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Le Marathon de New York à la petite semelle #1-2
My New York Marathon
Sebastian, a quiet and shy teacher, gets lost in the memories of his boyhood, when he was a strong and successful runner. On a whim, he decides to challenge his aging body and crumbling spirit and run the New York Marathon! From the streets of France to the streets of Brooklyn, Sebastian pushes himself past limits he didn't even know he had.
A humorous and poignant autobiographical tale and a love letter to the landscapes and panoramas of New York as well as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
A humorous and poignant autobiographical tale and a love letter to the landscapes and panoramas of New York as well as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2016
5 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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February 14, 2022
It would be pretty cool to come from France and run the NYC Marathon. That seems like a good way to explore the city.
I've run exactly one marathon in my life. I've done a shitload of 5k's, 10's, and a good chunk of half-marathons, but marathon I only did once.
I did it when I was 21 because I was a runner, and I figured that was the next big challenge.
I...didn't have the euphoric experience others have. My training runs, which topped out at 22 miles (26.2 being marathon distance), left me feeling exhausted but also like I could definitely finish, so I sort of wanted to just run another 4.2 miles, go the distance, and say fuck the race. This is not the ideal attitude to have when you go into a race: Fuck it, let's get this shit over with.
The Steamboat race might be different now. Back then, it wasn't the most serene. One lane of the curving mountain road was closed, but the other was open, so you almost constantly had traffic blowing by while you were running. I think the environment would've been more interesting or peaceful if there weren't trucks blasting by, the drivers pissed off because they had to wait their turn on the one-way stretch of road. Not unjustified.
I always sort of wanted to run a very different kind of race, one with more people or more going on instead of the boring show of nature. I know, most people like nature. I like it too, but not for 3 and a half hours at low speed. It gets monotonous, believe me.
I signed up for a marathon in Vegas a couple years ago. It'd be my comeback! But for various reasons relating to life and not training, I didn't run. I didn't even go to Vegas. We turned around on the way to the airport, and it ended up being a good decision, that's how weird life was at the moment.
And since then, I don't know that I've found a running thing I really want to do.
I don't think going further is the answer. I know ultramarathons (technically anything over 26.2) are more popular these days, but I have my doubts that the runner's high is just a few miles further down the road.
Maybe the problem is I ran it when I was 21. I was in good shape. I ran A LOT. So I didn't have that experience you see with a lot of folks: a complete transformation from a non-runner into a runner. Maybe the answer is in donuts, getting as far away from being a runner as possible, and coming back to it.
It's got to be bad, then better. Not pretty good, then pretty good for a long time.
That night, after the marathon, we went to the clothing optional hot springs. Clothing optional, by the way means that a bunch of old guys who look like beef jerky are naked and everyone else has bathing suits on.
I went for the nude. Because why not? When am I going to have that "opportunity" again.
This old dude (only other naked person in the area) was complaining about the race and how it clogged up traffic, and I pretended I hadn't run the race because why argue with a naked old man?
Anyway, I managed to cross off three bucket list items that day:
1. Marathon
2. Skinny dipping
3. Confirmation that my testicles will be gross in the future, and acceptance of that fact
I've run exactly one marathon in my life. I've done a shitload of 5k's, 10's, and a good chunk of half-marathons, but marathon I only did once.
I did it when I was 21 because I was a runner, and I figured that was the next big challenge.
I...didn't have the euphoric experience others have. My training runs, which topped out at 22 miles (26.2 being marathon distance), left me feeling exhausted but also like I could definitely finish, so I sort of wanted to just run another 4.2 miles, go the distance, and say fuck the race. This is not the ideal attitude to have when you go into a race: Fuck it, let's get this shit over with.
The Steamboat race might be different now. Back then, it wasn't the most serene. One lane of the curving mountain road was closed, but the other was open, so you almost constantly had traffic blowing by while you were running. I think the environment would've been more interesting or peaceful if there weren't trucks blasting by, the drivers pissed off because they had to wait their turn on the one-way stretch of road. Not unjustified.
I always sort of wanted to run a very different kind of race, one with more people or more going on instead of the boring show of nature. I know, most people like nature. I like it too, but not for 3 and a half hours at low speed. It gets monotonous, believe me.
I signed up for a marathon in Vegas a couple years ago. It'd be my comeback! But for various reasons relating to life and not training, I didn't run. I didn't even go to Vegas. We turned around on the way to the airport, and it ended up being a good decision, that's how weird life was at the moment.
And since then, I don't know that I've found a running thing I really want to do.
I don't think going further is the answer. I know ultramarathons (technically anything over 26.2) are more popular these days, but I have my doubts that the runner's high is just a few miles further down the road.
Maybe the problem is I ran it when I was 21. I was in good shape. I ran A LOT. So I didn't have that experience you see with a lot of folks: a complete transformation from a non-runner into a runner. Maybe the answer is in donuts, getting as far away from being a runner as possible, and coming back to it.
It's got to be bad, then better. Not pretty good, then pretty good for a long time.
That night, after the marathon, we went to the clothing optional hot springs. Clothing optional, by the way means that a bunch of old guys who look like beef jerky are naked and everyone else has bathing suits on.
I went for the nude. Because why not? When am I going to have that "opportunity" again.
This old dude (only other naked person in the area) was complaining about the race and how it clogged up traffic, and I pretended I hadn't run the race because why argue with a naked old man?
Anyway, I managed to cross off three bucket list items that day:
1. Marathon
2. Skinny dipping
3. Confirmation that my testicles will be gross in the future, and acceptance of that fact
March 2, 2020
"Mój nowojorski maraton" jest, podobnie jak "Kroniki dyplomatyczne" - Blaina, dowodem, że każdy temat jest dobry na komiks, jeśli go odpowiednio zaprezentujesz. Przyznam, że zdarza mi się biegać, więc wciągnęło mnie dosyć konkretnie, ale gwarantuję, że nie jest to koniecznością, bo to po prostu dowcipnie, a momentami błyskotliwie opowiedziana historia przygotowań i udziału w najsłynniejszym maratonie świata. Całość ma swoją dramaturgię i jest świetnie narysowana, na co być może nie wskazuje niezbyt zachęcająca okładka.
February 1, 2019
Chronicle of one man’s decision to run the NYC marathon. An arbitrary decision and half-assed training managed to result in a finisher’s medal for the writer.
August 2, 2024
Fajne, zwłaszcza dla biegających :)
December 25, 2019
An autobiographical graphic novel about a man's mid-life goal to run the NYC marathon. I really enjoyed this book and I can comment from three different levels:
As a reader I thought he told a compelling take that took the reader along on his journey that included not only the pain & frustration that comes from training/running a marathon but also the humor and sometimes ridiculous situations a runner encounters.
As an artist I enjoyed the graphic novel medium that he uses to tell his story. Sometimes he was able to convey emotions through the very basic of sketches and other times he used very complex, intricate art. He did a really really good job with the art and the storytelling.
As a runner and ultra-marathoner I loved the development that he takes you through from a sofa dweller to a confirmed runner. I especially loved the pages (and pages) of the actual running of the race, what he was going through as it progressed, what he was thinking of, his doubts, his fears and his triumphs. I could relate on so many levels and can remember the first time I ran 26.2 miles in a race.
I thought he could have spent a little bit more time on his motivations to run the NYC marathon but overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who like autobiographies of normal people, runners, fans of "accomplishment" stories.
As a reader I thought he told a compelling take that took the reader along on his journey that included not only the pain & frustration that comes from training/running a marathon but also the humor and sometimes ridiculous situations a runner encounters.
As an artist I enjoyed the graphic novel medium that he uses to tell his story. Sometimes he was able to convey emotions through the very basic of sketches and other times he used very complex, intricate art. He did a really really good job with the art and the storytelling.
As a runner and ultra-marathoner I loved the development that he takes you through from a sofa dweller to a confirmed runner. I especially loved the pages (and pages) of the actual running of the race, what he was going through as it progressed, what he was thinking of, his doubts, his fears and his triumphs. I could relate on so many levels and can remember the first time I ran 26.2 miles in a race.
I thought he could have spent a little bit more time on his motivations to run the NYC marathon but overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who like autobiographies of normal people, runners, fans of "accomplishment" stories.
February 17, 2019
Samson did an excellent job portraying a non-running character who ultimately trained and ran. He was an entertaining and down to earth spirit who showed the process of making your dreams come true from hard work, stamina, and personal growth from looking deep inside yourself.
April 22, 2019
'What's the point of sitting still and not fighting back against the relentless advance of age, of letting it do its thing and then take us by surprise, allowing it to settle in and take up residence in our bodies until we're relocated to that little wooden box'. Of all the numerous reasons and the inspirations the book cites in favor of running, this line resonated with me the most. As a newbie runner myself (who is huffing and puffing to prepare for a 5k in 3 weeks!), I could really identify with the experience of the author, which he has written and drawn about with honesty, humor and humility. It provides some good insights in the training and psychology of the runner as well. Great read!
May 31, 2019
One of the best books ever about running the NYC Marathon. Sebastien Samson's wife is the runner in the family, not him. But when he decides to join her and her friends in running the 2011 New York City Marathon, he changes his life. This is a very funny, self-deprecating comic book look at what it's like to run the marathon. The French artist captures pretty much everything about the race, including the exhilaration of what it's like to be on Central Park South about to reenter the park for the finish line. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially first-time marathoners.
January 1, 2019
Despite some wooden translation (in English we don't ordinarily refer to our bodies as "organisms" as they do in French), I enjoyed this eloquent graphic autobiography about a French art teacher running his first marathon.
September 7, 2019
3.5 for hopper cameo, for a moment i’ve almost felt like trying for a marathon😉
January 10, 2024
Étonnamment, pas un commentaire en français pour cette BD pourtant écrite par un enseignant normand, originaire du Poitou, qui se retrouve lancé dans un improbable défi, suite à une soirée ou sa compagne et un couple d'amis évoquent le projet de disputer le mythique marathon de New York !
Eux sont des sportifs aguerris, lui est tout sauf un sportif...Dans un petit flashback sur sa jeunesse, il glisse malicieusement que "l'orgueil devrait m'empêcher d'évoquer le sport à l'école. Souvenirs cuisants d'humiliation, aux vagues relents de magnésie et de sueur de chaussette".
Pour ma part, j'ai d'abord apprécié son scénario, où il va traiter avec beaucoup d'humour son épopée personnelle, des premiers entraînements laborieux au jour J dont il décrit minutieusement l'atmosphère d'avant-course, tout comme d'ailleurs les jours qui précèdent dans la ville de NY.
Ensuite, j'ai bien aimé son dessin, particulièrement aux pire moments de souffrance d'une course qu'il va vivre très très très loin des premiers. Avec un sens de l'observation aiguisé et grâce à la caméra qu'il avait pris soin d'emporter justement dans le but d'écrire ensuite sur son aventure, ce qu'il dessine ici, c'est ce qu'on ne voit jamais à la TV quand on nous filme la tête de course qui termine l'épreuve en 2 heures et quelques minutes sans un seul masque de souffrance sur le visage.
Même sans être marathonien, tout ça m'a semblé très réaliste et cette BD pourra être un encouragement pour des personnes qui hésitent à s'engager sur ce marathon (ou un autre).
Eux sont des sportifs aguerris, lui est tout sauf un sportif...Dans un petit flashback sur sa jeunesse, il glisse malicieusement que "l'orgueil devrait m'empêcher d'évoquer le sport à l'école. Souvenirs cuisants d'humiliation, aux vagues relents de magnésie et de sueur de chaussette".
Pour ma part, j'ai d'abord apprécié son scénario, où il va traiter avec beaucoup d'humour son épopée personnelle, des premiers entraînements laborieux au jour J dont il décrit minutieusement l'atmosphère d'avant-course, tout comme d'ailleurs les jours qui précèdent dans la ville de NY.
Ensuite, j'ai bien aimé son dessin, particulièrement aux pire moments de souffrance d'une course qu'il va vivre très très très loin des premiers. Avec un sens de l'observation aiguisé et grâce à la caméra qu'il avait pris soin d'emporter justement dans le but d'écrire ensuite sur son aventure, ce qu'il dessine ici, c'est ce qu'on ne voit jamais à la TV quand on nous filme la tête de course qui termine l'épreuve en 2 heures et quelques minutes sans un seul masque de souffrance sur le visage.
Même sans être marathonien, tout ça m'a semblé très réaliste et cette BD pourra être un encouragement pour des personnes qui hésitent à s'engager sur ce marathon (ou un autre).
September 18, 2019
I found this sitting on display at the checkout desk. Serendipitous since I am scheduled to run the NYC marathon in less than two months. This is a good look at running from a non-runners perspective. It was hard to be sympathetic with the main character after he shunned repeated attempts for training assistance. That theme was really driven into the ground. I really enjoyed the art though. The text could have used an editor as I spotted a typo on the first page ("peek" vs. "peak") and some of the text felt like it was a rough translation, e.g. referring to the body as an "organism."
April 24, 2022
Maratonista kertova sarjis! Äkkiä tänne! Ja kylläpä oli onnellista aikaa lukea tätä ranskalaisen Sebastienin ekasta marasta kertovaa tarinaa. Piirrostyylistä en tykännyt ihan satasella, mutta tietyt tunteet ja tunnelmat välittyi iholle asti. Enkku oli miulle sopivan helppoa, en tarvinnut sanakirjaa. Tarinassa on myös osuuksia, jossa päähenkilön elimistöä kuvataan sisältäpäin. Miulle tuli näistä mieleen yksi lapsuuden lempianimaatioista, Olipa kerran elämä. Hykerrytti nytkin!
Kaikille maratonin juosseille tai siitä haaveileville.
Kaikille maratonin juosseille tai siitä haaveileville.
December 23, 2024
I find it kinda strange that this guy wrote this book and portrayed himself as such a tosser 💀 his poor wife! Was the point is to learn something new and how to respect training? But he never did! I guess what I’m saying it doesn’t follow the classic newbie to runner storyline. The vibes were off for me, like unfit self deprecating guy signs up for marathon cos all his fit friends are doing it, then he barely trains, ignores all offers to help, complains all the time, has the “loser mindset”.. that’s the first half anyway. The 2nd half is better and is more enjoyable imo.
April 28, 2020
I won this graphic novel in a contest and didn't expect much out of it. But I was really surprised. A middle aged dude in France decides to run the marathon with his friends. They have been runners their whole life but he hasn't. Anyway, it works for some reason. He does a good job writing and drawing about his experience and shows the exciting experience of accomplishing a goal in a new world to him.
January 7, 2026
It was entertaining to read this as someone who went from couch to marathon runner. I saw a lot of similarities. My only frustration with this book (illustrations were fantastic, story was great) was with the author and his choice to not have a training schedule!!! What do you mean you only did a 10 mile run as your furthest run?? 🤣
June 30, 2019
I loved this book. It got me running again. Congratulations and good job to the author. This is his story, a novice runner who joins his runner wife and her runner friends to try his first marathon. It's a beautiful graphic novel, which is what makes is so unique.
August 7, 2023
I love hearing, reading and watching stories about people going from non-runners to runners.
As someone who cannot run for more than 3 minutes straight, they make me feel like I can almost do it!!!!
Very creative of the author to chronicle it in the form a humorous graphic novel.
As someone who cannot run for more than 3 minutes straight, they make me feel like I can almost do it!!!!
Very creative of the author to chronicle it in the form a humorous graphic novel.
January 29, 2025
Obiektywnie: przyjemna i motywująca historia
Subiektywnie: płakałam, wzruszałam się, czułam emocje jak na maratonie, czułam to zmęczenie i trudy przygotowań, emocje w czasie biegu.
Jako ktoś, kto planuje przebiec maraton bardzo inspirujące i budujące!
Subiektywnie: płakałam, wzruszałam się, czułam emocje jak na maratonie, czułam to zmęczenie i trudy przygotowań, emocje w czasie biegu.
Jako ktoś, kto planuje przebiec maraton bardzo inspirujące i budujące!
May 1, 2019
Striking illustrations! It was very motivating (despite the fact that I have zero ambitions of ever running a marathon).
August 6, 2019
This graphic novel really captures the New York City marathon experience through the personal journey of the author/illustrator.
Beautifully done and made me want to go outside and run!
Beautifully done and made me want to go outside and run!
September 14, 2019
// really excellent
April 5, 2020
Nice story about someone’s first marathon who flew to NYC from France.
January 21, 2024
Bardzo motywująca powieść graficzna
March 19, 2024
Poruszający!
January 7, 2021
Very nice. I liked it.
Edit (1/6/'21): After consideration, I upgraded this to four stars. I did really like this book.
Edit (1/6/'21): After consideration, I upgraded this to four stars. I did really like this book.
February 27, 2019
There is something about running, which I experienced myself: running changes you. Once you are into it, you are not the same person anymore. The running itself, at the moment, might feel like a torture. Many times, in the middle of running, I keep asking myself why I chose such a stupid activity. Yet, at the end of every run, I immediately look forward to the next one. In this sense, running looks like Stockholm syndrome.
This book was about the cartoonist's experience of running in New York City Marathon. I eagerly read it to the end and I enjoyed it. I am not sure how much of my enjoying was because I had run the same course (would everyone enjoy this book regardless of their own experience?... I guess not)
The cartoonist talked about his struggle for training, which looked a lot like mine: I was not a runner when I started training for my race (and I still don't consider myself a runner). The longest I could run at the time was a maximum of 5 kilometers, in a fairly long time, and also with a lot of struggle. So, that made me short of 37 more kilometers to finish my upcoming race. Yet, I kept pushing myself throughout an eight month time-frame and that's what changed me.
Who should read this book?
1. If you do not like running, you probably don't enjoy reading this book. Yet, you might still want to check it out. Maybe it opens new doors for you. You never know.
2. If you are a runner, you will probably enjoy it. The pain and determination are universal.
3. If you are a Marathon runner, many of the cartoons will certainly resonate with you. So, read it!
4. If you have run New York City Marathon, there's no question that you should read this book, don't hesitate. You will cherish your memories.
This book was about the cartoonist's experience of running in New York City Marathon. I eagerly read it to the end and I enjoyed it. I am not sure how much of my enjoying was because I had run the same course (would everyone enjoy this book regardless of their own experience?... I guess not)
The cartoonist talked about his struggle for training, which looked a lot like mine: I was not a runner when I started training for my race (and I still don't consider myself a runner). The longest I could run at the time was a maximum of 5 kilometers, in a fairly long time, and also with a lot of struggle. So, that made me short of 37 more kilometers to finish my upcoming race. Yet, I kept pushing myself throughout an eight month time-frame and that's what changed me.
Who should read this book?
1. If you do not like running, you probably don't enjoy reading this book. Yet, you might still want to check it out. Maybe it opens new doors for you. You never know.
2. If you are a runner, you will probably enjoy it. The pain and determination are universal.
3. If you are a Marathon runner, many of the cartoons will certainly resonate with you. So, read it!
4. If you have run New York City Marathon, there's no question that you should read this book, don't hesitate. You will cherish your memories.
September 29, 2019
Mój nowojorski maraton to opowieść autobiograficzna. Choć treścią jest przygotowanie i odbycie tego ponad 3-kilometrowego biegu, to jednak nie jest to typowy poradnik dla początkującego maratończyka. To raczej obraz walki, jaką stoczył z sobą, własnym zniechęceniem, strachem, słabościami, a czasem zdaniem innych. Sébastien tak jak każdy wracający po wielu latach do sportu doznaje kontuzji, nie ma pojęcia jak często trenować i w jaki sposób, odrobinę wstydzi się biegać w miejscach, gdzie może spotkać innych ludzi. Do tego waha się czy sensownie było zapisywać się na tak ważny bieg, bo jakże on, bez wieloletnich ćwiczeń, zdoła pokonać 42,195 km! Zaczyna niedomagać, więc odwiedza lekarzy i masażystów, zaczytuje się w magazynach branżowych. Wreszcie startuje w pierwszym biegu, by sprawdzić samego siebie, ośmielić. Wreszcie startuje w maratonie i dzięki jego nagraniom z kamery, które później tak świetnie narysował, możemy zobaczyć jak męczący jest bieg, ile radości daje doping zwykłych ludzi, jak można prawie się poddać i znaleźć siły jeśli tylko inni w ciebie wierzą. Pokazuje też, że choć czasem motywacja do uprawiania sportu bywa błaha – on chciał tylko zrobić fajny komiks! – to czasem pozwala złapać bakcyla na lata.
Więcej na https://www.monime.pl/moj-nowojorski-...
Więcej na https://www.monime.pl/moj-nowojorski-...
February 17, 2019
Samson did an excellent job portraying a non-running character who ultimately trained and ran. He was an entertaining and down to earth spirit who showed the process of making your dreams come true from hard work, stamina, and personal growth from looking deep inside yourself.
April 8, 2025
Très intéressant, drôle, et motivante ✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews