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!!