Editorial Review:Product Description:John 'the Penguin' Bingham is one of the slowest men in sneakers. But the beloved Runner's World columnist has a message for those who think long distances are for the super-fit alone: You can do it, too! Along with his coach Jenny Hadfield, Bingham has written the ultimate everyman's guide to taking on the 13- or 26-miler, delivered with the confidence of one for whom slow and steady is a way of life. -Includes specialized programs for walking -Offers a unique half-marathon training program -Gives tips on how to gauge your level of readiness -Helps runners design new training programs as they get stronger and faster -Pays special attention to injury prevention Along the way, Bingham cautions his students to love the journey, not just the finish line. Let the other guy worry about trophies-Bingham and his students have a race to run.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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4 words: JUST BUY THE BOOK
I read this book laying on the deck of my hotel room in bora bora....i'm so happy i had the experience of reading this book there. thats where i decided to take a step, a leap, a jump and train for my first half and full marathons. all within 9 months. YOU WILL GO ON SUCH A JOURNEY, FIND THINGS OUT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN. Buy this book, enjoy the rid
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Worth the read.
I originally saw a "brief" of this book in a magazine showing the training schedule for the "walking" half-marathon. I started the training plan and decided that I should get the book to further help me. The book is well-worth the read. It is an easy read with some funny and helpful stories. My son (16) and I (41) are in week 6 of the training program and really enjoy it. I recite some of the "motivational" stories that I have read in the book while we are doing some of the long Saturday walks. In about 8 more weeks I am hoping that I will be able to say that I am a "half-marathoner" thanks to this book.
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Marathon Book
This is an excellent book. It has a lot of good information and a very practical approach. The books first emphasis is on training safely. It covers everything from preparing to train to recovery post race. Its got 8 different training plans to choose. I highly recommend this book.
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A Good Start And A Fun Read, But Don't Expect Miracles
Reading this book with the expectation that you'll be a better runner once you finish it is unrealistic. If you're in need of help with your training, either as a complete beginner or someone looking to take his running game to another level, the personal touch is leagues better. Just as a garden-variety self-help book is no substitute for speaking with a psychologist or confidante, MFM won't nearly offer the kind of assistance you'd get from a personal trainer, coach, or even a more advanced jogging partner.
That said, Marathoning does offer a lot of practical advice, and is a good place to start before seeking more detailed information elsewhere. I'm looking to make some changes in my running regimen in order to improve my race times, or- gasp- graduate from half-marathons to full, and I took some notes from MFM on what kinds of improvements I could stand to make (e.g., lose the cotton socks for synthetic; do a better job of hydrating during my runs; examine my arches and tailor my next sneaker purchase accordingly).
It's an easy and fun read, and has the potential to be kinda inspirational, too, assuming you find anecdotes about people's running achievements more encouraging than corny. [There are a lot of these accounts of personal triumphs interspersed liberally throughout the book's more practical points, and while they can get to be a bit much, at least there are a few stories for every type of runner and walker.] In fact, if author John "The Penguin" Bingham was even half as lazy and unfit in his pre-marathoning days as he comically describes himself, it ought to inspire any reader to sign up for a long-distance race tomorrow.
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Great Information for a First Timer
This book contains a lot of great information for first time marathon/half-marathon runners. The book is well organized and written in a clear and readable style. In addition to the 8 customized training programs and accompanying advice, there are also special sections on deciding which race to run and when, injury prevention, nutrition, gear, race day strategy, and recovery.
This is the best such book I have read on the topic.
