Featured Interview With Merili Freear
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Merili Freear — a runner, writer, and running coach originally from Estonia. I now live in rural Lincolnshire, England, with my incredibly supportive husband, our son, and our crazy but lovable schnauzer. I started running in 2020 during the first Covid lockdown to support my mental health, and that one decision completely transformed my life. Since then, I’ve run many marathons and ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved books. As a child, I’d spend hours reading and imagining stories of my own. The library has always been my happy place. But it wasn’t until I was in my late 30s that I seriously started writing. After running my first marathon, I began writing about the experience — and from there, the idea for my first book grew. Writing became a way for me to reflect, process, and connect. It’s now a huge part of my identity, right alongside running.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I mostly read non-fiction — books that explore the human mind, personal growth, or endurance. Authors like Johann Hari (Lost Connections) and Jessamy Hibberd (The Imposter Cure) have influenced how I understand myself and shaped how I write about mental health. When it comes to running, books by other endurance athletes have inspired both my training and my writing. I also love poetry — short, powerful pieces that say a lot with very few words. I’m especially drawn to Shelby Leigh’s work. That love of poetry inspired my second book.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Whispers and Footsteps: Poems from Doubt to Becoming — a collection of poetry that came to life after I completed my first 100-mile ultramarathon. Instead of the sense of triumph I expected, I felt lost — like I’d reached a destination but didn’t know what came next. Writing poetry helped me make sense of that strange emotional space. It’s a deeply personal collection that speaks to self-doubt, courage, identity, and growth. Running took me far — but poetry brought me back to myself.
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