Books

From my Mother, a novel
As experienced marathoner Nadia embarks on her biggest challenge yet, a 100-kilometre ultrarun, her thoughts turn to her maternal grandmother, who emigrated to the Netherlands in the early 1950s as a young widow, escaping Czechoslovakia in the aftermath of a Communist coup d'etat. As Nadia struggles with unexpected obstacles in the longest race of her life, the parallels with her grandmother become clearer. However, Nadia also realizes that Oma, now 94, has been tested far more than her granddaughter likely ever will. (Paperback $9.95: 204 pages, ebook $2.99)

A book on ultrarunning

A Hundred Reasons to Run 100km reflects a personal journey that will strike a chord with anyone intrigued by the idea of trying an ultramarathon. You'll find plenty of inspiration, practical tips, and the key reason to run 100km—because you can. The idea for this book was born 10 days before author Margreet Dietz did a 100km race. While finalizing her physical preparations, she also wanted to ready herself mentally as best as possible. An experienced 3:07 marathoner and five-time Ironman finisher, she knew endurance athletes ponder the question, Why?, during the most challenging moments in an event. It's good to have an answer.

(Paperback $15.95: 132 pages, ebook $9.99)

About women who run

Running Shoes Are a Girl's Best Friend (Nov 2009) is a book with motivation and tips for running. Motivation is everything. There are so many reasons to run. Coach Pat Carroll, one of Australia's top distance runners ever: "It is really important to enjoy the journey rather than feel like it is something you have to do." Motivation evolves. Goals change. Many people start running without the plan to become a runner. Many begin with the goal to lose weight and / or gain fitness. You don't need to compete. Says Carroll, "The great thing about running is that everyone can have their own goals and everyone can walk away feeling incredible, whether it be in training or in competition." Running, though it may not be easy at first, makes you feel good. And, surprisingly, fitness improves very quickly. This book tells the stories of 53 women who run. Some have been running for decades, others began more recently. Some run for the simple pleasure it brings, while others race for finish lines. (Paperback $15.95: 214 pages, ebook $9.99)

Running & Triathlon Tales

Powered From Within: Stories About Running & Triathlon 
 (March 2010) will motivate runners and triathletes of all levels. Stories include profiles of two-time Ironman world champion Craig Alexander and his preparations for Kona 2009; three-time Paralympian and runner Gerrard Gosens; Ron Stuart who became a steeplechase world champion in his 60s after injury and polio halted his ambitions as a young athlete; Kate Rowe who became an Ironman 70.3 world champion in her 50s after taking out a $25,000 loan to fulfill her dream; and Bernie Millett who at the age of 67 runs a 3:16 marathon. Top running coaches Dave Scott-Thomas and Kevin Smith provide advice on marathon training. Age-group triathletes reveal their strategies to gain a mental advantage on race day. Female triathletes discuss their approach to the sport.
(Paperback $15.95: 150 pages, ebook $9.99)

On writing, running & life

A Work in Progress: Exercises in Writing (May 2010)
A writer will do anything to avoid the act of writing, William Zinsser wrote in his classic On Writing Well. To improve as writers we have to hone our skills by putting words on the page, consistently. The 33 exercises in this book will help you do just that. In the process, you will produce a draft for your own book and decide to complete that other manuscript you have been wrestling with. A Work in Progress: Exercises in Writing started as a personal challenge that helped me win the struggle with my first book Running Shoes Are a Girl's Best Friend. Combining advice and encouragement from my favourite books on writing I committed to producing 2000 words a day for 10 consecutive days. I wrote for quantity and found the result had potential quality. This is my third book. Let's get started on yours!
(Paperback $15.95: 160 pages, ebook $9.99)

Poems

Sunshine on a wooden floor is a collection of poems.

One poem, titled "Believe", was chosen for an anthology of verse Island Mists, published by the Poetry Institute of Canada in January 2011.
(Paperback $12.95: 64 pages, ebook $9.99) 

Order online in my store by clicking the title of the book on this page, or order online through Amazon.com (also Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, and Amazon.co.jp).

You can also find my books in Apple's iTunes iBookstore.