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Customer Reviews:

• OMG! I truly believe I can run the marathon now.
  I LOVED this book! It was so funny and so real. She let us know how she really felt throughout the entire book. When it hurt, we knew. When it was getting better, we knew. Running the marathon is no easy task however if we pace ourselves, listen to our bodies and be real with our outcomes, we can really do it.
  
  Good luck....more info
• I loved the book!
  Let's face it, I am not a runner either. As I get older I find that there are many people in my life that have a goal to finish a marathon. It is not my goal, but I would love to be inspired to at least try. I read this book in one sitting! I couldn't believe it. I sat down and started reading and couldn't put it down. It was hysterical. It brought up points about running and preparation that I never thought of. I really liked how the author mentioned that it doesn't matter what you look like when you run or how fast or slow you run, it is a personal attempt at completing a marathon...or completing anything else in life. I think that the subject was discussed excellent and I really feel that the information can be used in many other parts of life. I still don't know if I have the undying desire to run a marathon, but I enjoyed the book!!...more info
• Never thought I could laugh so hard
  Honest to God... I bought this book at 9:08 AM, got home and started reading at 10:00 AM, and with a break for lunch and dinner, I read the whole thing by 11:30 PM. I couldn't put it down!
  
  I've had just more than two months of running under my belt and always knew I'd run a marathon so I grabbed this book because the cover and the title had "beginner" written all over it.
  
  Dawn Dais had me falling out of my chair. Laughing out loud!
  
  Now, this book isn't going to get you to the starting line of any marathon. It doesn't have the guts of what goes behind training for such an event, but she sure does get you wanting to find out more. As painful as her last thirteen miles of her race were, she still manages to get you wanting to move.
  
  Dawn, you did a great, great thing in writing this book, and I will look for your name in the future.
  
  I am hoping you'll rise to the EcoChallenge challenge... I'll reserve the book if I know it's coming.
  
  Good job, soldier! Good job!
  
  ;-)
  ...more info
• FREAKING hillarious!!!
  Almost couldn't put it down to go for my run!! Dawn is freaking hillarious! AND the book DID motivate me! Her schedule was way too aggressive for me - I'll take it slower, and I'm only going for a 1/2 marathon. But I laughed out loud frequently while reading this book. And although the mention of Elk Grove was my first clue, it quickly became obvious to me that she was describing McKinley park (LOVE the dog obedience school story!), the American River Parkway trail, and other points in Sacramento, where I also live. Made it that much more special. I'm buying a copy for both of my sisters, who are full marathon achievers, and with whom I, a non-runner, am going to run a 1/2 marathon in July. THANK YOU DAWN! YOU ROCKED IT!!...more info
• New runner who signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon!
  I LOVE this book! Seriously! I am a new runner and in exactly the same place as Dawn when she started running. I recently signed up for a half-marathon and am thrilled, nervous, and shocked! I think her book is realistic and offers great advice. The best part is, she has a wonderful sense of humor. If you are a new runner and considering doing a half (or full) marathon... this is a great book!...more info
• Her humor helped get me running out the door!
  I purchased this book just a few weeks ago and within a week had read it from cover to cover. The humor Dawn Dais had to get her own butt off the couch inspired me to do so as well. I have been running off/on for months now, but began to feel "alone" in my journey. While reading her story, I decided to look for a running group and found a local one (that meets just a few blocks from my home!).
  
  While running I would recount tales from her journey and laugh hysterically. It literally helped me finish the last mile on my 6.2 trek this past weekend. She's not an expert--and doesn't claim to be. I won't be following her "tortilla chip and cheese" diet plan--but that isn't what the book is about. It's a humorous tale for those struggling in their own journey.
  
  I will say she has inspired me to think about running a marathon this year. I am going to a meeting later this month for more information. I am sure that if I DO decide to sign up, I will have to reread this story MANY more times to help me get through it all!...more info
• A wonderful read and great for moral support
  I picked up The (Non)Runner's Marathon Guide for Women last month after finishing Claire Kowalchik's book about running for women (you can read the review here). I wanted a running book with which I could better relate. I'm a super slow runner and didn't even make it onto any of the charts in Kowalchik's book, which was a little defeating for me. So when I read about Dais' book, which tracks her struggle through training for a marathon, while also giving great tips for people who have never really run before, or haven't run much at least.
  
  I loved this book because I related so well with the things Dais talked about. She talked about feeling discouraged because every time she went out for a run she would end up right back where she started. She also describes her first trip to the running store where she learned about the importance of shoe fit, spandex and bodyglide (which I had never heard of until reading this book). She includes some great stretches, as well as a 20-week training schedule for both a marathon and a half marathon. She also leaves space for journaling, and for answering questions she poses, such as "Why are you running this marathon?" and "What was life like before you began training and after"?
  
  An example before and after from her book:
  
  Vitamins
  Before: Do the rainbow of fruit flavors in Skittles count?
  After: Pills the size of marshmallows washed down with one of my thirty-two gallons of water.
  
  For me, the best part of this book were the personal journal entries from when Dais was training for her own marathon. Dais' perspective is so true to how I think most new runners feel that it's hard not to laugh out loud (I couldn't read this book in public because I kept snorting at her writing). Here's a sample:
  
  "This weekend my little calendar o' runnin' said that I had to run sixteen miles. Is it me or is this number just getting ridiculous? Sixteen miles. What possible reason could one ever have for running sixteen miles? After about Mile 10, just call a cab and save yourself a lot of effort. Hell, call me. I'll give you a lift. Believe me, it's just not worth it. One fun fact about sixteen miles - that's about how far away hell is. I know you'd think it'd be farther away, at least as far as Fresno. But you'd be wrong. Actually, I think I hit hell around mile 14, so it's an even shorter trip."
  
  If you're new to running, or even if you've been running a long time, I highly suggest picking up Dais' book because it'll remind you of what it was like when you started and why you run. It'll also remind you that you're not the only one who suffers for running. If you are training for a marathon though, I suggest picking up some other books as well. Dais' book is great for moral support, but I think there are some others out there that would add a little more technical support, unless of course you have your own personal trainer.
  ...more info
• Great inspiration, a bit overboard on the training...
  Like many of the reviewers here, I loved reading the book. Dawn's writing style reminds me a bit of a cross between Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry with a healthy dose of Young Woman thrown in. My sister recommened this book to me because she was convinced that either I wrote it (though there is no way I'll run a marathon; I'll follow along on a bike if needed), or that the writer knows me because the attitude of the writer is similar (a rare complement from my sister, since I liked the book).
  
  First, though, unless you are blessed to live within an urban/suburban area complete with running trails, parks, running clubs, stores with Shoe People that actually know what kind of shoe is needed for a suppinator versus an overpronator, several hours a week you can devote to running and not, oh, let's say, cleaning a house and work, a few friends who are already runners and a couple of coaches thrown in, then you can pretty much ignore all that advice (y'know, running trails, running stores/friends/coaches, etc), and just focus on the humor and inspiration that seems to permeate the book.
  
  IMHO, much more than training schedules (for goodness sakes, I plan to train 4 months for a little bitty 5K, not a flippin' marathon, so I think that her training schedule was a little bit on the insane side), are Dawn's insights, observations, common sense advice (Advil and bags of peas, plus a great running bra), and sense of humor make this book readable and REAL. Running ain't pretty. It's sweat and your heart trying to pound it's way out of your chest, and GU (frankly, I preferred the mushed bananas) and sore body parts that haven't been used in decades and toned legs and the ability to eat carbs - though gee, think there's a hint there as to why she wasn't able to lose any weight?.
  
  I love how she points out her own motivation to run a marathon, her own personal growth as she manages to surprise those who know her by not quitting, and her words to the reader that there will awful days as well as good ones, that make this more of an inspirational/motivational book rather than a training one.
  
  I am re-starting to run/jog/hobble after literally running away from running over 15 years ago, and very quickly just substituted the term '5K' for 'marathon' in the book, and well, it works for me. I don't know if I'll ever be insane enough to run a marathon, but at least I can try to find the humor in it all as I ice my poor knees... ...more info
• great motivational book
  great book for all of us "non-runners" who know we can do whatever we set our mind to.......more info
• The Non-Runner's Guide for women
  This book put some humor into beginning a running regime when all you want to do is crawl back to the sofa. Though repetitive at times, this book is quite motivating for those of us who are frustrated by a slow pace, and a lack of confidence. ...more info
• Too whiny
  I was EXPECTING a guide that would give me training, nutritional, and motivational advice for running a marathon aimed at women. What I GOT was a novice's 200+ page account of how she barely got through a marathon. And there is no lack of whining and complaining on her part. Instead of inspiring me to run, she just made me want to smack her upside the head and say "shut up already". If that weren't bad enough, I've read enough publications from experienced runners to know that the little amount of advice she does give is misguided....more info
• Fantastic Realistic Hilariously Inspirational!
  Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this! ...more info
• Witty and Inspiring
  Enjoy the wit and be motivated by the inspiration in this training manual. You'll learn how to set new personal goals you'll be sure to attain....more info
• Must-Have for Any New Runner
  Dawn Dais is hilarious! Get this book if you are even considering taking up running or starting a training routine for any length of race. It is more of a light read than a manual, but at the same time I find myself referring back to specific things in the book. ...more info
• I bought this book but didn't mean to
  I bought this book by mistake. Yes, that's right... by mistake. That said, it was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed. So it was divine intervention!
  
  My husband had to sit and listen to excerpts while I wiped tears away from my face from laughter as I read this book.
  
  I am in NO shape to run a marathon any time soon.. however.. I have now made steps for my first 5K. I am motivated and inspired by Dawn's witty writing. It has gotten me up off my rear and into getting into shape!
  
  ...more info
• OK! I am on my way to 26.2 and it is all Dawn's fault
  As usual I came up with a great idea... I will run a marathon! This latest idea was met with the usual roll of the eyes and "just letter have her little dream" attitude. I started looking for information on running and came across this book. I headed on down to the bookstore (because wild ideas and inpatients are some of my most charming qualities) and I couldn't wait to have it shipped. I had to have it NOW! I read it cover to cover and about 80% out loud to the whole family. We were all cracking up and it has motivated me to get off my A double snakes and really do this. Now... I have run in the past... but not the last 5 years so we will see how it goes but this book is a true inspiration and a joy to read... even if you're not going to try something insane like run for 26.2 miles. READ IT READ IT READ IT... Aloha and see you on December 14th at the finish line... Hopefully not on a stretcher!...more info
• Humor in Running Shoes
  If you're like me and the mere thought of running makes your legs cramp up and the idea of eating power bars for "power" rather than for some potential sugar rush since it's manufactured by Snickers, you'll love this book. Dawn is candid and humorous from page one to the end. She is practical with tips like "buy your own body glide b/c sharing with someone that just lubed up is revolting" and "make sure you have something to run for more than just a banana split at the end of the run" were fun and inspiring. Thanks to this book I'm actually going to run/walk the Avon Walk for a Cure in October. This was a wonderful starting point for a sugar addict, couch-potato like me....more info
• A Terrific Book for Runners
  Dawn Dais would make a fine running partner. She has the two most important qualities I look for in a running partner: she's slower than I am, and funnier. It's nice to run with someone who makes you feel fast, and nicer still to run with someone who can help you forget the pain of running by making you laugh. Dawn Dais is that rare person who can do both. She is also smart, insightful, and realistic about running a marathon.
  
  I used to coach marathon runners and I wish I could have given my runners a copy of Dawn's book. I disagree with her that this book is just for women, and her view on running shorts doesn't quite cover the subject. But if you're serious about running a marathon; the Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women is a seriously funny book that will prepare you for the best and the worst of running....more info
• One of the funniest books....
  This book is great. It helps to know that there are runners out there who feel the same way about running as I do and Dawn Dais puts it into such a story that I found myself laughing throught the entire book. I highly recommend it for anyone who has recently started a running program (or for those who are already avid runners) and who would like a good laugh about the everyday trials of running....more info
• if you read it, you will run.
  i can't remember the last time i laughed this hard while reading a book. better yet, i am living proof that this book actually works. the author goes with an "I'm the lowest common denominator" approach to make you feel better about your ability to run (or hobble/crawl/etc.) to the finish line. even after she had made me a regular runner i'd go back for reminders about the good ole (couch potato) days. finally, a book to get you into shape without boring you to tears doing it. ...more info
• SOOOOOO Funny, inspiring and refreshing!
  I thought this book was funny when I saw the cover and title and I was very pleased while reading and didn't want it to end! I am running my first half marathon next Saturday and training for the NYC marathon November 2008 and terrified but after reading this personal account of the endurance, mishaps, and funny journal entries, I am definitely more excited and I dont feel so alone losing my kneecaps!!! ...more info
• Great Read!!
  This is such a good book. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book before this one. It is a really good story with some great tips if you are trying to get started in running....more info
• I thought it was a 5 star until....
  I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
  I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
  Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
  If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
  OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
  For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile.....more info
• Even if you never run, read this book, it's very funny and entertaining
  I read this book based on a friend's endorsement. Why I would want to read a book about running for women was beyond me, but it is very funny and well-written. Dawn has a biting wit and amazing self-effacing sense of humor that you can relate to (who REALLY WANTS to get up at 5 AM to train, especially in today's comfort zone of TIVO). If you are looking for motivation or a different perspective, buy this book. Even if you never wind up running, your stomach muscles will get the best workout they've gotten in years from all of the giggling. ...more info
• Highly Recommended Fun!
  I finished this book the day after it arrived. So funny, so inspiring. This author freely admits that she was committed to laziness and yet finished a marathon. (albeit in pain!) This is truly more of a memoir than a training manual, but it should inspire you to get off your butt! Even if you have no intention of ever running a marathon, this book will convince you to set a goal and accomplish something that seems impossible. A truly enjoyable read....more info
• Running in spite of myself
  I had not run a race in 10 years. This did not bother me at at all. Until about 6 months after I was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition and my doctor uttered the words " Well, you'll probably never run a marathon, but you can still exercise." A few days later I saw Dawn Dais's book The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women in REI, and picked it up. As I started to flip through the pages I knew then that my little Asian doctor was going to be wrong, oh so very wrong.
  
  Dawn Dais's book not only encouraged me to train and finish the 2008 San Diego Rock and Roll marathon, it also just plain made me laugh out loud every step of the way. Too many runners take themselves so seriously it intimidates all the rest of us flailing along the trail. If you love sarcasm and have a gift for laughing at yourself you will love this book. It makes even more sense if you've ever trained for a really long race as an adult, having never really done anything more strenuous than Spanish club in high school. ...more info
• The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women
  The book is a great read. Very inspirational and motivating. I just started my marathon training the first week of April and it was because of this wonderful book. I highly recommend this book for any one who wants to run a marathon....more info