Great book

If you ever seen Deena Kastor, she seems to smile A LOT. After reading the book, I now know that the smile reflects her way of thinking. I am not a positive thinking person. Sometimes I get put off by people who are overly positive. But that says more about me than it does about them. The thing I discovered in this book is that I could be positive, too. In my running. In the way I interact with people. In the way I live my life. I’m kind of an old fart, but I’m also willing to try new things that will make my life hopefully more enjoyable. This is a very enjoyable book, even if you don’t run. I would highly recommend it. Thanks, Ms. Kastor. Great job!

29 people found this helpful

Not What It Says On The Tin

This book is totally misleading. The Summary says:
"...an insightful primer on how the small steps of cultivating positivity can give anyone a competitive edge", and
"...she encountered the idea that would transform her running career: the notion that changing her thinking - shaping her mind to be more encouraging, kind, and resilient - could make her faster than she’d ever imagined possible."
It's not that at all.
I bought the book thinking it was going to let us in on a secret to greater success, but sadly there was only one TINY section in one of the chapters about bringing a good attitude. Stuff you can learn from a 30 minute self help book summary. And it wasn't even explained properly either.

All Let Your Mind Run actually is, is a blow by blow account of every race by way of trying to make us think "Wow, look how lovely and humble she is, she's not self-obsessed at all, she just has natural "talent".

And what's with the "poor me" half baked inclusion in the story of how the men she ran with to practice and who were her friends, were suddenly so mean to her and told her they don't like her. There's no explanation to any of this other than the additional attempt at trying to tell us how lovely she is by adding "maybe they didn't like that I am always so cheerful". I mean come on, it's not kindergarten. Grown men don't just suddenly tell you they don't like you and don't want to be friends with you anymore, without you doing something to P!$$ them off.....

Anyway, with all that being said, if you're looking for a read just because you like her, then go for it. If, like me, you thought you were going to learn something new and exciting, then go back to the store section and keep looking. This book is not the one.

9 people found this helpful

Get Inspired

I've always admired Deena Kastor. Afer reading this book i admire her even more!!! I loved reading her story, hearing her perspective on racing. She has amazing mental strength and was able to reach her peak performance by changing the way she talked to herself and the way she reacted to negativity. She's a total badass!! I'm so inspired.I cant wait to incorporate her methods into my training. this book will make you want to go for a long run, it'll make you want to push yourself to the next level. Thank you Deena!!!

9 people found this helpful

Enjoyed it.

If you are a runner you should read/listen this book. I loved her constant devotion in positive thinking, gratitude and visualization of every race, training or target!

Don’t miss it!

3 people found this helpful

Inspirational and great for anyone

I took away so much from this book and two weeks after finishing it- I find myself interrogating my thoughts and thinking more positively. A great book for runners and non runners. A great book for chronic strivers, people struggling with negativity and/a cluttered mind. I’m grateful to have found this one!

3 people found this helpful

More of an autobiography with gold nuggets

Would you try another book from Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton and/or Deena Kastor?

Not really. The book focused too much on Kastor's career, with many details that did not enhance the overall point of mental traning.

Which character – as performed by Deena Kastor – was your favorite?

There is really only one character in this book.

Do you think Let Your Mind Run needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

3 people found this helpful

What a fine inspirational book!

This book spoke not just about running but about life. The joy that Deena encouraged in herself was so empowering for me. Thanks for sharing.

3 people found this helpful

so so so good

Loved this book. It has inspired me to run more and.push harder. I finished it in 3 days bc it was so good.

1 person found this helpful

Great book!

I couldn’t stop listening!! One of the best books ever and I look forward to using what I learned from her in my own running!

1 person found this helpful

Excellent memoir and inspiring journey

TL,DR: I wish Deena Kastor had another book out because I was so enthralled with her writing and reading that I’m bummed I finished the book.

The author has a way of making you feel like she’s your best friend telling you about her day/week/month/life. Her memoir highlights not only her many accomplishments but also her mindset during the events. I especially enjoyed her mental practices that helped her to visualize her (literal) path as well as her positive outlook. She’s a positive person but not so over-the-top that you’re rolling your eyes at her perkiness. I’m looking forward to rereading this book in the future and focusing on some of the nuanced practices. Overall, a great book that I highly recommend to runners and non-runners.

1 person found this helpful