Book club
First rule of book club ....
In this section we will be reviewing all things books, focusing on the burgeoning wellbeing genre. This quarter we have reviewed Jog On by Bella Mackie
Before she turned 30, Bella Mackie found herself divorced after a marriage of less than a year and overwhelmed by the anxiety that she’d been battling her whole life. One day, she felt compelled to go for a run, having never done any exercise before and in this part self-help, part autobiographical novel, she shares her experiences of falling down (both physically and metaphorically) and getting back up again as a new runner.
In this kind, funny book, Mackie discusses using running as a way to manage her anxiety, as well as talking with other people who have found exercise a useful way to get through hard times. In a simple yet never patronising way, Mackie explains what it’s like to experience life altering anxiety, and shares her hopeful story of coming out the other side, creating mechanisms to manage her condition. This is not a running book, this is a self-care book, and Mackie is keen to stress that running isn’t about being the fastest or doing the most races, but is a way to exhaust yourself physically to distract from the psychological fatigue of mental health problems.
The message here is definitely that a few minutes plodding along the pavement is inordinately better than a few minutes on the sofa, however awful you’re feeling. At no point does Mackie claim to be an expert, though she often draws on scientific opinions to help her own understanding of why running has helped her. Her relatable story might just be the supportive message that a lot of people need to know that running isn’t about turning yourself into an athlete, but about taking some time for yourself to help get you back on track. Coupled with practical tips and resources, this really is a great way to get started and put your mind at ease about all your running fears.