Drink Less, Run More: A Reading and Listening Guide to Embrace the Change
- jenny42780
- Feb 29, 2024
- 7 min read
Pic: Shoalhaven Summit July 2022 - Jenny White and Family - The first time I raced listening to a crime thriller
When I first gave up drinking, I was pretty intrigued by how different my life suddenly felt and was eager to read alllll about addiction and all things alcohol. I think it helped to validate my decision, hearing the sad stories of others going through real alcoholic lows and how they recovered. Nearly all my friends were still drinking when I gave up (most of them appeared to be able to manage the mysterious moderation that was so hard for me), so reading sober stories and running books helped me to realise I wasn't alone in my new quest. I had made the biggest decision of my life to give up drinking and I wanted to hear from others so I could cement this decision and see how they had coped.
Coupled with this newfound desire for knowledge, stories, and a sense of belonging, I also had some extra time on my hands. No longer crippled by blackout or hangover, I had some spare hours to get into some books, audiobooks and podcasts. Running was the first activity I turned to, and as my fitness grew, I found that during my easier runs, I could happily listen to books and podcasts instead of music. I am now training for 24-hour running events - so my listening time has skyrocketed. This listening/running habit is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic and I often feel like I am learning something too, regularly you might spot me having 'ah-ha' moments on the running track or shedding a tear during an emotional story. I genuinely forget I am running.
I am always googling/researching and looking for recommendations so I thought I would start this article as a work in progress, I will create a list of all the books I have read (relevant to Run Naked) with a one-line review. I hope that this list can help anyone else who is keen on getting into some 'quit lit' or running books.
TOPIC LIST - JUMP TO TOPIC
Stock image
TOPIC - GIVING UP ALCOHOL (WITH A LIGHT-HEARTED SIDE)
The Sober Diaries - Clare Pooley
One Sentence Overview: As light-hearted as a book could be about quitting booze and facing breast cancer, Clare draws upon her experience in relatable situations as an alcoholic parent.
What I loved: This book makes you laugh out loud, the way she describes day-to-day parenting situations through the lens of an alcoholic is brilliant. A must-read at the beginning of your tee-total journey,
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober - Catherine Gray
One Sentence Overview: The title says it all! Catherine had certain expectations about being sober and she describes the surprising, positive side effects of giving up the drink.
What I loved: Catherine is so funny, I loved hearing about all her misadventures! There are some juicy stories in there. Her take on sobriety is EXACTLY how I felt, so well written.
TOPIC - GIVING UP DRUGS/ALCOHOL - LIFE STORIES (ROCK BOTTOM STUFF)
Drunk Mum - Jowita Bydlowska
One Sentence Overview: If Jowita can do it, anyone can do it, she describes the lows of full-blown alcoholism and her journey away from that place in eye-opening detail.
What I loved: Her incredible stories of how her drug of choice, alcohol, took over her life. Her story shows a happy outcome that you wouldn't believe was possible. It shows there is hope for anyone.
Girl Walks out of a Bar a Memoir - Lisa Smith
One Sentence Overview: Lisa explains how even the most high-achieving of young high-flyers can be susceptible to the grip of addiction, this book is so honest and terrifying
What I loved: The raw honesty in this book is mind-blowing and it shows how self-medication can lead to horrible depths, the strength Lisa shows is next level.
Wasted - A Story of Alcohol, Grief, and Death in Brisbane - Elspeth Muir
One Sentence Overview: A home-grown first book from Elspeth that shows a sad insight into the Australian drinking culture and all of its knock-on effects, brought to a head for her in her brother's death.
What I loved: This perspective is from the younger Aussie who is discussing the more acute issues of alcohol abuse as well as the chronic.
Candy - A Novel of Love and Addiction - Luke Davies
One Sentence Overview: A brutal Australian story about a couple's relationship as it rides the lows of Heroin addiction, this one isn't about booze but shows the depths of addiction in a harrowing way.
What I loved: I loved this book but it's SO sad! You may have seen the movie. The book is equally as distressing. A great page-turner as I was so invested in their love story.
I Forgot to Die - Kalil Rafati
One Sentence Overview: You can believe the title and I was very surprised that Kalil did not die, reading Kalil's story makes most feel that they don't have too much to worry about. Wowee.
What I loved: The detailed description of Kalil's rock bottom makes you want to turn away.....almost....
We Are the Luckiest - Laura McKowen
One Sentence Overview: Laura has some really interesting perspectives on alcoholism and teaches us how to take care of number one, be selfish, and do what is right for you to get out of addiction.
What I loved: Her analogy between addiction and pregnancy was at first a bit odd but so perfect once it was explained! Why don't we care for ourselves like we do when we are expecting?
TOPIC - RUNNING INSPIRATION
Can't Hurt Me - David Goggins
One Sentence Overview: This man is pretty out there, he punishes himself to achieve his goals and his motivation is hardcore, he's a bit 'out-there' but impressive nonetheless.
What I loved: Watching him consistently and doggedly achieve his goals, no matter what got in his way, is inspiring to anyone. He is almost comical in his determination.
Let Your Mind Run - Deena Kastor
One Sentence Overview: Deena is an Olympic marathoner and this book tells of her journey to the top level of the sport, it describes in detail how she used her mind to improve her running as much as her body.
What I loved: I love the way Deena says 'road' haha. Listening to the details of all her training, racing, and mindset was fascinating. A must-read for any aspiring runner.
Born to Run - Christopher McDougall
One Sentence Overview: An interesting insight into all things running, ranging from the Tarahumara tribe through to the birth of the running shoe, so many great running stories intertwined into one book.
What I loved: If you are obsessed with running like I am, this book fuels the fire. It uses examples from everywhere across the globe that show how natural running is for humankind.
Finding Ultra - Rich Roll
One Sentence Overview: Rich describes his journey from being a top-class swimmer as a uni-student through his discovery of alcohol, hitting rock bottom, and clawing his way out to discover his talents as an ultra athlete.
What I loved: Rich shows that it doesn't matter what your background is, how bad it gets, or how old you are. You can still be the best version of yourself and find joy in things that are not drugs/alcohol.
TOPIC - SCIENCE/FACT-BASED READING AND LISTENING
Drink? David Nutt
One Sentence Overview: David Nutt is the UK Government Drug Advisor who was sacked for saying that ecstasy and LSD are less dangerous for you than alcohol, this book digs deep into the science of why.
What I loved: I loved hearing the science of why I feel the way I do about booze! No wonder hangovers are so cruddy and no wonder sobriety feels so good. Very sad to hear how the alcohol industry has its teeth into government policy. Boo.
Podcast - The Huberman Lab - Alcohol and Your Health
One Sentence Overview: Huberman goes into detail about how the body operates and what systems and processes alcohol affects when consumed, concluding that no amount of alcohol is good for you.
What I loved: I love listening to this guy! He describes the science so it is easy to understand, he tries to be unbiased but clearly, the evidence points only one way and this is a great affirmation for me.
RANDOM SELF-HELP THAT I LOVED
Atomic Habits - James Clear
One Sentence Overview: A step-by-step guide on how to create new habits that will last.
What I loved: James simply explains how habit formation works and therefore how some of our previous methods to form new habits are inevitably going to be unsuccessful. Just an interesting read.
Stolen Focus - Johan Hari
One Sentence Overview: An insight into the reasons why humans, all over the world, are struggling to focus and to pay attention.
What I loved: I couldn't put this book down! I related to all of the points Johan raised (particularly around phone use and sleep). Whilst it isn't a self-help book, I challenge you to walk away from reading this without having a new outlook!
Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker
One Sentence Overview: We all know that sleep is important and how bad we feel when we don't get it, Matthew digs into the science of why.
What I loved: It is crazy how little I knew about sleep before and I think I had underestimated its importance. When my running load gets high, often my sleep suffers - this book says I need to sort this out! I love understanding the ins and outs of who we are, this book definitely supports that.
Comments