtney Dauwalter, widely regarded as the greatest female ultra-runner of all time.

A testament to the feats of women that challenge the very limits of human capability, this is the remarkable sporting history of extreme performance hitherto untold.©2024 Jen Benson (P)2024 Octopus Publishing Group

Completely Relatable

Although I'm not where near as fit as the author I found myself seeing myself in her. My favourite bit of the whole book was her sharing the last miles of The Arc of Attrition with Dave, the guy with the red shorts. I have been Dave in a number of events, needing company and a pick me up then choosing to stay with my new friend till the end. I think experiences like this is what keeps me coming back.
Having signed up for my first 100km next year my only goal is to start the race, then seeing how far I can go. Like the the author if it's a DNF, I will keep trying until I achieve it and get that medal. If you had told me 7 years ago when I was in my forties that I'd even consider signing up for something like this I wouldn't of believed you.
A very inspiring book, Thank you! Jules B