Customer Reviews

First Marathons : Personal Encounters with the 26.2-Mile Monster

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

 

 

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.

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.

This is a wonderful book. Very inspiring. A must have for those training for their first marathons!

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. :-)

This book helps to inspire runners and non-runners. This book helps a first time marathon runner set expecations.