RUN For the Love of Life
R280.00
A story about running 10 000 miles through some of the most inhospitable and breathtaking landscapes in the world.
This powerful memoir takes readers on a white-knuckle journey to the edge of endurance, and the wisdom we may find there.
“Exhilarating, funny, heart-breaking and wise.”
6 in stock
Run For the Love of Life is a must-read for anyone who desires to escape the day-to-day sameness of our new pandemic informed lives, or who seeks to feel alive, inspired, and filled with a renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead.
Run recounts the extraordinary journey of South African Erica Terblanche, an ordinary woman who manages to not only achieve – but excel – on the world stage of extreme distance-running in some of the most inhospitable and majestic landscapes across the planet.
Raw and honest and infinitely human, this part memoir, part travel novel thunders through one exotic race location after the other, as the runners battle the elements and each other across the vastness of the Sahara, Atacama and Namib Deserts, the great Grand Canyon, Turkish Cappadocia and the Kalahari Desert, to name only a few.
But more than just a book on racing, what makes this novel infinitely compelling and rewarding is that in the echoes of Erica’s story, one begins to sense the pulse of one’s own potential and long-forgotten dreams. While you may laugh, cry, and forget to take a breath at times, it is inevitable that Run will spur you on to find your own bliss, that which is buried deep within your soul and body.
At its heart, Run For the Love of Life, is a story about love, forgiveness, perseverance and growth, and about the important things in life that ultimately make us happy. Told with wit, humor, and vulnerability, it is a book that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
“After reading Run For the Love of Life, I feel compelled to take the first few steps. Even if it means learning to walk before I can run, Erica’s passion is infectious. This book will get you moving, if nothing else will.” ~ Michelle Bristow-Bovey, Journalist.
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Also available as an ebook from leading online retailers
For the Kindle ebook edition on Amazon, click here.
Book and Media Reviews
The South African: Accomplished sportswoman Erica Terblanche invites readers to join her as she retraces her steps and shares her adventures in ‘Run for the Love of Life’.
SARIE Review: “‘n boeiende en inspirerende lees, selfs al is jy nie a hardlooper nie…”
Listen to this 35-minute podcast of an interview with Erica – Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – KAEM.
Erica Terblanche, author of “RUN For the Love of Life” chats with Pippa Hudson on CapeTalk radio.
SABC News – Morning Live Weekend. Book Review.
Join Erica’s Thrive Run Club
| Weight | 422 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.8 × 15.2 × 1.5 cm |
| Cover: | Softcover |
| Publisher: | Quickfox Publishing |
Reviews
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Simone Sharpe –
Wow – I loved it from start to end.
Thank you, Erica, for taking the time to write this memoir.
Erica so generously shares of herself in this book, by detailing experiences from young to now. She motivates me to want to get out there and take on a challenge, knowing that I am capable.
She shares her journey of running, her tips and tricks, and while her running choices have been extreme, there is so much more to the book and message than that. This isn’t about encouraging people to start running ultra marathons in the desert at all. It’s an honest account of a phenomenal woman, and I believe strength can be found in it for everyone.
I can’t wait to share it with all my friends!
Helen Seyler –
This book drew me in from the first page to the end. In the precious days spent reading it I felt like I lived a double life; I felt that I myself was surrounded by sand dunes, and found myself pondering life, love and meaning. I experienced many moments of page-turning excitement, moments that drew a tear, moments of laughter – and sometimes these two were in the same paragraph. A warm positive feeling stayed with me after the last page (“we all have a second chance”), and I was left feeling like my ears had been wrapped in silk from the beautiful prose.
Vanessa –
A brilliant book! Beautifully written, poetic, insightful and page-turning. I found it really hard to put down and couldn’t wait to get back into the next adventure. The strength and resilience of the human spirit is truly remarkable. This book is well worth your time and it won’t be an easy one to forget, either. Although this book is not just about running, it has inspired me to get up and get active. It’s also shown me that we are capable of much more than we think and believe. Be sure to put this book on your Christmas gift list.
Remy Kloos – high- altitude mountaineer –
“Full of heart, courage and authentic truths. An awe- inspiring life story of what it takes to break through the threshold of pain, redefining the limitless potential of the human spirit. Love lost and love found, a journey of self-discovery like no other.“
Michelle Bovey-Wood –
When first approached with the manuscript for Run for the Love of Life, I expected nothing more than another ego-soaked chronical listing yet another super-athlete’s sporting achievements, extolling the virtues of exercise and reminding me that I am little better than a sack of dough for spending so many hours behind my desk, glaring at a flickering screen. How wrong I was – and never have I been more glad to be so.
Yes, Erica Terblanche is a super-athlete – in fact, her feats extend beyond the realm of what most of us mere mortals can comprehend: Choosing to run thousands of kilometres through the world’s hottest deserts and across the some of its most hostile landscapes – simply, as the title suggests, for the love it – speaks to not only an extraordinary strength of body but an indomitable spirit. It is this spirit that is evocatively captured within the pages of this book, as the reader is led by the hand through a life journey that is bravely honest, heartbreaking, humorous at times, awe-inspiring, and infinitely compelling.
Above all else, Run is one extraordinary woman’s love letter: To her sport, to those she has loved, to the wonders of the natural world, and to the woman she has eventually become.
Guided by the generous addition of a QR Code that offers access to Erica’s unique Couch to 10km running programme, I feel compelled to take the first few steps. Even if it means learning to walk before I can run, Erica’s passion is infectious. I may never be able to follow in her footsteps, but the resilience and strength put forth in this book is an exhortation to us all to suck on the marrow of life and all it has to offer.
Michelle Bristow-Bovey
Simoné Basson –
RUN FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE – what a gripping, awe-inspiring and moving life story! From the very first page, Erica makes a real and soulful connection with her readers. RUN instantly grabbed my heart and soul.
Written in a beautiful poetic style with epigraph intros and a dash of humour and wit, Erica shares her life stories with insights and wisdom beyond words. She takes us on an exciting journey that starts with tales of adventure and endurance races, and in between we encounter stories of everyday life and unexpected happenings. What makes RUN so compelling, is the courageously open and honest way in which Erica shares her story.
While RUN is rich in running adventures, with its moments of euphoria and times of suffering, this extraordinary novel is not only about running. It’s an authentic memoir about LIFE itself – it takes us back to our dreams and aspirations, struggles and loss, love and friendship, and what we hope for. RUN is just brilliant! It resonates with everyone, and inspire those seeking to make a difference, to reignite a dream, to take a step onto a new path.
Congratulations on your first novel Erica. Thank you for this beautiful gift in sharing RUN FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE with us!
Lisa de Speville –
There are running-themed books that are good. Some very good. And then there are running-themed books that awaken, revitalise, ignite, and go on to be legendary. Erica Terblanche’s book ‘Run – For the Love of Life’ is one of these.
‘Run – For the Love of Life’ is a story of life and love, and running. Erica opens her heart to bravely share her life in this honest memoir. She elegantly weaves a colourful cloth of her experiences, travels, races, relationships, career changes, successes, and sorrows, which are related simply, but yet so beautifully, and without fanfare.
Erica’s writing is as exceptional as her athletic accomplishments. Every word used counts. Like each step that makes up a kilometre, and each kilometre covered makes an ultramarathon completed, Erica’s words, paragraphs and chapters take you on a journey through the dozen years and major events that are the focus of this book.
It is significant that Erica did not just win the women’s category at almost all of the gruelling ultramarathons in which she competed; she blew away most of the field to stand or knock on the podium. Overall. Again and again, and again.
Her hard-won achievements will uplift and inspire, motivate and encourage – especially women – whether or not you are a runner.
Erica’s courage stands out in the telling of her life story. She exposes her soft underbelly and leaves you in awe of her resilience, determination, focus, and bravery as well as her kindness, compassion and wisdom.
You do not need to be interested in running or to be a runner to be enthralled by this book. The ultramarathon events in which Erica competed are portals to her experiences. This book is about so much more than running. Erica’s narration of her extraordinary journey of her life – through racing and traveling, and the people she loves – will enrich yours.
paula@trade-roots.net –
This is not a book about running. It is a book about the human spirit and the incredible African that is Erica.
Each race and journey is magnificent, each emotion and account beautifully raw. Erica’s authenticity is rare – her life story spellbinding and her adventures extraordinary.
I have had the privilege of running along the promenade with Erica. The ‘tap, tap, tap’ of her feet is as light as her heart’s intentions.
She truly is an inspiration and has given me a new found love for running. She gave me permission to go slow, and after reading ‘Run for the Love of Life’, her own life story, I now understand her teachings: for it is in her slow steady pace and the quiet moments in solitude that life whispers.
Thank you Erica!!!
Nicola –
An amazing read to celebrate life and inspire all of us to make the most of ours. Loved it
Gavin Goldblatt, trail runner and longstanding member of CRAG (CAPE RUNNERS AGAINST GRAVITY) –
For your own sakes, I strongly suggest that everyone on this group reads Erica’s autobiography.
I was disappointed when I heard she was writing one – in my experience they are generally self-indulgent and solipsistic, written by people with nothing to say and no talent for saying it. And I had never thought Erica was the sort of person to do something like this.
I should never have doubted her. I started reading it last night after the book launch, thinking it was a duty to a friend and I would make one chapter before it put me to sleep. Instead I stayed up until 2.00 finishing it.
My only complaint is that in the forword Erica refers to it as a novel, which implies a work of fiction. It is the exact opposite – like Erica herself it is truthful and honest and real.
It is without doubt the best sporting autobiography I have ever read, and a lot more than just an autobiography. And I thought I knew Erica, but had no idea she is such a talented writer – her writing is, if anything, better than her running!
Julie Zander –
I could not put this book down! Heartfelt, powerful and at the same time sensitive, Erika shares a story that everyone should read.
I loved it for the inspiration to run, I want my kids to read it for the inspiration in living life to the full.
A brave piece of work. Bravo.
Jacques Marais, author of 8 books and south Africa’s top adventure photographer –
Reading RUN: FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE is like finding fresh footprints while free-ranging through an arid, yet breathtaking, desert landscape. You cannot help but follow the intoxicating trail shaped by Erica’s narrative as she traverses that personal heartland shaped by the deserts she ran thorough, and the incredible characters who crossed her path along the way. This book is about so much more than running, and every page should be cherished as you meander ever deeper into the sublime story she has crafted while chasing her dream
Hayley Cawthra –
It gave me great pleasure to immerse myself in Erica’s book and I read it from start to finish within a weekend. Her writing style is captivating and her experiences and accolades, remarkable. She bravely puts her own stories on paper in a humble and honest way, and I believe that any reader will relate on various levels to the lessons she has gleaned from life. I felt totally inspired by a fellow South African woman and wholeheartedly recommend this unique and highly enjoyable book to anybody. You will laugh, cry, be transported to the deserts of the world, and feel great pride for this beautiful African sister.
MICHELLE –
An outstanding memoir that not only outlines the most astounding of human feata in the world of extreme distance running, but that cuts right through to the core of everything that makes us human. Inspiring, motivating, breath-taking and captivating all at once, RUN is the must-read of the year.
Kelly –
A beautifully written book that will inspire the reader and take you on the incredible journey that the author goes on. Whether you are a runner or not, this book will captivate and encourage you. It is a relaxing read that will be hard to put down once started.
Angela Heyink –
What a fabulous read. One gets to feel what motivates Erica and people like her to push themselves to where they have never been before. The physical and emotional journey is described so well one feels as if you are running the race with her. What an inspiration Erica is. Her efforts encourages one to get up and do something oneself. Thank you Erica for taking us on your adventures.
rebelwithacause –
I am not a runner, I will never be a runner. Losing my Mediterranean curves and compromising the structure of my beautiful breasts, pounding on a jeep track is simple not an option. BUT, this book is not about running. It is beautifully written, each sentence carefully scripted and thought through. This book is about joy, loss, disappointment and an inexplicable reserve of inner strength. And if you ever see Erica running on the promenade in Cape Town you will just see a girl with an unruly head of curls, her dog, and wearing a pair of tattered running shoes. And if you meet her you will discover a humble, gracious, kind and generous human.
Cat Morris –
Wow. I LOVED this book. From the moment I picked it up. An absolute page turner. Erica is an incredibly gifted writer. Her words give deep insight into herself and others which makes this an uplifting and engaging to read.
I was drawn in by her incredible determination and strength of character. This is a spiritual journey, where running long distance is her tool. The tool or method could be many things. The answers to her questions about who we are are at these outer limits, experienced in long distance running, not in the comfort zones of our modern life.
I was completely inspired physically, emotionally and spiritually. I highly recommend this book to read to anyone, not just runners.
Christo Steyn –
There are quite a number of eloquent, well-phrased reviews here already. I’ll just add my two cents:
1. A summary in one word: authentic. Authenticity is not in vogue at the moment. What we are dished up nowadays ranges from painstakingly curated facades to professional spin to blatant fake news. So it may take a while to get used to what you will encounter in these pages: authentic, formidable, vulnerable, resilient, generous Erica.
2. Some money-saving advice: Buy two copies. You will want to pass the book on but without giving up your own copy. Lent books so seldom make their way back to their owners. So buy two at the outset and effectively save 50% on shipping cost. You can thank me later.
PS: Erica, you owe me one public holiday. I meant to do a lot of things yesterday but I couldn’t put your book down.
Nicki –
What an inspirational journey!!! I can’t remember the last time I read a book that I just did not want to step away from! I felt completely absorbed (and even exhausted) by every step I was taking with Erica through the highs and lows of both her races and her life. Through the chapters, I held my breath, smiled, laughed, and cried. The book is an authentic and intimate share, beautifully, and poetically woven together to make for an easy read. It conjured up various emotions. I felt anxious as I walked through each day of the races with her. I felt encouragement by both the physical achievements as well as the deep connections created along the way. And I shared heartache through her personal trials.
There are several passages that I have underlined for myself to go back to. Erica is not just a runner, but has the heart of a poet and a philosopher.
This book is a reminder of the magic we can bring into our lives through moving (running) and sharing our experiences with others. It is a reminder that you can achieve anything if your heart is in it.
Kerri Savin –
So I just finished this amazing book… it was so enjoyable. I devoured it in a day… the story is inspiring and the writing so beautiful that I could picture each landscape and feel the highs and lows of the races and the authors life deeply… thank you for writing this… lessons of life that we all need to learn and relearn … to love deeply, be vulnerable, get back to nature, never stop learning, slow down and breathe… you got this… loved it…
Kandi Delport –
‘Run for the love of life’ is an extraordinary book. There is a deep sincerity and honestly woven into every page that allows the reader to feel like they too are running through deserts, canyons and mountains, experiencing the most incredible moments and triumphs. Erica so beautifully articulates the power of running, and the transformative nature of movement. This book is a candid and inspirational reminder that we are more resilient than we realize, if we dare to keep moving through the seasons of life. It will make you cry, laugh, reflect, acknowledge and – in the occasional moments that you will yourself to put the book down – put on your running shoes.