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DNF Series #3
Did Not Start: Misadventures in Running, Cycling and Swimming
Rachel marks her cycling sportive debut in style with 110 horrendously hilly miles that are apparently all George’s fault.Now officially a better marathon runner than George - and a rapidly improving cyclist and swimmer – Rachel is pushed to the limits after reluctantly agreeing to an ultramarathon.Did Not Start also features more family camping holidays, a visit to Paris, the arrival of the Beast from the East, and some unexpected news from a former neighbour.Did Not Finish is a series of books about George and his family’s adventures in running, cycling and swimming. From ultramarathons to triathlons, 10k swims to European cycling adventures, George promises fun and laughter every step, pedal, and paddle of the way.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2021
40 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
George Mahood
161 books482 followersGeorge Mahood is an award-winning writer. Specifically, he was placed third in the Little Brington Village Fete's limerick competition (Under 10s category) in 1988. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years.
George studied Communication Studies and English Literature at Leeds University. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making. He currently works as a photographer, specialising in weddings. George has been the lead singer and guitarist of a rubbish band and the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.
George has plenty more madcap ideas that will form the basis of future books. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch, see more photos from FREE COUNTRY, and to hear about future projects.
www.facebook.com/georgemahood
www.twitter.com/georgemahood
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 21, 2023
This guy is super funny and makes me want to do triathlon!
August 22, 2021
‘I think I’ve done something stupid’ – further adventures with the Manhood family
British author George Mahood earned his degree in Communication Studies and English Literature from Leeds University, traveled the US, and has served as a charity fund-raiser, a wedding photographer, lead singer and guitarist of a band, and ‘the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.’ His wit is infectious! His books to date include NOT TONIGHT JOSEPHINE: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH SMALL TOWN AMERICA, OPERATION IRONMAN: ONE MAN’S FOUR MONTH JOURNEY FROM HOSPITAL BED TO IRONMAN TRIATHLON, FREE COUNTRY: A PENNILESS ADVENTURE THE LENGTH OF BRITAIN, EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY, LIFE’S A BEACH and now this DNF (Did Not Finish) series of which DID NOT START is Book 3.
For sheer entertainment and a load of chuckles and winks, George Mahood’s series that surveys his family’s adventures in running, cycling and swimming works on every level. George’s wife Rachel is a focal point (aw always!) in this volume, having signed up to cycle in the Dartmoor Classic – ‘The Dartmoor Classic is a cycling sportive through and around the challenging terrain of Dartmoor National Park.’ As George opens his book, the event is suggested: ”I think I’ve done something really stupid,” said my wife Rachel. “What?” ‘I’ve signed up for the Dartmoor Classic.” That’s not stupid. That’s brilliant news. I’ve been encouraging you to sign up for ages.” “Yeah…” “You’ll be fine. It’s only 68 miles. You’ve cycled 56 miles before and than ran a half marathon afterwards.” “Er, that’s why I think I’ve done something stupid. I didn’t sign up for the 68 mile one. I’ve signed up for the 110 mile one like you.” “Oh…wow,” I gulped. “Even better!”
For readers’ information, a pertinent definition is offered: Ultramarathon – any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometers or 26 mile 385 yards. George Mahood makes sporting challenges into superb adventures as he and his wife encounter the trials of competing. The result – a tremendously entertaining ‘memoir’ that will appeal to all age groups. Mahood has mastered this genre!
British author George Mahood earned his degree in Communication Studies and English Literature from Leeds University, traveled the US, and has served as a charity fund-raiser, a wedding photographer, lead singer and guitarist of a band, and ‘the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.’ His wit is infectious! His books to date include NOT TONIGHT JOSEPHINE: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH SMALL TOWN AMERICA, OPERATION IRONMAN: ONE MAN’S FOUR MONTH JOURNEY FROM HOSPITAL BED TO IRONMAN TRIATHLON, FREE COUNTRY: A PENNILESS ADVENTURE THE LENGTH OF BRITAIN, EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY, LIFE’S A BEACH and now this DNF (Did Not Finish) series of which DID NOT START is Book 3.
For sheer entertainment and a load of chuckles and winks, George Mahood’s series that surveys his family’s adventures in running, cycling and swimming works on every level. George’s wife Rachel is a focal point (aw always!) in this volume, having signed up to cycle in the Dartmoor Classic – ‘The Dartmoor Classic is a cycling sportive through and around the challenging terrain of Dartmoor National Park.’ As George opens his book, the event is suggested: ”I think I’ve done something really stupid,” said my wife Rachel. “What?” ‘I’ve signed up for the Dartmoor Classic.” That’s not stupid. That’s brilliant news. I’ve been encouraging you to sign up for ages.” “Yeah…” “You’ll be fine. It’s only 68 miles. You’ve cycled 56 miles before and than ran a half marathon afterwards.” “Er, that’s why I think I’ve done something stupid. I didn’t sign up for the 68 mile one. I’ve signed up for the 110 mile one like you.” “Oh…wow,” I gulped. “Even better!”
For readers’ information, a pertinent definition is offered: Ultramarathon – any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometers or 26 mile 385 yards. George Mahood makes sporting challenges into superb adventures as he and his wife encounter the trials of competing. The result – a tremendously entertaining ‘memoir’ that will appeal to all age groups. Mahood has mastered this genre!
August 28, 2021
A Fun Read
I have truly enjoyed every one of George Mahood's books that I've had the pleasure of reading. this series is no different. George is just a relatable bloke. It's bc he's so transparent and so average that makes his writing fun to read and then builds dreams. I read motivational works from elite athletes that also inspire me, but I'll never be them. George is real and raw and I'm a middle of the pack athlete and so I know of he can do it, I can too. Dream that is. And then work to make the dream come true. Or, if you're like George and I think you should plan, don't plan, bumble around and make it happen anyway. That's the thing tho, George lives life with his family the way they want to. And they just make it so fun. I enjoy and envy it on the sidelines and as I train (I do train with a plan lol), for my next race, Georges books help motivate me and bring levity. I recommend any one of his books but this series is a delight! A lot of the books reference his other, so it gives you a look into the other ones you might want to pick up after. Read on my friends!
I have truly enjoyed every one of George Mahood's books that I've had the pleasure of reading. this series is no different. George is just a relatable bloke. It's bc he's so transparent and so average that makes his writing fun to read and then builds dreams. I read motivational works from elite athletes that also inspire me, but I'll never be them. George is real and raw and I'm a middle of the pack athlete and so I know of he can do it, I can too. Dream that is. And then work to make the dream come true. Or, if you're like George and I think you should plan, don't plan, bumble around and make it happen anyway. That's the thing tho, George lives life with his family the way they want to. And they just make it so fun. I enjoy and envy it on the sidelines and as I train (I do train with a plan lol), for my next race, Georges books help motivate me and bring levity. I recommend any one of his books but this series is a delight! A lot of the books reference his other, so it gives you a look into the other ones you might want to pick up after. Read on my friends!
May 7, 2022
Yeah, I'm still working on the George Mahood "mini-books". They're not really long enough to be a real book, so I suspect they don't have print versions. Just digital. But that's okay, because they're cheaper than a real book. And it's not okay, because I want them to be longer!
As the series progresses, they often deal with his attempts to keep up with his wife as she stretches out from running to biking and even swimming. And it's funny as heck. She's a little "outspoken", as the British say, and often loath to try new things. But once she's gotten her feet wet, she's all about the game.
As the series progresses, they often deal with his attempts to keep up with his wife as she stretches out from running to biking and even swimming. And it's funny as heck. She's a little "outspoken", as the British say, and often loath to try new things. But once she's gotten her feet wet, she's all about the game.
August 2, 2022
Another enjoyable volume in the DNF series. If anything this one feels a wee bit on the short side and has less of a guiding theme (did not start?) but it’s a fun, easy read all the same. I must admit, I’m growing a bit skeptical about George and Rachel’s apparent reluctance to take part in these sporting events. By this stage, they have run/ridden/swam countless marathons/triathlons/ultras and seem to be able to manage them just fine and with minimal training!
December 9, 2022
Did Not Disappoint
I always enjoy George Mahood’s stories of adventure and sometimes misadventures. I’ve been taking my time reading this series so I can avoid going into a void while waiting on his next book. So next year, 2023, I’ll read Book #4).
I always enjoy George Mahood’s stories of adventure and sometimes misadventures. I’ve been taking my time reading this series so I can avoid going into a void while waiting on his next book. So next year, 2023, I’ll read Book #4).
August 27, 2021
Enjoyable!
I have read all of George Mahood's books. They are great for non stress reading. Likable person and very funny!
I have read all of George Mahood's books. They are great for non stress reading. Likable person and very funny!
August 29, 2021
Always entertaining ...
September 2, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of George Mahood's books to date, but this one, while pleasant, just didn't strike a chord with me. It certainly is an easy read.
October 8, 2021
Another good read from Mahood. He does’nt disappoint. He relates with humor the day to day ups & downs of his family & athletic experiences
December 31, 2021
Good on you George!!
January 13, 2022
Will I ever compete in any sort of bike anything? No.
Do I thoroughly enjoy reading about George and co struggling through these rides? Yes.
Do I thoroughly enjoy reading about George and co struggling through these rides? Yes.
August 20, 2021
Fun book!
I always enjoy George’s descriptions of all his athletic feats, especially the ones he goads Rachel into doing with him.
I always enjoy George’s descriptions of all his athletic feats, especially the ones he goads Rachel into doing with him.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews