Product Description
This series looks at how people succeed and reach the top of their chosen sport. Each book includes information on basic aptitude and ability, techniques, fitness and training, diet, equipment and much more. It contains fascinating facts about all aspects of the sport. It includes case studies about the sport and its well-known personalities, and features champions and competitors from around the world. Each book contains at least 50 photographs and explanatory diagrams. ... Read more

Product Description
In 2007, Serpentine Gallery Co-Director Hans Ulrich Obrist and artist Olafur Eliasson invited more than 100 leading artists, architects, filmmakers, academics and scientists--including Peter Cook, Simon Baron-Cohen, Gloria Friedmann, Neil Turok, Kim Gordon, Spartacus Chetwynd, Simon Forti, Fia Backstrom and Joseph Grigely--to expand the notion of experimentation for their 24-Hour Experiment Marathon, held in the Rem Koolhaas-designed Serpentine Gallery Pavilion. In the tradition of Obrist's now-legendary ongoing 24-Hour Interview Marathon, the crowds were standing-room-only and the action never stopped. This publication details the more than 40 screenings, performances and experimental films making up this genre-bending blend of science and art. ... Read more

Product Description
PI s Greg, a retired Air Force OSI agent, and Jill McKenzie take on what appears to be a 90-year-old murder case, dragging them into a present-day conspiracy filled with chicanery in circles of power and chaos created by a frenzied killer. It starts with a stash of yellowed records found during restoration of the long-defunct Marathon Motor Works buildings in Nashville. The documents vanish, and the construction foreman who had them is murdered. The McKenzies' clients, Col. Warren Jarvis and his girlfriend, Kelli Kane, believe the records would shed light on the fate of her great-great-grandfather. A Marathon officer who disappeared in 1914, he was accused of embezzlement and later found dead. More murders occur, appearing aimed at suppressing the secret behind the missing records. It is a tale of greed, misplaced pride, family loyalty, and the unpredictable violence of an irrational mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A MysterySpiced WIth History
Reading Chester Campbell's The Marathon Murders is like going to dinner with good friends you haven't seen in awhile. In this book, Greg McKenzie and his wife, Jill, have honed their private detecting skills and acquired the kind of teamwork that comes only with experience.

The mystery involves a long-hidden murder tied to the old Marathon Motorworks factory in Nashville. Although the book is a work of fiction, Campbell does a good job of tying modern events to the actual history of the factory. As always, the writing is polished and the plot nicely conceived.

Greg is a senior sleuth worth following.

The Series Continues
"The Marathon Murders" is a continuation of Chester Campbell's series of the Greg McKenzie mysteries.Greg McKenzie is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer turned private investigator.In his latest case, he finds that an unsolved mystery from the past has reached into the future to claim yet another victim.
A set of accidently discovered (but purposely concealed) stash of missing documents from the year 1914 bring ill-fated consequences to the man who discovers them.This set of missing papers from the once viable and prospering Marathon Motor Works sets in motion a paper trail that is sure to keep the reader intrigued and guessing in a story filled with mislaid blame and greed.
Was Sidney Liggett guilty of embezzlement and murdered because of it?Or was he an innocent, framed in order to conceal another's wrongdoing?That's what his now elderly grandson, Arthur Liggett, wants McKenzie Investigations to prove.
Mr. Campbell's writing style is fluid and connected which keeps the story flowing smoothly.This continuity in telling the story affords the reader the chance to get lost in the experience of the read.The dialogue is uncomplicated and realistic.It gives the reader the impression that they are eavesdropping on an actual conversation.
The reader will especially enjoy the connection and chemistry between McKenzie and his partner in life and work, Kelly--his wife of forty years.Their partnership and vested interest in the safety of one another adds an element of apprehension and excitement to the story.
To lovers of mysteries in search of a good intrigue, I wholeheartedly recommend "the Marathon Murders" by Chester D. Campbell.

Old cars and murder
Greg and Jill McKenzie, owners of McKenzie Investigations, feel obligated to help when Colonel Warren Jarvis asks them to take on the case of his good friend Kelli Kane.Kelli needs the McKenzies to help clear the name of her great-great-grandfather Sydney Liggett.Back in 1914 he was accused of embezzling funds from Marathon Motor Works.

Pierce Bradley, a construction supervisor at the former Marathon Motors building, found papers belonging to Sydney Liggett which would have exonerated him, but he disappeared before the papers could be turned over to the DA.Bradley called Kelli's grandfather and set up a meeting to hand over the papers.Unfortunately Bradley can't be located now.

Not long after the McKenzies being to investigate, Bradley's body is found submerged in a lake.The papers he claimed he found are still missing.To make matters worse, more people connected to the investigate end up dead.There aren't many clues to go on, but the McKenzies are committed to do everything they can to find those papers.Can they find them before more people die?Can they find them without putting themselves in danger?

I love this series.Jill and Greg are such lovable characters.The plot is well constructed, and the setting is terrific.Such a great cozy mystery series.The author has done a fabulous job of setting up the story and creating characters that are believable.I enjoyed learning about the Marathon cars as well.

I highly recommend this book and series.I found myself having trouble putting it down.

90-year-old mystery
Greg McKenzie, retired Lieutenant Colonel where he was an agent with the OSI [Office of Special Investigations], is contacted by a former colleague from the Air Force and asked to investigate a matter for his girlfriend, one Kelli Kane.Greg and his wife, Jill, live in Nashville, TN, where they opened a p.i. agency about seventh months ago.Kelli herself has a background that includes working undercover for some Federal Agency, whether CIA or otherwise is unclear.It seems that her great-great-grandfather had been accused of embezzlement when a large sum of money went missing from the company for which he worked as assistant treasurer, Marathon Motor Works, ultimately resulting in its declaring bankruptcy.Her grandfather, now 84 and in a nursing home, has been contacted by the job foreman for a company renovating the building which had housed that company ninety years ago, telling him that some papers had been found, hidden in a wall, attached to which was a handwritten note indicating that the papers were to be turned over to the District Attorney's office.The job foreman, a man named Bradley, was to have brought the papers to Kelli's grandfather, but never kept his appointment.Greg and his wife are asked to find Bradley and the papers which they believe will exonerate her relative and clear the family name.

It is not long before Bradley's body is found, and his house is discovered to have been ransacked, as is Kelli's grandfather's house.And of course the papers that might solve the mystery of the missing money are nowhere to be found.Complicating matters is the fact that as the investigation progresses it appears that the old man had a propensity for alienating a wide range of people, as had Bradley himself, and his being targeted may have had nothing to do with the Marathon investigation, but simply a matter of vandalism.But then another body is discovered.

Marathon Motor Works was a real company, and in fact it produced the only car completely built in the South.Nashville and its environs are lovingly described by the author, who has given us a very good mystery, well-written and suspenseful, and one I enjoyed a great deal.

Reviewed for Midwest Book Review
When Colonel Warren Jarvis asks Greg and Jill McKenzie, owners of McKenzie Investigations, to take on the case of his good friend Kelli Kane, they readily agree. Jarvis was instrumental in one of their former cases and the McKenzies feel indebted to him. Kelli needs the McKenzies' help in clearing the name of her great-great-grandfather Sydney Liggett, accused of embezzling funds from Marathon Motor Works in 1914. Kelli's grandfather recently received a phone call from Pierce Bradley, a construction supervisor at the former Marathon Motors building, who found papers belonging to Sydney Liggett which would have exonerated Liggett had he not disappeared before he could turn them over to the DA. And now Bradley is nowhere to be found. The McKenzies have barely begun their investigation when Bradley's body is discovered submerged in a lake, but the papers he claimed to have come across are missing. The McKenzies hope to recover the papers, but nothing seems to jell and, to make matters worse, people connected to the investigation are ending up dead. The only clue: a Russian cigarette stub found at each crime scene.

This fourth installment of the Greg McKenzie Mysteries is proof positive the series remains strong and fresh and is a major contender in the mystery venue. Greg and Jill McKenzie are a nice pairing, an amiable blend against the shady backdrop of murder and deceit. This well-plotted cozy is sure to please its fans and lure even more into its fold, the not-so-easily-guessed mystery one readers will enjoy trying to solve.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Instant Motivation
Bob has written an inspiring book.I enjoyed Bob's blend of humor, honesty, and factual information.The story takes readers on a journey teaching us to never quit.This book is not just for ultrarunners; the tale it tells will motivate anyone.

fun book to read
I do not know any one of my friends who are ultramarathroner and I believe I also can speak for 99.9% of them that they also know no one who takes up this sport. So it is rather intriguing to read about the experience of the author. The first part of the book is witty and fun to read. But it gets to be a little bored at the second half as the encounters, the feeling and the races themselves are becoming routine.

very exciting and informative
For someone that is thinking of doing an ultra, you should read this book. It is from the point of view of a middle of the pack runner. Let you know alittle about what you can expect physically and mentallity ... Read more

Product Description
Rave Reviews for Boston Marathon 2010:"Great selection of 'around the event' shots that tell a story" -- Jonathan Beverly, Editor-in-Chief Running Times Magazine"Awesome photos!"-- Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race DirectorOn Monday April 19, 2010, the Boston Marathon featured some of the most impressive racing in years, several elite and general field records were broken, including the fastest finish, the best American time, wheelchair milestones, number of participants and finishers, and more. The author, a 13-time Boston Marathon finisher, was there to capture the legendary race in images. More than 120 photos are presented here in full-color, in full-size 8x10 coffee table book format.Notably, this book represents the culmination of what is perhaps the most extensive single-day, solo Boston Marathon photo coverage presented as a collection, ever.From sunrise to late afternoon, from Boston to Hopkinton and back again, at the start, on the course's early miles in Ashland, and at the finish line on Boylston, the author was there to record the indelible scenes of this epic event.The author's live-action race photos have been featured by national broadcast, print and internet outlets for years. Boston 2010 was no exception; many of the images throughout this book were featured on CNN's global coverage of the Marathon.In the author's own words:"The point of the journey is not to arrive, but to celebrate the moments along the way. That was my purpose as I photographed the race, and that is what I present in this book: the moments that make the Boston Marathon what it is, the moments that make it legendary. "This is the Boston Marathon as I see it. This is what Epic looks like." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Note the fake reviews
Does it seem odd to you that the "reviews" of this book are written by someone who only reviews books by this author and assigns them all 5 stars?

Desperate times, desperate measures?
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers

Captures Boston Perfectly
Just before I ran Boston for the first time, I wanted to know what it would be like.How crowded would it be?What did the course actually look like?How did people dress?This book--all photos--is exactly what I was looking for.It's a great resource for someone who wants to get ready.And as a memento for those who have run the race, you couldn't do better.Britt has a great eye as a photographer, and he captures the emotion in all the right places.Flipping through the book, I felt like I was re-living the day.If your friends ever ask you, "What's Boston like?" give them this book and they'll know as much as they can without actually going there.

It would have been nice to see a picture or two of the expo, the stretch at Wellesley, and perhaps a shot of Heartbreak, but Britt took these all on his own and you can't cover everything.Plus, he thought of places I wouldn't have--coverage of the 5K, great photos of people waiting for buses that take you out to the start of the marathon, plenty of shots in the Athletes' Village, great coverage of the elites, and he really caught the emotion of the finish line (as well as cold runners clinging to the space blankets in the finish area).

If you want to get to Boston, this would serve as great motivation.If you've been to Boston, this will serve as a cherished memory piece.I loved it.

Wonderful photos
Wonderful photos of the Boston Marathon in 2010, simple as that. A real treat to have a complete color photo portfolio of the day. If you ran in 2010, get this book. You won't be sorry.

Beautiful photos of a great race! Highly recommended
I ran a PR in Boston this year, thanks to the author's other Boston book, Boston Marathon: The Legendary Course Guide.

This one's even better. Brings the race alive in full color on every page. Large 8x10 color pics and even 2-page spreads; excellent photos, impressive.

The guy's got quite an eye. And he really understands what makes Boston so wonderful, visually. It shows here. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This book has the direct answers to the most frequently asked questions about training for and running a marathon. Author Jeff Galloway knows these questions well, he averages answering over 100 questions a day. Over a million runners have received individual coaching, attended a Galloway running school or retreat, read his books or joined one of his training programs. Answers are loaded with direct, practical information based upon the overwhelming success that Jeff has had in giving advice during his 35+ years of coaching. Areas covered are training, nutrition, motivation, female issues, preparing for race day, race issues, recovery, staying injury free and more. The answers provide thorough information with inspiration. Galloway's training programs experience an over 98% success rate for beginners and veteran runners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointed with references to other books
As a marathon walker slowly converting to marathon runner, I got this book hoping for thorough answers to common marathon training questions. I did get some answers. However, I was disappointed that many of the answers were simply references to other books by the author. While some of the actual answers were fairly thorough, many were quite short.

New marathoners looking for a quick reference will find some useful information here, but intermediate or advanced runners looking to further their knowledge of the sport would be better off with a more comprehensive book by either Galloway or another respected running expert. I would consider this book a companion to Galloway's other titles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Stories that encompass the vast spectrum that is Time
I had thought that I had read all of Simak's short stories and novels when I stumbled across this obscure little book from Great Britain. It came as a pleasant surprise. Here are four stories all dealing with time. "The Birch Clump Cylinder" and "The Marathon Photograph" both deal with travel through time. "The Whistling Well" and "Grotto of the Dancing Deer" deal with survivors from an ancient past. All represent the master at the top of his form ("Grotto of the Dancing Deer" won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards for 1980.) Even the introduction is better than average and a sincere homage by the editor (who actually traveled to Minnesota and western Wisconsin to meet the man and see the country that he incorporated in so many of his tales.)

This is science fiction for both the thinking and the feeling person.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Good, but some information missing
I bought this book because I am preparing for a fall marathon (my third), and I have twice fallen short of my goal of breaking 5 hours.Runner's World magazine recently ran an article about how to reach your marathon time goal, and they profiled a runner very similar to myself.I contacted this runner and she told me that she was using the plan on page 63 of this book for her race this fall.I bought a copy and am planning to do the same thing myself.

This book is loaded with great information for all distances from the 5K to the marathon.I feel, however, that it falls short in leaving some questions unanswered, particularly regarding training paces.For instance, in weeks 8 and 9 of the intermediate marathon plan, there are two runs marked "4 x 1 mile", but it gives no indication of what pace to use.On most other runs, the pace is clearly defined.Another place where I feel the book falls short is on defining the pace for the long run, but I finally found that information much further along in the book.

It seems that the book has some information divided up by the type of race and level of runner, but other information is somewhat universal, and there isn't a clear distinction between the two.I think a person will have to refer to other resources in order to get a complete picture of the training plan, which is what I have done.

Incidentally, I did try to contact the author at her [...] address, and she did not reply to my message.I will be trying again soon, as the runs with no pace are approaching in about two weeks.

Great service...wrong book
Ordered Guide to Road Racing.Great service....delivery timely...price great.... just got the wrong book. Got Runner's World Book on Running Injury Free instead of Guide to Road Racing.

Excellent Resource
After running one lengthy race following the schedule they put out, I decided to do something different for an upcoming half marathon I'd like to run.Received info on this book and decided to check reviews and then purchase.Very glad I did!It's been a great resource for me.I've referred back to it many times and I'm sure that will continue.Although I may have read some of the info formerly in Runner's World, I've found it very helpful to have it all compiled into one book.

Running Guide
If you are looking for a comprehensive book that covers everything you wanted to know about running, this one stands out. This books relies quite a bit of past articles in Runner's World but if you have not read this magazine recently, almost everything in this book would seemed new to you. My only wish is that Katie shared more of her running experience. That would make the book more personal and not read like another Runner's World compilation.

Terrific guide for runners
Everything you need to get started or improve your running skills in one place.Includes helpful instructions, motivation, nutrition advice and beneficial cross training tips.Enjoyable read, especially for the beginner runner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Seriously Out-of-Date
We bought this book when it was first published and it was tremendously helpful, but it hasn't been updated since 1998.I had hoped that the authors had released an updated version since I'm sure there are more and more international marathons added by different countries each year, not to mention cities change marathon months all the time (the Maui marathon has now moved from May to September each year), but no such luck.This book is now pretty much useless.

A great piece of research work !
This book is exceptionally well researched, well thought out, and perfectly detailed.Each marathon is summarized perfectly in 2-3 pages. I enjoyed reading the entire book for enjoyment, even beyond the referencebook that it really is. It is obvious that the authors are veryknowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter, as they provideabout every detail imaginable in the synopsis of each race. I have thegood fortune of living in Europe, and I have used the guide with greateffect to plan and run two European marathons. I also plan on using itfor North American marathons upon my return stateside.Great, great work.

Excellent for planning my yearly marathon schedule.
I run 5 - 10 marathons a year with at least one being international.This book not only helps me plan my international marathons but also covers the best rated U.S. Marathons.It gives all the info necessary such as dates, number of participants in the previous year, the course, the spectators and much, much more.This book is an essential tool for those who make holidays out of the running. ... Read more

Product Description
"We need to remind ourselves, says Tim Wright, that ministry is a marathon. To survive and thrive in a marathon requires training, pacing oneself, and constantly remembering that the goal lies ahead. To survive and thrive in ministry requires taking care of oneself physically maintaining a vital and disciplined relationship to God, and always pressing on "toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.""--BOOK JACKET. "Through the use of inspirational and engaging quotations, vignettes and training tips, Tim Wright and Lori Woods provide pastors and other clergy with the help they need to develop the perspective and practices necessary for running the ministry marathon."--BOOK JACKET. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Energizing!
This book could not have been written at a better time for clergy.Demands are high at home, at church and in the community.Tim Wright's call for us to look at our ministry over the long haul rather the shortsprint has been transformational for me.I'm not a runner, but I wanted tobuy a pair of running shoes to remind me to keep going even when we'reabout to "tank". Thought it was so good that I bought it for afriend. Thank you.Thank you.Thank you. ... Read more

Product Description
An Odyssey of Self-Discovery

Based on a True Story

From the concrete canyons of lower Manhattan to the ruins of Ancient Greece, Marathon is a deeply personal tour de force of a woman who turns her back on the modern world in order to unravel the secrets of her past.

Meet Marianna Gardner—intelligent, beautiful, successful, yet empty, sad and searching. Marianna is a partner in a prominent Manhattan law firm, but her rise to the top has come at a price: She has become so hardened that she missed her own father’s funeral.

Enter Ion Theodore, a charming yet lonely old Greek man who has known Marianna since she was a child. A teacher, artist, and marathon runner, Ion is a man of uncommon experience and wisdom. When the two unexpectedly reconnect in a dilapidated Queens nursing home, Marianna finds herself entranced by "Uncle" Ion’s quiet life force.

Soon after their meeting, Marianna finds herself compelled to accompany Ion on a pilgrimage back to his homeland of Greece. There she stumbles upon Ion’s hidden journals, with their tantalizing allusions to a lost obol, once possessed by Ion. It was the obol actually worn by Pheidippides, the legendary hero who ran from Marathon to Athens to warn the Greeks of the invading Persians. As Marianna unearths these secrets of the past, she also begins to see her own future and learns how her destiny is inescapably linked to Ion’s.

Framed by the story of Pheidippides’ celebrated run, the novel is steeped in mythology and mystery. With a deft and certain hand, author W. William Winokur ponders the essential questions of life and death, the intersection of past and present, the struggle of duty versus passion, all while exploring one woman’s discovery of herself through ancient myths, lost journals, impossible loves, and timeless souls.

Marathon is a richly imagined work that sets the conflict and intrigue of the ancient world against the reality of contemporary life. Compelling, thought provoking, and thoroughly engaging, Marathon is a powerful statement about the choices we make in life, and how to create a life worth living. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A Work of Art
Marathon is one of those rare books that combines all the best to produce an unforgettable story. This is an exceptionally well-written book. There are occasional phrases throughout the book that are simply gems of wisdom. The author is an excellent story teller, integrating a wide variety of genres to create a story of incredible poingnancy and universality. Readers can identify themselves in any of the characters because they are real and believable. This book is a work of art and a must read for any person seriously participating in the journey of life.

Enjoy the journey.....
The journey begins at a stage in which all can relate to getting caught up in the "rat race" and cut throat lifestyles we may find in most workforce enviornments... But the lessons of how important life and its moments that we share with special people who inspire, teach, and point out the glamour of what your soul posseses is key to what is to come in this real life hero of a man that has been lost in time but not forgotten due to one dedicated authour who shares with you a very compelling story that he has been summoned to share with you...
This book is so beautiful to allow you to know one man who overcame hardship and shared his kind soul to anyone that was interested in understanding some meanings to life, love, and romanticize what each and every individual has within their hearts... courage.ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

An Epic of the Journeys of the Soul
The Ice Woman.That's what her partners at Schroeder, Wilkes and Barron call Marianna Gardner. It is an appropriate sobriquet for a woman who was too busy practicing law to attend her father's funeral.

While sifting through her father's belongings, Marianna comes across a reminder of a once cherished but long-forgotten family friend.Determined to re-establish some connection with her past, she finds "Uncle Ion" in a shabby nursing home.As they rekindle their relationship, Marianna examines her life and slowly realizes that she is not fond of the person she has become.Her journey of self-discovery accelerates when she and Uncle Ion travel to Greece so that he may conclude some personal business.

Marianna's Grecian sojourn is far from peaceful.As her respect for the people around her grows, so does her disdain for her own life.Moreover, upon unearthing several old journals, Marianna uncovers startling truths about Uncle Ion's life and her own origins.Shortly before he dies, Uncle Ion unravels the mysteries of the journals and his complicated connection to Marianna.The story concludes as, armed with new insights, Marianna gathers the courage to make peace with herself, break free from the chains that bind her and build a new life.

A recounting of Pheidippides' mythic journeys frames the stories of Marianna and Ion.The parallel accounts of these varied journeys complement each other well.In order to remain free, Pheidippides and his countrymen must defeat the Persian invaders who threaten to enslave them.His journey shapes a nation.In order to die free, Ion must reveal his ties with Marianna.His journey shapes Marianna's future.In order to become free, Marianna must relinquish the life that corrupts her.Her journey depicts the universal quest for meaning.

Readers who like epic tales of struggle and triumph will enjoy Marathon. This lengthy (nearly 500 pages), engrossing novel is a touching tribute to a teacher, Ion Theodore, who influenced the author's life in an extraordinary way.W. William Winokur weaves fact, fiction, poetry, biography, history and mythology into a beautiful story that sensitively explores eternal questions about life's meanings. A first-time novelist, Winokur has established a high standard for himself.His prose is graceful and poetic, his images are vivid and his characters are interesting.Imagine sitting at Ion's feet as he teaches history, philosophy and art as a seamless whole.Feel Pheidippides' exhaustion as he runs over mountains, his lips filled with messages that will determine the fate of a nation.Suffer Marianna's grief as she examines a life filled with much regret and little honor.And most importantly, rejoice as Marianna travels from desolation through resurrection to redemption, for her triumph gives hope to all who are compelled to traverse the dark places of their souls.

A diamond discovery:a definite winner
William Winokur's epic adventure, "MARATHON" is a page turner that stays with you like a cherished memory.Brilliant plotting, prose and execution, with descriptive imagery that gives the read the feel of watching an Oscar-caliber movie.And speaking of Oscar-caliber movies... I see that JAMES CAMERON, director of "Titanic" has given this book a glowing endorsement on it's front cover jacket.Perhaps "MARATHON" is just the property for Cameron to follow-up his epic "TITANIC"??Buy this book now, and hang onto the remaining FIRST EDITIONS still available before this baby takes off!!!

Destined to Become a Classic
Marianna Gardner has just become a partner in a successful law firm in Manhattan.Marianna chose to complete an important work assignment rather then attending her estranged father's funeral.As a result she faced inner conflict, turmoil, and unrest.

Reuniting with an elderly uncle, Ion Theodore, Marianna begins a search for truth and self discovery.Winokur uses the first person voice of Maria Anastasia's to relate Marianna's journey. The story also is built around Ion Theodore's life story and of his celebrated run from Marathon to Athens.
The writing is sensitive and artfully constructed.The characters are believable and genuine.

Winokur has developed a good balance of conflict and intrigue to move the plot forward. The author's word pictures and descriptions of ancient Athens gave me a strong urge to take a step back in history to visit historic Greece.His use of dialog to establish settings, both geographical and historical, gave an additional dimension to the beauty of the story.The use of broken English in the dialog with the Greek characters added to the flavor of the story

The graphic descriptions of battlefields, death and decay, in the midst of the devastation of war were so realistic it was as though the author himself had been there.He creates, in the reader, a feeling of being in the trenches with him anticipating enemy fire and certain death.

The story is a unique blending of history, mythology, philosophy, theology, and psychology.Winokur has an uncanny sensitivity to the inner feelings of individuals. He made me feel a wide spectrum of human feelings and emotions. This created an interesting balance and rewarding experience.

Winokur is so steeped in the classical writings of Greek mythology and the gods that it was sometimes difficult to know when he had moved from a quote from the classic writers to the voice of one of his central characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this memorable novel and am looking forward to the next work of this inspiring author.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Training Schedule
Primary reason for purchasing this book is the training schedule it presents.You run for a specified amount of time and not distance.As I progressed through the schedule, my pace increased as well as my endurance.It is not a schedule that a first timer cannot keep up with.Since my first marathon is further in the future than the book schedules for, I simply selected which weeks I wanted to repeat before reaching the peak runs.
The book also states some general info about running that is useful.

How to Run your First Marathon
I bought this book in 1982, a time before liquid carbohydrates, heart rate monitors, and tempo runs.What it lacked in technological mumbo-jumbo, it more than makes up with a stick to this running schedule and you'll finish a marathon period simplicity.The training program is not confusing because it's based on time and not on distance.You'll get to a point (something like 5 months into running) when you'll be logging hours on the road. That's the time when you'll be ready.Great book! A true comfort book for runners.

Perfect prep for first timer
It is a short easy read that doesn't go beyond the scope of novices, yetnot too simple for short distance runners ready to attempt a marathon. ... Read more

Product Description
A moving biography of a dynamic and charismatic athlete, who ran sixty one Boston Marathons and remains a legendary figure of perseverance and achievement in New England and throughout the running community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What A Run!!
The Boston Marathon is the World Series, Super Bowl, the Masters and Wimbeldon all rolled into one. Johnny Kelley is Mr. Boston Marathon. Mr. Lewis has painted a loving portrait of this running icon. Mr. Kelley ran 61 Boston Marathons, winning twice and finishing 2nd an astonishing 7 times. The book was originally published while Mr. Kelley was still alive. Mr. Lewis interviewed Mr. Kelley extensively and this adds immeasurably to the story. The book is not only a biography of a great runner but a personal journey through the history of America's Greatest Race. GREAT READ!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

The Ultimate Bible for Marathon Walkers
This book is a must for anyone crazy enough to walk a marathon.Dave leaves nothing out - he talks of clothing, diet, tips for fundraising, problem solving and a mile by mile account of the day itself.I knocked off 25 minutes from my previous attempt and plan to walk another one in friendly Dublin next October in an even faster time.Of his many words of wisdom, the advice which got me over the line was 'all it takes is all you got'! So true! The book is an easy read and is very entertaining.So when you sign up for your marathon, sign on to Amazon and buy that bible! It's well worth it.

Marathon Walking
Transit time was long, maybe due to Christmas-season rush.Product condition was same as advertised.Thx.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This
This book is all one needs to train for walking a marathon well, but it is so much more than that. Clearly written, chock full of insights, tidbits, and warnings on everything you need to know.

The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking
Outstanding, inspirational, informative.I read this when I was training for my second marathon.The author is humorous and inspiring, keeping the training fun and filling the reader with confidence to be able to complete a marathon.In addition the material and references are well researched.He brings years of experience to the reader, in a form that is understandable to a beginning marathon trainee, yet offers depth to a veteran walker as well. I read the book twice and will use it as an inspiration and a training manual for any marathon I prepare for in the future.A must read for marathon walkers.

very inspirational for an ex-runner
I have been a runner for 30 years, and 10 of those were my marathon years.I did around 50 of them, including qualifying for Boston 3 times.So you can imagine how unhappy I was when injuries received on a 5 week hike kept me from running for an entire year.Well, that year is over, and I have found that walking doesn't hurt me, but running does.So logic is finally prevailing, and I am now a walker.But I refuse to give up my beloved marathons.

This is where Dave McGovern's book has come into play.His book, particularly theintroductory chapters, makes me excited about walking, not just resigned to it.Now I have a sport that I can continue the rest of my life, and with many fewer injuries.I figure I have spent at least 25% of the past 5 years injured and unable to run.But, even with my injuries this past year, I could still walk pain-free.

And I don't have to give up my marathons!With the passing of time, I had come to the end of an improvement of my times for running marathons, and had to just be content with running for the fun of it.Nothing wrong with that, but I do still like to be challenged.Now I have a new method of participating, and a new chance to challenge myself both in skills and in time.

Dave McGovern's book is both inspiring and informational.I learned a lot from it, and continue to re-read it, especially when I slip back into thinking, "Gee, maybe I could try a little running again."Nope!With the guidance of this book, I will now begin my second decade of marathoning, but with a whole new twist...one which, quite frankly, I believe will be much healthier for my body.I was fit when I was running 4 -5 marathons a year (when not injured), but was I truly healthy?I believe that walking marathons will give me both.

As a side note, if you wish to speed your walking up a notch or two, I would recommend Therese Iknoian's "Walking Fast:Techniques and Workouts for High-Level Fitness and Performance."I intend to get more into racewalking in the future, so that I will be able to participate in any marathon out there, not just the ones with very lenient time limits.

But for good, basic information, Dave Mcgovern's my guy.I plan on attending one of his racewalking clinics in the future, once we move back to the U.S. ... Read more

Product Description
This salute to the 25 years of the London Marathon explores the physical and mental challenges at the heart of marathon running, beginning with the author standing on the start line at London’s first marathon in 1981. It’s a story of dreams, pain, struggle and achievement. ... Read more

Product Description
Why do people think marathons are so hard? If you approach it the right way, we'll be sure you have 26.2 miles of fun while you complete the race. Our marathon training guidebook and plans take you through every aspect including the running, the reasoning on why you run, and what to eat and think to have a better race.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to charity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

miles of fun
good book to read before you set out to run a marathon. lots of intresting info on diet. i would recommend ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Interesting read.
Really enjoyed this book. Very inspiring. However, I did think that the book was going to be more about the barefoot running than it turned out to be.

Excellent and interesting story
I found this to be an excellent book that held my interest completely. Having no background knowledge of Abebe Bikila or even much knowledge on Ethiopian history, I can't say how embellished the story is. What I can say is that I found the combination of history and context and story to be wonderfully combined and made for a much more complete story than other books I have read.

Terrific read
I loved it - this book had a much more interesting story, and better style, than almost any other sports book that I have ever read.

A fine work.
I was disappointed to find out that this was historical fiction after i read it, but Rambali does a fine job.Besides the fact that he does portray Bikila as a pawn rather than his own man shows the meekness behind one of athletics' greatest champions, and though it may shatter some misconceptions about Bikila, it is a true reflection of the times in which he ran.(I did think however that Rambali could have painted a stronger image of Bikila, to show some more courage instead of constant confusion.)
When I first started reading it, I did not like it starts off a bit mysteriously and you have to wait a while before you figure out what Rambali's going on about and why he is doing so.I wanted Rambali just to focus on Bikila, but he actually wove together two stories: Bikila's and his coach Omni Niskanen's, all surrounded by the political and other turmoil of the time.I found this annoying because I wanted it to go straight to the running (which is a tall order, of course).But as I read on, I quickly realized the beauty behind this intertwining that results in their glorious meeting and friendship.The political goings-on that are included in the book help to give a reader a sense of wider context, which results in an even greater appreciation for this story and the achievements it documents.
Rambali does do the story quite well, weaving in many elements that make a riveting story.He splits the story up into short chapters so that it's easy to pick up and put down without losing too much track of the story.One of my favorite details of the book was that Rambali managed to put the two marathons on chapter 26 and 42, something that you don't notice unless you initially notice that the first Olympic marathon is on Chapter 26.
I agree with the other reviewer that there are definitely embellishments, and it's difficult to separate the true from false.But just like 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', the reader can accept the story as a logical interpretation of history, and in a time of a lack of great running literature, this book was quite a find.

Biography or historical fiction?
This is probably one of the worst books about a champion runner I have ever read.

It has mistakes in times and distances that are so basic that it makes you wonder about trhe accuracy of the rest of the book. Unlike many other similar books that are written as if the author has been privy to the innermost thoughts of the chief protagonists and feature many reconstructed conversations, Paul Rambali gives no information about his sources. The deeper into I got, and the more mistakes that appeared, I began to believe that he has simply made most of it up.

That's OK, except for the fact that the book's presentation -- it is subtitled, "The life of the marathon champion Abebe Bikila" -- gives the impression that what we are getting is a biography. It isn't; it is historical fiction. And, from a running point of view, uninspiring at that.
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