Your Pace or Mine? What running taught me about life, laughter and coming last

by Lisa Jackson

Lisa Jackson is a surprising cheerleader for the joys of running. Formerly a committed fitness-phobe, she became a marathon runner at 31, and ran her first 56 mile ultra-marathon aged 41. And unlike many runners, Lisa's not afraid to finish last - in fact she's done so in 20 of the 90-plus marathons she's completed so far.
But this isn't just Lisa's story, it's also that of the extraordinary people she’s met along the way—tutu-clad fun-runners, octogenarians, 250-mile ultrarunners—whose tales of loss and laughter are sure to inspire you just as much as they've inspired her. This book is for anyone who longs to experience the sense of connection and achievement that running has to offer, whether you're a nervous novice or a seasoned marathoner dreaming of doing an ultra.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Health, Memoir, Sports, Biography, Fitness

301 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2016

About the author

Lisa Jackson's twin passions of travel and chat-running have seen this globetrotter visit almost 100 countries and complete over 100 marathons (and proudly come last in 25!). Lisa lives in south London with her husband and co-author Graham Williams, a tame squirrel called Pecan, two over-fed wood pigeons called Fletcher and Sedaris, and four very noisy foxes who visit from next door.

A clinical hypnotherapist and Runner's World columnist, Lisa's the co-author of Travel Seekness and the author of Your Pace or Mine? (#1 in Amazon's Running & Jogging category and winner of 3 Running Awards), Running Made Easy (which sold 110,000+ copies and remained Britain's best-selling beginner's running book for over a decade) and Adore Yourself Slim (Simon & Schuster).

In 2017 Lisa was one of 40 people featured in The Sunday Times's Alternative Rich List aka The Enriched List, as someone whose life has been 'rich in experience, rich in spirit, rich in life', an honour she shared with the likes of David Attenborough and Banksy.

Lisa's writing has been featured in numerous national publications ranging from The Independent and The Guardian to Psychologies magazine, RED, Cosmopolitan, Reveal, Prima, Healthy, Women's Running, Top Santé and Mumsnet.

Lisa loves connecting with runners and travellers from around the world (it's why she became a writer in the first place), so don't be shy and get in touch. You'll track her down here...
Twitter: lisajackson43 / Facebook: Little Bandit Books / Website: quiet-medicine.co.uk

Lisa's 10 favourite cities: Hanoi, Sarajevo, Pyongyang, Isfahan (Iran), Medellin, Jerusalem, Paris, Moscow, Valencia, Belfast

Reviews

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*
This was cute and entertaining.
I liked how the author isn't the best or even especially good at running, but still does it for the pure fun, meeting people and the challenge anyway. She's not out there to win, she's out there to run, to finish, to help others along and be helped.

Quite a bit of the book was not about her, biut short texts from all matter of people she met on races, and their running stories. Those felt like the letters in running magazines or such - and while I read them all I didn't much care for them. If I buy a book I personally want a properly edited coherent text, and not snippets all over the place. For some this might add to the book, for me it was a bit boring and I always waited for the author to resume telling her own story. The parts where she talks about what she learned from and about running also were pretty interesting. So all in all I'll give 3,5*

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice quick read about a lady who loves running (most of the time). She describes running races as a slow runner, which is relatable. It is an upbeat, positive book with nice stories. I did find myself skimming the stories sent in by friends/fans/people who run along with the author. They were quite repetitive and didn't really add things to me.

[Stuart Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ran past a lady wearing a flamingo hat during a half marathon in Manchester last year. It probably wasn't this author. I didn't stop to ask what the whole flamingo thing was about.

Reading these sorts of books keeps me motivated during running training, which I have recently restarted now that winter is over, and then re-restarted since recovering from Covid a week ago. (I have no idea if I'll be strong enough to put in a good time for my race in May. But that doesn't mean I won't be aiming for a PB~~~.) In that regard, this book is a success. I feel motivated and inspired.

Lisa details many runs that are easy to visualise, and painful struggles that are easy to empathise with. I especially enjoyed how she explored the concept that fear of failure keeps a person from achieving what they're capable of and how, conversely, having courage to fail lifts a person up to heights that they never expected of themselves. I don't know if I have more courage than fear, but books like this do at least help to temporarily tip the scales the right way.

One recurring feature of running books that I am growingly fond of is how often they depict the unexpected, Jump Scare need to pop a squat someplace, blast a dump who knows where at what mile, pee down one's legs and into one's trainers because it seems like it might save some time, etc etc. Murakami never wrote about that stuff in his running book, I think. What is he hiding? I bet it's something embarrassing. He should definitely have included it, whatever it is. Anyway, queuing for a toilet lost me about five minutes at the 5k mark in my half marathon last year. I should have just peed down my legs, too (I definitely should not have done that. No way. I have not the mental fortitude to run in wet, stinking shoes. Then again, if thats what separates the champs from the mortals...)

[Soniaalecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I found my admiration for runners, I’ve loved all the books about running, all but one. Reading about running makes it sound so easy which was never the case for me, a mediocre runner.
Starting to read “Your pace or Mine?” I firmly believed I won’t finish it. I didn’t care much for the whining as if the writer did not have a choice and was forced to run.
I stopped reading the book for weeks, but since unfinished things haunt me, I’ve decided to give it another try. I don’t know exactly when, but I started to really enjoy it and it made me feel good and understood.
It’s not that I had an epiphany, but it seemed that Lisa shared many of my doubts and fears. She is the first person who has a shot at convincing me of thighs I couldn’t convince myself of. I knew I should not care about others being better and faster than me, others telling me I don’t stand a chance or laugh at my plans, making me feel unworthy to be “a runner”. Knowing and believing are two different things so I could not bring myself to actually believe it.
For me this book was soup for the soul and was exactly what I needed. I hope this feeling will last, because for the first time in years I really enjoy stepping out of the door to go for a run and I enjoy even more when I step back in because some things never change :).
Thank you Lisa.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the enthusiasm of Lisa in her book as well as being the narrator of it. It’s inspiring and motivational and the stories of other runners are amazing to hear. 💪🏻 I think I will listen to it more often. 🥰

[Carolyn Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh god. I’m going to end up running a marathon after this one! Fortunately she has another book to tell me how.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lisa Jackson is nothing short of inspirational. Her running enthusiasm is contagious and I love her emphasis on just enjoying your run and not being preoccupied with what place you finish. Can’t say I’ll do a naked run any time soon, but her chapter on the subject was a hoot! If anything, the book could’ve been shorter with fewer stories from random runners but overall, an enjoyable read.

[Debbie]

DNF at p122. Maybe I would enjoy this book more if I was coming from a better running place. As it is, it just made me feel more like a failure. Also the writing style is quite disjointed, and I couldn't really get enough of a flow to make me want to keep reading.

[Eveline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy read with clear thematic chapters. Fun to read for any audience. I liked the puns and the descriptions of anecdotes. The book is full of personal stories. Mostly of Lisa. After each chapter, there are 7 to 16 very short, thematic stories of people Lisa met.

The book can be inspiring for those who admire runners and identify as couch potato. It contains lists of references, suggestions, funny jokes and some life lessons. You don't even need to enjoy running to enjoy this book and Lisa's joy in meeting people and sharing stories.

It's a very optimistic book that encourages people to focus more on joy and possibilities than on competition and forcing yourself to do things you don't enjoy. Lisa has plenty of suggestions to see the positive side of things and be grateful for all gathered experiences.

[Samantha Buckingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. As someone who is considering running a marathon, this book has really taught me that it's OK to run and come last. Running is so freeing to me, and to not put this time pressure on myself will help me reach my goal. Nothing beats running, it's a passion and a challenge 🙌

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly has some really interesting and humorous parts, but the structure was a bit frustrating, and there was far too much talk of cancer, death and how running helped people cope with both. While those reflections might comfort some, I just found them depressing.

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fun read. Very motivating and entertaining stories :)

[Queen Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. As someone who is not the fastest runner it really resonated with me. I folded over the pages I liked and most of the book has folded edges. If this book doesn't inspire you to run a marathon I don't know what will! I will hold on to a lot of what I read in this book when I attempt London marathon in April 2024.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was a quick read and was so uplifting and cute. The author sounds like such a funny person to be around and reminded me why running is so fun and special and to slow down every once in a while. Worth a read for any runner or walker.

[Roisin McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Keep your fears to yourself but share your inspiration with others.’ 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Cm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am the target audience, yet I find this book incredibly disappointing.

I started running in my late 20s. I had a stressful, chaotic job working 60-70 hours a week. More often than not my choice was between getting fast food or crying in my kitchen because the time spent cooking a healthy dinner meant I wouldn’t sleep that night. This led to significant weight gain and health issues. With such an inconsistent schedule, I couldn’t sign up for exercise classes and turned to running as an option. I found it helped not only with weight management, but it was great for my mood. As a self-taught runner, I made lots of mistakes, some of which have now led to permanent injury. I also feared the running community’s competitiveness for years and missed out on support, camaraderie, and deep friendships. Lisa Jackson has a similar story to tell, but instead of myth-busting, I found this book to be everything that’s still wrong with running.

She lost me early on when she quoted her father writing his “proudest moment” was when her sister ran a race she was improperly trained for and then had to be hospitalized for hyponatremia. Lisa writes a story about questioning someone in a race as to whether the pain they felt was a true injury or mental. She says she’d never encourage someone to keep going truly injured, but she spent the first 100 pages of the book doing exactly that. She leans hard into the stereotype that you’re not a real runner unless you’re stupid tough. It’s just stupid. I wished she’d used the benefit of hindsight to encourage others to learn from her mistakes instead.

There were a few amusing stories, but most anecdotes fell flat. I got the impression you had to be there to find it funny. The writing was rather mediocre.

The book itself clocks in at 300 pages, but if you remove all of the wasted space (a half page of text set off in a word bubble leaving a half page of margin), the book would be closer to 120 pages I think. Then there were pages of websites and fluff like “t-shirts I found funny.” Complete drivel to fill out a page count. I felt cheated out of a real book.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed her writing. She's very down to earth and makes you want to run with her. I also appreciated that while she takes her running seriously, she doesn't take herself too seriously. I'd love to run in some of her costumes err fancy dress. I actually got tripped up by some of her words - I'm not sure if it was British English or her South African upbringing, but I was very grateful for the Kindle's dictionary. Twitchers aka bird watchers was one that has definitely stuck with me.

I think what I enjoyed the most about this book was the layout. She's introduce each chapter's theme with her own experiences, stories and advice and then it would close with the experiences of other runners. Throughout the course of the book I felt as if I got to know some of these runners and began to recognize their stories even before I saw the anecdote's "byline".

While I have no desire to run some of these -- Beachy and Beauty and the Beast for two, she also made me want to make more of a running bucket list. Very similar to Phil Hewitt's book in that respect. I don't think I could physically do an Ultra, but Comrades plus South Africa being on my bucket list... Oh so tempting.

While this book is a no brainer for beginning runners, I'd actually recommend it to any runner.

[Sue Pluthero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Lisa’s book at the library because it looked interesting, and my daughter and son in law do some running, as does my dog walker, who has quite a few medals to show for it. I like Lisa’s style - she is obviously a chatty person, and this comes over in her writing. It makes me want to try some running because of the social aspect, though at 74 it might not be such a good idea, although I’m in good health. I occasionally run with my dog, though he tends to the occasional spurt rather than distance as he’s now coming up to 13 years of age, but also in good health. I definitely think most runners are crazy, after reading the book, but her attitude to running is an attitude to life - if you want to do something have the courage and stubbornness to do it. Winning or placing isn’t important - it’s the journey that matters.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyful running

I like this book. Based oncapturing the simple joys in running. Not PBs or medals but rather putting one foot in front of the other when all of your body and brain want you to stop. On incremental gains. On showing up every day and trying to do a bit more than yesterday without forgetting to laugh (at yourself mostly), make new friends, enjoy the scenery and the joy of being alive - if a little in pain.

[Nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, heartwarming & inspirational with a good dose of advice....I hope to meet Lisa at the back of the pack one day- where all the cool kids are after all ;0)

[Tamara Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Your Pace Or Mine?: What Running Taught Me About Life, Laughter, and Coming Last” is a nonfiction book focusing on Lisa Jackson, a South African woman who started running at the age of thirty-one who eventually becomes an marathoner and ultra-marathoner despite often finishing last. Throughout the book, Jackson shares what she’s learned about life during her running journey as well as shares stories from other runner friends as a way to motivate, inspire, and show how diverse the global running community can be.

The book consists of a foreword, an introduction, eleven chapters, acknowledgements, and information about the author.

Prior to the introduction is a foreword by Katherine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the then all-male Boston Marathon. In the foreword, Switzer shares meeting author Lisa Jackson in 2013 and how meeting Jackson gave Switzer permission to have fun when running as well as showing how connected the global running community can be.
In the introduction, Jackson begins by briefly sharing that she is the least likely runner in that she rejected exercise until she started running at the age of thirty and how she reinvented herself into a proud slow runner. Jackson hopes that by reading her book, the reader will be tempted to run as a way to accomplish things that once seemed impossible and to celebrate themselves. In addition to sharing stories from her running journey, Jackson also presents inspirational and touching stories from runner friends of various ages, genders, and races to show how running has changed their lives of others.

In chapter one, “What running taught me about ... taking the first step,” Jackson shares about her childhood growing up in South Africa as the unathletic daughter or two athletic parents and sister. At the age of twenty-five, Jackson moves from South Africa to London for work and five years later, while working at a health magazine, she is persuaded by a co-worker to enter a charity 5K race. After completing the 5K despite not preparing for the race, Jackson is drawn to running due to seeing the collaborative not competitive environment, teamwork and encouragement given by others. Jackson shares her first half marathon experience with her aunt as well as rookie running mistakes of not preparing for rainy weather and not bringing food to eat while on the race route. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about getting started which is that the hardest part of running is taking the first step and that once one begins to run, it becomes easier over time.

In chapter two, “What running taught me about … fear,” Jackson shares running her first marathon in London after being given a media place slot from a co-worker and decides to fundraise to secure her aunt’s place. Despite a knee injury, Jackson is able to overcome the pain by distracting herself with walking breaks and listening to spectators. Shortly after completing her first marathon and although she vows not to do it again, Jackson decides to sign up for another marathon, convinces her husband Graham to participate in the race, and trains to fully run the race rather than walking. After completing her second marathon, Jackson decides to set a goal to run five marathons. After completing her third marathon, Jackson vows to use a run/walk method to conserve her energy during races. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about fear which is that sometimes it’s best to face fear head on.

In chapter three, “What running taught me about ... never, never, never giving up,” Jackson shares her experience in running in enduring a race after running in untested socks and shoes and seeing endurance personified while guiding a disabled athlete during the 2004 New York City Marathon to show the importance of never giving up. Among the runner stories shared was the especially touching story shares by Jackson’s father who has run almost daily for sixty years and a story from another runner who is a brain tumor survivor. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about perseverance which is that it is something that is learned over time by finding ways to keep running when the novelty has worn off and the importance of focusing on a goal as a way to achieve it.

In chapter four, “What running taught me about … laughing,” Jackson shares a tale of attempting to unsuccessfully pee while running with hilarious results. As the chapter progresses, Jackson shares races in which humor helped her overcome the pain of completing the distance including wearing costumes (aka fancy dress,) and participating as a “zombie” in a zombie mud run. Jackson suggests viewing running as fun as a way to take pressure off. Runners friends share their funniest running stories including a story by Jackson’s sister Loren of completing a training run accompanied by nightclubbers and motorbike riders in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Jackson’s uncle who shares the importance of being course support during running events. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about laughing which is that laughter is an essential part of the running journey and can be used to help conquer fear or nervousness.

In chapter five, “What running taught me about … lifesaving,” Jackson shares various stories of providing first aid to a runner while on the course and being helped by various people while completing running events. Runner provide stories of how running acted as a lifeline after major life changes like the death of family members, depression, and as a way to fight old age. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about lifesaving which is that running can provide a way to cope with hardships in life as well as help the runner accomplish athlete feats they never thought was possible.

In chapter six, “What running taught me about … death,” Jackson discusses how running has often been associated with death from the origin of the marathon to modern times then shares her stories of the death of her mother while she was training for a race as well as her beloved Aunt Rosie who was Jackson’s frequent marathon running partner. Jackson shares how she feels connected to her deceased mother and aunt when she runs since they were both runners. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about death which is that running can sometimes be the best way to pay tribute to a deceased loved one.

In chapter seven, “What running taught me about … dreaming big,” Jackson shares stories of finding unlikely cheerleader when running in public in a group of teens, and completing a race alone after having her running partner pull out of the race due to injury. Stories are shares of runners who dreamed big and made it happened including running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, running 300 hundred marathons, and running 250 miles in one go. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about dreaming big which is that when it comes to dreaming big, nothing is impossible and you can achieve anything if it’s truly something you want.

In chapter eight, “What running taught me about … failure and success,” Jackson shares a story of not completing a third Comrades marathon but feeling proud that she stuck it out in the race until the bitter end. Runner stories provided show that there is no failure, only feedback. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about failure and success which is that coming in last is better than not running at all.

In chapter nine, “What running taught me about … nudity,” Jackson shares her experience in running a nude 5K at a nudist resort. After missing the start of the race, Jackson is welcomed to stay and enjoy the resort’s facilities. Despite thinking that it would be her only nude race, Jackson participates in a second nude race at a Streak for Tigers race at the London Zoo in which she only wore a mask and tiger ears. Stories are shared from various runners of why they love running naked. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about nudity which is to stop worrying about what your body looks like and be grateful for what your body can do.

In chapter ten, “What I can teach you about running,” Jackson highlights ten mistaken beliefs that may hold people back from running, a list of memorable marathons she has participated in, stories from well-known runners of what running means to them, t-shirt slogans that make her smile, a list of running books to read, and a list of useful running resources.

In chapter eleven, “Your Running Record,” Jackson provides the reader with an area to document their running journey such as the date and age they started running, proudest running moment, big goals, cities run in, favorite run photo, friends made through running, personal bests, and worst memorable race. The chapter ends with Jackson sharing what running taught her about getting started which is that the hardest part of running is taking the first step and that once one begins to run, it becomes easier over time.

After I finished this book, I liked Jackson’s running mindset that it’s not about the time you do, but about the time you having while doing it. Jackson’s friendly writing style made reading this book a quick and enjoyable experience and empowered me as a slower back of the pack runner.

[Kat Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

I started running (again) in April of this year after getting the go ahead from some of my medical team. It quickly became an intense interest, and I hoped that it wasn't a fleeting ADHD fuelled one, but a steady Autistic one. Thankfully, it was (is) the latter.

Having thrown myself in full throttle, I was ignoring some of the things which contributed to my multiple year hiatus: chronic pain, some awful joints, lack of cartilage in my right knee, chronic fatigue, breathlessness, and a weird heart rate. Needless to say I've had quite a few injuries, with the last one benching me for a month.

I returned to running at the beginning of August, and was introduced to Jeffing (walk/run or the Galloway method). It's incredible! Not only can I actually breathe and my joints (mainly) behave, I'm faster. Seriously! I spent all of August chasing personal bests, and started caring more about the numbers than the process.

Earlier this week I had my first truly crap run for ages. I was pushing hard for another 5k PB, and as each metre passed, my legs were complaining more. My only recently healed ankle was moaning, my back was screaming, and my right knee was grating. At 3.5k I paused my watch to wait for cars to pass before I crossed a road, pushed off when it was safe and accidentally pressed "save" rather than "resume". I was cross. I did finish my 5k, but my heart wasn't in it and my performance was sloppy. I walked the rest of the route despondent.

I then started reading this book and it shifted my perspective back to where it was when I first started running again. I do it because I can, and because it gives me much needed headspace. I'd joked before that I was built for comfort not speed, and that I'd rather run a long distance slowly than a shorter one fast, but I'd completely forgotten that until I found myself wishing I was more like Lisa.

This book was funny, heartbreaking, and completely relatable. I have far more fun at the back of the pack, and I'm also the non-athletic one in the family who now runs further than anyone else.

Lisa's warmth and spirit shone out of the pages and warmed my heart. My next run was slower, but my goodness I enjoyed it. Smiling at the end rather than limping while I impatiently wait for Garmin to upload to Strava was therapeutic, and I realise that this is not only better for my mental health, it means I'll be able to run for more years than if I keep pushing myself to literal breaking point.

I never thought I'd be able to run a marathon because of my knee and other body issues, and I always thought I'd be too slow anyway. Lisa has taught me that I can probably do it if I want it bad enough, and that all I need to do is look for those which have generous cut off times. So that's the new plan. I have two halves next year which will form part of my training for a full. Hopefully.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who runs, who has thought about running, or just wonders why on earth we do it. I also recommend keeping a stock of them to throw at people who say we're "jogging" or "not real runners" or who lean out of vans to yell "keep going, love" when it's time for a scheduled walk break. The book is pretty thick, and it'd probably knock some sense and courtesy into them.

[jolovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring and funny book sums up the joy you can find in running, such as the connections to others and the world around you, the conquering of fears, the pride, the mental strength, the comraderie, the adventures.

I love how the author cuts through any snobbery and breaks down the barriers around running. If you run, you're a runner.

She has achieved so much, yet she makes you see all of this is in reach of any of us if we want it.


"A lot of the time I wholeheartedly agree with the slogan I once saw on a runner's T-Shirt: 'I love running - just not when I'm doing it.'"

"... running has also taught me that nothing is impossible, and that the task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you. If you have a dream, and it's truly something you want, you will find a way to make it happen."

"Because the combination of actually running and the feeling of having run make you feel more alive, more connected, more brimful of happiness than any other activity on earth. Trust me, as a part-time running-hater, I know what I'm talking about!"

"'That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are the moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.'"
Two-time US Olympian, Kara Goucher.

[Agnetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read for the not-so-strong runners, or even for the totally-not-strong runners like myself, a different perspective on running, tales from the back of the pack, why not indeed !

The most liberating moment was when I read how a runner who normally runs a marathon in about 4 hours and this time was helping the organization with pacing a six hour run declared that slow running brings it's own kind of suffering (longer on your feet, and the pain lasts, you know, lónger) had discoovered a new found respect for the back of the pack. I thought, indeed, right? this is what I also often thought : the fast runners are just faster, but they do not necessarily put in "more effort" during the race !

Overall a very positive new perspective, the only danger is that it may make you want to run a marathon... so if you would prefer not to put that kind of time consuming dreams into your head... be careful, this book is contageous.

Me, I wanted to stick with 10K, but after listening to Lisa on her audiobook, I díd start reminiscing about the 21Ks again, and was looking at the Tshirts I accumulated of those runs and thinking.. could I still ? And should I then get a tutu and fluo gear ? Can I be a fun back-of-the-pack lady too ?

[Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I disliked so much about this book:
- Jackson gives a million examples of why races suck for slow runners, while apparently trying to encourage slow runners to race.
- She isn't even a very slow runner (she called a 6.5 hour marathon cut off "generous") so it felt like humble bragging.
- She encourages the idea that running should be excessively painful to be impressive.
- She repeats the idea of being "a real runner" without any interrogation of what that means.

And on a more serious note:
- Jackson happily references childhood stories of growing up as a class-privileged, white South African during apartheid, with no reflection on this or indication of her politics around decolonisation. There were several moments that made me think the worst of Jackson and her family.

I DNF'd at around 40% because life's too short to read rubbish books. But based on conversations with my running book club friends, the rest wouldn't have made up for these issues.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

God forbid I ever run into the author on a run because chatty runners annoy me to no end. But that said, it is a good motivational book if you intend on running a marathon. As another reviewer said, I found this book rather deflating and made me feel a little bit like a loser, even though I've running longer than the author. It seems like all she cares about are marathons (which is funny, because half marathons seem to be all the rage in the US, much more popular than full marathons). However, there were parts that resonated with me and made me laugh, especially when she talked about putting off training runs (haven't we all done this?) and doing a roadside potty stop.

Overall, okay. But if you're running for fitness or training for a low mileage run, you may not find this super motivational

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting something new can be difficult, but having the right attitude can make or break the experience. Cultivating an attitude of fun while running is something Lisa Jackson excels at. She started running in her thirties despite having a very active family who encouraged her to try much earlier in life. She quickly discovered that the key to enjoying the running process was to connect with others and prioritize having fun. She does this in numerous ways--by meeting new people while she runs marathons, by wearing costumes during her races, and by running a pace that she feels comfortable with instead of pursuing time goals that stress her out. This book inspired me to reconsider my current approach to running and filled me with hope that this new hobby of mine could be explored in different and more meaningful ways.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really feel-good, inspirational book about being a back-of-the-pack runner. Lisa Jackson talks about how she has finished dead last in marathons numerous times, and has completed ultra races whilst avoiding the sweeper vans that were trying to pick her up to give her a ride back to the finish line. She's really funny and positive, and basically believes that running should serve you rather than punish you. And that it should be fun above all else.

I'm definitely a tortoise rather than a hare, although I've knocked almost 10 minutes off my 5km time since I started properly plodding along in August. I've entered a half marathon and a marathon this year and I'll be dipping back into the advice that Lisa Jackson offers here for sure.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for myself for Christmas this year plus two more copies, one for each daughter. It was a quick read, possibly because it was so interesting. John Bingham was referenced twice in the book which was also quite a treat, he being one of the organizers, originators & attendees on our Great Alaskan Running Cruise. I didn’t realize John “The Penguin” was quoted in the book so it was pretty cool to come across his name while reading (p 27 & p 223). Lisa Jackson, the author, is very down to earth, personable & believable. She is easy to follow. There is an extensive submission of quotes/blurbs by many in the running world. The author has another book entitled “Slim” which sounds intriguing????

[Prachi Pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a runner, I’m always looking to hear about other runner’s stories and take inspiration from them. Reading Lisa Jackson’s ‘Your Pace or Mine’, was one such delightful book.

You get to hear why running is important to her and other contributors in the book, how each of them started running, what does being a runner mean really, how running has saved them physically and emotionally, how running has given runners a community that supports and loves and encourages, embarrassing running stories, funny running stories, how to be last in a marathon and still have fun and call yourself a runner…

I had such a great time taking Lisa and her friends along with my on this audiobook during my solo runs☺️ Much recommended for runners and to-be runners 😁