Customer Reviews

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training: Get Ready to Run or Walk a 5K, 8K, 10K or Half-Marathon Race

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great book that was easy to read, with ideas and workouts that were easy to incorporate into my training, racing and nutrition. Before I had this book, I was frequently injured and I had run a half-marathon in two hours. In the nine months since I got the book, I have run a 1:37:51, and then a 1:24:48 and I believe I'll go faster in the future. If you want to run faster and healthier, you should get this book.

I bought this book some years ago but did not end up reading any of it until just before my twelfth half marathon, the Critz Tybee Run, on 8 February 2010. I had just planned on reading the section preparing a participant in the week prior to the race. After I read that particular section--Chapter 12 Racing Strategies--I was hooked. I ended up reading the whole book and really benefiting from it.

What is commendable about the book is that it not only makes worthwhile recommendations for runners but it ALSO is very helpful for those of us, over 50's, who perhaps cannot quite run like we used to but still can walk very fast as fitness walkers perhaps even participate in racewalking. I have been racing since the mid 1990s but have never been able to run a whole race, yet I have been able to achieve racewalking speeds and have often placed in my age group. Chapter 6 Proper Walking and Running Form details not only proper running form and technique but also explains what is racewalking, what is proper racewalking form and technique and how racewalking drills can improve your form. For those who are even slower but STILL want to participate the author even has a section on proper fitness walking form and technique.

Unlike a previous reviewer I think that this book contains a LOT more information then what you could get out of just a reading a RUNNERS WORLD or WALKING magazine. That is NOT giving this book the proper credit it deserves. For instance, in addition to Chapter 6, particularly useful information was contained in Chapter 7 Warm-Up/Cool-Down and Flexibility Exercises, Chapter 8 Strength Training and Chapter 10 Training and Competition Nutrition for Runners and Walkers. I also particularly like Table 4.1 Dressing for Success:How to be Comfortable Whatever the Weather (recommending clothing choices for actual temperatures ranges) and Table 5.1 Commonly Diagnosed Injuries for Runners and Walkers (listing not only potential injuries with symptoms but recommendations for their prevention and treatment if they occur).

I was really impressed that the book was written by a registered dietitian with a Masters of Science in Kinesiology certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness instructor and ALSO an accomplished triathlete, duathlete and master runner. In part due to her suggetions, I was able to shave off two minutes in my last half-marathon. Although she primarily writes for newcomers to racing I think her suggestions can potentially be helpful to runners and walkers at ALL levels.

This book has been so helpful to me in beginning my training to walk my first 5k. I had "walked" before, and thought it funny that people would have to read books on how to do it. However, this book is packed full of information such as clothing, nutrition, developing a program, defining goals, and how to avoid injuries. It even tells you the correct posture to maintain while walking - and yes, I had the wrong posture!

I really think if one is an 'Absolute Beginner' there is something of value they can pull from this book. A great reference source!

Being new to the whole fitness area, this book is a god-send. I have been quite pleased...it's helping me to train for the 10k portion of a local marathon that my relay team is participating in. I know that by following the guidelines and training schedule, I will be prepared and will not push myself too far and risk injury.

This is a book that reaches to all populations. If you never run before or if you've been running your whole life, this book will help you, no matter what!
Following the specific training protocols helps to not overtrain. This book really allows you to learn at any level as well as recommends additional forms of training and nutrition.

I bought this book to help me train for my first half-marathon. I found it very useful with lots of information. It is very simple and easy to read while still providing good techinical information. I feel that I will be very well prepared for my half marathon in the spring!

I purchased this book to help me train for my first half marathon. There were many tips I'd not thought of, things that really truly helped me. I've done many 5K's - but even that section helped as well for me to do even better for the short races. I recommend this book if you are a beginning marathoner - - even if you have some experience as I had -- to sort of boost that confidence level a bit!

I have recommended this book to everyone who has even hinted that they want to run a half-marathon. I am in my 7th week of the 15 week training program and feel confident I will make it after studying this book!

This book provided great information that I could actually apply to my own training and nutrition. It is easy to read and easy to use to plan my workouts. I'm seeing improvement in my running and training is more fun. I'd recommend it for anyone starting out or stuck at a running pace on which they know they can improve.

Hello! Still reading this book, but can't find the printable PDF versions of the 5K, 10K, and half protocols (as stated on page 25 of the book). Am I missing something?