Books

Coasting: Running Around the Coast of Britain – Life, Love and (Very) Loose Plans

*Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021*

*The Times Best Sports Books 2021*

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them

Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution:

Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back.

Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful.

Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way.

Coasting is available paperback, e-book and audiobook. You can buy directly or at all good bookshops (I love saying that!) including:

Waterstones | bookshop.org | Amazon | Audible | Book Depository

You can also get a copy from your local library or independent bookshop (just ask!)