Tracks Books

If you are serious about running a marathon this book is very helpful. I may not have won anything but I did enter and finish.

This is a good option if you are plannig to run your firs marathon. I follow it on my trainnig for New York marathon wich I spent 4 hours 6 minutes.

Don't waste your time on this book, even for 1st timers this stuff is old and out of date. Get Jeff Galloway's Marathon instead.

This was the only book i had for my first marathon. i read it at least 20 times. i found her down to earth attitude refreashing. hey, anyone who encourages you to eat pizza is fabulous. the most helpful part for me was the lengthy sections on h ow to prepare for the marathon, a week before, a day before, day of, etc. not only was it my frist marathon, it was my first race (not smart). I felt very prepared and have recommended this book to many many people.

Laughably weak effort -- the "running book" equivalent of a 9 hr marathon. The advice is incredibly banal. I bought it used for the postage plus 1 cent and still felt cheated. Unreal that this kind of junk gets published!

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is told from the perspective of a working class young Englishman whose greatest ambition in life is subverting the system. Witty, insightful, cynical and yet innocent, Smith, gets sent to a correctional facility (Borstal) after being caught (hilariously) with the money he and a friend had robbed from a bakery. Smith's refusal to be untrue to himself - even though his honesty, it could be argued, does nothing to help him get along in life - is the point of the narrative. It's a story that I think appeals to male and female readers.

Alan Sillitoe wrote in the late fifties The loneliness of the long distance runner. It is about the filthy realities of life in a working class family. Smith is the long distance runner, representing Borstal Essex in the Borstal Blue Ribbon Prize Cup For Long Distance Cross Country Running (All England). Smith is an inmate in possession of a superior ability in long distance running. His tactics are : never be in a hurry during running and never let any of the other runners know you are in a hurry even if you are! He is the favorite of the governor because of this running ability. The governor of Borstal Essex depends on Smith for winning the cup. Smith, aged 17, is not willing to do this favor to the governor. In his race, carefully planned and executed, Smith allows another runner to win. He wants to hit the governor where it hurts a lot. The stakes are high and Smith knows beforehand the consequences. He is getting a rough time the last 6 months of his stay in Borstal. Sillitoe wrote a fine story and in fact he is a long distance runner too. During the fifties he started writing as an angry young man and recently he wrote a sequel of one of his most famous books Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, called Birthday. I recommend Sillitoe as a committed writer.

Luuk Oost

Stilltoe's Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner is a collection of thematically-linked short stories about life in post-WWII London. In this collection, the author's narrative voice is so authentic that the reader is transported into the minds of poverty-stricken young Londoners who are facing the grim realities of their future as factory workers, criminals or longshoreman. The stories helped launch the "Angry Young Man" genre of film and literature that emerged in the early 1960's. The title story was made into a movie, which time has transformed into a classic. This is a great book for students of postmodern literature as well as those who just like a well-crafted tale.

This is not my favorite Sillitoe book, but it's probably the most well known to the people of my demographic (the twenty year old white kid with a passing interest in music) and thank god for that. The title story employs Sillitoe's trade mark semi-stream of conscioucness writing style to smashing effect. It's neither too precious nor too light, but demonstrates how a controlled use of style can result in stunning emotional returns for the reader. This is moving stuff and it's heady stuff, but it's not self indulgent or smacking of "the woe is me i loved an arty girl" adolescent sentiment that sounds so attractive in a song but rarely makes good prose. Not that there are any kind of arty girls in the title s. but, you know, the feeling is across the board applicable to fiction dealing with boys and girls. Sillitoe is a strangely neglected writer, as Christopher Hitchens has recently remarked, though this probably has something to do with the fact that after writing two or three great books, he turned to writing obsessively about blind ham radio operators. Book after book came out, and I've read them, and each one features some variation on blindness or radios. He's king of the blind ham radio genre, but it's an odd title for such a great writer.

I purchased a well worn, musty smelling paperback edition of this book published in 1967 and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful writing as well as the tactile sensation of thumbing my way through the cherished, yellowed pages. Brilliantly executed "tales of working class life and morals" are great to read--but none better than Chapter One about the Runner in the title. So well done, in fact, that my interest in the other stories quickly waned.

For reading pleasure, I highly recommend this collection. For runners, especially, Chapter One is worth the purchase price. Now I'm eager to see the Tom Courtenay movie version, which is apparently excellent, too.

Again, Wyndham uses telepathic children in a story. This time it is
handled completely differently, unlike the coming of the superhuman
story in The Chrysalids, the Midwich Cuckoos develops far more along
the lines of a horror story.

An alien force impregnates all the women in the small town of
Midwich. After all the pregnancies come to term, strange children are
born, with strange abilities that pose a serious threat.

The various political and military forces must come to a solution
that is ultimately palatable in England where this is happening.

Viewers of the excellent early film version of this may feel disappointed: the pace is slow, there is lots of dialogue, and the characters are hard to grasp. What's more, the children are more of a threatening presence - they cannot even be told apart reliably - than the active individuals of the film. But if the reader sticks with it, there are great rewards to be found.

First, the principal story is about the village, Midwich, which is as normal a place in the English countryside as one can imagine. There is an extraordinary series of events, first a blackout of all residents in a well defined perimeter, and then the realization that all women of child-bearing age are simultaneously pregnant, about 60 women. The full first third of the novel portrays how residents attempt to deal with the pregnancies, how they establish a kind of solidarity between themselves, that will later prove brittle and prone to violence. It is here that the complex characters are estalished in a brilliant way that is imortant later.

Second, there is the enigma of the children, whose attributes are nothing short of extraordinary, in that they appear to have two massminds, one for girls and the other for boys. They are all able to impell the villagers to behave in certain ways, as in disallowing them to leave Midwich in a time of crisis. As they all appear to be clones, no individuals emerge. What is so wonderful is that so little is explained - virtually all of the action takes place off-stage, including what the children are planning beyond their survival. They remain a splendid mystery with cunningly placed details for the reader to piece together; many interpretations are possible, if the reader enjoys that kind of exercise of the imagination. Interestingly, it is never clear whether or not they can read minds, which is only implied obliquely, and there are limits to what they can see.

Third, the reader never gets a clearly defined meaning for it all, beyond the fact that they are alien and constitute a threat, perhaps to humanity as a whole. Instead, the main characters speculate on it and discuss it, with some very unusual ideas floating about. This too can be great fun, but again, it is piecing together hints. I was left with a sense of mystery at the complexity of the universe, which is such a delight to a middle-aged mind!

Finally, there is the action that a village leader decides to take. While there is very little actual violence, it is always a threat of dread to all the villagers. For all appearences out of character, the leader proves decisive and even prescient. But again, unlike the movie, very little of the final struggle is spelled out.

This is a splendid vehicle for the lively imagination. It is also very British, which will put many American readers off, as we explect clear and fast-paced action, unequivocal explanations, and a wrap-up (with the possibiltiy of a sequel). What you get is a large social drama with subtle characters, the recognition of a new "threat of the jungle" that is never defined and whose meaning remains a delicious mystery. Warmly recommended.

For those of you familiar with "Village of the Damned" this is the book it was based on. A town is impregnated by Aliens and spawns white haired glowing eyed children who can control people's thoughts and actions.
Another excellent read by John Wyndham.

People who expect a horror story à la Stephen King (whom I don't read, by the way, I'm not into the horror genre), simply because the movie based on it, "Village of the Damned" and its remakes are classified as horror movies, are in for a disappointment. I understand how some of them might find it boring, though I find it anything but. This is more "soft" science fiction, more specifically sociology fiction, and as such it is a classic which I've read over and over again. It is by no means a children's book, though the main characters are children. It is well thought-out and thought-provoking.

Like another Wyndham book, "Rebirth" (retitled "The Chrysalids" in the newer version, with a rather ugly and totally inappropriate cover picture), another of my favorites, it's mainly about how an exogenous ("alien" if you prefer) group can (or not) integrate into our society. Zenna Henderson in her "People" series tackles the same theme, though her stories are a lot more upbeat and give a much kinder view of human nature - but then Henderson's "People" are not a threat to human society the way the Midwich Cuckoos are.

Everyone now knows the premise: for 24 hours, a little village in England (and other small communities all around the world, including in what was then the Soviet Union - a fact that is left out in the movies) is isolated and inaccessible. Then 9 months later, every child-bearing age woman is pregnant, a few with really their and their husbands' children, but most with these blond, golden-eyed babies who have the power of compulsion over them and other adults. (The title comes from the parallel with cuckoos, birds that lay their eggs in other birds' nests.) It slowly develops that those children are a real danger to the human race as we know it, and the problem is how to deal with them. Different societies react differently. In primitive societies they are left out to die of exposure. In some cases they don't survive for other reasons. The Russians have a scorched earth reaction that can never fly in England, where it's up to one man to deal with the problem, which he does with great courage and lucidity. He knows exactly what he's doing and why, and his farewell note to his wife is heart-rending.

It's true that the narrative is dry in parts, and the character of the narrator is sometimes maddeningly off-hand about the problem, totally unaware of its seriousness. Here Wyndham is pushing credibility (or his narrator's stupidity) a bit, but I think he was trying to make a point. But if you take this book for what it is, not a horror story but a philosophical view of how to deal with "otherness", about survival of a society and a civilization, about protection of the old order in the face of invasion or mutation, then you'll agree with me that this is a classic. And if you like it, I recommend you also read Rebirth/The Chrysalids.

Writing this has made me want to read it yet again!

I should have looked more closely, but I bought this book because it was the only version available new directly from Amazon. I should have noticed that it is a dumbed-down abridgment. It may be good for Middle School children, but it is a shadow of the original classic work by John Wyndham.

Ainslie breaks down several factors that should be looked at when analyzing a race - speed, pace, trainer, class, form, etc. His writing style is great, the info is great, and it is a great primer for anyone just getting into the sport or wanting to improve their skills. Some of the jockey/trainer info is a little outdated, but I refer to the book often. Highly recommend.

What an eye opener it was when I stumbled on this fifteen years ago! Some of the material is dated, but the fundamentals are well covered and still relevant. Still a terriffic primer for someone wanting to learn the game.

Let's start with the obvious. Ainslie wrote in a different time: before exotic wagering, which he considered a gimmick, became 70+% of the daily handle. His specific advice about WPS betting and money management, as a result, should be discarded. Likewise, his advice about which trainers and jocks to follow has aged poorly.

At the same time, there's information in here that's invaluable, such as the sections on understanding trainer intent, and on post parade and paddock behavior.

This book has a special place in the history of handicapping, and for that reason alone, is worth having, but in the modern player's arsenal, it should be an added coloring and not the central philosophy.

I had read nearly a dozen books on horserace handicapping before I read Ainslie's book. This should have been the first book on horseracing that I read. Ainslie covers every aspect of handicapping and the racing game imaginable. He writes in a simple, concise, easy style -- easy on the eyes, easy to absorb.

It is well-organized. Each chapter covers a specific aspect of the game. Perhaps what I enjoyed the most (and have put to good use) is Ainslie's 60 item list on how to handicap a race --what to look for: angles to be aware of in class, form; speed; jockey/trainer angles .. and on and on and on. The beauty of this book is that the reaader is exposed to so many different topics and subject areas that he will able to find his nich, his own style in handicapping. If you are like me, after you read this book, you will have a list of several more books that you will simply have to have. Thanks to Ainslie.

Ainslie doesn't tout any particular handicapping style; he simply informs the reader of all the many different angles there are instantly adding to the reader's knowledge of the game and providing instant improvement to his handicapping. This is the racing book you would keep on your bedside table; this is the book that you will be referring back to time and time again -- there is that much in this book. Tell you one thing, I envy Ainslie's friends who are able to get tips and suggestions from the author.

If the reader is buying this book in paperback, perhaps he should buy two copies. Surely, he will wear this book out. I have.

Some things don't change. Horses still have four legs. And Tom Ainslie still reigns as the Triple Crown Champion of handicappers. Forget the Beyer speed figure
and pace gurus and go with the fundamentals. You'll also be treated to cogent
and lucid prose, a rarity in racing books. This is The Bible, both Old Testament and
New.

This novel is one of the best of the "Anne" series. The plot moves, the characters are well portrayed, and romance keeps the suspense up and the reader engrossed. It is so wonderful to read something written about the turn of the century that isn't full of the filth of so much of today's fiction.

It doesn't have the charm or enthusiasm of the other books; it is an okay stand-alone, but Anne, Gil, and the 6 Blythe kids are actually background characters, especially Anne and Gilbert! It is okay alone, though.

This book is, in my opinion, one of the very funniest in the series.
Faith Meredith just cracks me up.
I got the whole series for christmas, and I am reading them backwards. I just started Anne's House of Dreams today!

Although this book has little about Anne in it, I think the author was right in focusing on the children. After all, as a mother of 6, I don't think there would be much story to Anne. Obviously her life at this point, even with Susan's help, consisted of working in her home and for her family. This was still during a time when there were few machines to make tasks easier, and the work never ended. All through the book she is there for her children as she was in Anne of Ingleside, but now the story is theirs and that of their friends. She was able to move the story of Anne along while bringing in new characters and fresh storylines. Because of the devices she used, she was able to make the 8th book as interesting as the first one. The author was also possibly employing the same strategies advertisers employ today to sell their wares. She could have been using Anne's name to sell more books. Whatever, it's still a delightful read!

I was disappointed with the previous segment of the series, so I was not expecting much from Rainbow Valley. Indeed, I put off reading it for a year. I'm sorry now that I did so.

Montgomery returns to the magic and lyricism of the beginning of the Green Gable series. But she does it by leaving Anne. There is only a little about Anne's family, and hardly anything about Anne herself in this book. It is mostly about another family, that of John Meredith, the minister, a widower. By telling the story of this family, and an orphan they befriend, we see some angst in life, some troubles. Which was exactly the problem with the story of Anne's family. She went through many troubles as a girl, but as a mature mother, she had everything perfect. The family was perfect. The marriage was perfect. And it was all quite boring. This is why they don't write about perfect people in the adventure stories that Anne loves. But the Merediths do not have a perfect life, and the troubles they experience, and how they attempt to resolve them, create spice.

These are very believable characters created by Montgomery, and a believable small town focused continually on gossip. It is one of the rare books that does not portray a minister and his family as evil, nor as perfect, but simply as real- perhaps because the book was written in 1919. How the children of the family respond to an emotionally absent father is intriguing, and Faith Meredith's actions the most interesting of them all. I read this on the train from Casablanca to Tangier, and the Moroccans in the train car with me gave me many strange looks as I could not stop laughing uproariously at Faith's actions, nor explain to them what was so amazingly funny.

Some of the stuff is a little too huggy feely for me, but if you work through that stuff, there's a lot of EXCELLENT information in this book about tracking. This book will make you a better outdoorsman. All you've got to do is read and practice.

This book is a must buy for all "Brownies" who have attended his Standard classes and had as much a hard time as I did taking notes. I went to his school in early March and my pens kept freezing up. There was Tom, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, never even shivering! This book will help complete any notes you might have missed. For new readers, this gives a good insight into just how good Tom is at what he does. Tom is the master. There is no one anywhere like him.

This is a great book on three levels. 1. On the practical level it will make you a better tracker because of its simplicity and organization. 2. On the scientific level it will help you analyze and synthezise tracks because of its system for measurement and classification. 3. On the metaphorical level it will help you connect the search for the unseen in tracking to the search for the unseen in your psyche, spirit or soul. It is rare to find a manual that moves from the worldly or practical to the religious or spiritual. Buy it you'll learn and live better for it. Roberto

there is a good summary of basic pressure points and many of the important complicated ones. If you are at a point in your tracking studies when you are ready to start working beyond basic animal signs to reading track movement, this is a good guide. But you might not need it for long, because all of its exercises are carried out in a tracking box with relative ease. It is very hard to teach this stuff to yourself, as I am finding, so find yourself a teacher to set you on your way. Or go to Tom Brown's tracking school for more detailed instruction. If you want to be inspired and drawn into tracking for life, read The Tracker first, then read his other books. A lot of stuff is repeated amongst all of his books, so don't buy them unless you really need them. This is the only book with really concrete tracking instruction, which is why I bought it. Kind of sad really, I wish he would write more books about this and less about old man stories.

Brown's revelation of pressure releases is nothing new. Any tracker worth his or her salt knows Brown's new revelation is just common sense. Trackers have been using this technique for centuries. Brown's "adventures" with grandfather are fiction. Brown is a charlatan who couldn't track a muddy-footed elephant down a dry sidewalk.

This book takes a sane, low-key approach to triathloning. The author did his first one when he was about 45. Very well written, with detailed training plans and lots of interesting anecdotes. HIGHLY recommended

If you've been wanting to get into triathlon, but you don't know where to start, this book is full of programs for you to get started on.

I love this book because it gives you a normal everyday mojo's perspective on triathlons and duathlons. I recommend it to anyone who is a beginner.

I didn't realize how out of date this book was, or I would not have bought it. The book makes 80s-era references when it comes to diet, nutrition, and other books about fitness. He suggests that you'd better plan to spend a whole $45 dollars on a good pair of running shoes!

The author is readable, and his personal experiences are somewhat interesting. But although he is an M.D., there seems to be no scientific basis for his recommendations - it is all based on his personal experience.

NOTE: This review applies to the FIRST EDITION. I just found out there is a Second Edition. I will oder and review it forthwith.

I rated this book 4 stars because it is an old 5 star book.

First, this book is for rank beginners. If you say, "Gee, I want to try this cross-training thing called a triathlon . . .um, where do I start?", then this is the book for you.

Second, the book IS DATED. It was originally written in 1984 and updated in 1996. A lot has happened since then; distances have been standardized, new equipment and techniqes have evolved, advances in nutrition and kinesiology.

Now, my reivew.

This is a marvelous book in a lot of ways. If you have no clue how to get started, this book will help you a lot. Unlike some of the reviewers here, and as stated by the author, this is TRIATHLONING FOR ORDINDARY MORTALS. Dr. Jonas lays out a program of exercise that rank amatuers can accomplish. He presents this information in a way that you can directly apply without a coach. The object of the book, as stated on page 23:

"This book is for you if you an average recreational endurance athlete of modest ability who would like to do a triathlon of modest proportions [Olympic]. It is also for you if you are not yet 'average recreational endurance athlete of modest ability' but would like to become one, with the goal in mind of doing a triathlon of modest proportions'" . . .This book is not for you if your ambition is to do an 'Ironman' triathlon."

Phase One is a three month prelude to developing an aerobic base, to get you used to exercising. Phase Two is a six month program to get you sufficiently fit to train for a triathlon. Phase Three is a three month program to COMPLETE a triathlon.

The nutrition and equipment discussion in the book are dated. However, the advice he offers, such as going to a specialty shoe store to get fitted, is not.

As to counting minutes vs miles, in one of the previous reviews, the BEST way for an amateur to build thier aerobic capacity is over time. Miles work best for people who are already there and have advanced beyond what this book may teach. You need to practice technique and intervals and that is beyond this book. I reccommend the 12 week walk/run program offered by the British Columbia sports medicene group a replacement for the run program.

I really enjoyed reading this book 5 years ago and again now. Science and technology have moved on, but sage advice is still golden.

This book is an amazing tool for anyone active in the working world. The advice given in the book is broken down into tips which are easy to read and understand. Since the tips are short, busy professionals will find this book easy to pick up when they have time to read. In even a short amount of time, you'll be able to read at least a few tips. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in management or who works with other employees closely. You'll find advice here that will save you a lot of trouble later.

A comprehensive compendium of 1042 tips belonging on every committed communicator's reference shelf. Whether a neophyte or accomplished communicator, you will find a useful tip or reminder, each time you open this book.

While this book has a business focus, there are many techniques shown that can be used in all facets of life - in the family, with friends, or in organizations and sports teams. It's a huge (1000+) list of tips for various situations. How do you deal with someone who's not pulling their weight? You don't have to be a manager at work - you can have unresponsive kids, friends who take much more than they give, and committee members who are just along for the ride.

All the points are obvious, but in real life we forget, communicate badly, and then make a bad situation worse. This book has the sort of information that someone gives you when they say, "In that situation I always do . . ." and you could hit yourself for not thinking of it at the time. If you read and re-read this book you'll begin to have these ideas when you need them, not afterward.

The tip formula is excellent. Too many books try to put ideas across in ordinary text and become confusing and unclear. Each tip and its supporting text is complete. You won't be left wondering what the author meant.

I teach people to make presentations and there is plenty here I intend to pass along. My order is in for Booher's forthcoming "Speak With Confidence," because if it's even half as good as this book, it will be invaluable.

One last thought. Think about the times you didn't communicate that well. Think about the stress, the bad relations with other people, and all the negative things that resulted. Now look at the price of this book. Isn't it worth that price just to communicate effectively one time, let alone all the times this book will save the day?

Dianna Booher writes with clarity and detail, and her book is so easy to read. We're all communicating in one way or another, and Dianna's insights are extremely valuable. You also might learn something about yourself as a listener. I highly recommend this book.

This is a thorough and detailed book which covers a wide range of tips that you should find useful and important in enhancing your communication skills. The book covers all the critical aspects of communication including the communication process, the need for effective, active listening, verbal, non-verbal and writing skills, being assertive, effective negotiations, effective public speaking and presentations, among others.

Most of us are poor listeners, as we tend to listen with intent to response rather than to understand what the speaker is really communicating to us. With self-control and discipline, the book gives us tips that we can follow to be effective and active listeners.

This is a self-help that is easy to read and understand and follow. It has a lot of tips and practical advice that should help you change to become a more effective communicator.

There are a couple of ideas in this book, which I would have eventually thought of myself. As a previous reviwer wrote this book is to sell you on the author's mentoring services. This guys are a parasite to cut into your profits. Don't waste your time or money on the book or the author's services.

Not worth the time reading. Get Rich quick ideas. Post signs and take over mortgage payments, lease options, etc

I find it hard to believe that any of these "strategies" would work. Hang up signs, assume mortgages, options... don't waste your time. I have read many books and this is probably the worst. It may offer some motivation, but the majority of these ideas are worthless!

This is one of the best books about building a real estate business I have ever read. If you already have a few income producing properties then this is the book for you. There's a ton of books out there for people that want to start investing in Real Estate, but if you already own properties and want to learn more about building a real estate business that works so you don't have to then this is the book you need. I read the book cover to cover and it is a GREAT value, dollar for dollar you cannot get better information!

This book essentially puts it out to get rich by looking for preforeclosures or distressed mortgages, getting a house on the cheap and having someone else pay for the mortgage. Overall a general good book to read and a must have for the real estate investor's library.

PROS:
1. Describes tried and true rental strategies.
2. Describes flipping strategies.

CONS:
1. Advertisement about other seminars.

OTHER SUGGESTED READING:
1. Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores)
Why? Learn how to buy properties below market value and flip it in a week.

When I qualified to run my first Boston Marathon I was given a copy of this book. I had never been to Boston prior to the race.

I used this book to write my plan on how I should run the race. Each mile the author describes the rich history or the area, runners and insight on how to run the race.

This is a must read for first time Boston Marathon runners!

This book humanized one of the most famous road races in the world. It was a delight to read and thoroughly entertaining.

I bought this book for me and my sister-in-law in 2003 when she and I decided to run the Boston Marathon for the first time. Yes, we were bandits as were around 5000 others who wanted to experience running a marathon in the premier marathon of them all. Because most bandits are not hardcore runners, it's a lifetime achievement that brings a level of pride and emotion that most people rarely experience in their lifetime.

I'm so glad I read this book. I was a lot like the author at the time I read it. I was a treadmill runner of around 3 miles every other day. After seeing the affect the NY Marathon had on a co-worker, I decided to run Boston. Through this book, the shared experience of running a marathon as a sub-amateur runner, and the struggle to put ones body in the shape necessary to run such a long distance with no prior experience was terrific. An added benefit, which made the process of running the race more rewarding, was the connection to the history of the race and events that occur along the way.

The overwhelming majority of running books are written to an audience of experienced runners. Thank you, Mr. Connelly, for writing this book for people like me and the 5000 or so other Boston Marathon bandits.

Never has a book captured the essence of not only running Boston, but mararthoning as 26 Miles to Boston has. The author's account of his run humanizes the event - and puts a face on the Boston Marathon like never before. In my mind any concerns with the runner's running status (non-qualified) are put to rest by the fact that the three greatest runners ever to run the Boston Marathon support the book with personal endorsements in the form of forewords. Also the Boston Athletic Association lends their own quote to the cover of the book further endorsing the author's account of the Boston Marathon. In my mind the Boston Marathon is the greatest race in the world. People come from all over the world to run in this event - some are qualified some are not. What makes it special is the fact that all are provided the opportunity to compete in the "Open" event. The Boston Marathon is not just for "elite" runners, but runners of all levels, nationalities and backgrounds. I love the way 26 Miles to Boston captured the special qualities of the race and intertwined the author's account and the champions' accounts of the race. I would recommend this book to all runners, marathoners and fans of the Boston Marathon, the elite and non-elite alike.

The author ran the race as a "bandit", a fact that you don't discover until you buy the book (it is not stated anywhere on the book cover, reviews, etc.) In fact, Amazon states: "About the Author ...MICHAEL CONNELLY competed in the 1996 Boston marathon." This is simply a false statement. Legitimately qualifying for Boston is an integral part of competing, and the author did not do that. He did not "compete" in the Boston marathon any more than I "competed" in the U.S. Open by playing golf as a tourist at Pebble Beach (a frequent U.S. Open site). This taints the entire book and made me (as someone who has legitimately qualified for Boston) feel cheated (I am going to request a refund from Amazon on the basis of false advertising).

Now, I recognize that the BAA has more or less allowed bandits to run the course over the years. As such, it might not have been that bad if the author had simply stated something along the following lines: he respects the talent and effort it takes to qualify and he recognizes that, since he has not done so, his participation is not the same as a legitimate qualifier, but he is nevertheless giving his experiences as a first time marathoner, not as someone who has properly trained and qualified for Boston. But, the author makes no such statement.

In fact, the author berates Marty Liquori for suggesting that bandits should not be allowed to run. Here's an excerpt from the book (p. 43):

"Listen Marty, you're our guest. So mind your manners, pick up your check, and watch the race. When I cross that finish line some twenty-six miles down the road, not with a number but with the storied history of the Boston Marathon in my blood, then I will consider myself qualified! (By the way, Marty, a little fun fact for you: You and I are tied with the same number of Boston Marathon championships.)"

Give me a break. This statement is not only completely obnoxious, it also embarrasingly demonstrates a complete ignorance of running, as Marty Liquori was a middle distance runner (and an outstanding one at that), not a marathoner. Here's fun fact for Michael: your claimed time of 4:30 (p. 237) was more than an hour slower that the qualifying standard for your age. (I guess, by Michael's logic, when I completed the 18th hole at Pebble Beach, I qualified for the U.S. Open.) If there was any doubt before, that should be enough for anyone to reject the book.

But wait, it gets even worse. After completing the course, the author states the following (p. 261):

"I had arrived home safe and sound. Twenty-four hours before, I had walked out of that door a different man. Now I was the proud owner of a Boston Marathon medal and all the physical and mental benefits that come with it."

That is a flat out lie (or the author is delusional), as everyone knows that only legitimate qualifiers (who finish) are given medals, and again is highly insulting to all legitimate qualifiers/finishers.

If anyone is still considering buying the book, there is one other thing that you should be aware of. A good part of the author's description of his "experience" in running the course involves describing how he faced excruciating pain and/or a nearly overwhelming urge to quit at numerous points in the race, but someone he managed to overcome those and keep going to the finish, and how he was suffering after the finish (e.g., "As I walked down the street, with two mylar blankers taped around me like capes, a well meaning girl offered me a PowerBar. I fel like saying 'I don't need a PowerBar. I need to be read my last rites!'")

First of all, after a while, this stuff just becomes constant whining. More importantly, all of this "pain and suffering" was likely due to insufficient training on the part of the author. Apparently, up to six months before the race, he had done essentially no running and not a whole lot of exercise of any type (p. 7). Then, in late October 1995, he had heart surgery and apparently nearly died (p. 11). He then starting limited training in about mid-November (p. 12). Plus, the winter in New England was particular severe that year (p. 43). How could he have possibly done the proper amount of training to run Boston in April 1996? It appears that the author simply had no business running the course and, thereby, "suffered" more than a properly trained runner. Yet, he never admits to his lack of proper training. (Note: he claims to have run 4:30, but he provides no evidence to support that claim.)

Again, this ties back to his being a bandit. As a bandit who had not properly trained, his "experience" is simply not representative of the experience of a properly trained, legitimate qualifier.

You wouldn't buy a book about running by Rosie Ruiz. Don't buy this one either.