The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training

I picked up The (Non)Runner's Marathon Guide for Women last month after finishing Claire Kowalchik's book about running for women (you can read the review here). I wanted a running book with which I could better relate. I'm a super slow runner and didn't even make it onto any of the charts in Kowalchik's book, which was a little defeating for me. So when I read about Dais' book, which tracks her struggle through training for a marathon, while also giving great tips for people who have never really run before, or haven't run much at least.I loved this book because I related so well with the things Dais talked about. She talked about feeling discouraged because every time she went out for a run she would end up right back where she started. She also describes her first trip to the running store where she learned about the importance of shoe fit, spandex and bodyglide (which I had never heard of until reading this book). She includes some great stretches, as well as a 20-week training schedule for both a marathon and a half marathon. She also leaves space for journaling, and for answering questions she poses, such as "Why are you running this marathon?" and "What was life like before you began training and after"?An example before and after from her book:VitaminsBefore: Do the rainbow of fruit flavors in Skittles count?After: Pills the size of marshmallows washed down with one of my thirty-two gallons of water.For me, the best part of this book were the personal journal entries from when Dais was training for her own marathon. Dais' perspective is so true to how I think most new runners feel that it's hard not to laugh out loud (I couldn't read this book in public because I kept snorting at her writing). Here's a sample:"This weekend my little calendar o' runnin' said that I had to run sixteen miles. Is it me or is this number just getting ridiculous? Sixteen miles. What possible reason could one ever have for running sixteen miles? After about Mile 10, just call a cab and save yourself a lot of effort. Hell, call me. I'll give you a lift. Believe me, it's just not worth it. One fun fact about sixteen miles - that's about how far away hell is. I know you'd think it'd be farther away, at least as far as Fresno. But you'd be wrong. Actually, I think I hit hell around mile 14, so it's an even shorter trip."If you're new to running, or even if you've been running a long time, I highly suggest picking up Dais' book because it'll remind you of what it was like when you started and why you run. It'll also remind you that you're not the only one who suffers for running. If you are training for a marathon though, I suggest picking up some other books as well. Dais' book is great for moral support, but I think there are some others out there that would add a little more technical support, unless of course you have your own personal trainer.

I've read a few of the reviews here and wanted to clear up a few things. First of all, some people need to relax and find a sense of humor. Dawn writes about her experience, advice she received before her marathon, and sprinkles humor throughout the account. If you're a runner you know that running a marathon can painful. So, you either hate every minute of it, or try to laugh at the insanity of it all. Dawn did the latter.Second, and most importantly, Dawn is not a doctor. Do not read this book and take it as a marathon runners bible. If you are serious about running a marathon I would hope you do a lot more research than just one book. Dawn never states her way is the only, and right, way. She frequently states you should go to your own doctor if you experience intense pain.The book as a whole is excellent. It is funny, a good beginner's book and provides a personal account of a marathon experience. Not everyone will have the same running experience, but if you're thinking of running one then this is a good start. Every part of your body will hurt, the long runs take up a lot of your time, and you can eat vast amounts of food and not gain weight....Dawn describes all of this in her book.

Like many of the reviewers here, I loved reading the book. Dawn's writing style reminds me a bit of a cross between Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry with a healthy dose of Young Woman thrown in. This book was recommended by my sister because she was convinced that either I wrote it, or that the writer knows me because the attitude of the writer is similar to mine when it comes to running...which is...why? (as I trudge along in my neon colored tops.First, though, I had to get past all the pluses that she has going for her and just focused on the humor and inspiration that permeates through the book. I presently live along the Tx/Mx border, and therefore am not blessed to live within an urban/suburban area complete with running trails, parks, running clubs, stores with Shoe People that actually know what kind of shoe is needed for a suppinator versus an overpronator, several hours a week you can devote to running, a few friends who are already runners and a couple of coaches thrown in, and can run in the summer without courting heat stroke.IMHO, much more than training schedules (I DO NOT recommend what she did, train for and complete a full marathon in 4 months - her experience at her marathon is what I consider to be the 8th Circle of Hell), are Dawn's insights, observations, common sense advice (Advil and bags of peas, plus a great running bra), and sense of humor make this book readable and REAL. Running ain't pretty. It's sweat and your heart trying to pound it's way out of your chest, and GU (frankly, I preferred the mushed bananas, though the Chocolate Outrage is yummy) and sore body parts that haven't been used in decades and toned legs and the ability to eat carbs - though gee, think there's a hint there as to why she wasn't able to lose any weight?. Her advice to get the right shoes, the right socks (yes, I've paid $20 for ONE pair, but after a bout of blisters UNDER a toenail, I will never have cheap socks on my feet again), the right bra, are all sound pieces of advice.I love how she points out her own motivation to run a marathon, her own personal growth as she manages to surprise those who know her by not quitting, and her words to the reader that there will awful days as well as good ones, that make this more of an inspirational/motivational book rather than a training one.In the interim from when I first posted my review, I have completed 2 half marathons and am in training to complete (not race, as I have yet to lose some weight) a marathon. I re-read this book constantly, since being almost 50 and lugging around 35 more pounds than I did when I did run yearas ago can be disheartening, but though a lot of readers here complain about all the complaining, I tend to read inspiration in the kvetching. This is a soul-sister when you've had a lousy run or you tripped off your treadmill or you are awakened in the middle of the night with some serious calf cramping. No matter how bad the boobs are being flung around, or Chipper Jen is worrying about black toenails, I get inspired to pick myself up and go out and do my measely mile at a time.It's still a funny read. Sometimes those of us who start this journey tend to lose sight of running, and lose all humor. As one of the book's cover reviewers stated, it's a reminder for us not to take running so seriously. And how serious can you be when you actually wear compression shorts, bright pink shoes, neon yellow top and really cool sunglasses? It's not a guide on how to run a marathon (again, technically you could go from couch to marathon in 4 months, but you Will Not Love Life At That Time, but simply a guide FOR women who want to even try to run around the block.

This was a gift. She had been talking about this book for some time so I got it for her. She says its very good.

Even if you're not into running, you'll still appreciate the humour in this book (she may even turn you into a runner!). If you ARE into running then you'll find this extremely entertaining as well as informative. I love that it's written from the perspective of a non-addicted, non-competitive runner ... someone I can truly relate to! As someone who has yet to do her first marathon (and has no real talent for running but enjoys it anyway!), I found this book inspired me so much more than any of the other running books I've read. I read it from cover to cover in one day as I just couldn't put it down! Advice delivered with great humour is much easier to remember than boring dry facts and the author conveys her training experiences (mistakes and successes) with self-effacing wit. I'll be re-reading this book again and again!

First of all, I must say that I've recommended this book to all my beginner friends. It is a good mix of hilarious stories, preparation&training advices and schedules. It reads very well and fast! The author is pretty straightforward about all the difficulties she encountered (and how she got out of them) and you probably will encounter those difficulties as well...It is informative enough without being overwhelming. The training schedule is well made and easy to follow. If you want a detailed book about training strategies, schedules, nutrition or gear ; this is not it...this is a very good beginners book about all the basics. If you end up loving to run, you'll want to buy one or many other books about training, but this is THE book for the women who are non-runners/beginners!

Having read a few other books on running, this one was a breath of fresh air! All the other ones were very stuffy and well... boring!!! This one was funny, witty and full of sarcastic jokes! It gave you need to know info whilst also telling you it in a way that ANYONE could understand! With pieces of her journal and cartoons of stretches dotted about there was no way to lose interest! I read the whole book in two afternoon sessions!!!Definately well worth a read!

I quite liked this book (Kindle edition) in that as I am training for my fourth marathon and not doing too well, it was reassuring to know that I am not the only one that suffers with the training and the monotony of it at times. It is a lighthearted approach to running a first marathon and I do not think it is seriously intended as a training guide. I don't agree with reviewers that she says its ok to run whilst taking Advil or Ibuprofen, she took it to get through the marathon in the face of ITB pain having completed the first 13 miles. I understand why she completed it regardless of pain as she was doing it for charity and the thought of wasting 16 weeks of training and disappointing not only herself but her sponsors was the spur. I did actually look up her finishing time (which she omits to state and seems very reluctant to talk about pace) which was 8.08 hours. I think to be on your feet for that amount of time in a hot climate and in pain is deserving of respect.