Just a Little Run Around the World
A 32,000 km running expedition like no other
I remember hearing about Rosie Swale-Pope a few years ago but never fully committing to following her trip. There are many people doing round -the-world feats, each of them amazing. Adventure Man’s unique outfit for an epic distance running, Sarah Outon’s unique human powered multi-discipline approach, Mark Beaumont’s speedy cycle and Mark Busby’s Goliath walk. So, it wasn’t out of disrespect I didn’t follow it’s just at the time there appeared to be a few already doing something similar.
How glad I was that my wife was given Rosie’s book as a present. It massively blew me away. She is an incredibly humble individual who has completed something truly remarkable. Her base line of what ‘normal’ is, is so far from mine and everyone else’s she makes you re-assess human capabilities.
What I would give to sit down in a pub and listen to her talk!
Overview:
Following the unfortunate passing of her husband Pope decided to run around the world. She pulls along a sled/trolley system that carries her equipment, but also acts as her sleeping arrangement as well. She doesn’t shy away from a difficult route, which appears to be during winter for most of the run somehow! Her route was over 32,000km where at times she endured temperatures at -50 °C.
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Initial Impression:
Her writing style makes each sub-story have so much authenticity as she doesn’t dwell on points that are mundane for too long. Although her mundane would be our extreme. A sign of any good book is the inability to put it down. This book nails this from the first page. Her relaxed demeaner to the challenge doesn’t make the reading any less exciting, it just allows a glimpse into the type of individual Rosie is, as her ‘exciting’ has been shifted from years of doing amazing feats.
She casually describes the leg across Europe which if you think about it is huge. The distance she covered her was epic, but it’s just a sign of things to come.
What I loved:
1/ There was one very small paragraph that was set aside for a 3-month section during her trip across Siberia. Either side of this paragraph was a story involving a wolf, and another with a food shortage. For anyone else 3 months in Siberia sleeping in the cart you are pulling along would be enough of an expedition – not for Rosie. I reflected more on her paragraph of nothingness, than I probably did for some of the more epic stories. It makes you believe how sincere her tales are.
2/ The stubbornness of this woman. I can’t give anything away here but once you read it and you get to the end, you will understand. It will make you believe humans can do anything, and re-assess the goals you are setting yourself.
3/ The importance of getting your prostate checked when you reach a certain age. Something I never thought of before reading this book. So often big trips have a charitable cause but very few manage to sync this message in with the main bulk of the story, Rosie managed this with ease.
4/ Age is not a barrier. Rosie undertook this run when she was 56 years old. Can you imagine that? She has since continued running across USA at the age of 69. I can’t do this epic stuff now let alone when I am in my 50’s and 60’s.
Who is this book for?
People who have ceilings on their goals, or that believe once you hit a certain age adventure is behind you. This book will change this mindset. Someone who has an interest in Alaskan and Siberian adventure, and for anyone who likes some ideas on how to problem solve when things become a little tough.
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Conclusion:
This was a truly epic tale of grit and determination, completed by an incredibly likeable person. Rosie’s book is written is a real and sincere way which adds value to every amazing tale. If you aren’t impressed by what she has done, I am not sure what someone would need to do for you to take interest. With social media glamourising travel and adventure, this run is well and truly a classic that deserves the recognition. ill not be disappointed.