Five Minute Review: North by Scott Jurek

I made it one of my 2019 goals to read more, averaging two books a month. I want to share these with you, bringing back my old Five Minute Reviews. Because frankly, who has time for long book reviews these days?

The Premise

Ultra runner Scott Jurek and badass wife and support Jenny Jurek chronicle Scott’s attempt to break the Appalachian Train Fastest Known Time, in a bid to breathe life into their lives, relationship and outlook on the world. Following personal struggles and Scotts reevaluation of his running career and legacy, the husband and wife team head off into the unknown, chasing down a seemingly impossible goal.

What’s it like?

I have to say it took me a while to get used to the narrative of this read, as it’s told from the viewpoint of Scott, the runner, and Jenny, the support crew chief, wife, and all round badass. Nonetheless it was fascinating to learn about the type of challenges a couple can face when chasing down a goal such as the Appalachian train FKT. Both Jenny and Scott talk openly about a feeling of needing a challenge and an adventure at a time when they both expected Scott to have retired; and all this takes place in the context of their difficulties trying to have a family, with Jenny having had two miscarriages, one of which nearly killed her. This book is raw, honest, and doesn’t shy away from the realities of taking on such a huge endurance challenge.

What’s the takeout?

This book honestly left me craving an adventure – more so than the one I’m currently having – and immediately had me googling marathons and ultramarathons in Central and South America. It will leave you felling inspired and in awe of the things the human body and mind can do when pushed to the limit.

Would I recommend?

100%!

What books are you reading right now? What read always gets you fired up for an adventure?

Lots of love,

Pippa x