Product Description

Based on the marathon class offered by the University of Northern Iowa, this book emphasises the psychological aspects of endurance activities. It helps you not only feel more fit, but also to stay relaxed, centered, and positive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6925 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .78" h x 7.04" w x 9.76" l, 1.15 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Features

• New
• Mint Condition
• Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
• Guaranteed packaging
• No quibbles returns

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful.
Got 16 Weeks?
By Phyllis
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful.
From non-runner to marathoner
By Janice Dawson
I bought this book because it described me perfectly, a non-runner. I had only run 6 miles max, very slowly, beforehand, but had recently been beset with a compulsion to run 26.2 miles. I have waited until I finished my first marathon to write this review, and finish I did, in 4 hours. This book doesn't focus on times however, in fact it discourages even contemplating them. Who wants to reach the 26.2 mile mark only to be disappointed with your time?? The goal of this training manual is to finish your first marathon, injury-free. And it works.

As a hard-headed Scot, I found the psychological training element (which makes up half the training) a bit funny and didn't take it seriously. My mistake. During the latter stages of training, I was struggling. I decided to re-read the psychological bits, and it really made the difference. So don't ignore the psycho-babble, it's important, and it works!

With this manual, anyone, young or old, fit or flabby, light or heavy-built can train for a marathon... and anyone can become a marathon runner. Buy it.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful.
The Non-runner's Marathon Trainer
By wacrompton
Terrific. Easy to read. Sensible. Comprehensive. Answers all your questions, reassures you that you can do it, and is full of friendly, practical advice. Also contains a programme to get you into the state where you can start the real programme. If you're like me, 68, not run for 40 years, but now really want to do it, this is the book for you.