Beginner's Guide to Long Distance Running [Paperback]

Sean Fishpool (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2005

This guide helps runners at all levels, from absolute beginners to those training for marathon racing. The training plan is divided to match each runner's grade of fitness. Readers assess themselves by answering fitness questionnaires that guide them to the appropriate level of training. At the end of each training grade, another self-assessment questionnaire helps runners decide whether to move to a higher level or remain where they are. A ten-week program begins with alternating two-minute runs and walks, and gradually progresses to sustained runs of 30 minutes. Runners are advised to "listen to their bodies" and remain at a specific week's level until they feel comfortable about progressing to the next one. General topics include getting started, obtaining the right shoes and accessories, adhering to a runner's diet, developing self-motivation, and following a structured and progressive training program. A final section is focused to advise runners training for a marathon. More than 150 color photos and illustrations plus sidebar tips and quick-reference charts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sean Fishpool is the Assistant Editor of Runner's World, U.K. He is also a competition racer and has participated in marathons around the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1 edition (November 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764120379
• ISBN-13: 978-0764120374
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #730,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compact Training Guide, November 13, 2004

By 

justa mom (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginner's Guide to Long Distance Running (Paperback)

If you don't like a lot of fluff, and you want to run a 1/2 or full marathon, I'd recommend this book. It covers the basics, a variety of training schedules (depending on your current level), and answers questions that new marathoner might have. It was a great reference for me as I trained for my first 1/2 marathon.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, January 6, 2005

By 

Rachel Pageau "Rachel" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginner's Guide to Long Distance Running (Paperback)

I liked the training plans on this book. Personally, tables are easier to skim through than text or anecdotes. Plus it's a thin book and easy to carry around. Daniel's Book had a lot of stuff that overwhelmed me. This is truly a good beginner's guide because unlike other beginner books that just go on and on about how to choose the right shoe or what to wear or how life changing running can be...it gives you training tables. Something I'd like to know after I finally have the shoes. Unlike more advanced books...it doesn't talk about Lactate Tresholds, or give me instructions like run at 10K pace, VO2 Max.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, ample information for a beginner, July 19, 2006

By 

sun_runner (Leicestershire UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginner's Guide to Long Distance Running (Paperback)

I have been following 2 of the 6 training programmes in this book. The Level 1 programme is ideal for novices who are looking to get into running. Following the Level 2 programme I ran a 5k race within 6 weeks of starting training and was surprised at how well I did. After a one year hiatus from running due to an unrelated injury, I am looking forward to entering my 2nd 5k race in a few weeks. If you follow the training programmes in this book you will get excellent results.

Besides, the training programmes the book is filled with tips that go into as much detail as necessary for a novice runner. Topics include, diet, clothing and injuries. I feel that the upper level programmes lack the detail of those in the lower level.