Rating: 
Summary: Good idea..bad examples
Review: As someone who literally put my blood, sweat and tears into training for my first marathon, I was almost offended by the numerous stories of people who just decided to run, with little or no training. Kind of like not paying your dues. There were several examples in which people downplayed the seriousness of this undertaking. Sure, they paid for it with tough marathons, but that is besides the point. I bought this book to read on the plane on my way to my first marathon. It so discouraged me and trivialized my efforts that I didn't feel like what I was doing was such an accomplishment after all. I ended up leaving the book on the plane and trying to forget about the ease at which some of these people decided to run 26.2 miles.
Rating: 
Summary: An inspirational and fascinating look at marathoning.
Review: First Marathons is a collection of first-person accounts of what it is like to run the marathon -- from the decision to try, through the grueling mental and physical preparations, to the agony and ecstasy of the race itself. It is an inspirational, profound, personal look at the marathon -- and at life. Thirty-seven people hold forth on the subject: not only stars like Bill Rodgers, Johnny Kelley, Grete Waitz, and Ted Corbitt, but also average runners -- young and old, men and women, fat and thin -- from around the country. Their stories are mesmerizing, not only for the feel of running the marathon, but also for the details of the running life: What drives people to engage in this cathartic sport? What glories does it bring? What wounds does it heal? How can running change your life? Beginners and veterans alike will be thrilled to read these accounts. (Especially to note that both Bill Rodgers and John Kelley *dropped out* of their first marathons.) Grete Waitz, on the other hand, set a world record in her first attempt. Other runners escaped heartache, lost weight, or quit smoking in the attempt. All of them found new strength and a new outlook on life and running. The marathon transforms all who encounter it, and this book shows that marvelous transformation in all its varieties. It is a splendid slice of life: of the neverending trials of humanity, and the infinite resources of average people. Fascinating reading for runners and nonrunners alike, First Marathons is a book for anyone who seeks challenge. And if you are thinking of running your first marathon, this is the one book you should not do without!
Rating: 
Summary: Compelling stories, inspiring reading
Review: First Marathons is simply the accounts of many different folks from elite (i.e. professional) runners to talented amateurs to ordinary folks. It seems at first that it would be interesting primarily to serious runners who have or will soon run a marathon. It is that, but surprisingly, it is so much more. This is a book for anyone who wishes to be inspired by quiet heroes and unsung heroics. Why would anyone want to run 26 miles? Here are many answers from many different people. They are moving to read, not because the author is a gifted story-teller, but because the courage, humility, and conviction of her subjects is so clear that it shines through even when the retelling lacks those qualities in itself. Some people set out to run the marathon to change themselves. More don't understand their reasons for embarking on the journey but find that in the training and completion of this epic that they are forever changed. Approximately 1 million Americans have run a marathon. I've run two. It's difficult to explain in a few words why those two painful, arduous days are two of the happiest days of my life. After you read this book, you will begin to understand why. If you are one of the lucky ones who has "been there, done that" the recollections should renew the wonder and pride you felt at your first finish line. If you are one of the people who has ever wondered that you might someday do this crazy thing, beware! This book is more likely to set you off on the training road than all the running "how-to" books you could buy at Amazon.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute MUST READ for every runner
Review: Gail Kislevitz has put together a stellar collection of first marathon stories. I've read other "running stories" books, but "First Marathons" blows them all away. Some stories are moving, others are laugh-out-loud funny, but they're all inspiring in their own unique way. I haven't run a marathon (yet), but every runner can identify with the thoughts and emotions these runners convey in their first marathons attempts. If you run, or have any interest in the sport of running, please read this book. You'll be so glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: An absolute MUST READ for every runner
Review: Gail Kislevitz has put together a stellar collection of first marathon stories. I've read other "running stories" books, but "First Marathons" blows them all away. Some stories are moving, others are laugh-out-loud funny, but they're all inspiring in their own unique way. I haven't run a marathon (yet), but every runner can identify with the thoughts and emotions these runners convey in their first marathons attempts. If you run, or have any interest in the sport of running, please read this book. You'll be so glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome and motivatintg. Don't run a marathon without it.
Review: I am running the NYC Marathon in November 99 and I picked up this book for a little motivation. I read the introduction in the bookstore and started to cry. I loved it. I lost the book during a trip to California. I wasted no time in ordering another copy. I am ready to run now that I shared with all of the poeple who told their story.
Rating:
Summary: Almost makes me want to try it!
Review: I can only read one story every few days or else I start entertaining thoughts of running a marathon! Read one story at night before bed and you're sure to get up and run in the morning. It reminds you of all the good things about running- clearing your head, planning your day, getting away. It temps you with the pride and success you feel when you've accomplished something great- a marathon a hill or a problem in life.
Rating:
Summary: Great motivation!
Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating running a marathon, or even a 10k. If you are out of shape and want to get back into shape, running is a great way to do it. It's not rocket science, just put one foot in front of the other (for miles on end). As someone who fell off the health wagon and is now getting back on, this book is a great motivator. The stories will make you laugh, cry, and you won't be able to put the book down. Read it - you will put on a pair of running shoes after reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Great motivation!
Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating running a marathon, or even a 10k. If you are out of shape and want to get back into shape, running is a great way to do it. It's not rocket science, just put one foot in front of the other (for miles on end). As someone who fell off the health wagon and is now getting back on, this book is a great motivator. The stories will make you laugh, cry, and you won't be able to put the book down. Read it - you will put on a pair of running shoes after reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Want to get motivated to run a marathon? This is the book.
Review: I met Gail Kislevitz via phone over the past year. She interviewed me to be included in this book. Because of that, I got to know how very special this book was as her motivation was to get as many different personal stories out there as possible. She is a very positive and caring person. She portrays that in her style of writing. As being one of the subjects in the book, I can tell you that her content is acurate. This book will hold your attention even if you don't plan on running a marathon. There is valuable information on how people overcome challenges that any one could use in their own life. Oh...yes...she has run the marathon herself. :-)
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