Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide [Paperback]

Hal Higdon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 2005

With over 50% new material, this category killer is sure to go the distance

When the previous edition of Hal Higdon's superb training guide appeared, Grete Waitz, 9-time winner of the New York City Marathon, cheered: "Higdon's years of marathoning experience come through in this practical book. Aspiring or veteran marathoners will benefit enormously from its proven guidance."

This new edition focuses on first marathoners, women runners, and those new to the sport; and as always, Higdon shows how to build up mileage and gives advice on running long, speedwork for distance runners, defensive running strategies, and planning for peak performance.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Though the running boom appears to have peaked and even tapered off somewhat, the marathon is still the ultimate running experience for many runners. Higdon's book, although well written, offers very little in the way of new information on training for or running the marathon. Previously published works such as Joe Henderson's Complete Marathoner (Anderson World, 1978), Andy Friedberg's How To Run Your First Marathon (S. & S., 1987), and Ricard Benyo's Making the Marathon Your Event (Random, 1992) offer very similar advice. However, Higdon's anecdotal style provides entertaining reading and may inspire aspiring marathoners. The author provides details of many of his personal marathon experiences as well as those of other top American marathoners such as Bill Rodgers, Don Kardang, and Dick Buerkle. This book will appeal to general readers seriously considering training for their first marathon. For large sports collections.
- Susan L. Patton, Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Will get any runner across the finish line of a marathon. I highly recommend it," said Olympic-marathon gold medalist Frank Shorter.

"There's plenty of sound training advice here for runners of all levels," said Ken Sparks, PhD, who achieved a marathon personal record of 2:28 at age 46.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; 3rd edition (August 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594861994
• ISBN-13: 978-1594861994
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons
  • #57 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Other Team Sports > Track & Field

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous training guide for the first time marathoner!, March 12, 2004

By 

J. Marchese (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Paperback)

I am living testiment to the fact that this book works. I'm 31 years old, new mom and a relatively new runner and through this book and the 18 week training guide on his website, I was able to complete the Chicago Marathon this past October. He promises that if you stick to his guide you can finish and it works.

The best thing about the book is that it is supportive, but not preachy. Hal uses examples of elite athletes, but never forget that he is writing this for the novice or intermediate runner. As a novice myself (I had only started running about 6 months before), I found I was able to set realistic goals (just to finish, really) and run injury-free.

I cannot count the number of times in this book where I would read something and instantly be reinforced that I could complete a marathon. And that's very important because the training can drain you, make you question your ability and scare you.

73 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for novice marathoners, February 28, 2000

By 

D. R. Dakins "top chef" (Boise, ID) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Paperback)

After renewing this book from the library multiple times I just had to own it. My husband and I are training for our first marathon and this book is our "bible." There's a new piece of valuable information on every page, and each time I reread a section I find something I can use again. Inspiring, informative, with training schedules, advice, and anecdotes throughout. I've looked at other marathon training texts but this one is the best--written for the average reader, it doesn't take the elitest attitude toward running that some of the others do.

55 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Joy of the Marathon, November 22, 2000

By 

AA "ashour001" (Newton, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Paperback)

This is a fantastic guide for anyone interested in distance running. To me, as a relatively slow runner, it was simply invaluable as part of my preparation for my first and second marathons. As I prepared for my last three marathons and for other long races I went back to check what good old Hal had to say.

This book strikes a superb balance between the needs of speed demons and mid to end of the pack types. It gives you ideas about what to eat, how to train for a marathon and how to taper. To me, the most useful part was that on predictions. Higdon presented different models and theories for predicting one's marathon time based on performance in shorter distances.

Another very useful part of the book is the pre and post marathon preparations. Most valuable part is the motivation the book will give you. We all go through ups and downs in the training phase, this book will remind you of that and guide you all the way to the finish line, recovery and sign up for the next marathon. You can't go wrong with $ 12 on this book. Also see Higdon's web site and check out Runner's World web site