Book Review…
17 Mar
I finally finished The Non-Runner’s Marathon Guide for Women written by Dawn Dais.
Out of the 150 or so pages of this book, Dawn recants why she hates running so much for about 140 pages, and only 10 pages are filled with encouraging words that “you can do this too”. This crazy woman decided one day to get off her recliner and spend four months training for a marathon. I don’t even think she attempted a 5K before. The thought of climbing the stairs in her house was an intense workout for her. But whatever, she started training…
The book is mostly a “guide”, but it is also sprinkled with some of her journal entries, in which she details chafing nightmares, how much she hates the way she looks in spandex, and the blisters which have grown on her feet. The last journal entry is all about her marathon experience in Hawaii, in which she walked most of. I’m of the thinking her poor attitude throughout the entire training process had a little bit to do with the fact she started walking the rest of her marathon at mile 11.
Her friend Jen, who she refers to as “Chipper Jen”, is more like us runner bloggers. She actually enjoys running and encourages Dawn. Dawn dislikes Jen’s perky attitude.
I don’t think I learned anything new from this book that I haven’t learned from blogs I read every day. She does give helpful advice to newbies, like the fact you shouldn’t take ibuprofen before or during a run.
It took me a long time to read this book because she made me so mad. Why run when you hate it so much? Go swimming or something instead.
This book was reviewed on Amazon as humorous, but I think I maybe giggled once. I just couldn’t relate to her.
If you’re looking for a real training guide, this isn’t it. And if you’re looking for a funny read, this isn’t it either.
