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How to Lose a Marathon

A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters

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About this listen

In How to Lose a Marathon, Joel Cohen takes listeners on a step-by-step journey from being a couch potato to being a couch potato who can finish a marathon. Through a hilarious combination of running tips and narrative, Cohen breaks down the misery that is forcing yourself to run.

From chafing to the best times to run, explaining the phenomenon known as the "Oprah Line", and exposing the torture that is a premarathon expo, Cohen acts as your satirical guide to every aspect of the runner's experience. Offering both real advice and genuine commiseration with runners of all skill levels, How to Lose a Marathon lets you know that even if you believe that the "runner's high" is a complete myth, you can still survive all 26.2 miles of a marathon.

©2017 Joel Cohen (P)2017 Audible, Inc. Running & Jogging Track & Field Sports Witty Funny

Critic reviews

" Simpsons writer Joel H. Cohen shares what he learned as he went from self-described 'chubby middle-aged guy' to marathoner. Narrator Nicholas Techosky delivers the 26.2 chapters (a marathon is 26.2 miles), which in book terms equal 26 chapters and the world's shortest epilogue. Helpful information on running gear such as treadmills, shoes, and apps is covered. Uncommon terms are explained. Colorful descriptions of marathons around the world are inspiring. Techosky's encouraging tone will keep new marathoners motivated, particularly as Cohen promises, 'If I can do it, you can, too.' Quotes - from runners, books, and African proverbs - pepper listeners with other helpful viewpoints. Most satisfying is hearing Cohen take on purists who look down on slow runners. He believes EVERYONE who finishes a marathon is a winner." ( AudioFile Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant
I love the self deprecation in this book. Some people Can pull that off some people can’t.
This didn’t disappoint. Very cheekily written.
Narrator seemed to be spot-on

Laugh out loud

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Outstanding. Hilarious, inspiring, and some great tips. Am now fully motivated for my first marathon. Think will be listening to this again a lot during training.…

Every beginner runner should listen to this

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I was truly captivated by the way the book was presented! It exuded a playful and whimsical atmosphere that transformed reading into a joyous adventure. The vibrant illustrations and engaging layout added to its charm, making the entire experience delightful and inviting.

Very good start point

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I really loved this book 95% of the time. Cohen is funny and relatable in his stories. From the start he's honest that some parts are exaggerated for the book, unlike many which do this at the end and spoil the illusion.
My only issue with the book is Cohen's issue with what he calls "purists". By this he seems to be talking about anyone running less than 3 hours for the marathon. He's pretty rude about them and paints an entirely negative picture of faster runners, adding to the idea of snobbery around running times that I've never seen in 18 years of running, including races, club nights and being a running coach for several years.
A good book ruined by an ending written by someone with a clear inferiority complex.

Good book, unless you're a faster runner

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Tries so hard to be funny it becomes annoying - if you ever wondered why The Simpsons show on TV run itself into the ground, this book may help to explain it.

Lame

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