Book Review: Sky Runner: Finding Strength, Happiness, and Balance in Your Running

It’s been awhile since I have done a book review and Sky Runner by Emelie Forsberg was an amazing book. The book is well written but has one added benefit of some amazing photography by Kilian Jornet.

About the Author of Sky Runner

Emelie Forsberg is an elite athlete whose specialty is in trail running and ski mountaineering. She is known for sky running, which is mountain running above 6,600 feet. She has won multiple races of varying distances, Sky Runner World Series champion, five ultrarunning race courses Fastest Known Time and medaled in six Ski Mountaineering World Championships.

About the Book

The book is broken down into 8 chapters. Sky Runner is filled with stunning photos and inspiration abounds.

Chapter 1 – Competition

The first chapter is an overview of how she won her first sky running race. The chapter focused on how she learned to enjoy the run and not focusing on what competitors are doing. Never giving up and coming back from behind she goes on to win.

She talks about what motivates her to do her best professionally while continuing to enjoy running. This was relatable even as a mid pack runner. Sometimes training becomes a job and I always strive to find the joy in each run.

She talks about contrast which are ways to strengthen weak areas of your running. For example, she suggests if your preference is short speedy runs go out on a long run, as it will make you a stronger runner. There is a good overview of how to train with various running intervals.

Chapter 2 – Decisions

It is an overview of how she blends simple, predictable and the unknowns in life. It shows how she came to her decision to become a professional runner. The chapter is inspiring and has a strong focus on appreciation of the gifts you have and living with simplicity.

Ending out the chapter she focuses on downhill running. She explains how to fly down the downhills. I struggle with the downhills, so the pointers are especially helpful.

Chapter 3 – Freedom

The chapter starts with a focus on adventure and moving off the beaten path to find new trails. She discusses developing a training plan but allowing for some flexibility. I tend to do this in my Running Training Plans also. The chapter ends on an overview of fartlek exercises.

Chapter 4 – Uphill

I was struck by how she chose to run a 100 mile race and what mental barriers she placed on herself. I think this is something that we all do from time to time as runners. The mind is powerful. In the chapter, she reflects on how she faced an injury to her knee requiring surgery. The chapter provides an excellent overview on overcoming the injury not only physically but mentally. She finds ways to make her life more meaningful due to her injury. Ending out the chapter is a section on uphill running. Many of the tips I put to use in my last hilly trail run and it was very effective!

Chapter 5 – Cultivation

This chapter begins with her love of gardening and starting something new. It overviews how your love for sport of running needs patience and time to build up to something great that will last over time. Keeping a focus on injury prevention, the chapter finalizes with strength training exercises.

Chapter 6 – Natural

As a vegetarian and avid gardener, in this chapter she focuses on obtaining energy through the food she eats. This was one of my favorite chapters. I also have a huge garden and similar philosophy around food as energy, so it was highly relatable. She shares several recipes in the book. Now I am not vegetarian, but the recipes she shares look amazing. I am up for anything new and will definitely try the lentil stew.

Chapter 7 – Breathing

She takes a month for yoga teacher training in India. She discusses how yoga has helped her as a runner, while providing an inner peace. This chapter was my favorite. I love yoga for many of the same reasons that are laid out in the book. The chapter has a nice overview of basic yoga poses, how to transition between poses and how it adds strength to specific areas of the body.

Chapter 8 – Eternity

The chapter begins with a planned trip to climb to the summit of Cho Oyu, which is one of 14 mountains above 26,247 feet. Finding her limits and knowing when to stop. The chapter is about overcoming obstacles and being satisfied with the end results.

Overview

As book reviews go, Sky Runner is an excellent book that is highly relatable to any trail runner. I am afraid of heights, so sky running is a little too high for me. Many of the tips in the book can be utilized by any runner. She talks about being an elite athlete, however her approach to life is something we can all relate to. The yoga sequence would be prefect for a newbie to yoga. This book is something that runners can go back to again and again, whether it’s to use the recipes or to use the strength training tips. The photos in the book will make you long to seek new adventures!