Just a little run around the world, by Rosie Swale-Pope
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Incredible – if you’re a millennial that also has concerns about getting old, read it now.
I’ll start with the summary up front, this is an incredible book that’s inspiring, astounding, emotional (the first few chapters are quite hard going when you here about the backstory behind why she chose the expedition), laugh-out-loud funny (especially her meeting with Eric the boar!), endearing, and warm. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe Rosie’s utterly incredible 5-year running adventure, but you’ll need to read it for yourself.
The book documents Rosie’s route and experience, from her home in Tenby, Wales wearing her backpack (that gets upgraded to a baby jogger, then a custom-made trolley-sled), through Europe, then Russia. Across the Bering Sea to Alaska, and through the US. Her route selection has been designed to minimise the cost from flights (she’s self-funding using the rent from her cottage) and give the most travel insight.
One of the standout things to me (aside from the bad luck of being hospitalised after being hit by a bus), was her age when she set off – 58 years old, having only taken up running at 47! As a millennial about to enter my fourth decade, it gives me hope that I’ll still be doing brave endeavours like Rosie’s, that raises money for charities, or highlights important social issues, to change the situation for someone, somewhere.
The other thing is the year, 2003. I can recall it well as a university student. It was a difficult time for big endeavours, not only for safety (GPS was around, but not really user friendly or intuitive like it is now), mobile phones weren’t as useful as they are now, and there were conflicts in many places.
Above every, it’s a human story, that makes you realise the importance of cherishing those around you and taking time away from work to do the things you love and light you up.
According to her website, she’s now planning to run from the UK to Nepal. A huge endeavour at any age, let alone 74! Huge respect to this remarkable role model.
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