Customer Reviews

The Marathon and Half Marathon: A Training Guide

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

 

 

I bought this book in the UK last year after a recommendation from a friend, who said it was the top ranked marathon training book on Amazon in the UK. After reading it and following its advice, I can see why.
If you are new to marathon or half marathon running, this is the only book you need.
After I had my baby, I set myself a goal to run in my first marathon and this book helped me every step of the way. It has great pictures which help to break up the text and it's easy and entertaining to read. It covers everything from training to nutrition to injuries and most importantly of all - it's realistic. This book spoke to me far more than 3 of the top ranked books on the Amazon here and I'm amazed this gem of a book has not really been discovered yet.
I never thought I'd say this, but seeing that I enjoyed the last marathon so much I am now thinking of doing another one! I lost the last 20lbs of my baby weight last time, so it'll be a great way to stay in shape.
So, if you want to enjoy your running and spend a little extra on a great marathon training book, you will not regret buying this. I think I'll buy the author's other book on fitness myths. If this one is anything to go by, it'll surely be a great read.

As a beginner and somewhat reluctant not to mention daunted runner, I have found this book is brilliant. It is well researched and covers everything needed to prepare for any type of endurance running. Far from confusing me further with professional jargon and reams of in depth technical information, it explains in a clear, realistic and humorous manner exactly what is needed to train. Aside from giving easy to follow and varied training programs suited both to beginners and seasoned runners, it also considers every aspect from clothing to nutrition to how to prevent injuries and remain motivated even when it's raining, dark and all you want to do is stop! Refreshingly the author respects that training for many of us will have to fit into family and work commitments. Attention is given not just to training but also to how to be a little flexible within training in such a way so as to not compromise fitness levels. The book is a pleasure to read, inspiring and completely informative. It is worth every penny and I highly recommend it.

I bought this book while training for my first half marathon. I read and reread several sections of this book during my training. The training guidelines absolutely worked! I adapted their 16 week training mileage increase guidelines to my schedule..(I had more than 16 weeks to train and fell somewhere between the beginner non runner and the advanced runner program). I didn't do all of the intervals, and hills recommended but I did do my best to run the quantity and quality suggested. The plan worked and running the half marathon was a good experience! Some sections seemed basic, but it was just what I needed when I reread a section for a specific question that came up as I was training. A great reference, I will still continue rereading some sections as I train for a full marathon!

I purchased this book after completing my first half marathon, with a view towards improving my endurance and running efficiency. I like the approach taken by the author, and have been using the training recommendations as I prepare for my next event.
Quick Summary: A pretty complete guide with about the level of detail.
One general comment: some topics in marathon training are controversial. I think the author does a good job of identifying such subjects and then offering the reasons for the recommendation he chooses.
The first few chapters discuss the physiology of running. This was helpful because it explained some the things I had already experience during my previous training, and offered tips on how to minimize negative effects, such as dizziness. I felt the content was about right...not too technical or lengthy, but complete.
The next few chapters discuss the design of training plans, with examples for both a half marathon and full marathon. I'm currently using the half marathon plan, and I like it. My endurance on hills is improving and my overall pace is improving.
The chapter on motivation was not particularly useful to me, but others might feel differently.
The next section discusses fluid intake and nutrition. Here I felt there was maybe too much detail, but it might become useful as I progress.
The chapter on avoiding injuries was helpful for identifying problems I had experienced and recommended solutions.
The chapters on precautions for female and older runners may be of interest to some.
The final chapter discusses the day of the race and offers many helpful tips.
Good book.