Customer Reviews

26.2: Marathon Stories

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a recreational but devoted marathoner, (currently training for #9), this was an obvious must-have for me. Most books published under the Rodale title are generally just rehashes of old RUNNERS WORLD magazine articles, but this is definitely not the case here.

This handsome coffee table book is beautifully designed and offers not only inspiring passages we've come to expect in the world of the long distance runner, but breathtaking photography and insight into the minds, passions and heartaches associated with the sport. It fairly examines the good and the bad throughout the long history of "Marathon;" from ancient Greece to contemporary pop culture.

Divided into 26.2 chapters, it is a wonderful book for both the devoted runner and interested spectator as well. Would make a great gift.

I actually had an emotional reaction by the time I got to "the Finish Line." Just like in real-life! So this book willl definitely be a treasured addition to my library.

I'm a "senior", "middle-of-the-pack" runner and been at this for 30 yrs, completed 7 marathons and read most of the books concerning the subject, but found this one to be truly original. Running is basically a simplistic sport but to extend oneself to the extent to complete a marathon requires a special effort which this book manages to capture better than any other I've read so far. A must for anyone interested in running or those trying to figure out what makes people do this crazy stuff. Easy reading and wonderful photography!

Great book, especially for those who have run a marathon and can appreciate first hand the highs and lows involved every step of the way. Couldn't put it down.

You have to like a book that gets right to the point in the title.

Those familiar with running know the significance of the title. Twenty-six-point-two are the number of miles in a marathon; it's 26 miles and 385 yards to be a bit more precise. So this well-done tribute to the race has 26.2 chapters.

The format really is the selling point of the point, as it's quite inventive. Every chapter covers a different aspect of the race. My favorite chapter may have come early, as number two is called "The Starting Line." It covers the story about the history of the race, and clears up some misconceptions about the origin of the marathon. The legend is that a Greek runner ran from Marathon to Athens, announced "Hail! We are victorious" concerning a battle, and then collapsed and died.

It's a charming tale, but probably not overly true. But the legend continues, and the word Marathon has become a synonym for most long-lasting events.

The chapters give a good indication of the wide variety of subjects here: Olympic distance, mapping the course, motivation, heroes, training, gear, charity, agony, time, souvenirs, etc. Finally, at 26.2 there is "The Ecstasy," a very appropriate choice. The subject covers a lot of ground, so to speak, and so does this book.

In spite of the thought that went into the text, the pictures really are the star of the show here. Switzer and Robinson have done a fine job collecting photos of marathon-related items. There are shots of marathons that will make you stop and stare -- one in front of a glacier in Switzerland is particularly fascinating. Brrr. Even a two-page shot of empty chairs along the route is fascinating in its own way.

This book basically has one drawback: it's a coffee-table book in a small sense. It didn't take much time at all to zip through this. For $29.95, I'd like a little bit more to read. But that's just my bias, and it may not be yours.

Switzer and Robinson are a husband-and-wife team with a long running background. Switzer helped knock down barriers to long-distance running by women, and has gone on to a career connected to running and women's sports. Robinson has done his own work on the roads and in the media, and he's also a teacher and author.

They have accomplished what they set out to do in "26.2." If there's someone in your life who is about to run a marathon, this would be a great gift. After all, it's nice to have something good waiting at the finish line.

Of course I am a runner, why else would one read a book like this. As with all runners I read about other runners to know if I am missing anything. I haven't run the NYC Marathon - yet; but, I will. I have run the NYC Half Marathon and it too is a lottery.

I haven't read a running book like this. The author takes the reader through each mile seen not by just one runner but over a dozen runners. She provides the background on the runner's lives, how and why they are running - allows one to feel as though they have slipped into the runner's shoes. Add to this the descriptions provided of the scenery and history of NYC as one runs past it - and you have an incredible book.

Now for the best part. So many details of how the marathon is organized, the selection process, the monies raised to operate the New York Road Runners (the organizers of the marathon). Just an incredible book. When I was selected for the Half in 2010, due to this book I knew exactly how my name had gone through the process of being selected.

If you are a runner - what a factual book.

I enjoyed this book, which covered a number of aspects of running marathons, from the history of the marathon, to running gear, to the emotions involved. I also liked the photographs, which where colorful and sometimes informative. It was a fast read, and as well as good inspiration for my marathon training.

It's a pretty book. Looked at once, though, and that will be it. There isn't much that is terribly amusing or interesting. Thought it would be more about just normal people running marathons. No. Just the history of the marathon.

26.2: Marathon Stories

This was the perfect gift for my brother who was completing his first marathon. He read it from cover to cover on the plane. He loved it. I loved it and I didn't run a marathon! It's filled with interesting and inspiring stories and neat facts. It makes a great gift for the runner in your life.