One of the things I hate most about running is the upyourownarsedness disease that seems to have infected the scene. Perhaps it's just social media that has made this seem more rampant.

Go onto Facebook and see how many of your friends or groups have posted a meme about the fact that while running slowly that you are still slapping everyone on the couch or that you as a "runner" are different from the "others" and the reason for this is that the "others" are fat morons.

Yeah you know what I mean.

Why would someone ever NOT go for a run? Why? Whhhhyyyyyyyyy?

I get loads from running. It gives me pleasure and pain, makes me smile and cry, makes me feel like I belong as well as lonely. It has given me some of the most thrilling moments of my life, and some shit ones. Sounds like a bad horoscope doesn't it?

But I am at peace with the fact that I am not running for any super noble cause, I am not running for world peace or to rid the world of cancer or to raise awareness of badgers with dyslexia by going on fancy holidays with a pair of running shoes.

And I think most people are the same.

And I like it when others are honest about that.

And this book is very honest about that.

It's also fucking hilarious.

If you have not seen the Oatmeal "reasons why I run long distances" then do, it will be the best 15 minutes of your day today.

I also reckon this is one of the best books you could ever buy, and not just because reading it will make you laugh and laugh a lot.

Mostly buy this book and keep it on your coffee table (sorry, I forgot you were a virtuous runner - I mean your green tea table). That way when someone comes to visit (assuming you have friends, cos runners are obviously so motivated and intimidating that people choose not to hang around because they feel inferior) you can throw this at them and tell them really why you run.

If you are not familiar with the oatmeal and the "Blerch" it is basically a long fight with a little fat demon which constantly flies around telling you that you should not go for a run. We all recognise this and we all let it win sometimes, or even most times. It's not an evil thing it's just part of us that likes cake.

Basically the book is a lot of this...

Spot on - apart from the fast moving bit

with wonderful glossy pages that you will go through over and over again. I won't say too much about it other than you really should buy this, it will give you more talking points than any other running book you are likely to read. It just made me laugh a lot, and actually contains some pretty inspiring stuff. Perfect for Christmas.

PS Did you know I had a book out? Obviously I didn't just write this post to say that but while I am here I might as well mention it. It's not as funny as the Oatmeal one but it does contain more poo so I guess that makes it better. It's only £3.29 on Kindle right now. It WILL be on paper copy soon, I have just sent off the contracts to print it. I am self funding so what would help is if (obviously the kindle sold more) but also if it got reviewed more so if you have read it and not put the 1 star on Amazon yet please do :)

RunningandStuff