Participating in a marathon requires intense preparation, something Marie Dunn found out during her regimen for the New York City and Philadelphia events.

The New York-based Jamaican recalls those runs in Don’t Wait, a book scheduled for release on April 7 by her Bold Flamingo Publishing company. She told Observer Online that it is more than a personal collection.

“It is a testament to the transformative power of endurance sports. It is a beacon of inspiration, urging others to conquer their self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs, and offering insights into the mental and physical preparations that the process entails,” said Dunn. “It’s about the personal growth and transformation that comes from pushing your limits and conquering your fears.”

A self-described social activist and philanthropist, St Ann-born Dunn ran in the 2023 New York City Marathon. The following year, she competed in the Philadelphia Marathon, completing both events.

Don’t Wait is her fourth book, following the sexually-charged Bold Soul-Searching Monologues, Bold Her Liberation and Tease. Bold Soul-Searching Monologues is credited to Toya J, Dunn’s alter ego.

A fitness buff, Dunn found training for an endurance event totally different than going for a daily jog or working out at the gym.

“Even as a fitness enthusiast, training for the marathon was strenuous. It’s different from regular fitness routines because of the sacrifices and commitment required to run the volume of miles, the intensity of long runs, and the mental effort it takes to keep going when you’re tired of dealing with injuries,” she explained. “For instance, I struggled with weather conditions, time constraints, and physical ailments during my training and maintained a full-time and part-time job while navigating life’s challenges.”

Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia won the men’s leg of the 2023 New York City Marathon, while Hellen Obiri of Kenya won the ladies equivalent. Americans William Loevner and Katie Florio won their respective segments of the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon.