Community Book Review: 31 Days by Allie Bailey

by Issy Jenkins

31 Days is a self help book which will give you tangible direction. Readers of “There Is No Wall”, Bailey’s, first book will be familiar with her direct approach and her second takes you on a similar journey. Allie Bailey has lived through these techniques, done the work and has the experience to prove it. Moving through different stages over the 31 days including getting the basics right, mindset, consistency, acceptance and self love whilst being realistic about your abilities it asks you to take an honest look at yourself and what drives you. In return it offers hope for anyone trying to improve their running. The book contains relatable, no bullshit practices rooted in evidence based exercises that makes improvement feel achievable.

31 Days asks a lot of the reader, the onus is certainly on you to make changes to your mindset and routine but following the steps with integrity will reward you with tools for life, not just running, that will actually work. I’m looking forward to trying them out...

Is this a book for runners? or all people, why would someone pick it up?

I would say the book and its advice could work in all aspects of life, helping you change your mindset and implement routines and confidence in all aspects of life. The techniques which I presume stem from CBT would help anyone build a healthier mindset but can also be applied to your running goals.

Were there any parts of the book which you really connected with?

In terms of self discovery I think Allie touches on things we can all recognise in ourselves and the idea of going back to basics and being honest with yourself about your goals and why you want to achieve them is an important lesson if you want to take your running to the next level especially in the social media filled word we live in.

If there was one/two thing(s) you would tell someone about the book, to recommend the book to them, what would you say?

It's full of practical advice it feels like anybody could benefit from without being overly wishy washy.

Are there any ways you think the themes of the book connect to Bird Outdoors and our values/ethos?

The book helps empower you to get out and do anything not just in the great outdoors and helps you build confidence which I think Bird Outdoors brings to its events with the support, inclusivity and encouragement to participants in runs, walks and cycling events

- If you have read a noteworthy book recently, or have purchased one from our website, please do reach out as we would love to publish more community reviews like this in the future.