Monday, November 3, 2008

Book Review

Now many of you know my personal feelings about marathons but that doesn't mean I don't love to read the race reports or stories. A few weeks ago I picked up First Marathons: Personal Encounters with the 26.2-Mile Monster by Gail Kislevitz. It contains 37 personal stories describing the experience of running a first marathon. Some famous runners are included but mostly this book concentrates on the everyday runner. Each account is no longer than 10 pages so it is easy to just grab this book and fit in a short story during a break, lunch time, or right before bed. Check out the website here for even more personal stories of first marathons or to even submit your own!!

I especially enjoyed reading this book because it contained stories (on two different occasions) from a husband and wife. I liked the different point of views on the same marathon from one couple and also how one woman was inspired by her husband to run her first marathon.

A common theme seemed to radiate through most of the stories told by women - Running a marathon was an adventure of a lifetime and it rated right up there with childbirth! One particular woman talked about "fitting it all in" with family and children. She said that she found a group of other women with children and they each would take turns watching the children while the others ran which I thought was a very creative idea! Another story is about a Nun who started running and became very successful. These are just a few of the stories that fill the pages.

The story that impacted me the most was of Nina Kuscsik, the first official woman to win the Boston Marathon (in 1972) as well as an advocate for women's running. Her story is truly inspiring and shows how far women have come in sports. Along with this I didn't know much about many of the early pioneer runners but reading about some of the elite runners and their personal experiences really opened my eyes and informed me about life before running a marathon was a common thing.

Reading all the experiences of running in different places has made me want to travel even more and experience the landscapes and scenery while running. I highly recommend this book as an easy, relaxing read which will motivate you to get out there and run!


It is a beautiful day here this morning - warm and in the 50s. It is supposed to get up to the 60s this afternoon! It is weird going to work when it's light out! Have a good day!!

11 comments:

Melanie said...

HIMYM was a rerun last week of when "Robin Sparkles" made her second video. The one where James Van Der Beek was a guest. I was bummed... I wanted to see what happened to Ted after Stella left!

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed that book also. I'm currently reading one just like it but it's about people's first ultra marathon.

Julianne said...

What a great review! You make me want to RUN out to go get it! ;-)

Aron said...

ohhh that sounds like an awesome book!!! i might have to pick it up... if i can ever finish the current book i am reading :)

tfh said...

Thanks for the review! I'm going to check to see if my library has it-- sounds like it will be a motivating read.

Chic Runner said...

Oh I'll have to go get that one, I really liked reading Pam Reeds Story too, and I like reading about running, even though it sounds lame! :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good book. Writing it down in my journal so I can grab it next!

N.D. said...

That sounds like a great book! I'll definitely get that one.

Nicole said...

Awesome review! I can't wait for christmas break so i can actually have time to read something OTHER than school books!

Marlene said...

Thanks for the book review. That sounds like something I would love to read!

Izzy said...

I'll have to check out that book -- sounds inspiring!