First Marathons
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Introduction by Gail Waesche Kislevitz
"If you have the passion, you have the power." I had already been pounding pavement for twenty-four years when I made the decision to run my first marathon. Growing up in the late sixties when women's sports was called cheerleading, I had no formal training in running techniques. I just ran, pure and simple. I ran for the joy of it, the thrill of it, the escape of it. During college, I played lacrosse because there wasn't a women's track team and it seemed like the next best thing to do. But I still remained faithful to my daily run. I ran through the bitter-cold winters of Michigan during graduate school, through two pregnancies and countless other miles that seem to blend into one long life's run. I don't know when I made the transformation from running as a sport to running as part of my life. I can't separate the two. When I run, my mind and body fuse together, creating an energy source that empowers me. It is my private time, my therapy, my religion. I spoke with friends (and strangers) who had run marathons. They answered my questions with such passion, such fever and excitement for the event that I was mesmerized. I inhaled their stories as they captured every moment of the race: the lows of utter despair and pain, the highs of inner strength. They became my role models. |
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There's probably no more democratic image in sports than the sight of thousands of athletes and dreamers lined up in places like New York or Boston or Los Angeles or wherever they're about to test themselves against, in the end, themselves over 26 miles of running hell. The only thing the marathon discriminates against is the unprepared: age, sex, nationality, race, even physical disability all peel away when the mix of athletes, from the elite Olympian to the neighbor next door, responds to the report of the starter's pistol. This smart, agreeable compilation of oral histories recalls the first encounters of 37 marathoners, and the stories they tell are marvelous, inspiring, despairing, filled with hope, and wracked with aches and pain. The great Bill Rogers remembers not finishing his first attack of the Boston, and the equally great Greta Weitz recounts what it was like to smash the record in New York her first time out. But it is the voice of the common runner--some nationally famous, like writer Erich Segal, others only known to their loved ones--that consistently gives First Marathons its second wind as it details the drives and dreams that link all dedicated runners. Kislevitz, a marathoner herself, displays endurance by completing the book with a final section offering useful advice from top coaches, a comprehensive glossary of terms, and, to help maintain a steady rhythm, the favorite songs marathoners sing to themselves. Some of the more fitting: "Born to Run," "Groovin'" and, particularly appropriate for getting through the wall, "Running on Empty." --Jeff Silverman
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| 07-03-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I have run a few half marathons and decided to read this book as I began to consider running a full marathon. Regardless of what type of runner you are (beginner or agro athlete) this book contains inspirational stories ranging from everyday runners to elite runners. There is truly something for everyone in this book whether you want inspiration to run around your neighborhood block, a local 5K, or train for a full marathon. Highly recommended.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-10 02:12:58 EST)
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| 07-02-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I have run a few half marathons and decided to read this book as I began to consider running a full marathon. Regardless of what type of runner you are (beginner or agro athlete) this book contains inspirational stories ranging from everyday runners to elite runners. There is truly something for everyone in this book whether you want inspiration to run around your neighborhood block, a local 5K, or train for a full marathon. Highly recommended.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 02:59:03 EST)
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| 04-04-05 | 5 | 2\2 |
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My running buddy told me about this book. We are both running our first marathons this year. This book made me laugh and cry and yet continued that "fear of the unknown" for my first marathon. The short narratives made it an easy read and a quick one, too.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-03 02:02:16 EST)
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| 08-04-03 | 3 | 4\7 |
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Interesting book for the first time reader. Not something that you will pick up and read over and over. As you get through several stories they actually get a little monotonous but it is still an interesting read. If you don't have to spend the money and can get it at the library, I would recommend that first.
Also, the dates of some of these runners stories are quite aged. Much of the book is like a history lesson where marathon running has come from over the past 70 years. Again interesting, but didn't do much for me. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 02-11-03 | 5 | 3\3 |
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I can only read one story every few days or else I start entertaining thoughts of running a marathon! Read one story at night before bed and you're sure to get up and run in the morning. It reminds you of all the good things about running- clearing your head, planning your day, getting away. It temps you with the pride and success you feel when you've accomplished something great- a marathon a hill or a problem in life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 08-13-02 | 5 | 3\3 |
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The different stories show how common people took up running. There is wide range of marathon finishers and therefore it is easy to find somebody in the book you can relate too.
What this book does best is inspire those who contemplate running a marathon. I took up running a few months ago, slowly building up my mileage. The incredible stories in the book show me that indeed it is possible to run 26.2 miles, or even more for ultramarathons. At one point it becomes a matter of mind over matter. Beyong running, this book is about the incredible abilities that lie within each one of us if we give ourselves the right training and believe we can achieve what we've decided to do. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 04-30-02 | 5 | 4\6 |
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Gail Kislevitz has put together a stellar collection of first marathon stories. I've read other "running stories" books, but "First Marathons" blows them all away. Some stories are moving, others are laugh-out-loud funny, but they're all inspiring in their own unique way. I haven't run a marathon (yet), but every runner can identify with the thoughts and emotions these runners convey in their first marathons attempts. If you run, or have any interest in the sport of running, please read this book. You'll be so glad you did!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 04-15-02 | 3 | 6\16 |
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As someone who literally put my blood, sweat and tears into training for my first marathon, I was almost offended by the numerous stories of people who just decided to run, with little or no training. Kind of like not paying your dues. There were several examples in which people downplayed the seriousness of this undertaking. Sure, they paid for it with tough marathons, but that is besides the point. I bought this book to read on the plane on my way to my first marathon. It so discouraged me and trivialized my efforts that I didn't feel like what I was doing was such an accomplishment after all. I ended up leaving the book on the plane and trying to forget about the ease at which some of these people decided to run 26.2 miles.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 03-17-02 | 5 | 3\3 |
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I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating running a marathon, or even a 10k. If you are out of shape and want to get back into shape, running is a great way to do it. It's not rocket science, just put one foot in front of the other (for miles on end). As someone who fell off the health wagon and is now getting back on, this book is a great motivator. The stories will make you laugh, cry, and you won't be able to put the book down. Read it - you will put on a pair of running shoes after reading it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 11-07-01 | 5 | 4\4 |
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This book is a must for anyone who wants to run a marathon. It is a collection of essays written by runners from all levels, including world class runners to a Portland, Oregon nurse who details her first marathon. All these stories are short enough to be read in a single sitting, some leave you thrilled by the run, others leave you with tears in your eyes.
I purchased this book before I ran my first marathon hopeing to gain insite into what I would encounter. I also bought several other copies as gifts to friends who needed some encouragement to run their first marathon. It certainly is an exceptionally nice gift for any runner or runner-to-be. Just can't wait too see volumn 2 of First Marathons! (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 07-03-01 | 5 | 5\5 |
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While I enjoyed most of the writing in this book, it took me a couple of chapters to wrap my mind around the prose. Nonetheless, I enjoyed 25 of the 26 stories chronicled, and found moments of inspiration, humor, and wisdom. The book embraced the likes of Marathon legends as well as the first time runner ("adult onset athletes" as penned by John Bingham:) All in all, a great read, and certainly a huge reason why I believe I can succeed at running my first marathon targeted for this September.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 05-10-01 | 5 | 4\4 |
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This book really motivated me. When I read the stories of others' challenges and how they stayed committed and stuck with it, it inspired me to do the same. I could relate to a lot of the stories, and found the book easy to read since it's basically like a book of short stories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the encouragement to stick with a running program and a commitment to do a marathon, especially their first marathon.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:42 EST)
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| 02-24-01 | 5 | 9\9 |
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While certainly not a "how to" book, (in fact in some cases it's a "how NOT to" book) this book made it possible for me to complete my first marathon. It provided the motivation every time the training became really hard. Gail Waesche did an excellent job providing a broad cross section of first marathon experiences. For some strange reason though, it was always the stories of runners who really suffered through their first marathons that I read again and again. These were the people I thought I could really relate to!
A marathon IS a 26.2 mile monster. And because it's such an awesome accomplishment, it is often a lifechanging experience. That's what Ms. Waesche gets across, and that's exactly what is was like for me. Everyone who has run a marathon, or more importantly, has even the hint of desire to run a marathon, has to read this book. It makes a very difficult and wonderful experience seem humanly possible. Thank you Gail for writing this book. And please PLEASE come out with a volume II. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 09-01-00 | 4 | 12\14 |
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On the plus side, this book is a must of you are planning to run a marathon. It offers interesting perspectives on the race and those that run it. On the down side, it is full of "typical" stories about people overcoming hardships. It gets sappy after awhile. Most of the stories are about people who decided to do the race on a whim and did it mostly unprepared. After reading this you think you can just go out an run one yourself...prepared or not.
I wish there were more stories about the challenge and difficulty of the training process. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 08-21-00 | 5 | 13\13 |
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First Marathons is simply the accounts of many different folks from elite (i.e. professional) runners to talented amateurs to ordinary folks. It seems at first that it would be interesting primarily to serious runners who have or will soon run a marathon. It is that, but surprisingly, it is so much more. This is a book for anyone who wishes to be inspired by quiet heroes and unsung heroics.
Why would anyone want to run 26 miles? Here are many answers from many different people. They are moving to read, not because the author is a gifted story-teller, but because the courage, humility, and conviction of her subjects is so clear that it shines through even when the retelling lacks those qualities in itself. Some people set out to run the marathon to change themselves. More don't understand their reasons for embarking on the journey but find that in the training and completion of this epic that they are forever changed. Approximately 1 million Americans have run a marathon. I've run two. It's difficult to explain in a few words why those two painful, arduous days are two of the happiest days of my life. After you read this book, you will begin to understand why. If you are one of the lucky ones who has "been there, done that" the recollections should renew the wonder and pride you felt at your first finish line. If you are one of the people who has ever wondered that you might someday do this crazy thing, beware! This book is more likely to set you off on the training road than all the running "how-to" books you could buy at Amazon. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 12-16-99 | 5 | 17\17 |
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I want to buy this book for everyone I know because I firmly believe, after reading this book and having run my first marathon, that ANYONE can do it. I became so involved in the stories of these people, I couldn't put the book down and when I reached the end, I wanted more. So I ran my own marathon. I opened the book again, after I'd run the 26.2 mile monster, and randomly picked one of the stories...I started to cry because it suddenly meant so much to me. If you read this book, not only will you want to run a marathon, you'll believe you can make it happen.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 06-05-99 | 5 | 11\13 |
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I am running the NYC Marathon in November 99 and I picked up this book for a little motivation. I read the introduction in the bookstore and started to cry. I loved it. I lost the book during a trip to California. I wasted no time in ordering another copy. I am ready to run now that I shared with all of the poeple who told their story.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 04-14-99 | 5 | 5\8 |
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I met Gail Kislevitz via phone over the past year. She interviewed me to be included in this book. Because of that, I got to know how very special this book was as her motivation was to get as many different personal stories out there as possible. She is a very positive and caring person. She portrays that in her style of writing. As being one of the subjects in the book, I can tell you that her content is acurate. This book will hold your attention even if you don't plan on running a marathon. There is valuable information on how people overcome challenges that any one could use in their own life. Oh...yes...she has run the marathon herself. :-)
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 11-23-98 | 5 | 7\7 |
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Many of the miles I've run to train for my first marathon have been spent thinking about the people written about in this book. The individual's stories in this book are not only extremely motivational but also touching and sometimes funny. I would recommend this book for all first time marathoners as well as people looking for that extra inspiration in reaching that goal that you're not quite sure you can make.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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| 10-21-98 | 4 | 0\3 |
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This book helps to inspire runners and non-runners. This book helps a first time marathon runner set expecations.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-24 15:10:43 EST)
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