Customer Reviews

Learning To Walk: From the Sofa to a Marathon in Nine Months

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this was a very funny book... I really felt as if this writer was a friend sharing here story! I am walking a half marathon! she gave me courage!

Well-written and a fun book to read; and also because the author went to so much effort to live and experience it, I give it 5 stars!
It is a great motivator, about an out-of-shape and overweight mom who has never exercised and is in her late 40's. She takes control, loses 50 pounds and breaks the cycle of being sedentary, to participate in a grueling 26-mile marathon. And...in nine months a power walker is born! Many humorous moments. The marathon, as it turns out, may not be the healthiest thing, but changing her lifestyle is.
Fun, humorous, honest and entertaining (Did she really sit on the porta-potty seat?).
Now, we need a sequel to know if the author maintained her healthier way of life...or maybe a blog...does she eventually break the sugar habit fully and rid herself of M&M's and Skittles? Diet Coke?? Well, I have to know!!!

I rarely, if ever, write a book review but I literally just finished reading this and ran (well slowly strolled) to my computer to write this. I must say fate was clearly in play. I bought this book knowing nothing about it. I didn't even read the books description before adding it to my "cart". I am SO glad I did. This book was GREAT!! I actually laughed out loud several times while reading it. My husband must have thought I was crazy! It's so great to read about a real womans real struggles with diet & exercise. I have recently started yet another diet & exercise program myself and this is just what I needed in week #2 of my journey to keep me going. I would love for Sheilagh to write a sequel to this. BUY THE BOOK...you won't be disappointed!!

Funny stuff...a great read...plus, I'm mentioned in the book a few times. Grab a copy and put on your sneakers...let's go!

A hilarious read. I laughed loud and often. The author takes me by surprise with her brash and unexpected observations. She reminds me of the kind of humor on a sitcom like "Roseanne." Nevertheless, if I truly want to walk a marathon, I'd need a more systematic discussion of how to prepare. I still don't know enough to go out and walk 26 miles, but I'm happy I read the book.

Sheilagh Conklin has put together a collection of chapters telling an engrossing tale of her quest to walk the Portland Marathon. Her hilarious and wanton naivetee about exercise, training and underwear kept me turning pages until I crossed the finish line with her! I recommend to any woman even thinking about starting to (dare I say it) "work out."

This book made me laugh, while at the same time motivating me to get up and move. I, too, am 50 lbs. overweight & middle-aged. After reading Ms. Conklin's book, I have been looking for walking-friendly marathons to participate in. I think she was very correct in saying that if you sign up with someone else, you are then committed and feel less inclined to back out. Her writing style, choice of words, and honesty make for an entertaining read. The only thing that I couldn't relate to were the expensive gym memberships, swimming membership, home treadmill, etc. These opportunities would be great for training, don't get me wrong (I'm just jealous), but just aren't in everyone's budget. I didn't get discouraged though as you can walk (and therefore) train for free anywhere. Read the book!