One Tough Mother: Success in Life, Business and Apple Pies

Book Description

When a heart attack claimed Bert Boyle's husband in 1970, the forty-six-year-old housewife and mother of three found herself at the helm of Columbia Sportswear, a small and financially struggling outerwear manufacturer in Portland, Oregon. With no business experience whatsoever, Boyle was faced with the challenge running Columbia, which had been founded in 1937 by her father-a Jewish immigrant who fled Hitler's Germany to come to America. Though many expected Boyle to fail, she and her son Tim persevered, and kept the business afloat through very challenging times. In 1970, Columbia Sportswear boasted forty employees and $800,000 in annual sales. Under the leadership of Gert and Tim Boyle, the company now has more than two thousand employees, annual sales approaching one billion dollars, and is the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. And thanks to a creative advertising campaign that billed her as "one tough mother," Gert Boyle has become an icon in her industry, and she is the first woman ever inducted into the International Sporting Goods Hall of Fame. In ONE TOUGH MOTHER, Boyle presents and honest, open, and often irreverent account of her truly remarkable journey from a childhood in Nazi Germany to fame and fortune in America. Boyle offers insights into succeeding in business and in life, and shares many of the advertisements and strategies that have made her so recognizable. Her story is one that will inspire anyone who dreams of turning a small business into a bigger business, as well as individuals who find themselves facing circumstances beyond their control.

Customer Reviews:

Quick bites of inspiration........2006-05-30

If you're looking for a hard hitting business manual, or even a thorough history of Columbia Sportswear, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a very quick read full of no-nonesense advice, straight talk and a few laughs, then this is for you.

Gert Boyle, from what I read here, is rather straight forward. She won't get all gushy about management approaches, philosophies and the like. Truth is, her manual would read something like this: work hard, use your head and when you aren't smart enough to figure something out, at least be smart enough to find someone else who can. And that's what I found refreshing about this quick entertaining read.

Thank God for this book.......2005-12-02

I was lucky enough to have this book with me on a recent accounting seminar. Thank God for that. It is a very quick read, and does not offer many details about the specific challenges the business faced.

But it is still very inspirational, funny and informative. It is a great book to give as a gift to someone that is feeling a little down or needs more motivation.

I love stories like this because they prove that persistence and sucess go hand in hand.

Great history....but incomplete storytelling.......2005-08-30

The Columbia Sportswear story is one of the most compelling business building stories of our time. However, this books is a totally incomplete treatise. It is well written and somewhat captivating, but way too summarized if you expect to learn anything useful. It is a waste of time to read, although you'll only have to waste 20 minutes to read the entire book.

Outstanding book!.......2005-08-23

What a wonderful treat to read about Gert Boyle's unique life. It's not only about success in business, but it's about triumph, history, the Pacific Northwest, advertising and motherhood. It's a great way to learn how to live a meaningful life!

The best part about this book is that all of Gert's royalties will be donated to CASA and the Special Olympics. It's an all around feel great experience.

One Tough Mother.......2005-08-08

By the time you finish the book, you feel as if you are having a one on one meeting with Gert. It's a fast read -- and even has great illustrations from past advertising campaigns. It feels good to read a book with a happy ending -- and shows that hard work, listening to others, and caring is what it takes to succeed. I too have a business and have gone through hard times. Gert's words made me think I can still pull myself up, dust myself off and get where I want to go. I have purchased 4 additional copies and have already sent them off to business friends of mine.

It's not a Harvard Business School type of book. Some may find it too short and sweet. I found it delicious -- (and I don't mean just the recipe).

The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training

Average customer rating:

Buy this book!
Hysterical Motivational!
Tthe nonrunners marathon guide for women
i can't stop laughing... and then i run!
Very good book, my wife loved it!

The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training
Dawn Dais
Manufacturer: Seal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Running & Jogging | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marathons | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Track & Field | Other Team Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1580052053

Book Description

Dawn Dais hated running. And it didn't like her much, either. Her fitness routine consisted of avoiding the stairs in her own house, because who really has the energy to climb stairs? It was with this exercise philosophy firmly in place that she set off to complete a marathon.
The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women is a fun training manual for women who don't believe that running is their biological destiny but who dream of crossing the finish line nonetheless. It opens with a realistic training schedule and is chock-full of how-to's, quizzes, and funny observations, which Dais felt were lacking in the guides she had consulted.
The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women also integrates entries from Dias' journal, sharing everything would-be marathoners need to know about the gear, the blisters, the early morning workouts, the late-night carb binges, and — most important of all — the amazing rewards.
Anyone can do a marathon. This book just makes the experience a little more bearable and a lot more fun.

Customer Reviews:

Buy this book!.......2007-09-16

If you've ever thought about running, but didn't think you could do it--this is the book for you! Dawn's sense of humor punctuated with the truth motivates you to get off your butt.

Hysterical Motivational!.......2007-08-19

Motivational and hysterical. Dawn Dais does an excellent job of cronicaling a first time runner's adventure with the marathon. If you need extra motivation and a good chuckle, this is a great resource to help pry you out of your recliner and keep you working towards race day.

Tthe nonrunners marathon guide for women.......2007-08-18

Love the book. i run for enjoyment and exercise. now iam going to try to trian for a marathon. right now iam up to 5 6 miles and i keep trying to do more.

i can't stop laughing... and then i run!.......2007-08-01

I'm the epitome of a "Non-runner." That's why this book grabbed my eye.

But seriously, I couldn't stop laughing when I read this book. Dais' sarcastic, dry sense of humor has motivated me to run the half-marathon. I think I've gotten a jump-start on my ab muscles from all the laughter!

This book is a great reference guide for all of your running questions - and with a little chuckle! You gotta love it - especially since you've decided to do something as crazy as running a marathon!

Buy it!

Very good book, my wife loved it!.......2007-07-22

I bought this book as a gift for my wife who's starting now to train for her 1st marathon and she literally read it in one weekend! It is ironic, but also full of interesting comments for beginners.

One Tough Mother: Taking Charge in Life, Business, and Apple Pies

Average customer rating:

One Tough Mother: Taking Charge in Life, Business, and Apple Pies
Gert Boyle , and Kerry Tymchuk
Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Business | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0786719141

Book Description

When a heart attack claimed Gert Boyle's husband in 1970, the forty-six-year-old housewife and mother of three found herself at the helm of Columbia Sportswear, a small outerwear manufacturer in Portland, Oregon, that was struggling financially. With no business experience whatsoever, Boyle was faced with the challenge of running Columbia, which had been founded in 1937 by her father — a Jewish immigrant who had fled Hitler's Germany.

Boyle and her son Tim persevered, turning a company that in 1970 had forty employees and less than $800,000 in annual sales into the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, with more than 2000 employees and over a billion in annual sales. Along the way, thanks in part to a creative marketing campaign that billed her as "one tough mother," Boyle established herself as an industry icon, and the first woman ever inducted into the International Sporting Goods Hall of Fame.

One Tough Mother presents an honest and often irreverent account of Boyle's journey from a childhood in Nazi Germany to incredible success in America. She offers insights into succeeding in business and in life, and shares many of the advertisements and strategies that have made her so recognizable.

Feeling Naked on the First Tee: An Essential Guide for New Women Golfers

Average customer rating:

What an awesome tool!
Very helpful first golf book
New golfer age 65--ITS MY BIBLE
Thank you Ann Kelly!!
Very funny

Feeling Naked on the First Tee: An Essential Guide for New Women Golfers
Ann Kelly
Manufacturer: GA Kelly Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Golf | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0968628907

Book Description

Finally, a book that will boost the confidence of the new woman golfer, written by someone who knows how it feels! Packed with valuable information, helpful hints and clever illustrations, Feeling Naked on the First Tee explains parts of the game that other golf books don't talk about, in the language the beginner can understand. With this essential guide in hand, there's no need to feel self-conscious or intimidated on the golf course again!

Customer Reviews:

What an awesome tool!.......2007-10-02

Living in the desert southwest, I am constantly running into avid golfers. I am a busy mom of three young children and embarrassingly, I have never had time to learn the game of golf. Feeling Naked on the 1st Tee has totally given me everything I need to know and quick! Now I can get out there and look like a pro. How exciting! Thank you for this awesome tool!!

Very helpful first golf book.......2007-08-29

a handy little book with just the right approach for me, a woman without a lot of sports experience who has decided to take up what is probably one of the most challenging sports - really gave me the 'quick and dirty' on what to look for in equipment, the basic rules, the layout of a hole - and did it all with a sense of humor - highly recommend

New golfer age 65--ITS MY BIBLE.......2007-08-22

Got this as a gift-it was interesting--but as I started with lessons it became "MY BIBLE "-it cuts to the chase and simplifies the facts-what this book tells you certainly does help you to feel more informed on what you Need to know and what other golfers EXPECT you to know---I walk with more confidence about the course even though my striking of the ball is sometimes lacking--but with having this confidence I know my ball strokes will become better and better!!!!-hope to be a good golfer!!!!!
Thanks Ann Kelly--for having loved the game so much that you wanted to share it with others by easing those Jitters that even you must have once had

Thank you Ann Kelly!!.......2007-08-20

This is the perfect book for my wife who is just about to start playing golf. It will help anyone get over the intimidation factor that all golfers have felt. A very pleasant read and most informative.

Very funny.......2006-10-16

Just got this as a gift and it was great. It's a quick read, so just pick it up and enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Excellent resource on treating and preventing injuries...
Johnson is "magic"!
Review of, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff"
So far, so good

Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff
Jim Johnson
Manufacturer: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Injuries & Rehabilitation | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Osteopathy | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Chiropractic | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Pain Management | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1598582062

Book Description

Based entirely on research from peer-reviewed journals and randomized controlled trials, Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is a complete program to prevent and rehabilitate rotator cuff injuries for athletes and non-athletes alike. In less than 100 pages, readers will learn precisely how the rotator cuff works, what can go wrong with it, and then are guided step-by-step through an evidence-based program that takes just minutes a week to complete. Drawing from the latest rotator cuff research, Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is especially useful for those who have been diagnosed with either a partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear, experience shoulder pain, do upper body weight lifting, play a sport or have a job that involves repeated arm motions above shoulder level, have been diagnosed with "impingement syndrome," or for anyone simply wanting a healthy and properly functioning rotator cuff.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource on treating and preventing injuries..........2007-09-06

This is a great book that concisely explains the anatomy and physiology of the rotator cuff including the bones, muscles, biomechanics, etc. in just enough detail for the average person to understand. It also describes how to distinguish between different types of injuries, how to approach rehabilitating them and collects a lot of rotator cuff injuries in one small volume. While the book is rather expensive for its size, it packs a lot of well-explained information into a small space.

I'm an ex-physiology teaching fellow and scientist. I thought this book was great and turned something that is often difficult to explain into something anyone who can read can understand. The diagrams are good and the book contains no unnecessary detail.

I also agree with other reviewers that while Jim Johnson isn't an expert on rotator cuffs, his book is thoroughly researched and he does have a PT credential and has undoubtedly had 15 years of clinical experience in a teaching hospital environment. This suggests he has a very good nuts and bolts understanding and hands-on experience.

Johnson is "magic"!.......2007-07-09

This is the second book of Jim Johnson's that I have bought. The first one fixed my back pains with a simple exercise to strengthen the Multifidus muscles.

The exercises in this book has significantly reduced pain and increased mobility in my left shoulder, allowing me to sleep through the night and lift my arm over my shoulder.

Review of, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff".......2007-06-13

I ordered this book for my brother-in-law who has experienced shoulder pain and not being able to lift his arm higher than shoulder level due to a rotator cuff injury he received in the past. I recommended it to him because of the wonderful results I got using the information in this book to treat my own right shoulder pain.

Having previously read, Jim Johnson's, The Sixty-Second Motivator, and finding it very helpful, I can tell you that I certainly had the motivation to try and stick with an exercise that would relieve my painful and restricting condition. And it sounded to me like my brother-in-law was in the same boat.

I used the Sidelying External Rotation exercise on page 55 of the rotator cuff book and got great results. The first time I tried it I could only manage to raise a 20 ounce can of pineapple about half way up less than ten times. I found the detailed instruction, precautions and notes particularly helpful and feel that carefully following them was why I experienced the gradual recovery. My wife sat beside me making sure I did the exercise slowly and exactly as the book states. After about four weeks I actually worked up to fully raising the can of pineapple 20 times. Later on I increased the weight little by little and began to feel good enough to resume some of the more physically demanding activities on our small farm.

Last week I was actually able to assist with harvesting our hay and didn't suffer during or afterward from any of the shoulder pain or stiffness that I had previously experienced many times. Yes, I was careful about what I did and how I worked, but for me to even attempt to try stacking a 60 pound bale of hay was completely out of the question a few months ago. I went from shoulder pain that caused me sleepless nites and not being able to lift my right arm any higher than shoulder level, to what I consider a darned good day's work.

This book is a real bargain and indeed I consider it invaluable when I think about how it helped me. And as you can see, I heartily recommend it.

So far, so good.......2007-05-11

Just as the book promised, I had a eureka! moment the other day. I bought this book because I have been having unidentified rotator cuff problems for years (I was a baseball and now am an avid softball player). Because everyone talks about rotator cuff tears, I assumed that's what my problem was. After reading Johnson's book, I was surprised and pleased to discover that my problem was most likely simply an impingement, and that no matter what your unspecified problem it is, it is likely to improve from his exercises (he cites the studies that prove this claim). Prior to starting his exercises, it was painful to soap up in the shower, sleep or do anything where I had to reach my back. Now, after just a month of the stretches and strengthening exercises I realized all of a sudden the other day (eureka!) that I have no pain in my shoulders! My range of motion is not where it should be yet in one shoulder, but it's improving. I still have a ways to go, but I'm encouraged by my progress so far.

Johnson's book is written to help people with all severity of rotator cuff problems. Anywhere from being unable to lift an arm overhead to near full utility of the joint. He also gives you measurements by which you can judge your flexibility, which is also nice to help you figure out what "normal" is.

I suppose the question still remains: why don't you just go to a doctor, idiot? I suppose the real answer is the inconvenience of going, the cost, and primarily, just that I'm a DIYer type my nature, and like to fix things on my own when I can.

The only reason I didn't go to 5 stars was because I got the impression from the book that Johnson is really just a guy (in the field) who reviewed some studies and came up with a program. Now, that's a great way to go about things, but I would not call him an *expert* on rotator cuffs. On the plus side, that does make him very easy to understand, as opposed to some of the surgeons out there who have written on the subject.

Average customer rating:

Full of information on every aspect of running. A Must!
Women are different than men!
Great book for beginners and well-taylored to women
Excellent choice!
The best yet

The Complete Book Of Running For Women
Claire Kowalchik
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Women in Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0671017039

Book Description

More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- for
stress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women's
bodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard and
with the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns.
Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women who

experience the pure joy of running, or want to.

It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn:

How to get started and stay motivated
What to eat for optimal nutrition
How to run during pregnancy and after menopause
Why running is the most effective form of exercise
How to prevent and treat injury
What to wear -- from sports bras to running shoes
How to prepare for everything from a 5K to a marathon

Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.

Customer Reviews:

Full of information on every aspect of running. A Must!.......2007-09-28

I have been running for about a year now but was getting discouraged so I picked this up at the library. It is an easy read and answers every question possible that you would have. This is a great reference guide, it gives information on how to buy shoes, strength building techniques, stretching exercises, to where various types of marathons are held as well as how to train for each level and type of marathon. I'm 38 and not sure if I really anticipate doing anything more than a 5K but I learned a ton through this book. I wish I would've had this a year ago.

Women are different than men!.......2007-05-19

This book helped me understand volumes about myself. Who knew really how different our running needs are!

Great book for beginners and well-taylored to women.......2007-04-18

This book is exceptional. An easy read and gives you everything you'd ever think you'd need to know (and more) about running for a beginner woman runner. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and after completing it, I felt 200% more prepared to actually start training for lightly competitive races and a further developing racing hobby/career.

Excellent choice!.......2007-03-23

This book is really amazing I just do not know where to start, so I will make long story short.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a beginner, is already a runner, jogger or wants to improve thier fitness level, loose weight or do a marathon. I have never received such precise information all summed up it gives you great advice on:

How the body functions, while running
How to improve your technics depending what goal you would like to achieve,
Why you should wear certain clothes in order to feel comfortable while running
All the advantages and disadvantes of certain technis etc.
What nutrition you should eat in order to keep you level and so on

And by reading all of this it makes more sense to me why I did not achieve certain goals and how to stay motivated to reach certain goals!

The best yet.......2007-03-14

I have bought many running books since I began running a year ago. I would have saved myself alot if I had ordered this one first. It is informative and balanced. I especially enjoyed the information on nutrition. Get this book first and save your money for a good pair of running shoes

The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance, the Unlikely Architect of the Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever

Average customer rating:

A Fascinating Journey Inside the Life of the Man Who Watched
Would recommend it more for a player than a coach
Parts are excellent; skim the over-the-top parts
Be a Better Leader
The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance

The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance, the Unlikely Architect of the Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever
Tim Crothers
Manufacturer: Sports Media Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

Soccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Coaching | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 158726434X

Book Description

Former Sports Illustrated senior writer Tim Crothers took a year off to write a book; that year became a five-year odyssey chronicling one of the most successful coaches in the history of sports. The Man Watching reveals, for the first time, the story of the man, Anson Dorrance, who built the University of North Carolina soccer program that Sports Illustrated hailed in 2003 as "The Greatest College Sports Dynasty Ever." Dorrance, in 2004, was named one of the top 25 coaches of the past 25 years by an expert panel at ESPN.

Customer Reviews:

A Fascinating Journey Inside the Life of the Man Who Watched.......2007-09-27

I've been a college coach my entire life working with male and female athletes at the Division One level. Over a 30 year career I've read many many books on leadership, motivation, management and relationship building. Walk into any book store- there's thousands of them.
This book stands apart in my mind as one of the best simply because it takes you inside the UNC program that Dorrance built and shares his thoughts, observations, beliefs and practices. What is so powerful about the man and the story is the simple things he values most and how he reinforces them over and over within his teams daily regimen.
If you coach college sports at any level, this is a valuable read. If you coach female athletes at any level, especially high school or collegiate, this is a must read.
No two people ever think alike and Anson's style is unique to him. But the lessons that any leader can take from this book will be well worth the time spent. There are certain universal truths that all coaches have to come to grips with if they hope to be successful. It's clear from the beginning to the end of this read, that Anson's ability to grasp these truths and consistently weave them into his daily life lessons to his players is what sets him and the UNC program apart. His style may not appeal to everyone, his approach may not be your cup of tea, but it's hard to read this well written book and not come away with a sense of admiration for way he molds his athletes into champions.
This book is well worth reading and for anyone in the coaching profession, it will force you to re-evaluate how you approach your mission.

Would recommend it more for a player than a coach.......2007-07-05

As a previous review noted the first half of the book, which dwells on the coaches life, is much more of a "biography" than the second half.
The second half is more of a description of the "feel" of the UNC program, which based on the writing, seems authentic.
The programs description doesn't really add much to the biography unless you have an opinion about the UNC program.
The rituals and idiosyncracies of the program are no more interesting or poignant than any other D1 successful sports program.
I believe this book, through its many quotes and reprinted letters, gives a sense of what the emotions of college soccer are like for the athletes. As a coach of male and female soccer players, I would recommend it for female players who wonder what college soccer is like. Of course, any fan of the UNC girls program would find this an inspiring read since it holds true to the title and praises the program at length.

Parts are excellent; skim the over-the-top parts.......2007-04-26

The biography of Coach Anson Dorrance of UNC should appeal to soccer fans and coaches. As a general biography, I wouldn't recommend it, because the focus is clearly on soccer and not much else outside of the game, the Tar Heels, and Dorrance's personal life and family. The bigger view of the context in the greater world is mostly limited to some general trends, such as the rise of women's sports from virtually nothing to their much stronger state today.

The historical background was easily the most interesting part, and the first half of the book is much stronger than the second. Coach Dorrance's background as a child of the world and an aggressive, competitive youth was surprisingly engaging. Even better was the origin of women's varsity soccer at UNC and elsewhere as women's soccer germinated to a critical mass within American colleges. Similarly, the creation of the women's national team with early stars such as Michelle Akers and its evolution into a dominant power with and without Coach Dorrance was also very informative. Tim Crothers has added a valuable historical record by capturing these stories with factual reporting and extensive interviews.

Coach Dorrance is of course famous for the exceptional success of the program at UNC, and the Heels even won the next national championship after the book was published. The author draws out Dorrance's coaching philosophy, recruiting style, motivational approaches, and other aspects of his personality and performance. The various "aha!" moments where Dorrance learned to appreciate and exploit the differences between men and women have been fodder for stories and lectures for many years, and they make for excellent material and opportunities to compare with our own observations and attitudes.

What got a little tiresome was the volume of material on how competitive Dorrance is and how great Carolina is and how special Carolina is, almost as if other teams don't have their own special bonds among teammates or play with intense effort and dedication. I ended up skimming a bunch of that as too much rah-rah and of little additional value. Fortunately, Crothers added a chapter on Dorrance's "dark side", such as his arrogance. Some juicy, bitchy stories can make up for an excess on the praise side.

Crothers naturally had to cover the lawsuit. Based on the tone of the book, I surmise that the author has put the whole situation in a relatively positive view. Debbie Keller isn't exactly presented as sweetness and light. However, on the contrary side, the author reviews Dorrance's admitted mistakes, his agreement to training, his change in approach, and some remarks by people who were at least neutral on the whole matter. I'm not sure what to think, and the reader can still gather a lot from the biography if the lawsuit is secondary to one's interest in the book.

Be a Better Leader.......2007-04-12

Gain inspiration for leadership in this well-written autobiography. Find your own style and develop yourself personally while you become a better leader.

The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance.......2007-03-29

If you coach or play any sport, want to improve your leadership capability, or just enjoy a well written biography, The "Man Watching" is an inspirational must read. The "dynasty" in women's soccer at UNC did not happen by accident and, other than the way Anson got the job, the architect, contrary to the title, was not "unlikely". Tim Crothers, in a very entertaining style, aptly dissects Anson's personality, coaching style, and leadership theories, using words from Anson's former players, colleagues, friends, enemies, opposing coaches and from Anson himself. The book almost reads like a mystery novel as you wonder how the women's soccer program at UNC could consistently attract and produce world class athletes, winning game after game, year after year, with different players, a small budget, and the primary constant being Anson Dorrance and his staff. Having coached soccer for about 17 years, the feat seems impossible until you read the book and the mystery is slowly unraveled.

Running and Walking for Women Over 40 : The Road to Sanity and Vanity

Average customer rating:

Good for the beginner
Awesome book for the experienced runner and novice walker
Errors
INSPIRING AND SENSIBLE! BRAVO!
Excellent Resource

Running and Walking for Women Over 40 : The Road to Sanity and Vanity
Kathrine Switzer
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Walking | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0312187777

Book Description

A consistent program of running or walking is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive road to overall fitness and well-being for women and men at any age. For women over forty it can be the key to the most fulfilling years life has in store.Katherine Switzer, a pioneer in women's fitness since 1967, when she became the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon is once again blazing a trail with the very first running and walking program designed specifically for women over forty. Now every woman can benefit from Katherine's highly personal, motivational, and step-by-step advice."For women beginning fitness programs at age forty, fifty, and beyond, the results can be nothing short of dramatic. For the first time they are reaching the body weight and physical conditioning they've always dreamed of. Women who have been reasonably active off their lives can also firnd a new and exciting road of fitness ahead of them after age forty. Some even find themselves outrunning women half their age!" --Katherine Switzer

Customer Reviews:

Good for the beginner .......2007-06-27

If you are just getting into or thinking about a walking/running program this book is for you. If you have been doing both for some time, its a great read, just beyond where you are at in your program. I have given this book to my sister who has just turned 40 and she loved it.

Awesome book for the experienced runner and novice walker.......2005-10-24

As I read this book (I am beginning a walking program), I became very honored to read about all the blood, sweat, and tears Ms. Switzer went through during her career as a runner. She makes you feel you are with her during those times. Her advice is sound, professional, and in your best interest. If you listen to what she tells you, i.e., how your shoes and clothes should fit; how you should start out on your program; and the wonderful advice to "get you out the door," you will have a very long and rewarding running/walking program, that can and will enhance your life. This book has really changed my outlook, my exercise capacity, and pretty much my overall health! Thanks for writing this book, Ms. Switzer. I owe you big time! Sandy, in Florida.

Errors.......2003-01-04

This book comes across as poorly edited and researched. Contains mispelled words and incorrect statements such as "air is 80% oxygen". It is also hard for a beginning runner to relate to a marathoner who has run for almost her entire life.

INSPIRING AND SENSIBLE! BRAVO!.......2002-10-15

I hadn't run for 17 years and never ran more than 3.5 miles. (I'm 40.) With the help of this book, I am up to 5 miles (and counting!). The book is easy to read. The program is easy to follow. However, this book is for people who are basically in good health and who like to exercise. The book will not GIVE you motivation, it will simply help you if you are already somewhat motivated and want to get in better shape. I have followed her advice, gotten great results and enjoyed the process. This book has been worth a million to me!

Excellent Resource.......2002-08-14

I picked up this book after making a decision to get in better shape (even though I'm only 34). I've always hated running, so I'm not sure what prompted me to consider it. Her system for becoming a 30-minute runner definitely works. Both my partner and I made it to 30 minutes (although it took a little longer than ten weeks). I am now running 54 minutes, my partner 45 minutes. I'd recommend this book to anyone (not only women), even if you only use the time charts for becoming a 30 minute walker/runner and not the rest of the book.

Taking the Field: Women, Men, and Sports

Average customer rating:

A feminist man who's both smart and honest
Putting Sport into the Center of Gender

Taking the Field: Women, Men, and Sports
Michael A. Messner
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Essays | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0816634491

Book Description

In the past, when sport simply excluded girls, the equation of males with active athletic power and of females with weakness and passivity seemed to come easily, almost naturally. Now, however, with girls' and women's dramatic movement into sport, the process of exclusion has become a bit subtler, a bit more complicated-and yet, as Michael Messner shows us in this provocative book, no less effective. In Taking the Field, Messner argues that despite profound changes, the world of sport largely retains and continues its longtime conservative role in gender relations.

To explore the current paradoxes of gender in sport, Messner identifies and investigates three levels at which the "center" of sport is constructed: the day-to-day practices of sport participants, the structured rules and hierarchies of sport institutions, and the dominant symbols and belief systems transmitted by the major sports media. Using these insights, he analyzes a moment of gender construction in the lives of four- and five-year-old children at a soccer opening ceremony, the way men's violence is expressed through sport, the interplay of financial interests and dominant men's investment in maintaining the status quo in the face of recent challenges, and the cultural imagery at the core of sport, particularly televised sports. Through these examinations Messner lays bare the practices and ideas that buttress-as well as those that seek to disrupt-the masculine center of sport.

Taking the Field exposes the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which men and women collectively construct gender through their interactions-interactions contextualized in the institutions and symbols of sport.

Michael A. Messner is professor of sociology and gender studies at the University of Southern California. His previous books include Power at Play: Sports and the Problem of Masculinity (1995) and Politics of Masculinities: Men in Movements (1997).

Customer Reviews:

A feminist man who's both smart and honest.......2002-10-02

Here are a few of the many reasons I keep reading everything Mike Messner writes:

1) He seems to take the feminist "personal is political" slogan to heart, revealing much more of himself and his own questions and vulnerabilities than most other male writers.

2) He uses both academic and journalistic techniques to research his topics and support his theses.

3) He lacks the arrogance of many experts, retaining an open mind as he delibertely attempts to look at things in original ways.

4) The topic of this book -- and several of his others -- continues to fascinate me. By looking at how we "do gender" in a sporting context, we come to understand so much about how and why any and all women and men behave as we do.

Highly recommended. -- Mariah Burton Nelson

Putting Sport into the Center of Gender.......2002-09-07

USC Sociologist Michael Messner, who has spent the majority of his academic career studying issues of sport, masculinity, and power has written a truly significant book with Taking the Field: Women, Men, and Sports. The book finds a place for much of his previous research, as well as the research of other gender and sport scholars, to elicit the mechanisms in which gender is produced, reproduced, and contested in sport.

The premise of the book holds that gender is a product of structure, culture, and an individual's interactions within culture. This serves as the launching point for a deft discussion of the affects of sport in America. Messner has a talent for seeing the larger picture in seemingly "normal" events, and in Taking the Field he analyzes the affect that "normal" interactions in sport has on the subjugation of women and gay men, and the real and symbolic violence committed against both women and men by men.

Messner's work is important to scholars of both sport and gender, but is particularly important to gender scholars who too frequently fail to recognize the power sport, and sport media, has in shaping current gender relations, particularly the institutionalization of manhood. But Taking the Field is also highly recommend for anybody who has an interest in understanding the larger implications of American sport, beyond winning and losing. It is a must read for coaches, parents, and educators who have anything to do with sport.

To help us understand how theory hits the road, Messner highlights familiar news events such as the Columbine Massacre, or the 1999 Women's World Cup Championships, and analyzes them from a social-feminist perspective. In such he clearly elucidates the perils of the way we do sport in America and shows us that the concepts and theories he speaks of are not just found on the pages of books - that they are real, with real life application, and have a very real affect on people's lives.

Taking the Field is also important because it brings both homophobia and the mediea into the center of analysis. Whereas much attention has been given to the media's role in gender relations, I have been wholly discouraged by the absence of homophobia from much sport literature, and from sport in gender literature. Taking the Field shows the significance homophobia plays in sport, shaping and maintaining athletics as a masculine and heterosexual institution, and how important sport is in the production of gender

In the end Dr. Messner suggests that resistance to the system is possible (perhaps even inevitable). The masculinist center of sport has a soft underbelly and it is currently challenged by individual sports, female athleticism, the growing presence of gay male athleticism, and progressive individual men who are no longer willing to allow the system to function in a homophobic and misogynistic manner. But while these challenges to a hegemonic masculinity have threatened sport's ability to be openly sexist and homophobic, we must understand how sport attempts to reproduce itself covertly, so that we can continue to progress toward a culture of equality...

Average customer rating:

Lots of information

Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again.

There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!

Disappointed

What a great motivator!

Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)
Dagny Scott
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Running & Jogging | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Running & Jogging | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Track & Field | Other Team Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Book Of Running For Women

Runner's World Runner's Diet: The Ultimate Eating Plan That Will Make Every Runner (and Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter (Runners World)

No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running

The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program

The Courage To Start: A Guide To Running for Your Life

Accessories:

Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series

Luna Bars, Nutz Over Chocolate, 1.69-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)

ASIN: 1579544665

Book Description

"Listen to those millions of women runners. Listen to their quiet breaths as they talk in predawn pairs, before the rest of the family wakes-- the lessons and questions they share to the rhythm of steady footsteps. 'I never thought I could...' 'I feel so much stronger...' 'I'm ready to take on a new challenge...'

Women develop a special sorority on the roads. This bond is an understanding based on acceptance, an appreciation of how far they have come, a knowing wink that says how much is yet to be gained. And so they talk and share and grow-- and run. Singly and in groups, swiftly and slowly, they run."

--Dagny Scott

Choose the best clothes and accessories * Lose weight permanently * Train for any race, from a 5-K to a marathon * Run through Menopause * Be safe wherever you run * Deal with self-consciousness and body image * Prevent and treat injuries * Run during pregnancy * Eat for maximum energy

Customer Reviews:

Lots of information.......2006-11-06

I've just completed an 8 week beginning running program. I bought this book to read just before I embarked on the program. The book was an easy read; it has information that every beginning runner should know. I'll be keeping this book to refer to for years to come.
Here's what I found good about the book:-
1. Nuggets of information that I as a beginning runner won't have known to look for
2. Relevant to women and sometimes both sexes
3. Stories of real life women and how they got hooked on and what has kept them going - I found those inspirational
Here's what I didn't like about the book (therefore I'm giving it 4 stars):-
1. I understand that taking up running is good for you and all, helping you to maintain weight, good for your heart etc. but really, I feel that the authors sometimes go overboard with the accolades. As a beginning runner, I dont want to feel intimidated but at the same time, I dont want to feel as if I'm joining a cult.

All in all, I like the book and I'm keeping it but strangely enough, I feel uncomfortable reading about "us runners". I like to run but I also don't want to be part of an "elite group"

Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again........2006-03-10

I had a wonderful experience buying this fabulous book from Amazon. It arrived as promised and is definately the best book geared towards women for running. I have looked at a couple other books like this and they didn't even compare!

There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!.......2004-03-19

Although I had been working out for years, my stamina for running was just not there. I researched several running books, and this was by far the best. If you are a beginner, and need the basics, get this book. Age should not be a factor, but as advised-have a physical before you embark on running. I am physically fit, I had never ran, and I did not start until I was 41. There are women who write that they did not even begin until they were in their 60's! The program instructs on how to incorporate running into your workout, starting with as little as 2 minutes! You can do that right? It covers how to choose the right running shoe, how to avoid injury, and what you need to eat in order to maintain stamina for the long haul. Carb's are important here, take note. Dagny covers it all, and speaks from experience. She even covers overcoming the initial "embarassement" of running for the first time, and how to enter your first 5K and finish. I love this book, and still refer to it.

Disappointed.......2003-10-31

Personally, I was quite disappointed in the content of this book. I was getting back into running after a several year hiatus and bought this book to inspire me to a new level of fitness. I found the information to be geared towards the beginner and quickly "outgrew" it.

What a great motivator!.......2002-12-10

While training for my third marathon, I picked up this book to find some new training ideas. I couldn't put it down! It covers all facets of women's running - beginning to long distance, pregnancy, nutrition, balancing family and/or job with running and motivating factors. I used the charts, stretches and training ideas. I've recommended it to countless friends and often discussed ideas from the book while on long runs with training partners. Not only did I get some practical training advice, but I got a new resource for my running.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books