November: The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances (Tristinn's Review)

For the month of December, Kelsi, Annie and I are attempting to run 6 days a week. So far, it's going alright (aside from the fact that I've missed a couple extra days and I have a blister the size of the sun on my left heel). This dramatic running schedule made complete sense after November's book of inspiration: The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by The Oatmeal (aka Matt Inman).

First, a little background. The Oatmeal is a very popular online comic and one of its posts has probably shown up on your Reddit, Facebook, or Imgur account at some point. The comics are funny and cleverly illustrated which sometimes masks the fact that they can also be educational. To top it all off, the illustrator/author is a local Seattlite. Woot!

This book focuses on running. It starts with why the author runs and then expands on other funny anecdotes related to running (i.e. how to run your first marathon, what people are actually thinking in the gym, etc.). My favorite portion of the book was definitely the first section focusing on why the author runs. Instead of focusing on the more altruistic reasons for running - "It's healthy and makes me feel good" - the author focuses on the REAL reasons why he runs, FOOD being one of the primary drivers. The other famous element he mentions is The Blerch. Rather than me trying to describe him, why don't you go online and read the comic yourself? (Or look at this selection of the comic)

All in all this was a light and quick read, a nice change from some of the heavier stuff we have been reading.

WILLIAMS SCALE RATING: Sour Punch Straws {Just straight up silly and fun}