On Reading: The Summit Seeker

It reminded me that I have not posted my review of The Summit Seeker: Memoirs of a Trail Running Nomad by Vanessa Runs.

In many ways the two books follow a similar theme – both authors were trying to escape something and to find themselves. I wasn’t a huge fan of the critically acclaimed Wild. I couldn’t get past the author’s stupidity throughout her journey. I remember my friend Laura told me she loved the book. She’s not alone as I have since heard so many people declare various platitudes. The book is now a movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

Maybe I should give it a second read. 

Anyway getting back to Vanessa Runs. Sometime last year, Vanessa sent me a copy of her book to review. It was perfect timing because I had just stumbled upon her blog and I was immediately drawn to her simple yet seemingly rewarding life. She’s also appeared on Trail Runner Nation postcasts. And you know much I love that podcast.A few years ago Vanessa quit her job and hit the road in an RV to do whatever the hell she wanted to do – which was to run and run some more. Sounds perfect, right? I am extremely jealous. I would love to pack everything up in my Versa and disappear into the trail.

I delved into the book despite the over-the-top foreword by Gordon Ainsleigh. In three chapters –  Growing Up & Learning To Run, Finding Myself & Discovering Trails and Traveling Far & Running Ultras – Vanessa shares her story of learning to run and finding herself at the same time. The book is sectioned in short personal essays such as On My Mother, On Books and On Excuses. I don’t want to ruin her book for you because I think you should read it for yourself and come to your own conclusions.

It’s an interesting read with various snippets from her life that shape who she is today. Several times I had to shake my head because she touched on something that I could relate to in my own life. Her experiences and self-reflection were heartening. The book is not simply about “running” but how she was drawn to running trails and how it ultimately shaped her life. You don’t have to be a runner to find a little inspiration.

There’s a few pages on ultrarunner narcissism that I think every runner should read. You probably have a few narcissists on your social media feeds? I had to unfollow a few ultra runners from my Instagram feed because I grew tired of their “look at me I get free shit because I am so awesome” posts. Where’s the humility in that?

I liked this memoir for many reasons. Mostly I liked that it written by a woman. I’ve been reading too many books my male ultra runners lately. Where are the female voices? I think Vanessa Runs would appeal to young women who are trying to find their place in the world. And the good news is Vanessa is coming out with a new book Daughters of Distance  in the coming months. Here’s an excerpt from IRunFar. 

Need some inspiration? Pick up this book. Find it here on Amazon and read it before the movie 🙂

Follow Vanessa’s journey on her blog or on Twitter.