Soul, Sweat and Survival on the Pacific Crest Trail [Paperback]

Bob Holtel (Author), Mike Dirham (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007

This is a book of raw power---Hostel ran a marathon a day, primarily alone, for 2600 miles over the jagged, volcanic spine of the Pacific west---yet a book of unexpected grace. The voice of this crusty runner becomes as mysteriously engaging as the wilderness he crosses. By trail's end, my awe had given way to animal jealousy. I will forever lament that Holtel's experience was not my own.--- Ken Moore, former Olympic Marathoner.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In 1985, Bob Holtel began his solo run of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), an adventure that would take him three summers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Essence Publishing (Canada); 2nd edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553063023
• ISBN-13: 978-1553063025
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #510,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and humbling, July 30, 2003

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul, Sweat and Survival on the Pacific Crest Trail (Paperback)

I'm one of those vicarious PCT thru-hikers who merely has section hiked portions of the grand trail. Bob Holtel hiked the entire way and his journey is epic and makes for a great read. I devoured the entire book in one sitting and was a little depressed when I was finished. Holtel writes very well and it's as if you're with him throughout every painful mile. When he can't find water for an evening, you're thirsty along with him. When he spies a black bear meandering across the path, you see the animal as well. He really has a story teller's gift and this book is nirvana for anyone who has actually thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail or who has aspirations of someday doing it.

From the border of Mexico all the way up to Washington, you're in step with Holtel without a boring or wasted word. This is a gripping book and an infectious reading experience.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing read, February 20, 2005

By 

D. DeKeyser "dekeyser4" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Soul, Sweat and Survival on the Pacific Crest Trail (Paperback)

Yes it is truly amazing what the man accomplished and
I cannot take anything away from his feat.
His book, on the other hand, I was sorry that I bought.
After the first 3 chapters I gave up. Barely making it
out of the desert. Maybe I'll pick it up at a later date
but I just got tired of "Day 1: I ran", "Day 2: I ran",
"Day 3:I ran, it rained"... yawn.
I need a book to convince my wife to hike for more than
10 days at a stretch and this fell far short.
Not recommended

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A personal insight to physical and mental perseverance., March 26, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul, Sweat & Survival on the Pacific Crest Trail (Paperback)

Bob Holtel captures the essence of all essential ingredients that combine to produce an envied athletic endurance achievement. For anyone who has rested on their own laurels of completing a marathon or two, only they can truly appreciate Bob's accomplishment - Running four consecutive marathons every week, 12 weeks straight for three consecutive summers, on uneven rocky trails and at altitude!!! The solitude of it all, the courage to run with pain and complete the task at hand, the enjoyment of simple pleasures of mountain running - these are all brought home in vivid detail through this account. As an athlete I am honored to have shared the adventure. This book has produced a new hero who has proved again that with vision, preparation, planning and courage you can accomplish your dreams.