When Julie's running nemesis asked, 'Do you want to do the Great Wall of China Marathon with me?' she laughed. How could she translate the 3-kilometre-run segment of a triathlon into the 42.195 kilometres required for a marathon? After consideration of the question, Julie realised that a positive answer would allow her to partake in an event larger than her first marathon, an exciting travel adventure. She could now combine her new love for running with her existing passions of travel, food and the great outdoors. The Rise and Fall(s) of a Would Be Runner is a collection of tales taking the reader through the highs and lows, misfortunes and successes of training and participating in organised marathons and solo runs and hikes across the globe. The stories will appeal to those with dreams and goals, recreational runners, travellers and those who like to persist with an activity.