Recently, I received a copy of “The Summer Seeker” by Vanessa Runs to read, review and for 1 lucky follower, a chance to have your own copy!!! It about her transition from non-running to long-distance trail runner — she does Ultras!!!!!!

When I received the book mid December, I quickly dove right into it…at the dinner table. Not a good time to read a book with two little ones but it just caught my eye and I needed to read just a little. Later that night, I sat down and read almost half the book and then got busy with the holidays. I’m not a BIG book reader so to have finished this by now is good for me.

This book made me more passionate about running, about being active, about teaching my girls to value living an active lifestyle and reassured that I was in the right career for me as a Physical Activity Coordinator. Vanessa writes about her life and how everything relates back to running.

I found myself wanting to write notes at the side of each page because I could relate to what she was saying. Everything from “I don’t have a runner’s body” to “I can run with the giants”. During a race this past weekend there were some pretty elite runners and I was feeling a little overwhelmed, like I was in the wrong place. Having taken a little time since yesterday’s race and thinking about her book, it made me realize that I wasn’t in the wrong place. I was in the right place for me, the right pace, the right stride and that I had the right to be running with them…okay, far behind them, but you get what I am saying.

We have lived different lifestyles but in so many ways I felt connected like I would with a good friend. I lived in Ontario and would drive through the area’s where Vanessa would run and live. I’m an outdoor’s person and am happy when outside in nature. I’ve had some great role models in my life that have sent me in the direction of happiness.

Though she writes about Ultra running, I felt like my 5k’s this past year are just as important and my running goals this year are attainable. She’s inspired me to keep running, to live the way I want to live with my husband and daughters and to be passionate about it all.

The Summit Seeker has opened my eyes to the importance of other people at a race. The aid station volunteers, the spectators cheering on ALL runners, the organizers and yes, the other runners who help push you to attain your goals or help pace you during your race. That the last runner is just as important as the first runner crossing the finish line and that attempting any distance at all is a goal for someone, whether they finish or not.

She also makes me want to go spend time in the Grand Canyon; running, walking and hiking but more importantly just being there to experience it all. If you want a good read about life and running, I highly suggest you check out this book. It will change the way you look at running.

Thanks Vanessa for the opportunity to review your book. I know this is a book I will read over and over again.

For those of you that would like your own copy, you can find it on Amazon here.

Vanessa Run’s Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Giveaway:

And for one lucky reader, you can win your own copy of “The Summit Seeker”.

Open to those in Canada and the US.

Runs today (Jan 13/14) to Friday Jan 17th 2013 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) – winner announced on the weekend.

To enter the giveaway please click on this RAFFLECOPTER LINK here.

Good luck!