great book! would buy if you never ran or walked or crawled a marathon

I finished this book the day after it arrived. So funny, so inspiring. This author freely admits that she was committed to laziness and yet finished a marathon. (albeit in pain!) This is truly more of a memoir than a training manual, but it should inspire you to get off your butt! Even if you have no intention of ever running a marathon, this book will convince you to set a goal and accomplish something that seems impossible. A truly enjoyable read.

I finished this book the day after it arrived. So funny, so inspiring. This author freely admits that she was committed to laziness and yet finished a marathon. (albeit in pain!) This is truly more of a memoir than a training manual, but it should inspire you to get off your butt! Even if you have no intention of ever running a marathon, this book will convince you to set a goal and accomplish something that seems impossible. A truly enjoyable read.

Dawn Dais is hilarious! Get this book if you are even considering taking up running or starting a training routine for any length of race. It is more of a light read than a manual, but at the same time I find myself referring back to specific things in the book.

I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile..

Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this!

I picked up The (Non)Runner's Marathon Guide for Women last month after finishing Claire Kowalchik's book about running for women (you can read the review here). I wanted a running book with which I could better relate. I'm a super slow runner and didn't even make it onto any of the charts in Kowalchik's book, which was a little defeating for me. So when I read about Dais' book, which tracks her struggle through training for a marathon, while also giving great tips for people who have never really run before, or haven't run much at least.

I loved this book because I related so well with the things Dais talked about. She talked about feeling discouraged because every time she went out for a run she would end up right back where she started. She also describes her first trip to the running store where she learned about the importance of shoe fit, spandex and bodyglide (which I had never heard of until reading this book). She includes some great stretches, as well as a 20-week training schedule for both a marathon and a half marathon. She also leaves space for journaling, and for answering questions she poses, such as "Why are you running this marathon?" and "What was life like before you began training and after"?

An example before and after from her book:

Vitamins
Before: Do the rainbow of fruit flavors in Skittles count?
After: Pills the size of marshmallows washed down with one of my thirty-two gallons of water.

For me, the best part of this book were the personal journal entries from when Dais was training for her own marathon. Dais' perspective is so true to how I think most new runners feel that it's hard not to laugh out loud (I couldn't read this book in public because I kept snorting at her writing). Here's a sample:

"This weekend my little calendar o' runnin' said that I had to run sixteen miles. Is it me or is this number just getting ridiculous? Sixteen miles. What possible reason could one ever have for running sixteen miles? After about Mile 10, just call a cab and save yourself a lot of effort. Hell, call me. I'll give you a lift. Believe me, it's just not worth it. One fun fact about sixteen miles - that's about how far away hell is. I know you'd think it'd be farther away, at least as far as Fresno. But you'd be wrong. Actually, I think I hit hell around mile 14, so it's an even shorter trip."

If you're new to running, or even if you've been running a long time, I highly suggest picking up Dais' book because it'll remind you of what it was like when you started and why you run. It'll also remind you that you're not the only one who suffers for running. If you are training for a marathon though, I suggest picking up some other books as well. Dais' book is great for moral support, but I think there are some others out there that would add a little more technical support, unless of course you have your own personal trainer.

I had not run a race in 10 years. This did not bother me at at all. Until about 6 months after I was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition and my doctor uttered the words " Well, you'll probably never run a marathon, but you can still exercise." A few days later I saw Dawn Dais's book The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women in REI, and picked it up. As I started to flip through the pages I knew then that my little Asian doctor was going to be wrong, oh so very wrong.

Dawn Dais's book not only encouraged me to train and finish the 2008 San Diego Rock and Roll marathon, it also just plain made me laugh out loud every step of the way. Too many runners take themselves so seriously it intimidates all the rest of us flailing along the trail. If you love sarcasm and have a gift for laughing at yourself you will love this book. It makes even more sense if you've ever trained for a really long race as an adult, having never really done anything more strenuous than Spanish club in high school.

As usual I came up with a great idea... I will run a marathon! This latest idea was met with the usual roll of the eyes and "just letter have her little dream" attitude. I started looking for information on running and came across this book. I headed on down to the bookstore (because wild ideas and inpatients are some of my most charming qualities) and I couldn't wait to have it shipped. I had to have it NOW! I read it cover to cover and about 80% out loud to the whole family. We were all cracking up and it has motivated me to get off my A double snakes and really do this. Now... I have run in the past... but not the last 5 years so we will see how it goes but this book is a true inspiration and a joy to read... even if you're not going to try something insane like run for 26.2 miles. READ IT READ IT READ IT... Aloha and see you on December 14th at the finish line... Hopefully not on a stretcher!

Like many of the reviewers here, I loved reading the book. Dawn's writing style reminds me a bit of a cross between Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry with a healthy dose of Young Woman thrown in. My sister recommened this book to me because she was convinced that either I wrote it (though there is no way I'll run a marathon; I'll follow along on a bike if needed), or that the writer knows me because the attitude of the writer is similar (a rare complement from my sister, since I liked the book).

First, though, unless you are blessed to live within an urban/suburban area complete with running trails, parks, running clubs, stores with Shoe People that actually know what kind of shoe is needed for a suppinator versus an overpronator, several hours a week you can devote to running and not, oh, let's say, cleaning a house and work, a few friends who are already runners and a couple of coaches thrown in, then you can pretty much ignore all that advice (y'know, running trails, running stores/friends/coaches, etc), and just focus on the humor and inspiration that seems to permeate the book.

IMHO, much more than training schedules (for goodness sakes, I plan to train 4 months for a little bitty 5K, not a flippin' marathon, so I think that her training schedule was a little bit on the insane side), are Dawn's insights, observations, common sense advice (Advil and bags of peas, plus a great running bra), and sense of humor make this book readable and REAL. Running ain't pretty. It's sweat and your heart trying to pound it's way out of your chest, and GU (frankly, I preferred the mushed bananas) and sore body parts that haven't been used in decades and toned legs and the ability to eat carbs - though gee, think there's a hint there as to why she wasn't able to lose any weight?.

I love how she points out her own motivation to run a marathon, her own personal growth as she manages to surprise those who know her by not quitting, and her words to the reader that there will awful days as well as good ones, that make this more of an inspirational/motivational book rather than a training one.

I am re-starting to run/jog/hobble after literally running away from running over 15 years ago, and very quickly just substituted the term '5K' for 'marathon' in the book, and well, it works for me. I don't know if I'll ever be insane enough to run a marathon, but at least I can try to find the humor in it all as I ice my poor knees...

This is such a good book. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book before this one. It is a really good story with some great tips if you are trying to get started in running.

First let me say that I loved this book. The author is a natural at not only being a superb writer, but getting lots of laughs from the reader as well. I consider this a very RARE combo, thus the 4 star rating.

If it's so great, why take off a star? Well, I ordered the book b/c I'm training for a marathon (very, very beginning training), and the title struck me as a sort of Holy Grail of getting off my bum and getting going.

Well, not so much. I would not consider this a training manual as much as it is a personal (and VERY funny) account of one non-athletes' quest to complete a marathon.

I didn't find solid info that applied to me -- and really I haven't seen or heard any evidence that it is safe or reasonable for a non-athlete to prep for a marathon in just four months.

I have used and would recommend other sources to come up with a solid training plan (i.e., "Marathoning for Mortals", by John Bingham).

On the other hand, I would highly recommend this as a very funny read about running and marathon training.

I thought this book was funny when I saw the cover and title and I was very pleased while reading and didn't want it to end! I am running my first half marathon next Saturday and training for the NYC marathon November 2008 and terrified but after reading this personal account of the endurance, mishaps, and funny journal entries, I am definitely more excited and I dont feel so alone losing my kneecaps!!!

I bought this book by mistake. Yes, that's right... by mistake. That said, it was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed. So it was divine intervention!

My husband had to sit and listen to excerpts while I wiped tears away from my face from laughter as I read this book.

I am in NO shape to run a marathon any time soon.. however.. I have now made steps for my first 5K. I am motivated and inspired by Dawn's witty writing. It has gotten me up off my rear and into getting into shape!

great book for all of us "non-runners" who know we can do whatever we set our mind to....

This book put some humor into beginning a running regime when all you want to do is crawl back to the sofa. Though repetitive at times, this book is quite motivating for those of us who are frustrated by a slow pace, and a lack of confidence.

This book is great. It is very entertaining but also very informative. I recommend it to everyone.

I bought this book based on reviews and although, I have not found the drive to actually train and run a marathon, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a very short read, but the writer was brilliant in keeping track of what actually happened to her. Even if you aren't ready to run a marathon, I suggest reading this book just for a good laugh.

I recently decided I wanted to jump on the crazy train of marathon running, never having run unless forced to in gym class - even then I wouldn't call that running,more like gum chewing with occasional jogging with friends at7am. Anyways this book cracked me up, but answered all my questions and has seriously motivated me to stop the gilmore girls dvd marathons and train for a real one. And Im SO excited, but don't call me a Chipper Jen :)

I feel exactly as Dawn did in almost every part of her training and although it has been 4 yrs since my first marathon, I can recall details perfectly - the bad ones mostly. Her ability to take what most people spin as the "tough times" and show what they truly are and what you can expect is hysterical! I also know all about "chipper Jen" as we all have one of those in our groups. Seriously, where do these people come from? A great comic relief on a subject that really has no relief of it's own. Except AFTER race day...and here I am considering a 2nd one even tho the 1st time I ended up w/ 2 broken legs. Nice. I must be completely insane.

I enjoyed reading this book, and echo all the positive sentiments in other reviews.

I do think it's worth pointing out that this book is NOT sufficient on its own to prepare you for a marathon! It's definitely light on training information, and you'll want to do more research. It is a wonderful place to start, though!

My recommendation, if you are a true non-runner, is as follows:
1. Read Dawn's book. Get pumped about running!
2. Start the training program at the beginning of the book. Take it easy, walk the whole time if you have to.
3. Do some research about what it means to run/walk! Dawn doesn't really cover this at all, and I think it's very important. Find "Couch to 5K" and follow their suggestions for the lengths of your run/walk intervals (but do more repetitions of them, since you want to go way further than 5K.) Google Jeff Galloway to find out more, and maybe read some of his books. Running your entire marathon is not a realistic or sensible goal if you are a beginner.
4. STOP IF YOU GET HURT! And you probably will get hurt at some point. Me, I've been spared any knee trouble so far but I did have to take a week off when I got a pinched nerve in my back.
5. GET BACK TO WORK WHEN YOU'RE BETTER! Hopefully you're following the advice of a medical professional about when you're ready to start running again.

6. Be flexible. I decided after reading this book that running a marathon is a stupid goal. But I'm super excited and on track to complete a half-marathon in a few months - thanks Dawn!

This book was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. It has inspired me to put on some spandex and get running. I am planning to start with a half marathon and if I survive that I will consider doing a full. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get started running.

Very funny book, I laughed out loud more often than not. Very informative on what to look out for an I begin running... or at least begin walking.

This book is wonderful! I have signed up for my first mini-marathon and thought I could use some words of wisdom from another non-runner. This book is very informative as well as hilarious. I immediately clicked with the writer. She has a very realistic approach to the whole journery and makes you laugh all the way through the book. I highly recommend this book for the beginning runner or runner/walker. (She gives plenty advice if you plan to walk only also.) One of my favorite things is her training schedule: I received one with my mini-marathon packet but it really is geared toward the experienced runner. This book gives training schedules for the runner and the run/walker. It's completely doable and helps you make and reach many small goals before achieving the BIG ONE!

This book was great! I'm training for a half marathon and already thinking my couch looks mighty nice. The author does a great job of balancing humor and also some good advice in here. Mostly it's nice to know that you don't have to be a Serious Runner-type to actually complete the race. Definitely recommend this.

This book is great for anyone who is skeptical about running and has a good sense of humor. Like the author, I've never been a runner and have often wondered why on earth people would subject themselves to that form of torture...but intrigue got the best of me and now I've been converted! (Well sort of.) While this book does cover the many things that you need to know in a funny, understandable, empathetic and readable manner, I do recommend pairing it with the "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" by David A. Whitsett, et al. With these tools at your side (along with copious amounts of advil) you'll be crossing the finish line in no time!

I loved Dawn's tone and writing style, and this is a very inspirational book and I recommend it to all women interested in running a marathon get it, but with one reservation - I have issues iwth the training schedule included in her book.

I'm truly concerned that she advises that a complete novice who doesn't even own running shoes could attempt a run a marathon with only four month's training. This is a recipe for potentially serious injury. And she provides an example of this herself -- she develops major knee pain, including at the beginning of her marathon before she even began running. Her actual marathon experience is one of someone who trained too quickly; at mile 13, she began to experience severe pain and had real trouble finishing among the "walking dead" at the back of the pack.

I trained to run a marathon in 2002 and I had four months to train, but I was jogging regularly and had been a long distance cyclist for several years. But I injured my back and tendons in my legs on my schedule. A doctor told me that this because my training was too consolidated.

I highly recommend this book if you're considering running a marathon, but if you are indeed a novice do three things before attempting to train:

1) Follow her advice to have a thorough medical checkup, although I will add that it's ultra helpful to find a doctor who is familiar with sports medicine

2) get a real-life coach/experienced marathoner to talk to before you beginn and ideally to supervise your training; you can talk to people at running speciality stores to find a good person and

3) check out a number of other marathon training schedules, such as Hal Higdon's novice schedule (which is a 7 1/2 month program) and another by coolrunning.com called "from couch potato to 5k) as well; it's another potential training program for beginners. (You can find both through Google.) Give yourself lots of time to train and ramp up slowly.

I just ran a marathon, and I was supervised by a university track coach. He designed a program that required me running regularly for six months before the half marathon, and an additional four months for a marathon, to which I added another month. Yes, 11 months. But I had a GREAT marathon experience - injury free, pain free and with a quick recovery.

But I have to say that her entertaining, straightforward advice about sports bras, great shoes, the importance of journaling and the miracle of Bodyglide makes this a very good book for beginners. Just research other schedules that work for you before you hit the pavement.

I have no intention of ever running, or even walking, 26.2 miles. Most of the advice in the book is common sense and not terribly useful. If you're serious about running a marathon, other books will give you better tips. Despite her claims to the contrary, I suspect the author was in decent shape before beginning her training. While it may be for people new to running, you'll need to be more than a couch potato to pull off the training schedule.

Having said all that, buy this book anyway. It's witty and intelligent. And you may just find yourself attempting things you didn't think you could do. Don't think of it as a how-to guide for running marathons. Think of it as inspiring you to do things against your better judgment and being happy about that.

I picked this book up having registered for a half marathon and contimplating a full marathon. The author does a great job of "telling you how it is"! It is a funny read and made me feel like I was talking to a knowledgable friend rather than reading a book about marathon training. I learned some important information and had a few laughs!

I'm not completely new to running but I am new to marathons. This book was funny and motivational and certainly gave many good pointers!

The only downside I saw was repetitiveness in spots. She did repeat herself sometimes, but it she was always making a good point! Overall it was a great read!!

I received this book for Christmas. I just start running in 8/07 and want to run a half marathon. Reading this book about the authors' progress and training for her marathon gave me an idea of how hard running that distance really is. The author was very honest in her feelings about running. I was surprised to read that she actually didn't like running!

What also surprised me is that she didn't endorse that everyone run a marathon. Again she was honest in saying it may not be for everyone. The way her story is told had me laughing all the way through the book. I finished it in 3 days. I do reccommend this book. However,don't get it with the expectation that you'll be suddenly motivated to run 26.2miles. One thing the author makes clear is that everyone has to find out for themselves what challenges them,and it may not be running a marathon.

I couldn't stop laughing and reading out loud. I'd love to do lunch with Ms. Dais. She is a riot! She leaves you with no doubt about what you're getting into when you go from the recliner to the track. From choosing the right sports bra to fighting spandex rash, it's all there.

I recommend Ms. Dais have a baby and write about the pregnancy. I'm sure that would be equally hilarious.

I only just started last night and cannot put it down! It is wonderfully funny but also has information that is helpful for those of us just starting out on our marathon journey. This book will not only motivate you but give you the advice you need to make it across the finish line. I am so glad I have found this book!

I bought this book because I was interested in running a marathon and it had excellent reviews. I had no intention of running one for a few years so I thought this would be a great first read on the subject mainly because of the humor. I loved the book! It was hysterical! I was so surprised upon finishing it, how inspired I was to run. She makes the marathon seem so obtainable by regular people. It definitely has inspired me to move up my marathon date. I highly recommend this book!!

I ran my first marathon this past October (Marine Corp). One of the people I trained with recommended this book. I was already reading two other "how to" marathon books. She said that I would need this book and that I wouldn't be sorry. Boy was she right!

Make no mistake, this is not a "how to" book. This is better! This is the book you pick up after your weekly long run (as you soak your feet and ice your muscles) and LAUGH OUT LOUD! You will recognize the struggles and the triumphs. You will identify with the inner dialogue - the voice that tells you that you're crazy! The voice you argue with as you contemplate getting off the park bench and continue to run.

And I did need it on the bad training days (and there will be some). I needed the laughter it induced. I needed to know that someone else had had a tough time and still managed to cross that finish line.... with humour!

I encourage you to order it and read it slowly, over the months of training. Don't rush it! You don't rush your training, so don't rush the reading of this book.

Now, get off that couch!

This was a great book. A lot of the training info was kind of common sense, but it is great for motivating you and making you feel like you're not alone in the misery of marathon training. If you're looking for a more well-defined, detailed training schedule, I don't know if this book will quite meet your needs. But I'd still recommend it as a quick, fun read for it's humor.

I am a beginning runner, and am certainly not going to be running a marathon any time soon, but this book was perfect for me. A way to feel like someone else really gets the aches, pains, and reward of running. I laughed the whole way through the book, and now, believe that I, too, could run a marathon if I so chose. I could not possibly say enough good things about this book--if you run, think you want to run, or think people who run are funny, read this book!!!

If you've ever thought about running, but didn't think you could do it--this is the book for you! Dawn's sense of humor punctuated with the truth motivates you to get off your butt.

Motivational and hysterical. Dawn Dais does an excellent job of cronicaling a first time runner's adventure with the marathon. If you need extra motivation and a good chuckle, this is a great resource to help pry you out of your recliner and keep you working towards race day.

Love the book. i run for enjoyment and exercise. now iam going to try to trian for a marathon. right now iam up to 5 6 miles and i keep trying to do more.

I'm the epitome of a "Non-runner." That's why this book grabbed my eye.

But seriously, I couldn't stop laughing when I read this book. Dais' sarcastic, dry sense of humor has motivated me to run the half-marathon. I think I've gotten a jump-start on my ab muscles from all the laughter!

This book is a great reference guide for all of your running questions - and with a little chuckle! You gotta love it - especially since you've decided to do something as crazy as running a marathon!

Buy it!

I bought this book as a gift for my wife who's starting now to train for her 1st marathon and she literally read it in one weekend! It is ironic, but also full of interesting comments for beginners.

i'm a nonrunner. i'm not motivated. i easily give up.

however, after reading this hilarious tale of a girl who won't even walk to work (which is very close)and then finish a marathon, i felt absolutely inspired to start training for a half marathon. as a non-athlete i absolutely relate to every triumph and failure she encountered. she makes you feel like you can absolutely run a marathon in the least intimidating way. i recommend that every woman who feels like she can't accomplish such a huge goal read this book. i wasn't even running a mile when i started. i'm already running five, and i am so excited to continue on my journey!!

First of all, I do not read books from cover to end and secondly in two days. This book was so funny and inspiring that I could not put it down. I can't wait to pass it on to my other non-running friends who just signed up for this crazy thing called a "marathon"

I just started training for my first 1/2 marathon with my sister. This book was hysterical but also had lots of information. Fantastic read!!!

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. The book is hilarious, accurate, inspiring, well-written. I wish that I could have written it myself.

I wish I had this book when I ran the Tokyo City Marathon last February, which was my first marathon. It would have eased most of my anxieties and self-doubt while struggling to finish my long runs. As I trained alone, it would have been the perfect training partner. Ms. Dais has perfectly described in direct, simple yet intelligent words most of what a first-time marathoner will experience. Not only did the book bring smiles to my lips as I recall my own struggles and angst, it brought me to tears, OF LAUGHTER!!!

The author presents a side of running that other books don't, especially what goes on in another runner's mind. Reading her book is almost like reading my own training log. Her apprehensions are no different from mine (e.g., not everyone looks good in spandex). Her marathon anecdotes remind me of my own.

Although she included a training program for a half-marathon and one for a marathon, do not expect to see training programs, speed works, fartleks, hill workouts, leg workouts, or other training knowledge that are amply covered by other authors. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book as a companion to the other "serious" books on running and the marathon, because this book will inspire you to go through your long runs; tell you that it is normal to feel lazy, that not all runners enjoy waking up early in the morning to run, that not everyone runs a marathon in 4 hours (I certainly didn't); will keep you company through those weeks of training; and more importantly will not bore you to death.

This books is a warm, comfortable runner's friend.

Enjoy running!

This book is great. It helps to know that there are runners out there who feel the same way about running as I do and Dawn Dais puts it into such a story that I found myself laughing throught the entire book. I highly recommend it for anyone who has recently started a running program (or for those who are already avid runners) and who would like a good laugh about the everyday trials of running.

If you're like me and the mere thought of running makes your legs cramp up and the idea of eating power bars for "power" rather than for some potential sugar rush since it's manufactured by Snickers, you'll love this book. Dawn is candid and humorous from page one to the end. She is practical with tips like "buy your own body glide b/c sharing with someone that just lubed up is revolting" and "make sure you have something to run for more than just a banana split at the end of the run" were fun and inspiring. Thanks to this book I'm actually going to run/walk the Avon Walk for a Cure in October. This was a wonderful starting point for a sugar addict, couch-potato like me.

Enjoy the wit and be motivated by the inspiration in this training manual. You'll learn how to set new personal goals you'll be sure to attain.

The book is a great read. Very inspirational and motivating. I just started my marathon training the first week of April and it was because of this wonderful book. I highly recommend this book for any one who wants to run a marathon.