keelygorski's review against another edition
4.0
Good for a general broad review on Marathoning, however, being scientifically driven, I wanted an exact break down on training, nutrition, and timing. It was a good book, but if you want an indepth and detailed book, I would look elsewhere. I bought The Complete Idiots Guide to Marathoning after reading this, and I think its more of what I was looking for.
jess_segraves's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good introductory book for people looking to walk, walk/run, or run a half marathon or marathon. Bingham co-wrote it with someone else, which leads to an interesting type of narrative that's somewhat difficult to follow at times. However, I think this is a good foundational text.
khourianya's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic primer for training for your first marathon. It was after reading this that I decided I was ready :)
funsizelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This book is excellent for runners and runners-to-be! Very easy to read and great advice.
thrifty_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
Accessible. Very beginner, so don't expect a lot out of this if you've already done some reading about running. What I did find helpful was the inspiration and reassurance that I have the same body parts as marathon runners do. The main thing that separates them from me is the effort they put in. It's your classic "You can do it!" message, but I appreciated it.
kellyelizabeth27's review against another edition
3.0
Recommended by my doctor, but a little thin on actual information.
glaurieousrun's review against another edition
4.0
Great read for all runners, fun & interesting. It is definitely geared more toward newbies but I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone and everyone interested in becoming a distance runner!
clairelorraine's review against another edition
2.0
A little too folksy and "don't aim too high!" for me. An altogether slightly depressing book. No, guys, I'm not going to feel as accomplished if I get to the Start as if I get to the Finish line. I know what you mean, but come onnnnnn.
jaymeeloo's review
2.0
This book was not very helpful at all in terms of gaining new knowledge about running techniques and training. It's all stuff you have already know if you participate in the sport.
It is written by two different authors who switch writing back and forth and this became very confusing in parts and just clumsy and awkward overall.
Also the metaphors they use to liken their training sections was corny and over the top. They tried to compare it to the sections of a meal with "appetizers" for warmups, "vegetables" for lighter workouts and the cooldown was "dessert." That was just a little too much for me.
The one positive thing about this book is the training charts they provide in the back for various different training levels. So if your goal is to "walk/run a half marathon" they have a weekly training program for you over the course of several weeks leading up to your scheduled race. And there are others for running a whole half marathon, walk/run a marathon, etc.
So apart from the suggested training schedules there isn't too much more to this book.
It is written by two different authors who switch writing back and forth and this became very confusing in parts and just clumsy and awkward overall.
Also the metaphors they use to liken their training sections was corny and over the top. They tried to compare it to the sections of a meal with "appetizers" for warmups, "vegetables" for lighter workouts and the cooldown was "dessert." That was just a little too much for me.
The one positive thing about this book is the training charts they provide in the back for various different training levels. So if your goal is to "walk/run a half marathon" they have a weekly training program for you over the course of several weeks leading up to your scheduled race. And there are others for running a whole half marathon, walk/run a marathon, etc.
So apart from the suggested training schedules there isn't too much more to this book.
katedee's review
2.0
If you've already read a book on running, or a previous Bingham book, this doesn't really present anything new or useful.
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