Marathoning for Mortals [Paperback]

John Bingham (Author), Jenny Hadfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2003

Once considered a feat for superhuman athletes, the marathon is now within every mortal's grasp. Former couch potato John Bingham has joined forces with coach Jenny Hadfield to create a winning plan that works for every mortal--even you.

In Marathoning for Mortals, you'll find the courage to train, the willpower to persevere, and the tenacity to finish one mile after another. John and Jenny stick with you every step of the way, from your first insecure thoughts to your last-minute jitters to your supreme joy at the finish line. In Marathoning for Mortals, you'll find:

8 training programs to run, run-walk, walk-run, or walk the half-marathon and marathon

The advice you need to physically, mentally, and spiritually reach your dreams

Tips to help you customize your training, buy the right shoes and apparel, and eat the best foods

Guidance for common motivational, physical, and emotional roadblocks

Join John and Jenny on an amazing transformative journey where the finish line is just the beginning.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"At the end of every marathon training run, I recite the Penguin mantra: 'The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start.' I thank John Bingham for bolstering my courage and helping me run, literally, for my life."--Jessica Stedman Guff, senior producer of ABC-TV's The View

"Jenny Hadfield is an amazing motivator. She makes regular people believe that they can undertake amazing things--and then she's there all the way to encourage them, right down to the finish line. I've never met another coach quite like her."--Kathy O'Malley, WGN Radio--Chicago talk show host in training for her first marathon

From the Back Cover

"At the end of every marathon training run, I recite the Penguin mantra: 'The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start.' I thank John Bingham for bolstering my courage and helping me run, literally, for my life."--Jessica Stedman Guff, senior producer of ABC-TV's The View

"Jenny Hadfield is an amazing motivator. She makes regular people believe that they can undertake amazing things--and then she's there all the way to encourage them, right down to the finish line. I've never met another coach quite like her."--Kathy O'Malley, WGN Radio--Chicago talk show host in training for her first marathon

Once considered a feat for superhuman athletes, the marathon is now within every mortal's grasp. Former couch potato John Bingham has joined forces with coach Jenny Hadfield to create a winning plan that works for every mortal--even you.

In Marathoning for Mortals, you'll find the courage to train, the willpower to persevere, and the tenacity to finish one mile after another. John and Jenny stick with you every step of the way, from your first insecure thoughts to your last-minute jitters to your supreme joy at the finish line. In Marathoning for Mortals, you'll find:

8 training programs to run, run-walk, walk-run, or walk the half-marathon and marathon

The advice you need to physically, mentally, and spiritually reach your dreams

Tips to help you customize your training, buy the right shoes and apparel, and eat the best foods

Guidance for common motivational, physical, and emotional roadblocks

Join John and Jenny on an amazing transformative journey where the finish line is just the beginning.

John "the Penguin" Bingham writes a monthly column for Runner's World magazine and teaches the basics of running to adult-onset athletes at his popular Penguin Flight Schools. He is also the author of The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Your Life and No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running.

Jenny Hadfield, M.A., C.P.T., is a fitness expert who has trained thousands of walkers, run-walkers, and runners of all levels. Her gentle yet uncompromising approach to training combined with her unique insights into the human body and mind will help you discover your inner long-distance athlete. She has qualified for the Boston Marathon and competed in three Eco-Challenges.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (May 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579547826
• ISBN-13: 978-1579547820
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners, June 6, 2003

By 

music lover "rigor mortis is my only hope for... (Norman, OK USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Marathoning for Mortals (Paperback)

I purchased this book for a friend who is a beginning runner and wanted to achieve a lifelong dream of running a marathon. I did look through it before gifting it and found it to be full of doable advice for the average person. Mr. Bingham does not take the elitist attitude some runners have towards the sport of marathoning; that it has been cheapened by the influx of "mere mortals" who dare to venture out on to the 26.2 mile course with nothing more than a pair of shoes and a few weeks of training. Instead, he maintains that there is a place for everyone in the pack (and I agree) All runners pay the same entry fee. The "mere mortal" may have put in just as much training as the elite runner to get to the finish line. Some can cross the line in just over 2 hours, others require 3 or 4 times that long. In my opinion (and Mr. Bingham's) if they have given it all they have for 26.2 miles, they have run the same race. Anyone contemplating this lifetime achievement (I will NEVER forget the feeling of crossing the finish line at my own first marathon) but who fears that it is out of their reach, should buy this book.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners!, October 13, 2004

By 

Jen Weiner (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marathoning for Mortals (Paperback)

I just completed my first marathon and I can't say enough about this book's training program. I am a "mere mortal" and never really ran much before I started training for the Chicago Marathon. I found myself amazed at how I was always ready for the next long distance every weekend. There are several different training programs listed in the book that meets the needs of all runners from novice to expert. In addition to the training, this book also covers all the questions you would never think to ask, but you need to know... from the type of socks you should wear to what you should eat the night before the race. I was completely prepared for my marathon and I owe it all to John and Jenny! I can't recommend this book enough!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marathoning For Mortals great info, September 19, 2005

By 

Susan Kornblut "marathon woman" (Latta, SC United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Marathoning for Mortals (Paperback)

I am preparing for my first marathon for Team in Training that will take place in December.I bought this book after reading other reviews of it on Amazon and I must say that everything positive I read about it has been true.I like that it breaks down a training guide for those doing a half-marathon run or walk, a walk/run and full marathon walk or run.So it really is good for a beginner like me.The advice given about overtraining is also invaluable.Also he tells you what to do after the marathon icluding what and when to eat and to soak in cold water as muscles tend to stiffen.I would say if you are training you need to get this book great information here for anyone considering doing a marathon or even a 10k race.