Heart and Sole: How 26 Ran A Marathon (And You Can, Too)

Synopsis

Think you don't have what it takes to run a marathon?

Well, think again! Whether you are fast or slow, young or old, thin or pleasantly plump, you can run 26.2 miles. All you need is a little heart and "sole."

This book shares the inspirational stories of 26 men and women who successfully completed their first marathon. Tricia, Bobbi, Anne, Lindsay, Stephan, and others turned their dreams into a reality by losing weight, managing illnesses, juggling crazy schedules, and even scratching items off a "Shit That Scares Me" list. Heart and Sole also includes a wealth of helpful how-tos from author Melinda Hinson Neely, a veteran marathoner and Boston Qualifier. Heart and Sole takes you from start to finish along your marathon journey, so you'll be pumped up to pound out those 26.2 miles.

Dare to go the distance! The experience will change your life.

A well-written and enjoyable book, one that every beginner runner should read.

- Bill Rodgers, Four-time Winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons

Anyone who THINKS they WANT to complete a marathon CAN COMPLETE a marathon....and a book like Heart and Sole is just the type of cheerleading and practical information a person needs to cross off another goal in their life. Once the decision is made to take on the marathon challenge, the only thing left is how painful or joyful the journey will be. Melinda has created a wonderful source of information-and inspiration.

- Lori Otter, First Lady of Idaho

Heart and Sole opens the door for anyone and everyone who has ever thought "I wonder if I can" and leads them along a journey to "I can't wait to do another." The stories shared throughout allow the reader to tap into nearly every emotion, giving the reader the ability to relate on so many levels that you'll want to cry, you'll definitely laugh, and at the end of the day you'll want to lace up your running shoes and get after it! As a runner, cyclist and triathlete, what I really enjoyed was how each story made me think differently about why running just makes me smile.

- Heather Hill, Director of St. Luke's Fitness Celebration

Having managed the City of Trees marathon and half marathon for over a decade now, I agree with what Melinda advocates in her book. Men and women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds can run 26 miles. By nicely sharing the stories of individuals across all walks of life, Heart and Sole proves that anyone can take that leap of faith - and go for it.

- Jeffrey V. Ulmer, City Of Trees Marathon Association Inc. Executive Director and President of BlueCircleSports.com

From choosing a race, to dressing for a race, to training your body and mind for the feat, Hinson Neely has created an entertaining and inspiring guidebook for all who aspire to 'hit the ground running.' The sometimes elusive, and often daunting 26.2 mile distance, no longer feels so far out of reach.

- Andrija Barker, Five-time fastest Idahoan female, 2012 Women's Fitness Celebration (5K) champion, One and only marathon - 2:54, Half-marathon - 1:17