Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Paperback)

by Hal Higdon (Author) "I heard the comment in passing, approximately eight miles into the Twin Cities Marathon..." (more)
Key Phrases: marathon training class, mileage buildup, marathon buildup, Runner's World, Chicago Marathon, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"This revised edition provides clear and effective advice that will get any runner across the finish line of a marathon. I highly recommend it."--Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic-marathon gold medalist

"Higdon's years of marathoning experience come through in this practical book. Aspiring or veteran marathoners will benefit enormously from its proven guidance."--Grete Waitz, 9-time winner of the New York City Marathon

"Marathon is must reading for anyone who wants to maximize performance."--Nancy Clark, R.D., Author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook

"There's plenty of sound training advice here for runners of all levels."--Ken Sparks, Ph.D., Marathon personal record of 2:28 at age 46
-- Review

Review

"This revised edition provides clear and effective advice that will get any runner across the finish line of a marathon. I highly recommend it."--Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic-marathon gold medalist

"Higdon's years of marathoning experience come through in this practical book. Aspiring or veteran marathoners will benefit enormously from its proven guidance."--Grete Waitz, 9-time winner of the New York City Marathon

"Marathon is must reading for anyone who wants to maximize performance."--Nancy Clark, R.D., Author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook

"There's plenty of sound training advice here for runners of all levels."--Ken Sparks, Ph.D., Marathon personal record of 2:28 at age 46

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579541712
• ISBN-13: 978-1579541712
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,697 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons
  #56 in	Books > Sports > Other Team Sports > Track & Field
  #87 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Running & Jogging

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 66 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)

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.

45 of 48 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 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

31 of 32 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)

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.