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Jak prohrát maraton
V této knize provází autor Joel Cohen čtenáře na těžké cestě budoucího maratonce. Krok po kroku tak svého čtenáře promění z lenocha v lenocha, který uběhne maraton. Autor svým osobitým způsobem a vtipně kombinuje běžecké tipy, příběhy, ilustrace i grafy, kde rozebírá utrpení člověka, který se donutí běhat.
Jako váš sarkastický osobní průvodce vás seznámí se všemi aspekty běhání – od odřenin přes nejlepší dobu k běhu až po mučírnu zvanou maratonské expo. Tato příručka vám ukáže, že nemusíte být zrovna sportovec tělem i duší, abyste dokázal úspěšně přežít maraton.
Všechny informace v této knize autor vypráví z první ruky. Sám se totiž trénoval na New Yorkský maraton.
Jako váš sarkastický osobní průvodce vás seznámí se všemi aspekty běhání – od odřenin přes nejlepší dobu k běhu až po mučírnu zvanou maratonské expo. Tato příručka vám ukáže, že nemusíte být zrovna sportovec tělem i duší, abyste dokázal úspěšně přežít maraton.
Všechny informace v této knize autor vypráví z první ruky. Sám se totiž trénoval na New Yorkský maraton.
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Published December 1, 2017
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About the author
Joel Cohen
4 books11 followersAuthor also writes under Joel H. Cohen
Joel Cohen is a writer and producer for The Simpsons. He’s also written for Suddenly Susan. He is the winner of two Emmy Awards and three Writers Guild Awards. He also proudly (and barely) completed the 2013 New York City Marathon.
Joel Cohen is a writer and producer for The Simpsons. He’s also written for Suddenly Susan. He is the winner of two Emmy Awards and three Writers Guild Awards. He also proudly (and barely) completed the 2013 New York City Marathon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
February 16, 2017
The longest I have been able to run thus far is a 10K without feeling like I was going to die. I’ve gone up to a 15K but that was only because I promised my soul to the Devil if he kept me alive and I didn’t care how embarrassing I looked going that extra while hobbling and gulping air like a fish out of water. I got into running because I have Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome which is a very long and fancy way of explaining I inherited a crappy heart that won’t beat the way cardiac experts say a heart is supposed to if you want to stay alive. I wanted to prove I wasn’t going to let bad DNA run my life so I chose to run from it instead.
I even joined a mom’s running group, which I became co-leader of, when I stopped working to do the Stay at Home Mom thing after my oldest daughter was diagnosed with autism. It became another thing I was running from then running became the way I dealt with stuff as it let me clear my head and think about how I could make my daughter’s life about her instead of me.
I ran in some area 5Ks and 10Ks but after a while I quit because it always felt like I couldn’t get past the 10K mark without my heart reminding me I could never run away from my DNA. I put on weight when I gave up exercise completely which of course made the problem worse so now I’m back to needing a way to get healthy again. So in that journey I found this book hoping it’d be the encouragement I needed.
Right away I knew it was the very thing that would help me. Joel Cohen is absolutely hilarious and despite his claim of bad writing I think he deserves an award for one of, if not THE best, books on running. He admits to not being a professional runner or trainer which is exactly what I need and anyone else like me who wants to run for the sake of loving it not to show off how “great” I am. I need real advice and inspiration, not some size 2 wearing a glorified bikini telling me if I follow her advice completely I can look just like her and finish the New York Marathon in under 4 hours.
His writings about himself, which of course bring a new level of hilarity to a sports book, just make it even better because he comes off so relatable; he’s the guy who I could see myself training with, running alongside. The kind of guy who could make me feel good about hitting a 10K instead of feeling lousy that I’m not marathon ready after 3 weeks.
Cohen gives really sound advice using both humor and practicality. He literally starts with the most basic of needs like should you run indoors or outdoors while giving the pros and cons of his ideas. He talks about what you need to run; let me give you a hint, there are laws against public nudity. The way he describes his ‘training’ had me about to fall on the floor laughing one minute and being eternally grateful for him the next because he could’ve been describing my early attempts and a little bit how I am now that I’ve lost my pre-running build when I fell into that “I’ll never run a marathon” depression. My new goal, thanks to Cohen, is to “feel a little less like I’m dying” as I return to my training sessions because that is an achievable goal and one that does NOT bring down my self-esteem.
For those who have never entered a race he provides some nifty little definitions, advice and his own personal stories so when you go to run your first race you can fit in rather than sticking out. Having run in some races I can tell you his advice is sound particularly if you don’t have much experience.
When he gets into a history lesson about marathons, when you aren’t laughing, you should pay attention because it’s actually very educational and even though running was once a huge part of my life I never knew this stuff so it was fun to learn. He goes on to name a few marathons you could try both in the US and around the world; the Disney is on my bucket list provided I don’t die in training to get there.
I absolutely loved his sections on training because they are realistic and self-esteem empowering for those of us who aren’t going to be on the cover of a running magazine any time soon. His ‘nuggets’ of wisdom are going to get put on posters to display around my house as mantras to keep me going in case that frustration starts again when I have trouble trying to hit that dream marathon goal. He even provides information on nutrition to help keep your energy levels up which becomes very important as your distances increase.
Just when you think there is NO WAY he can get funnier he gives you a rundown of his New York Marathon story. Be prepared for the day of the marathon story as he talks about what he was going through nearly hour by hour then mile by mile. I was laughing so hard my formerly waterproof makeup couldn’t handle the nonstop waterworks anymore and completely failed. Note to Revlon, use Joel Cohen’s writings as a test for how ‘waterproof’ your makeup is.
For me, and anyone else who can’t help but measure themselves against “runners” and feel like they come up short, the pièce de résistance is the chapter about coming to terms with failure. Really the only failure is sitting on the couch when you could be out in the world whether that’s moving at the pace of a turtle or a cheetah, just get out and move.
This book isn’t just about how to run a marathon, it’s about building your self-esteem and being okay with the goals YOU can hit, not your fellow runner. I absolutely love it and it’s provided me with a bunch of inspirational quotes to live by so I can return to running for the right reasons.
I even joined a mom’s running group, which I became co-leader of, when I stopped working to do the Stay at Home Mom thing after my oldest daughter was diagnosed with autism. It became another thing I was running from then running became the way I dealt with stuff as it let me clear my head and think about how I could make my daughter’s life about her instead of me.
I ran in some area 5Ks and 10Ks but after a while I quit because it always felt like I couldn’t get past the 10K mark without my heart reminding me I could never run away from my DNA. I put on weight when I gave up exercise completely which of course made the problem worse so now I’m back to needing a way to get healthy again. So in that journey I found this book hoping it’d be the encouragement I needed.
Right away I knew it was the very thing that would help me. Joel Cohen is absolutely hilarious and despite his claim of bad writing I think he deserves an award for one of, if not THE best, books on running. He admits to not being a professional runner or trainer which is exactly what I need and anyone else like me who wants to run for the sake of loving it not to show off how “great” I am. I need real advice and inspiration, not some size 2 wearing a glorified bikini telling me if I follow her advice completely I can look just like her and finish the New York Marathon in under 4 hours.
His writings about himself, which of course bring a new level of hilarity to a sports book, just make it even better because he comes off so relatable; he’s the guy who I could see myself training with, running alongside. The kind of guy who could make me feel good about hitting a 10K instead of feeling lousy that I’m not marathon ready after 3 weeks.
Cohen gives really sound advice using both humor and practicality. He literally starts with the most basic of needs like should you run indoors or outdoors while giving the pros and cons of his ideas. He talks about what you need to run; let me give you a hint, there are laws against public nudity. The way he describes his ‘training’ had me about to fall on the floor laughing one minute and being eternally grateful for him the next because he could’ve been describing my early attempts and a little bit how I am now that I’ve lost my pre-running build when I fell into that “I’ll never run a marathon” depression. My new goal, thanks to Cohen, is to “feel a little less like I’m dying” as I return to my training sessions because that is an achievable goal and one that does NOT bring down my self-esteem.
For those who have never entered a race he provides some nifty little definitions, advice and his own personal stories so when you go to run your first race you can fit in rather than sticking out. Having run in some races I can tell you his advice is sound particularly if you don’t have much experience.
When he gets into a history lesson about marathons, when you aren’t laughing, you should pay attention because it’s actually very educational and even though running was once a huge part of my life I never knew this stuff so it was fun to learn. He goes on to name a few marathons you could try both in the US and around the world; the Disney is on my bucket list provided I don’t die in training to get there.
I absolutely loved his sections on training because they are realistic and self-esteem empowering for those of us who aren’t going to be on the cover of a running magazine any time soon. His ‘nuggets’ of wisdom are going to get put on posters to display around my house as mantras to keep me going in case that frustration starts again when I have trouble trying to hit that dream marathon goal. He even provides information on nutrition to help keep your energy levels up which becomes very important as your distances increase.
Just when you think there is NO WAY he can get funnier he gives you a rundown of his New York Marathon story. Be prepared for the day of the marathon story as he talks about what he was going through nearly hour by hour then mile by mile. I was laughing so hard my formerly waterproof makeup couldn’t handle the nonstop waterworks anymore and completely failed. Note to Revlon, use Joel Cohen’s writings as a test for how ‘waterproof’ your makeup is.
For me, and anyone else who can’t help but measure themselves against “runners” and feel like they come up short, the pièce de résistance is the chapter about coming to terms with failure. Really the only failure is sitting on the couch when you could be out in the world whether that’s moving at the pace of a turtle or a cheetah, just get out and move.
This book isn’t just about how to run a marathon, it’s about building your self-esteem and being okay with the goals YOU can hit, not your fellow runner. I absolutely love it and it’s provided me with a bunch of inspirational quotes to live by so I can return to running for the right reasons.
February 10, 2018
Everybody who runs a marathon has the right to tell their own story. But they don't have the right to claim they're a slow runner, like the author does, when they finished the NYC Marathon in 4:26:03, a perfectly respectable time that puts the author firmly in the middle of the pack, not the back of the pack. It's like somebody who only needed to lose five pounds going on a diet, writing a book about it, and making her struggle sound like she was about to be starring in the latest episode of "My 600 Lb. Life."
In Joel H. Cohen's very first race, a 5K, the author finishes in the top third, with a sub-30 minute time. Yet he literally contends he's slower than tumbleweed, which is ridiculous. He also claims he finished the NYC Marathon in the dark when they were dismantling the finish line, which are out-and-out lies and insulting to those of us who have finished races in the dark, and have crossed finish lines that actually were dismantled.
The way Cohen kept on trying to make himself sound like the worst runner ever reminded me of the end of "Revenge of the Nerds," when the blonde cheerleader claimed she was a victimized nerd, too. Um, no. You don't get to play that card.
I hate-read this book to the end because I made a promise in Goodreads to read over 100 books in 2018; otherwise, I would have stopped reading much earlier. Granted, here were some amusing parts to "How to Lose a Marathon." I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if Cohen had stuck to his bemusement at things like ingesting gel, going through the race expo, and the crazy things that go through your mind while running. Instead, he has to pretend he's some poor downtrodden slowpoke. Guess a book with the premise as "perfectly average runner finishes a marathon" isn't as appealing as "totally inept, slow schlub finishes a marathon." There was potentially a good book inside of this mess. Too bad the author didn't pull it out.
In Joel H. Cohen's very first race, a 5K, the author finishes in the top third, with a sub-30 minute time. Yet he literally contends he's slower than tumbleweed, which is ridiculous. He also claims he finished the NYC Marathon in the dark when they were dismantling the finish line, which are out-and-out lies and insulting to those of us who have finished races in the dark, and have crossed finish lines that actually were dismantled.
The way Cohen kept on trying to make himself sound like the worst runner ever reminded me of the end of "Revenge of the Nerds," when the blonde cheerleader claimed she was a victimized nerd, too. Um, no. You don't get to play that card.
I hate-read this book to the end because I made a promise in Goodreads to read over 100 books in 2018; otherwise, I would have stopped reading much earlier. Granted, here were some amusing parts to "How to Lose a Marathon." I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if Cohen had stuck to his bemusement at things like ingesting gel, going through the race expo, and the crazy things that go through your mind while running. Instead, he has to pretend he's some poor downtrodden slowpoke. Guess a book with the premise as "perfectly average runner finishes a marathon" isn't as appealing as "totally inept, slow schlub finishes a marathon." There was potentially a good book inside of this mess. Too bad the author didn't pull it out.
May 14, 2017
I would read a book about Joel Cohen losing at anything. Hey, losing isn't just about races and board games anymore! There are lots of things you can lose at, but that doesn't mean you can't write a winning book!
That last line was so cheesy that it would make a great quote for the back of the book. Mr. Cohen, when you are ready to print this up in some sort of anniversary edition, call me. You can use my quote for a small fee, which is still an outrageous fee for someone with no level of fame or literary qualifications, but still.
I'd recommend this book to runners of all types. I'm on the experienced side, and I loved it. It's not so basic that it's boring, and it's hilarious.
I'd also REALLY recommend this book to newbies. There are a lot of books out there about running, and they seem pretty heavily skewed to current runners or "beginners" who are still in decent shape when they get started and can run like 6 6-minute miles back to back. There's not a lot out there for non-runners to chew on. Except pizza. Which is a joy to chew on for runners and non-runners alike, so it's really not in competition with this book.
I also really liked that the book wasn't preachy. You get a lot of these running books that talk a mile a minute (see, I told you the pace was too fast) about the joy and the zen and a lot of other 3-letter words about running, when the reality is that getting into a running habit might be better suited to words of 4 letters, possibly even more letters if those letters strengthen the swear power of 4-letter words.
This book doesn't spend a ton of time preaching the gospel of running, which I appreciated. I like to run, I see benefits from running, but man, is there anything more boring than a whole book that's up on the high horse about the greatness of running? It's like, if you love running so much, what are you even doing on that horse anyway? Just run everywhere.
You'll like this book if you're a runner. And you'll like this book if you're a non-runner. Most importantly, I think you'll find this book encouraging and helpful if you've been thinking about running or had some fits and starts. It's a great book, and although I'd rather have Christopher Mcdougall by my side if there was some sort of situation that required someone to run and get help to save me from a disaster (I JUST saw a sign that 7-11 is having a "Bring Your Own Container" Slurpee day, which seems awesome and destined for disaster when I try to rig a full-size trash barrel as a backpack), I'd rather chat about running while at a party with Joel Cohen. Partially because I think it'd be funnier, and partially because I don't think we'd talk about it long, and partially because I feel like we would be really good at enabling each other when it came to the party snacks.
That last line was so cheesy that it would make a great quote for the back of the book. Mr. Cohen, when you are ready to print this up in some sort of anniversary edition, call me. You can use my quote for a small fee, which is still an outrageous fee for someone with no level of fame or literary qualifications, but still.
I'd recommend this book to runners of all types. I'm on the experienced side, and I loved it. It's not so basic that it's boring, and it's hilarious.
I'd also REALLY recommend this book to newbies. There are a lot of books out there about running, and they seem pretty heavily skewed to current runners or "beginners" who are still in decent shape when they get started and can run like 6 6-minute miles back to back. There's not a lot out there for non-runners to chew on. Except pizza. Which is a joy to chew on for runners and non-runners alike, so it's really not in competition with this book.
I also really liked that the book wasn't preachy. You get a lot of these running books that talk a mile a minute (see, I told you the pace was too fast) about the joy and the zen and a lot of other 3-letter words about running, when the reality is that getting into a running habit might be better suited to words of 4 letters, possibly even more letters if those letters strengthen the swear power of 4-letter words.
This book doesn't spend a ton of time preaching the gospel of running, which I appreciated. I like to run, I see benefits from running, but man, is there anything more boring than a whole book that's up on the high horse about the greatness of running? It's like, if you love running so much, what are you even doing on that horse anyway? Just run everywhere.
You'll like this book if you're a runner. And you'll like this book if you're a non-runner. Most importantly, I think you'll find this book encouraging and helpful if you've been thinking about running or had some fits and starts. It's a great book, and although I'd rather have Christopher Mcdougall by my side if there was some sort of situation that required someone to run and get help to save me from a disaster (I JUST saw a sign that 7-11 is having a "Bring Your Own Container" Slurpee day, which seems awesome and destined for disaster when I try to rig a full-size trash barrel as a backpack), I'd rather chat about running while at a party with Joel Cohen. Partially because I think it'd be funnier, and partially because I don't think we'd talk about it long, and partially because I feel like we would be really good at enabling each other when it came to the party snacks.
March 20, 2017
The closest I’ve ever come to running a marathon is the seven block walk to my library, sitting in the library for an hour or so, and then walking the seven blocks back home. Does that count as running a marathon? How about if you consider I’m holding at least a book or two as I walk not to mention my Kindle? Does it count as running a marathon now? No? How about of I say that I kind of walk fast and it only takes a "short" ten minutes to walk the seven blocks; a little longer if there’s snow and ice on the ground, or if it’s summer and it’s too hot out (I hate the heat), or if I stop and window shop a little? Okay, I never ran a marathon or even thought about running one. Why would someone torture their body into doing something like that? Why run 26.2 miles when there are buses?
Apparently, Joel Cohen, author of “How To Lose A Marathon: A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters” felt the same as I do until one day, in the midst of some kind of fever I assume, decided he wanted to start running. Here’s this pudgy Jewish guy (his words not mine) who loved his couch and cushy job as a writer for The Simpsons where his biggest concern was which of the many snacks to choose from at the job. Sounds like a good deal to me but Joel ruined it all by wanting to run.
In this pretty funny book, Joel takes readers on his step on step journey explaining how he got himself out of the house at 5:00 AM and started running. Let me say what I like about this nonfiction book is that Joel did run a marathon but he did not win it. Don’t expect a winning “Rocky” moment here although Mr. Cohen trained just as hard as Rocky did.
He had his inspirations to keep him training like vowing to beat Oprah’s marathon’s race time. I’ll keep you guessing instead of telling you if he did or not.
Now, I know not everyone wants to train for this torture or even partake in an adventure like this but it was fun and pretty interesting to understand what goes through someone’s mind when a decision like this is made.
Mr. Cohen tells readers how he decided on which marathon to run and why he didn’t want to partake in most of them. There’s quite a few marathons including one that has to do with burrows. He also tells us what to avoid while training like not to fall and get embarrassed by a good soul who keeps asking, loudly, if you’re alright.
His favorite part of training was when he finished running for the day. Joel hated getting up in the morning but felt like he achieved something when he ran his ten miles a day. Heck, if I could walk ten miles a day I’d also feel as if I achieved something. Have no fear fellow couch potatoes, I’ll never walk more than a mile, maybe two miles a day at most, unless the zombies come and I’m forced to walk further. Even then I might not. I’m pretty sure I can hide from some slow poke zombies. I think.
Anyway, Joel also tells us that you have to eat while running to keep your calories up. Apparently you use up a lot of calories running. I have to take Mr. Cohen’s word for that because I’ll never know if that’s true or not. If you do want to run and eat the author will inform you about some “yummy” gel like substance that you can pin to your running shorts and just squeeze the gel into your mouth and you run along.
If you are considering training to run a marathon I ask you to please tell me why but if you are actually thinking of running “How To Lose A Marathon: A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters” is a pretty good book. Mr. Cohen tells you that it isn’t easy to do and most likely you won’t win, but I guess it can be fun to try.
But if you’re more like me who rolls their eyes at runners asking them as they run past you, “Hey bub, what’s the rush? Where’s the fire? You have somewhere important to be in the next five minutes?” the book is enjoyable and you will get a chuckle or two out of it. Oh, and there are pictures in it, sketches that the author drew himself. A Picasso he isn’t, he’s better at writing than drawing.
It’s short enough to get through in a day or so, about 170 pages. It wouldn’t be wasting your time to read it even if you sit on your couch eating some chips. I’ll never tell Mr. Cohen about your love for the couch.
Apparently, Joel Cohen, author of “How To Lose A Marathon: A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters” felt the same as I do until one day, in the midst of some kind of fever I assume, decided he wanted to start running. Here’s this pudgy Jewish guy (his words not mine) who loved his couch and cushy job as a writer for The Simpsons where his biggest concern was which of the many snacks to choose from at the job. Sounds like a good deal to me but Joel ruined it all by wanting to run.
In this pretty funny book, Joel takes readers on his step on step journey explaining how he got himself out of the house at 5:00 AM and started running. Let me say what I like about this nonfiction book is that Joel did run a marathon but he did not win it. Don’t expect a winning “Rocky” moment here although Mr. Cohen trained just as hard as Rocky did.
He had his inspirations to keep him training like vowing to beat Oprah’s marathon’s race time. I’ll keep you guessing instead of telling you if he did or not.
Now, I know not everyone wants to train for this torture or even partake in an adventure like this but it was fun and pretty interesting to understand what goes through someone’s mind when a decision like this is made.
Mr. Cohen tells readers how he decided on which marathon to run and why he didn’t want to partake in most of them. There’s quite a few marathons including one that has to do with burrows. He also tells us what to avoid while training like not to fall and get embarrassed by a good soul who keeps asking, loudly, if you’re alright.
His favorite part of training was when he finished running for the day. Joel hated getting up in the morning but felt like he achieved something when he ran his ten miles a day. Heck, if I could walk ten miles a day I’d also feel as if I achieved something. Have no fear fellow couch potatoes, I’ll never walk more than a mile, maybe two miles a day at most, unless the zombies come and I’m forced to walk further. Even then I might not. I’m pretty sure I can hide from some slow poke zombies. I think.
Anyway, Joel also tells us that you have to eat while running to keep your calories up. Apparently you use up a lot of calories running. I have to take Mr. Cohen’s word for that because I’ll never know if that’s true or not. If you do want to run and eat the author will inform you about some “yummy” gel like substance that you can pin to your running shorts and just squeeze the gel into your mouth and you run along.
If you are considering training to run a marathon I ask you to please tell me why but if you are actually thinking of running “How To Lose A Marathon: A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters” is a pretty good book. Mr. Cohen tells you that it isn’t easy to do and most likely you won’t win, but I guess it can be fun to try.
But if you’re more like me who rolls their eyes at runners asking them as they run past you, “Hey bub, what’s the rush? Where’s the fire? You have somewhere important to be in the next five minutes?” the book is enjoyable and you will get a chuckle or two out of it. Oh, and there are pictures in it, sketches that the author drew himself. A Picasso he isn’t, he’s better at writing than drawing.
It’s short enough to get through in a day or so, about 170 pages. It wouldn’t be wasting your time to read it even if you sit on your couch eating some chips. I’ll never tell Mr. Cohen about your love for the couch.
March 19, 2017
I've always wanted to be a runner but never have had the wind for it. I remember back in grade four or five when we had to do athletic tasks to qualify for Canada Fitness Award Program badges, I'd have a hard time with the running part ... and I was a skinny kid back then.
I have a couple friends who do 5km runs and marathons, which I find inspiring, and a couple weeks ago I decided I'd try to become a runner. Even if I never go into a 5km run, I figured it would be a good cardio workout. I found a "Couch to 5km" running program and downloaded the app ... it takes eight weeks of training three times a week. I got through the three days of week one. Because of my work schedule last week, I didn't get to the gym at all so I'll get back at it and do week two this week.
In 2012, Joel was overweight, lazy and approaching middle age. One day, he decided he was going to start running. Rather than doing it in an organized manner (like I am), he just started running and eventually he was running faster and longer distances. Then he was inspired to run a marathon and that's when he started following a program.
I liked the writing style as Joel wrote about his experience starting to run and eventually being in the New York Marathon. There was valuable information and it was presented in an amusing manner (rather than dry and boring) ... Joel is a writer on The Simpsons, among other things, and that comes through. There are also his doodles throughout the book. The book covers why he started running right up to the mile-by-mile description of when he was in the New York Marathon in 2013. There is an explanation of the various terms, essential items you need (and those you don't), etc.
The author admits he doesn't enjoy running ... he does enjoy having run, though. I'm finding it boring (I need to be stimulated and haven't gotten into "a zone") but I find listening to tunes helps (I can run the running app and my Spotify app at the same time). I had thought about downloading books and listening to them to keep me distracted and this is what Joel did so I'm going to try that.
I would recommend this book for those wanting to get into running so you'll know what to expect, what you need to do and yes, you can do it! Runners will also enjoy it because they will be probably be able to relate to Joel's experiences.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/03...
I have a couple friends who do 5km runs and marathons, which I find inspiring, and a couple weeks ago I decided I'd try to become a runner. Even if I never go into a 5km run, I figured it would be a good cardio workout. I found a "Couch to 5km" running program and downloaded the app ... it takes eight weeks of training three times a week. I got through the three days of week one. Because of my work schedule last week, I didn't get to the gym at all so I'll get back at it and do week two this week.
In 2012, Joel was overweight, lazy and approaching middle age. One day, he decided he was going to start running. Rather than doing it in an organized manner (like I am), he just started running and eventually he was running faster and longer distances. Then he was inspired to run a marathon and that's when he started following a program.
I liked the writing style as Joel wrote about his experience starting to run and eventually being in the New York Marathon. There was valuable information and it was presented in an amusing manner (rather than dry and boring) ... Joel is a writer on The Simpsons, among other things, and that comes through. There are also his doodles throughout the book. The book covers why he started running right up to the mile-by-mile description of when he was in the New York Marathon in 2013. There is an explanation of the various terms, essential items you need (and those you don't), etc.
The author admits he doesn't enjoy running ... he does enjoy having run, though. I'm finding it boring (I need to be stimulated and haven't gotten into "a zone") but I find listening to tunes helps (I can run the running app and my Spotify app at the same time). I had thought about downloading books and listening to them to keep me distracted and this is what Joel did so I'm going to try that.
I would recommend this book for those wanting to get into running so you'll know what to expect, what you need to do and yes, you can do it! Runners will also enjoy it because they will be probably be able to relate to Joel's experiences.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/03...
May 16, 2024
Written by one of writers and producers of The Simpsons.
As a runner who ran her first marathon last year and is getting ready to start training for her 2nd, I found this hilariously relatable.
BUT, I was deeply irritated that he referred to his 10 min/mile marathon pace as slow. That's NOT slow and unfortunately continually referring to himself as slow at that pace is a bit off-putting.
Quick read and definitely funny and entertaining.
As a runner who ran her first marathon last year and is getting ready to start training for her 2nd, I found this hilariously relatable.
BUT, I was deeply irritated that he referred to his 10 min/mile marathon pace as slow. That's NOT slow and unfortunately continually referring to himself as slow at that pace is a bit off-putting.
Quick read and definitely funny and entertaining.
October 8, 2017
I really should have liked this more than I did. I'm a slowish runner, someone who you would never suspect runs marathons and I'm 4 weeks out from the New York City marathon.
I got really annoyed with the author going on about how slow he is and how "real" runners looked at him with disdain. He ran his first marathon in 4:26. He is not slow. He is average. He also does some pace shaming saying that "Al Roker, the TODAY show weatherman, ran the 2010 New York City Marathon in 7:09. At around sixteen minutes per mile, the verb “ran” may be questionable here." The whole point of the book is "just get out and do it" so this is totally against that whole idea.
I found the humour a bit much. Like inserting stupid jokes for the sake of inserting stupid jokes.
Also just the whole casualness of running a marathon bothered. "Hey I want to run a marathon so I just donated a whole bunch of money myself to get a charity bib!" Well good for you for having the means to do this, but for the majority of runners, getting into the New York City Marathon is a challenge - whether it's pushing to qualify, the anticipation of the lottery or actually going out to raise money for charity. "I just signed up for a marathon - guess I need some proper shoes!" . Blah.
I almost gave this 2 stars cause again, I really should have loved this. I've been saving this book and purposely started it exactly one month prior to the marathon. However it did redeem itself a bit towards the end - I did love the description of the race itself. Than it lost me again with the detail account of all of his training runs, complete with paces ("slow" 9 minute miles). Anyways, might be for some people but not for everyone.
I got really annoyed with the author going on about how slow he is and how "real" runners looked at him with disdain. He ran his first marathon in 4:26. He is not slow. He is average. He also does some pace shaming saying that "Al Roker, the TODAY show weatherman, ran the 2010 New York City Marathon in 7:09. At around sixteen minutes per mile, the verb “ran” may be questionable here." The whole point of the book is "just get out and do it" so this is totally against that whole idea.
I found the humour a bit much. Like inserting stupid jokes for the sake of inserting stupid jokes.
Also just the whole casualness of running a marathon bothered. "Hey I want to run a marathon so I just donated a whole bunch of money myself to get a charity bib!" Well good for you for having the means to do this, but for the majority of runners, getting into the New York City Marathon is a challenge - whether it's pushing to qualify, the anticipation of the lottery or actually going out to raise money for charity. "I just signed up for a marathon - guess I need some proper shoes!" . Blah.
I almost gave this 2 stars cause again, I really should have loved this. I've been saving this book and purposely started it exactly one month prior to the marathon. However it did redeem itself a bit towards the end - I did love the description of the race itself. Than it lost me again with the detail account of all of his training runs, complete with paces ("slow" 9 minute miles). Anyways, might be for some people but not for everyone.
August 3, 2018
This really is intended for people who either haven't started running at all or are starting to get serious about it and want to eventually do a marathon. It's also uniquely targeted towards people with a rather low bar for humour. To be fair, it did elicit a few chuckles from me later on, but initially, I was a bit worried that this was a book about making jokes about how unsuited the author was for running. Once he gets into the actual informative content, there's some decent advice for new runners who don't know about stuff like gear, chafing and training plans.
For people who have been running for a while or, like me, have already done a few marathons, there's not much here for them other than maybe a slightly different perspective on a few aspects and a few jokes. Being so short, it can't exactly be considered a waste of time either. However, one does have to take all the self-deprecating with a grain of salt since the race times the author managed were actually very respectable. I know it's played for laughs, but it might discourage people who aren't capable of running at 10min/mile(6:13min/km) over longer distances.
So if you are the target audience for this book, it's actually not the worst resource to get you orientated into the world of long distance running. Sure, you have to get over all the bad jokes first, but who knows, maybe dad jokes and self-deprecating humour is your thing, in which case you can probably pick this up even if you aren't a runner.
For people who have been running for a while or, like me, have already done a few marathons, there's not much here for them other than maybe a slightly different perspective on a few aspects and a few jokes. Being so short, it can't exactly be considered a waste of time either. However, one does have to take all the self-deprecating with a grain of salt since the race times the author managed were actually very respectable. I know it's played for laughs, but it might discourage people who aren't capable of running at 10min/mile(6:13min/km) over longer distances.
So if you are the target audience for this book, it's actually not the worst resource to get you orientated into the world of long distance running. Sure, you have to get over all the bad jokes first, but who knows, maybe dad jokes and self-deprecating humour is your thing, in which case you can probably pick this up even if you aren't a runner.
April 10, 2017
This is a a lovely quick read for me as a casual runner stuck in an airport- the author is self deprecating but just the right amount, and tells a very honest story about running his marathon. It's inspiring in the sense that this is an ordinary man who pushed himself to his own limits and beyond, with a sense of humour that lit my life up for a few hours. The story, the doodles and the little internal tips and lists were a good inspiration to get back to the grind and pick up some new races!
January 29, 2019
Although there were some laughs, the authors constant attempt at humor is tiresome sometimes. If you are not too bothered with that, this is good book for those first timers that want to get into running.
April 29, 2019
Great book for first time runners and getting the motivated that they too can do a marathon. Love the bits of humor the Author added in the book.
July 25, 2018
If you can look past the over-use of corny humour and dad jokes, there is actually a very solid introduction into running your first marathon in this very short 3.5 hour listen.
I would recommend this book to any person trying to get into running, or are struggling to gain momentum. It is a lot about the mental game surrounding running, and how to make the other obstacles less relevant.
If you are a more experienced runner, you might still be able to relate to the content, and laugh with Joel about certain things.
Having not run a marathon myself yet, this book was right up my alley. Addressing some of the unknown concerns, how to prepare for them, and what is important, and what not.
I would recommend this book to any person trying to get into running, or are struggling to gain momentum. It is a lot about the mental game surrounding running, and how to make the other obstacles less relevant.
If you are a more experienced runner, you might still be able to relate to the content, and laugh with Joel about certain things.
Having not run a marathon myself yet, this book was right up my alley. Addressing some of the unknown concerns, how to prepare for them, and what is important, and what not.
August 12, 2018
This was a light and enjoyable read. Joel did a good job of telling his story from beginning to run to running a marathon. However, this book is flippant and short. You may learn some things if your new to running and thinking of running a marathon, but mostly I felt it was a light hearted story quickly skipping over very important parts of the training process. That being said I have never ran a marathon, though I do run four to six 1/2 marathons a year, and Joel's story does give me inspiration to consider increasing my milage and go for the whole enchilada.
October 18, 2019
Hilarious and thoughtful.
My brother-in-law is a marathon runner and I've often bawked at the feat and wondered what it would feel like training for something like that without always having been a runner (like my brother-in-law).
Though slightly cynical and self depreciating, this book is inspiring and while I don't plan on running a marathon any time soon, it's definitely inspired me to try and tackle some big scary goals in my life.
My brother-in-law is a marathon runner and I've often bawked at the feat and wondered what it would feel like training for something like that without always having been a runner (like my brother-in-law).
Though slightly cynical and self depreciating, this book is inspiring and while I don't plan on running a marathon any time soon, it's definitely inspired me to try and tackle some big scary goals in my life.
June 13, 2017
Much like the author, I too was conned by Born to Run, however, I have not since developed a passion for running but rather for running books. This is more realistic about the experience of what someone less athletic will experience. It's also an absolute riot to read and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
September 1, 2017
This book is perfect for someone who doesn't think they can run. Like even a mile. This is the type of book that can get you up, moving & laughing along the way. Joel Cohen's charitable effort to finish the NYC Marathon for the 'Shoes For Africa' organization is beyond relatable, super honest & above all, a fun & quick read w/some notable takeaways.
July 5, 2018
Absolutely amazing! Has been awhile since I chuckled out loud because of a book! I should mention that I listened to the audio book version by Nicholas Techosky and would HIGHLY recommend that the story and his narration make for 3.45 wonderful hours of brilliant comedy writing.
"I decided that not only was I going to break that record, I was going to beat it by a very small margin."
"I decided that not only was I going to break that record, I was going to beat it by a very small margin."
August 23, 2018
This book was all around ok. The author kept trying to make his experience light-hearted and funny but it came off as trying too hard. The book was also a little longer then it needed to be. He made the book sound like a guide to running a marathon for "couch potatoes" but it was more of a highlighted overview than a how-to guide. I want to read more how-to guides but I would not reread this one.
September 2, 2019
Fun book about the author’s first full marathon, many aspects of which I could relate to. The fear, the “Can I really do this?” and all the training and dedication that goes with it. A little too much self-deprecation from the author at times but I was often laughing out loud at his experiences on his journey to 26.2.
June 19, 2022
I was going along with this one, enjoying the humor and relatable thoughts on running…until he revealed his actual speed and then lost all credibility for me. Someone reasonably expecting a 4:30 marathon talking like they are one of the worst runners on the planet is demeaning to those who truly are back of the pack (or even average) runners.
March 31, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and was not disappointed at all. Joel Cohen uses his humor, honed through years writing for The Simpsons, to great effect here. I was definitely entertained and, surprisingly, inspired to improve my running. I definitely recommend it.
August 28, 2018
It was a pretty good book. It wasn’t as inspiring as I thought it would be (although I think the author would be ok with that comment), but I did enjoy it and I loved the ending when the author stressed that finishing was the important part and that the time you get doesn’t matter.
April 21, 2017
Humorous and enjoyable...but Joel, a 10 minute mile is NOT a slow pace!
May 26, 2017
Witty, charming, and inspiring.
September 7, 2018
Pretty funny and accurate assessment.
January 1, 2019
What a perfect book to finish my own marathon of 100 books this year. Humorous and inspiring. Maybe I will run a marathon this year. Or just read another 100 books.
January 14, 2025
I thought I’d like this one more than I did. A writer for the Simpsons ran the NYC marathon and this is his journey from running noob to completing the race. He has funny drawings throughout and a couple lines made me laugh because they are #relatable for all runners (like gus being categorically disgusting). At the end of the day though, this was more of an introduction to running and didn’t have a lot of novelty for me (probably because I’m a pro runner and sooo fast+talented….). But anyway this was light and fun and made me reminisce on the NYC marathon especially in the end with his play by play of each mile. I might recommend this book to someone about to run their first marathon (especially if it’s NYC), but ultimately I think there are better and more inspiring running books. There is a niche for running books that are still funny, and while this tried to fill that it didn’t quite hit the mark for me because there wasn’t much depth to it.
January 27, 2021
I don't laugh at books easily, this one made me though! Loved it!
May 22, 2023
Hysterical
February 2, 2023
I felt like at times the author was trying to hard, but as a one time marathoner I found myself nodding along to some of his experiences and agree that running is for everyone, not just the “elite”
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