A review from Mike's bookshelf

You know when you get those coffee-table books at Christmas and you never read them? They are big and they are beautiful, and somebody put a lot of thought into the bargain aisle at B&N!
Not this book!
 

 26.2 : Marathon Stories, by Katherine Switzer & Roger Robinson, was given to me as a gift a few years back, when I first started my evil running habit, and every few weeks since then I've picked it up again, and not just to dust it!

 

The contents of this book read like a candy aisle where each bright package is a delicious sweet for each different days' cravings. Each of the 26.2 chapters focus clearly and succinctly on a different topic of marathon interest from history and legacy to training and treading. The pages are covered in both striking pro photos, as well as classic and personal images. This is by no means a complete reference guide, nor is it self-help or fiction, but if there was a Trivial Persuit, Marathon Edition, this would be the cheat sheet.

 

I love knowledge; I usually say that once I find something I like that I have to research it to death. If you can absorb a great deal of factually presented information on a huge scope of topics, stop reading this page and go get this book!

Possibly the most well presented facts appear in Chapters 7, 20 and 26, the Heroes sections. Here, broken up by year, is a who's who of marathon royalty. Photos, stats and a brief highlight section tell the story of some of the most influential and inspiring marathoners ever to break through the wall.
 

  

The chapter which I always flip to is titled Run the World. Each page features a huge image from some of the most dream-inspiring races across the globe today. From the highest points in the Swiss Alps, to the frozen ground of Antarctica, here you will absolutely discover an adventure which calls to you! Honestly, I have worn-out the bindings on page 140 which features the Safaricom Marathon in Kenya. Taking place right on the Equator in mid-June, this open run through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy features brutal heat, no spectators, wild animals, and a very small field, just the kind of wild run I ache for.
 

So, pick up the book, or put it on a gift registry, or borrow it from your least-favorite sibling and forget to give it back, but whatever you do, do not leave this book on the coffee table!

 

Also, if you have no idea who Katherine Switzer is.....
 

http://kathrineswitzer.com/