Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner - Humorous Inspiring Running Memoir

In this review of Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner the bottom line is simple: this is a candid, funny and motivating memoir for anyone who needs evidence that ordinary decisions can lead to extraordinary change. Kerre Woodham writes as someone who started at forty overweight and depressed and turned fitness into a sustained part of life, so readers get a genuine transformation story rather than a how-to manual. The book's strongest asset is its voice: warm, self-deprecating and often laugh-out-loud funny, which makes the journey toward completing marathons feel both achievable and human.

Key Features

• Personal narrative: The author shares a frank account of facing midlife choices that makes the emotional stakes of her training clear and relatable.
• Humour throughout: Frequent laugh-out-loud moments keep the tone light and make the book an engaging read even for non-runners.
• Realistic progression: The story charts the shift from local walks in the Waitakeres to preparing for big-city marathons, showing steady, achievable progress.
• Inspiration for women: The memoir specifically speaks to women who want to eat and dress well yet still reclaim fitness, providing a reassuring role model.
• Long-term commitment: Rather than a single goal, the book follows the choice to keep going after the first marathon, illustrating how running can become a life change.

Who It's For

Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner is best for readers who enjoy personal stories about transformation and resilience, particularly women in midlife who want a motivating example rather than strict training plans. Fans of humorous columns and radio personalities will appreciate Kerre Woodham's voice and the conversational style that makes difficult emotional work feel approachable.

The book is less useful for runners seeking detailed training schedules, technical advice or a step-by-step coaching manual. If you want a pure guide to marathon pacing, injury prevention or race plans, look to dedicated training books instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong humour keeps the narrative lively and readable for a wide audience.
• Honest, relatable portrayal of midlife choices provides genuine inspiration without unnecessary self-help fluff.
• Shows sustainable change by following the author beyond a single goal, which gives a rounded view of long-term fitness.

Cons

• Not a technical training manual; readers looking for detailed workout plans may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner
Author	Kerre Woodham
Subject	Memoir / Running & personal transformation
Starting point	Age forty, overweight and depressed
Key events	Training in the Waitakeres, Auckland marathon, 2008 New York marathon goal
Tone	Humorous and inspirational

Our Verdict

Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner is a worthwhile read for anyone who wants a true-life account of turning fitness into a lifestyle, told with warmth and humour. It offers strong motivational value and an accessible voice, making it a good buy for readers seeking inspiration rather than technical running instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book a training guide?
No. It is a memoir focused on personal change and motivation rather than detailed workout plans or technical race preparation.

Who is the author?
Kerre Woodham, a celebrated radio personality and columnist who documents her own fitness journey beginning at age forty.

Does the book cover marathons?
Yes. It follows the author's progress to complete the Auckland marathon and her decision to aim for the 2008 New York marathon.