Review by Celena134 -- Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons

[Celena134]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons" by Sam Brand.]

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1 out of 4 stars

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Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons by Sam Brand is a book that attempts to summarize runners into three categories: the marathon ant, the chimp and the dolphin. According to Sam Brand, the marathon ant is a runner with only a working purpose. The marathon ant does not enjoy the actual sport of running, but only seeks to improve on technique and his/her running time. The marathon chimp does not like exercise but thrives on the social scene. Hence, the chimp only runs to be social and have fun. However, the dolphin is the most ideal runner and/or athlete. The dolphin participates in all varieties of exercises and sports. According to Sam Brand, the dolphin is the character all runners should strive to become. Dolphins realize the secret of life is finding happiness and well-being through moderation of all activities.

I liked how Sam Brand identified different types of runners. I, myself, am a runner and I found humor in some of the characteristics he identified that all of us runners share. I liked that he cherishes the virtues of the dolphin and appreciates that life should not be all hard work. In chapter Mile 7 he states, “The only long road worth running a marathon on is the road to happiness in life.” I believe that this statement can be used as a metaphor in all walks of life.

I disliked how Sam Brand generalized his perspective to the community of runners as a whole. He states marathon ants have “all kinds of personality disorders.” He goes onto explain that marathon ants “love to approach pain and avoid pleasure” and are “looking to escape from a problem.” I have completed two marathons in my lifetime, and I actually took offense to these statements! I successfully completed my marathons without damaging interpersonal relationships, and I actually enjoyed training for the marathons with other people. In chapter Mile 25, Sam Brand states that marathon ants should “stop running away from yourself.” This seems as more of a personal comment for Sam Brand himself. I did not train for and run a marathon to escape any aspect of myself. Rather, I run and train for marathons because I enjoy running and interacting with nature. I personally know several marathon runners who enjoy the same! Lastly, at the end of the book in chapter Mile 26, Sam Brand states that runners should choose to become dolphins because “all the other animals are already taken.” Sam Brand lost me at this comment, and I am not sure what he was attempting to convey.

I rated Dolphin’s Don’t Run Marathons a 1 out of 4 stars. I despise the way Sam Brand generalized runners. The writing was simple and boring with a repetitive message (i.e. the chapters Mile 10 and Mile 20 both recommend that marathon ants should branch out, try new things and work on building relationships). I took offense to much of what Sam Brand stated, and I think many other runners would as well.

Runners who are looking for an excuse not to conquer a marathon would enjoy this book. However, I do believe Sam Brand does have one great message: moderation is the key to life. My message to Sam Brand is that I agree moderation is the key to life, and this can include marathons. In other words, even dolphins can be marathoners!

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Dolphins Don’t Run Marathons
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