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Running Free: A Runner’s Journey Back to Nature Paperback – 5 Mar. 2015

by Richard Askwith (Author)

4.1 328 ratings

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Shortlisted for the 2015 Thwaites Wainwright prize for nature writing

Richard Askwith wanted more. Not convinced running had to be all about pounding pavements, buying fancy kit and racking up extreme challenges, he looked for ways to liberate himself. His solution: running through muddy fields and up rocky fells, running with his dog at dawn, running because he's being (voluntarily) chased by a pack of bloodhounds, running to get hopelessly, enjoyably lost, running fast for the sheer thrill of it. Running as nature intended.

Part diary of a year running through the Northamptonshire countryside, part exploration of why we love to run without limits, Running Free is an eloquent and inspiring account of running in a forgotten, rural way, observing wildlife and celebrating the joys of nature.

An opponent of the commercialisation of running, Askwith offers a welcome alternative, with practical tips (learned the hard way) on how to both start and keep running naturally – from thawing frozen toes to avoiding a stampede when crossing a field of cows. Running Free is about getting back to the basics of why we love to run.

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A joyous, eloquent and lyrical account of one man's lifelong love affair with running... Running Free is simply the prod you need to make you step off the pavement and into the wild -- Martin Love ― Guardian

Exhilarating -- Iain Finlayson ― The Times

A much needed breath of fresh air -- Alexandra Heminsley ― Independent

An escape from the stopwatch tyranny of PBs and split times, this is a reminder of how to run for sheer joy ― Runner's World

Intelligent, evocative, passionate and above all enjoyable -- Simon Redfern ― Independent on Sunday

About the Author

Richard Askwith has been a journalist for over 40 years. He has written six previous books, including his modern classic on fell running, Feet in the Clouds, which won the Best New Writer category at the British Sports Book Awards and was shortlisted for the William Hill and Boardman Tasker prizes, and he is now one of the UK's most celebrated writers on running. Running Free was shortlisted for the Thwaites-Wainwright Prize, and his evocative biography of Emil Zátopek, Today We Die A Little, was shortlisted in the Cross Sports Book Awards. His most recent book, Unbreakable: the Countess, the Nazis and the World's Most Dangerous Horse Race, won Biography of the Year at the Telegraph Sports Book Awards in 2020.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yellow Jersey; Reprint edition (5 Mar. 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0224091972
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0224091978
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.7 x 2.03 x 20.32 cm

Customer reviews:
4.1 328 ratings

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Richard Askwith

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Richard Askwith is a mostly unremarkable middle-aged Englishman with some strong passions, including running, freedom, the countryside and writing.

His books tend to have sporting themes. For example: his cult book about fell-running, FEET IN THE CLOUDS (2004), which won him the Best New Writer prize at the British Sports Publishing Awards and was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award; or his 2019 book, UNBREAKABLE: THE COUNTESS, THE NAZIS AND THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS HORSE-RACE, which won Biography of the Year at the 2020 Telegraph Sports Book Awards. Both books are being developed as films.

Richard's acclaimed 2016 book, TODAY WE DIE A LITTLE, is the definitive biography of Emil Zátopek, Olympic legend, Cold War hero and, many believe, the greatest runner of all time. It was shortlisted for the Cross Sports Book Awards. Two years earlier, RUNNING FREE: A RUNNER'S JOURNEY BACK TO NATURE (2014) was short-listed for the Thwaites Wainwright Prize.

Richard's latest book, THE RACE AGAINST TIME, describes an unexpectedly inspiring journey of discovery: a search for the secrets of happy, healthy, whole-life running. Published on 12 January 2023, it mixes science, reportage, interview, memoir and reckless participation to show how runners don’t have to lose hope just because age is eroding their powers. Richard, who is in his early sixties, considers himself reborn as a runner as a result of the experiences that went into this book, and he hopes that others will find his subject matter equally rejuvenating.

Richard's other books include THE LOST VILLAGE: IN SEARCH OF A FORGOTTEN RURAL ENGLAND (2008; named Non-Fiction Book of the Year in the 2009 Saga Grown-Up Awards); and PEOPLE POWER: REMAKING PARLIAMENT FOR THE POPULIST AGE (2018), a short, radical proposal (part of Biteback's "Provocations" series) for reforming British politics.

He is also co-author of LET IT GO (2012 & 2019), Dame Stephanie Shirley's inspiring account of her life as a champion of women's rights and philanthropy. And he has edited several books - including the acclaimed A HISTORY OF THE GREAT WAR IN 100 MOMENTS (2014) - for The Independent, where he worked from 1993 to 2016 in a number of senior roles including Executive Editor and Associate Editor.

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Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting. They appreciate the inspirational content and insights on running. The book explores alternative ways to enjoy running, including rural environments and nature. Readers describe the writing as humorous and well-written.

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Enjoyment Inspirational content Enjoyment of running Humor

26 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’23 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it interesting and a great reflection on the Ages of Running. Many find it enjoyable and one of the greatest running books they have ever read. The book is about more than running, and enjoyment is more important than performance for them.

"...Running isn't a means to an end, it's a wonderful, beautiful, uplifting end in itself...." Read more

"...of why we love to run without limits” and those aspects of the book are indeed excellent...." Read more

"...Some of views expressed are perhaps overstated but its well worth a read whether you are a rural or urban runner because, as we know, running is all..." Read more

"...However I loved Running Free. It was relaxed read that felt like an engrossing fireside chat..." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Inspirational content’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and insightful. They say it's good for the soul, with interesting points about running and history.

"...Running isn't a means to an end, it's a wonderful, beautiful, uplifting end in itself...." Read more

"...in a pair of running shoes quite some time ago, but this book is certainly inspirational and has helped me to recognise the joy of being able to run...." Read more

"...Not a man on a journey trying to find himself, just a deeply insightful take on how running can be enjoyed for runnings sake... for an entire..." Read more

"...pound global marketing game is valid and there are a few interesting chapters that the keen rural runner may enjoy." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Enjoyment of running’11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's exploration of alternative ways to enjoy running. They appreciate the joys of running in rural environments and the combination of nature with running. The book highlights the beauty and simplicity of running, providing fresh running inspiration.

"...life are also described and this also is both interesting and entertaining...." Read more

"...Enjoyment and freedom." Read more

"...in of the enjoyment of the running with the appreciation and enjoyment of nature." Read more

"...did chime with me - the different ages of running, the joys of running in rural environments, the somewhat masochistic pleasure from pushing hard in..." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Humor’8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it well-written and insightful. Some readers appreciate the nature writing style.

"...Away from that premise however what I enjoyed most was the nature writing which reminded me a lot of Robert Macfarlane's The Wild Places." Read more

"...He has an easy, readable style and i the book explores some of the alternative ways to enjoy running, and escape the jaws of the big race mentality...." Read more

"Well written as I expected from RA. The writer provokes us to question certain aspects of our running motivations...." Read more

"...Its very in formative about the interesting history and also quite humorous." Read more

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Thumbcandy
The reasons why I run
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 May 2014
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I liked Askwith's previous book, Feet in the Clouds, and I found an affinity with him as a runner. We share a great deal - age, obsession with running, rural running over road mashing, enjoyment over performance. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this book too - what I didn't expect was to love it quite as much as I do.

Running Free is really a story about change. Rural running is an unusual pastime in today's society; in a performance-driven world many people run get fitter and faster, enter races and gain medals and honours for completing them. They spend ever increasing amounts of money on scientifically designed kit to help shave seconds off their PBs, because that's apparently what running is all about. But, Askwith argues, it wasn't always like this. Just a generation or two ago people mostly ran for the enjoyment of it. They ran together as communities, organised races and chases that started with a pair of simple shorts and trainers and, via hills and muddy fields, ended in a pub revelry. They ran for the sake of running, to enjoy the outdoors, to get away from the everyday stresses of life and bond with nature.

You should read this book if:
- you don't run and you wonder why some people love it
- you hate running but do it anyway because you feel like you should
- you love running and you do it in a gym because there's no time to do it anywhere else
- you love running on roads and occasionally glance at a field or hill and wonder what it's like to run there
- you spend a ton of money on kit and shoes but that doesn't increase your enjoyment of running

It's time to reclaim our running heritage, to move away from the pavement and roads and obsession with speed and PBs, and instead slow down and enjoy a run because you're running. To realise that running in the dark, in the mud, over hedges and stiles, through rain and fog and wind, through herds of cows and flocks of sheep, will not kill you and in fact it may well enhance your enjoyment not only of running but of life. Running isn't a means to an end, it's a wonderful, beautiful, uplifting end in itself. And if you're curious about why or how that could be then I can't recommend this book highly enough.

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Paul Stupple
A Tale of Two Books
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 March 2014
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Some important questions when you've finished reading a book are: Did you enjoy it? Have you learnt anything useful? Would you recommend it to a friend? Would you read it again? Since my answer to all these questions is “yes”, why have I only given the book 4 stars?

In the foreword, the book is described as “part diary of a year running through the Northamptonshire countryside, part exploration of why we love to run without limits” and those aspects of the book are indeed excellent. Richard Askwith describes his runs so eloquently that you can almost feel the mud caking your legs and smell the manure-dappled fields. As someone who has run in similar situations to those he describes, I was with him for both the elation and the discomforts (which all seem worthwhile once the run is finished).

He also describes his own progress from non-runner, through what he describes as the 'Seven Ages of Running' (I can imagine lively discussions between runners, arguing about their own interpretations of these 'ages'). How his running has affected and been affected by his family and professional life are also described and this also is both interesting and entertaining.

So, we have here a description of a running year (excellent), an account of how running has affected the author's life (excellent) and lots of anecdotes gleaned from 30 years of running (also excellent). However, the author is not just a runner, he is also a rider of hobby horses. He rides his hobby horse to do battle with what he describes as Big Running (his capitals). Most runners will know that the likes of Adidas and Nike would like to sell you more stuff than you need, and certainly more than you can afford. Also, we know that it is possible to get a lot of pleasure from running while spending very little. I would not have objected to a few elaborations on this theme but the book devotes far too much space and far too many lists to hammer home these basic truths.

But hey! If you are going to run in the countryside, you'll have to negotiate some difficult terrain and keep your eyes peeled to avoid any potential hazards. Read this book with a similar wary eye, skip over the examples of commercial avarice and you will really enjoy it. Then, whatever the weather, get your kit on (expensive or cheap) and go for a run.

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Sunrise Surprise
Heavy going, some of the tales are funny but he really labours his point
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2014
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I get his point, I hate 'big running' too but he does go on. I haven't actually finished it yet, keep dipping into it when I've nothing new to read but can't read it continuously. I like running with my gadgets, it helps me track my progress so the author wouldn't like me, but I too hate the commercialism of big marathons and half marathons, ie when they won't post your number but you have to collect them the day before and the only way to the collection desk is through the 'expo' i.e. through a commercial selling area. I think there is a middle ground through.

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Brian F Griffiths
A refreshing reminder of just how far we have strayed from what non-elite running is all about.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2014
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No longer will I be able to read the usual promotional and advertising features on gadgets, nutrition, shoes and clothing cluttering so much of the fitness media without screaming 'cobblers'. This book reminded me why I started to run 25 years ago. For the sheer enjoyment and freedom it gave me. Not to run like Mo and not to know my heart rate, mile pace and calories and certainly not to feel guilty about not having some piece of overpriced 'technical' tat that will have no bearing on my running experience. Any long-term runner will share many of the author's reservations on the way the sport has moved on over the last 10 years at a time when its grass roots is failing to come through to elite level in anything like the numbers previously. This book does challenge the current dogma surrounding the vast commercialisation of what is essentially the most basic of human activities. Some of views expressed are perhaps overstated but its well worth a read whether you are a rural or urban runner because, as we know, running is all in the mind. Enjoyment and freedom.

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Andres Ivan Lopez Moreno Chapoy
Running out of the mainstream
Reviewed in Mexico on 26 December 2018
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This is a beautiful book about life, about nature and about ruuning out of The mainstream. I Run with my dogs in The mountains and it made total sense To me. If you are looking For a different approach To running, and alternative way to see life, this book is For you!

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James Howe
Prepare to be challenged; not your average running book
Reviewed in the United States on 22 December 2016
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This was a really challenging read on a number of levels and one that, while I got value from it, I would struggle to recommend. The topic of the book - running - already limits the potential audience, Askwith somehow manages to divide this niche audience even further by (on the surface) insulting and alienating any one who dares be a "mainstream" runner, meaning the only people who would enjoy the essence of this book would be those already running on trails and with no focus on times, races, etc. This left me feeling like the author would be preaching to an already small but converted audience.

I felt that the Askwith missed a great opportunity with this book to highlight the benefits and the joy he got from his style of running, and instead it felt to me far too often like I was coping a rant or sermon from a born again convert or similar. Despite at times stating that he was not trying to be judgemental and that instead he wanted to open the eyes of runners to different options in their sport, by ignoring the range of factors that motivate people to run it seemed as though Askwith was imposing his message from a position of superiority.

This position, that to truly enjoy running people should not buy fancy new shoes or clothes, should not need to enter big races or run on treadmills and should just be able to enjoy running in nature for the pure act of running, does not lack some merit. But it does ignore that a treadmill in a gym is what may get someone started running and a new pair of shoes may keep them motivated. It ignores that not everyone has access to hills, paddocks and open plains on their doorstep and may have instead to run in built up cities, around parks or yes, even on treadmills.

But I did take some learnings from the book. I had put a collection of running shorts and tops in my online shopping basket during a recent sale, only to reconsider did I really need to buy these or were they just me falling for the commercialism of running? I emptied the basket and have still managed to run successfully without my new purchases. Similarly I've taken the time to consciously enjoy my running and settings more, to smell the roses so to speak. I just think I could have done the same with a more conciliatory tone.

It would be easy for me to straight out hate this book, but I persisted with it and must say that I ended up thinking of it as a conversation that I have with a person who has opposing views to me. It would be easy to ignore those type of people, but I get more and become a more rounded person by challenging my own thinking and seeing why I believe what I believe, and where I can change to improve.

A very different type of running book, one that challenges the mind as much as the body.

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Hatchclan
a must read
Reviewed in Japan on 30 December 2016
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this is a beautiful book and affirms for of us who get up for an early morning run - why we do it. A book to be read many times as each time it reveals another hidden gem

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5.0 out of 5 stars The reasons why I run

4.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of Two Books

3.0 out of 5 stars Heavy going, some of the tales are funny but he really labours his point

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing reminder of just how far we have strayed from what non-elite running is all about.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Running out of the mainstream

3.0 out of 5 stars Prepare to be challenged; not your average running book

5.0 out of 5 stars a must read

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The reasons why I run

A Tale of Two Books

Heavy going, some of the tales are funny but he really labours his point

A refreshing reminder of just how far we have strayed from what non-elite running is all about.

Running out of the mainstream

Prepare to be challenged; not your average running book

a must read