Lounge and Learn books for the patio

A Hundred Reasons to Run 100km
By Margreet Dietz

CreateSpace Publishing, 132 pages

A Hundred Reasons to Run 100km is a funny, inspirational, motivating read that uses the author’s personal experience rather than
sterile advice.

Margreet Dietz is a B.C. writer and experienced endurance athlete currently residing in Squamish. The idea for this book was formed as she prepared for her first 100-kilometre race. She has put into writing what most ultra-runners only think about and attempts to answer the question most runners ask themselves at some point during training or racing: why am I doing this again?

Dietz uses personal experience in both her life as a writer and a runner to drive the point home and, like her, I believe there are many parallels between ultra-running and life. In the book, Dietz asks, “How do you know you’re ready to do something you’ve never done before? The only way to really find out is to try.”
The book is written as a list of 100 reasons, one per page, which could easily be referenced any time you are looking for motivation. The stories have a good mix of humour, motivation, practical tips and facts about the local running community.

While running 100 kilometres may not be on everyone’s bucket list, I would recommend this book to anyone with a passion for running longer distances and anyone interested by the prospect of trying an ultra-marathon. As Dietz writes in reason #15: “Because it’ll renew your love for running.”

— Jessica Glowacki

The Messengers
By Malcolm Anderson

The Experience Publishers, 296 pages

The Messengers is not about running, but about runners and the things they can accomplish. The book aims to inspire, and it quickly gets its message across. More than 100 marathon runners are featured in the book, all of whom have run more than 100 marathons. Anderson calls these runners the Messengers, inspired by ancient Greek traditions (distance runners would deliver messages from city to city) and implying that each runner has a message to deliver.

Though the book has a clear intent, it was somewhat hectic and editing errors made it hard to get into. Featured in less than 300 pages are 120 runners, meaning readers must jump from athlete to athlete without getting to know most of them or learn much from them. More meaningful are the tidbits of information throughout the book and the resourceful introductions to each chapter. That being said, the purpose of the book was obviously fulfilled. Anderson interviewed runners who have been athletes all their lives, runners who started because they were out of shape, runners with injuries, runners with severe disabilities. And each of them has run at least 100 marathons.

This book was written by a runner to inspire others to run long distances. But whether readers are runners or not, the book holds a message for each reader. For Anderson, running represents goal-setting and self-motivation, confidence and self-esteem, all of which are qualities necessary for happy and healthy lives.

— Jessi Stark

Triathlete in Transition
By Ray Fauteux

Self-published, 208 pages

Ray Fauteux is an author with a vision. He himself has made the transition from 14-time Ironman to inspirational author, taking all of his expertise in competing and participating then translating it into another must read book.

Like his three previous books, Fauteux is able to take his knowledge in the sport of triathlon and make it very practical and essential information that is important  to both the newbie and those who have a few races under their belt.

Although Fauteux’s books offer helpful information, the one thing that is clear in all of his written works is that he has a tremendous love of triathlon he wants to share with everybody. This is very evident this time around as well.

The thing I really enjoyed about Triathlete in Transition is the author consulted some of the best experts in the field of triathlon and their contributions cover the full gamut. There are chapters on the importance of Yoga, selecting the right bike and wetsuit and making sure nutrition is considered. Fauteux writes about swim technique and common mistakes we all have made or will make at some point in training and racing.

If you’re having a hard time deciding on a triathlon book that will be give you the information that will get you from start to finish this is the one for you.

— Rose Serpico


May/June 2011 Issue