What people are saying about the book
 

By the way your book is awesome.  Very inspirational......Loved reading it, thank you.  I almost feel like I must start running.....

Joanne Davidson
Sudbury, Ontario

"I applaud your efforts to donate a portion of the proceeds from the book purchases to the Canadian Athletes Now Fund in support of Canadian Athletes in training. Being Mayor of an innovative and dynamic G8 capital is indeed a rewarding and positive experience. Allow me to wish you every success with your recent publication."

Sincerely,
Larry OBrien,
Mayor of Ottawa

Hi Linda
Before I knew about the book / web site I knew you.  You were the woman in my 10km clinic who got me up THE HILL - you know the one Carling Ave between Preston Street and the Experimental farm ..... that mountain of a hill. I was a very green runner and was taken there.  You met me at the end of hill #2 when I was about to give in - because of you hill #3 was doable and hill #4 was the easiest one of them all --- you managed to flatten the hill for me (how you did that was remarkable) -- you were also the first person who welcomed me back to running after I had to take almost a year off due to injury  - I understood the idea of a running community because of you .... 

So when I heard you were responsible for a book - I was incredibly interested - anyone with such a positive sense of self and community I was determined to support

I was there on Sunday at your book signing and bought a couple of copies
The intent was to put it by my bed and read a story per night .... as this really is a collection of short, readable inspirational stories

I failed - Once I got into the book I could not put it down - and read it cover to cover. 

I think that everyone who runs will find inspiration in at least one story ....
Not all stories in this book are of finish line success or of extreme greatness but they all speak to reason, passion and determination - they speak to everyone who runs - and to anyone who is about to take on a major challenge in life

Now that I have read the book I am reading the web site (I know my approach is backwards)

Your book will stay on my bedside table and in my running bag for those days when I have a bad run and need inspiration, or when I am trying to decide if taking on a challenge is worthwhile ---

I have not run a full marathon yet but it has always been there on the back burner as something I want to do - and now I know why and know that I will be doing it .... when the time is right

But first it will travel - to those who need a lift or a source of inspiration, or who need to remember why they do what they do .....

Canadians are remarkable people --- and this book highlights the little things we do ....

Oh ya my second copy has already been mailed out ...... to someone facing a huge challenge ---- I know it will help them get through it

thanks
Erin, Ottawa, Ontario

FÉLICITATION, LIVRE TRES INSPIRANT

"Canadian Marathon Stories" est un livre inspirant. Il m'a fait découvrir la grande variété d'expériences et d'histoires vécus par différent coureur. Il m'a également redonné le gout de courir.

Normand Fortin, Ottawa, (Dans sa jeunesse, gagnant de médailles dans les 5K&10K atteint de Parkinsons, il marche et cour contre sa maladie)  

"Linda Wagar's selected stories convey the spirit and spark of a new wave of marathon enthusiasts. It is enriching to share in the realization of so many unsuspected capabilities in this most basic of human activities."

~ Ron Wallingford,
author, former Canadian record holder in the 5000m, 3000m steeplechase
and marathon.