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DNF Series #2
Did Not Try: Misadventures in Running, Cycling and Swimming
After signing his wife Rachel up for her first marathon without her knowledge and living to tell the tale, George is now struggling to keep up with her. He risks her wrath once again by entering her into a half-Ironman triathlon against her a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.Did Not Try sees George and Rachel travel to Barcelona, Cornwall and the Cotswolds, and helps answer the age-old what happens when you are bursting for a wee while riding your bike, but an injured ankle means you can’t unclip your cycling shoes?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.
- GenresNonfiction
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
About the author
George Mahood
234 books485 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 18, 2023
This was super fun to read!
August 11, 2021
I've loved all George's books, and this new series is another winner. Carrying on from his and Rachel's triathlon in book one, the couple are eager to continue with their exercise, so George signs up for a half Ironman event. Will he persuade Rachel to join him, or will it be too much for her new cycling and swimming skills? From running in Barcelona and cycling in Devon, to nearly catching hypothermia swimming in a lake and discovering tasty Spanish snacks, this is an entertaining and humorous read. I laughed out loud on many occasions: George's wit is exactly on my level. And I have four more books to look forward to!
August 31, 2021
A good, easy read
I've read all George Mahood's books, from which it may be concluded I am a great fan. I have to admit that I don't laugh aloud as I did with the earlier books but it doesn't mean I don't strangely enjoy this series of running, swimming, cycling books.
I am now disabled so can't run, frightened of water so a crap swimmer and can only just ride a bike without falling off every few yards. As a consequence of this I am weak with admiration at the thought of all this sportiness and George Mahood writes about it sufficiently entertainingly and with his usual self denigrating wit that I doubt anyone could fail to enjoy this book .
I've read all George Mahood's books, from which it may be concluded I am a great fan. I have to admit that I don't laugh aloud as I did with the earlier books but it doesn't mean I don't strangely enjoy this series of running, swimming, cycling books.
I am now disabled so can't run, frightened of water so a crap swimmer and can only just ride a bike without falling off every few yards. As a consequence of this I am weak with admiration at the thought of all this sportiness and George Mahood writes about it sufficiently entertainingly and with his usual self denigrating wit that I doubt anyone could fail to enjoy this book .
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.
October 10, 2022
His writing makes me smile; so easy to read, amusingly optimistic and self-deprecating at the same time; and quietly inspirational to those of us who dabble in 10k runs and a bit of cycling...should I enter another race? Should I push myself a bit further? Yeah, go on - if George can try it, then so can I. And if it's not a PB? Bugger it - was it enjoyable and am I glad I tried? Cheers Mr Mahood, and thanks for all the books.
Read
March 30, 2024What can be more fun than running?
Join George as he talkes his wife into joining not just a running race but a triathlon. Will she do it, will she make it? The descriptions of the countryside is outstanding. And there are surprises at every turn. I have read a few of his books and have never been disappointed.
Join George as he talkes his wife into joining not just a running race but a triathlon. Will she do it, will she make it? The descriptions of the countryside is outstanding. And there are surprises at every turn. I have read a few of his books and have never been disappointed.
August 29, 2021
A great read with lots of humor
The continued adventures of George and his wife and friends as they run, bike and swim their way through triathlons and races. Many moments of hilarity ensue and you will be laughing out loud.
The continued adventures of George and his wife and friends as they run, bike and swim their way through triathlons and races. Many moments of hilarity ensue and you will be laughing out loud.
Read
November 30, 2021Another great book
A lot of training to get ready for running, swimming and biking. Something I could never do. I enjoyed reading about their trials and mishaps. Also takes a lot of guts to do all these. Can't wait till book #3.
A lot of training to get ready for running, swimming and biking. Something I could never do. I enjoyed reading about their trials and mishaps. Also takes a lot of guts to do all these. Can't wait till book #3.
April 19, 2023
Can't stop reading. I finished (again)!
Very good storytelling about swimming, cycling and running! I truly enjoyed reading the first 2 books in the DNF series. Now onto the 3rd one!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Very good storytelling about swimming, cycling and running! I truly enjoyed reading the first 2 books in the DNF series. Now onto the 3rd one!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 28, 2023
I love reading his books. Love that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, that he’s funny & shows a huge amount of respect for his wife & fellow teammates. Perfect summer read when getting nervous for an upcoming 50 miler race
August 18, 2021
Always good to read a good George Mahood book ...
December 18, 2021
I actually enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. 3.5 stars rounded up
January 12, 2022
Some parts of this are just laugh out loud funny. I am so invested in Geroge and Rachel's fitness journey.
January 15, 2022
excellent read
Loved experiencing the journey through the writing. Captivating and easy read. Encouraging to get out and explore nature in my own neighborhood
Loved experiencing the journey through the writing. Captivating and easy read. Encouraging to get out and explore nature in my own neighborhood
January 15, 2022
Very inspiring
George is a very good story teller. Especially entertaining and inspiring for me and others who have run marathons and triathlons.
George is a very good story teller. Especially entertaining and inspiring for me and others who have run marathons and triathlons.
March 10, 2024
Fun and funny, the perfect road trip listen! I save these up for long drive-times.
February 20, 2026
3.5
an enjoyable series as always but the flow of this book doesn’t feel as smooth. Would still read the next book though.
an enjoyable series as always but the flow of this book doesn’t feel as smooth. Would still read the next book though.
April 17, 2026
Really enjoying this series. I’m doing my first triathlon in May so it’s great to hear about other beginners!
August 10, 2021
Fun read
Really enjoyed reading about the Cotswolde 113. There were some really funny moments as George swam, and ran the half marathon with Rachel.
Really enjoyed reading about the Cotswolde 113. There were some really funny moments as George swam, and ran the half marathon with Rachel.
May 30, 2022
Always good…
George never disappoints me with his books/stories/life. I enjoy his humor, his friends, and his wife joining in. I am also going to read “The Unlikely Triathlete” that he mentioned.
George never disappoints me with his books/stories/life. I enjoy his humor, his friends, and his wife joining in. I am also going to read “The Unlikely Triathlete” that he mentioned.
February 21, 2022
Another enjoyable volume in the DNF series. We hear less about George's kids and his family life in this one and more about his wife, Rachel, who George has signed up for the Cotswold 113 against her will. There are some very funny moments, particularly when it comes to discussing how to relieve yourself during a bike race! I'm looking forward to Book 3!
September 1, 2021
Very good second book in the series
I really liked George’s second book in the series. Indeed I preferred it to the first book. Perhaps it takes me a little while to get in to the rhythm of the books!
Like the first book this is funny and easy to read. Some of the comments are laugh out loud funny - like his ‘toilet’ efforts in the triathlon…
My complaint about the first book was that the events were just too easy and mundane and not really escapist enough to draw me in. This book ups the ante a bit.
Also the first book is a bit of an ‘homage to Rachel’ (his wife) and I felt that hearing about him jogging slowly alongside her wasn’t that inspiring. In this one she is now much more in to it and quite the competitor for George. I feel she is now a more independent character and has a ‘purpose’ other that something to fill pages.
This book leaves us with a teaser to another event they have both just entered which looks to be upping the ante again. At this rate the fifth and sixth instalments (I can’t remember how many he is doing) must lead to the Ride Across America or Marathon de Sables…
I really liked George’s second book in the series. Indeed I preferred it to the first book. Perhaps it takes me a little while to get in to the rhythm of the books!
Like the first book this is funny and easy to read. Some of the comments are laugh out loud funny - like his ‘toilet’ efforts in the triathlon…
My complaint about the first book was that the events were just too easy and mundane and not really escapist enough to draw me in. This book ups the ante a bit.
Also the first book is a bit of an ‘homage to Rachel’ (his wife) and I felt that hearing about him jogging slowly alongside her wasn’t that inspiring. In this one she is now much more in to it and quite the competitor for George. I feel she is now a more independent character and has a ‘purpose’ other that something to fill pages.
This book leaves us with a teaser to another event they have both just entered which looks to be upping the ante again. At this rate the fifth and sixth instalments (I can’t remember how many he is doing) must lead to the Ride Across America or Marathon de Sables…
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews