Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide: Advice, Plans, and Programs for Half and Full Marathons [Paperback]

Hal Higdon (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 27, 2011

Especially in tough economic times, running offers an affordable and positive way to relieve stress
and gain a sense of accomplishment. Marathons and—more than ever—half-marathons are the ultimate achievement for runners and have experienced an unprecedented boom in the last several years.

 

New hunger for reliable information on marathon and half-marathon training, as well as new technologies that have revolutionized ordinary people’s ability to train intelligently, means the time is right for a new edition of longtime Runner’s World contributor Hal Higdon’s classic guide to taking the guesswork out of preparing for a marathon, whether it’s a reader’s first or fiftieth.

Since its original publication in 1993, Higdon’s definitive manual has sold over a quarter of a million
copies through all channels. The book is such a consistent seller for many reasons, but above and
beyond all the others is this one: It works. At the core of the book remains Higdon’s clear and essential information on training, injury prevention, and nutrition. With more than 25 percent new material, this fourth edition of a running classic will be a must-own for both longtime runners and those new to the sport.

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.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; 4 edition (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609612248
• ISBN-13: 978-1609612245
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Running & Jogging
  • #54 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 128 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Principles based on anecdotal evidence January 2, 2004

By D. Roth

Format:Paperback

This book has 221 pages. I think the useful information could be condensed down to 20 pages or so. This book makes heavy use of the anecdote pattern. Chapters begin with little stories about elite athletes and experienced runners from which general principles of running are drawn. The problem is that the stories are incomplete and entirely anecdotal. Elite athletes and experienced runners don't need this book and the principles that apply to them don't apply to middle-aged people who truly are beginners. The book doesn't address the subjects of weight and size (very important in long distance running), and it only addresses age at a very superficial level. The good things in this book are: the focus on staying injury free; the incorporation of easy running and rest days into your training schedule; some sample training schedules; some diet advice; and some seemingly useful information about race logistics toward the end. On the negative side, a lot of space is devoted to fluffy stories; evidence to support advice is almost entirely anecdotal; there is practically no advice on runner injuries and how that affects your schedule; and no talk about weight/age; Put simply, this book contains a lot of anecdotal, unscientific, irrelevant, happy, feel-good fluff. The training schedules may work for you, but if they don't you will not have gained enough knowledge from this book to understand how to adapt them to fit your needs.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book revolutionized my running... January 20, 2013

By TheColorBlindNebula

Format:Paperback

This book changed my running life...probably forever. Yes, Hal's advice could be considered "anecdotal," but anyone who runs long-distance will tell you that all credible running advice is anecdotal; it comes from personal experience or observation. There are no "textbook" right-or-wrong answers in running, and if anyone tries to tell you the "right" way or the "proven way" to do something, they probably don't run much! After I made the decision to run a marathon, a friend recommended that I check out Hal's website. I downloaded one of his free training plans, but ultimately decided that I wanted more in-depth information on how to train (I had only run 3 5k races, ever). So, I got the book. When I officially started training for my first marathon last spring, I could barely run 3 miles without walking or resting. Roughly 32 weeks (and a few social media contacts with Hal regarding my questions) later, I ran my first marathon (26.2 miles). I didn't hit the wall; I didn't feel the need to walk or stop to rest; I had no aches or pains during the race; I had fun; and most importantly: I actually finished the race! I used his Novice Supreme plan, which is very do-able for an inexperienced runner; some runs were as short as 1.5 miles. Also, that specific plan doesn't really require speed work or hill repeats, you just go out and...run. Some days are labeled with a general pace guideline, like "marathon pace" or "easy." In addition to the NS plan, I followed Hal's advice on food, fluids, race day prep, and recovery. By day 4 of my post-marathon recovery, I felt great!

One of things that I love about the book is that Hal's writing style is very conversational. His advice is simple, practical, and to-the-point - no flowery language included!... Also, I really appreciated the advice he passed along from real-life runners (elite and not so elite) as well as other running experts (coaches, medical professionals). Hal himself is an accomplished runner and coach, but in a highly individualized sport, what works for him may not work for someone else. His collaborative approach to certain topics really rounded out his advice. I liked the book so much that I actually laminated it with contact paper and started carrying it around in my purse! Now that I have one successful marathon under my belt, I'm looking forward to signing up for another race. I will likely bump up to another one of Hal's novice plans, perhaps Novice 1 or Novice 2. I highly recommend his training plans and books to anyone looking for a simple, effective way to train for their first few marathons, or just looking to PR at their next race. Oh, and by the way - if you're like me and think of every question under the sun, Hal himself is very "available" online. As I mentioned above, I posted several comments on his Facebook page and received a quick reply every time. I definitely appreciated his help! Read more ›

78 of 99 people found the following review helpful

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

By D. R. Dakins

Format: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.

70 of 90 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

Format: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.

56 of 75 people found the following review helpful

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

By AA

Format: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