Marathoning for Mortals
by Jenny Hadfield, John Bingham
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Book Reviews of Marathoning for Mortals
Book Review: A Good Start And A Fun Read, But Don't Expect Miracles
Summary: 3 Stars
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.
Book Review: Training schedule had me ready to go the distance
Summary: 4 Stars
I followed the 'run-marathon' training schedule and it had me prepared to complete my first marathon yesterday (without injury or setbacks). Having been a daily runner (4-7 miles each) for nearly 15 years I felt it was past time for me to meet a personal goal of taking on the marathon. After reading numerous training books for beginners-experienced runners I found this one to be a good balance. The chapters were humerous and motivating even for someone like me that is already movtivated to run. I found the training to be realistic for a busy work/life schedule. The distance builds at a healthy, manageable pace that allowed for appropriate recovery. In the final weeks I worried that it had not been enough miles per week because in the past I had assumed you had to log 40-50 miles per week to train for a marathon but in the end it was fine.
The only variations I made were:
I started training early enough to extend to schedule to include an add'l 22 and 23-miler long run with a 9-miler on the Saturday between. I admit I also added 1-2 miles on some shorter weekend runs the final month.
Also, not being good at 'resting' I often did crossing training (elipical/toning)on those days.
And switched the Thursday and Friday schedules because it was easier on my work/life schedule.
The only reason I gave it a 4-star was because I felt I needed to research/read more on what food/liquid to have on long runs.
Book Review: So glad I read this before it was too late
Summary: 5 Stars
I only started running about 5 months and have been planning to do my first half marathon in 5 more months. I bought the Kindle version of this and am very glad I did, since it showed me that I was headed for a rude awakening. Pushing myself too hard too soon, I've had a couple minor injuries and now see that they were due to me building my mileage up way too soon. I ran my first 10k race a month after beginning my running life (by accident... I'd meant to do the 5k but got in the wrong group) and did pretty well, so I'd decided I'd set my sites on the half-marathon. I got my mileage up there a few weeks ago, but my body has been paying the price. Now I know I need to just chill out a bit - keep my goal, but just change the target date. We'll work on the marathon for next year.
I also learned that I'd set my maximum HR too low. They point out that your max HR is the highest it can go, and you can't change it. So I looked through the data recorded by my Garmin and saw that there were a couple workouts where I had exceeded that number by a BPM or two, and one where I'd exceeded it by 10! That was a fun day - the HR monitor was beeping at me like crazy.
I like how it's written to make those of us who excel at some things, but will never actually WIN a marathon, know that it's not about winning. Just about having the guts to do it.
Book Review: Run your greatest race
Summary: 5 Stars
A friend just returned me this book. I had bought it some five years ago, when I wanted to run, at the age of 50, my first marathon, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. It had been billed as one of four legs (The Island Race) of "The Greatest Race on Earth." This book helped me a lot in making it through that race.
Just opening the book, the first chapter was inspiring. John Bingham describes why he deserved his nickname, "the Penguin," being "a short, fat man waddling down the sidewalk." His co-author, Jenny Hadfield, fared better although she started off as the slowest kid in gymn class. Their message is simple and pointed: "if we can run the marathon, so can you."
The rest of the book is a step-by-step approach to the various aspects of preparing for and running a marathon (or its variations). It is easy to read, understand and follow. I did not use the sample training plans provided because I was fortunate to train with a group which had its own schedule of workouts. But the book provided me a lot of the theory and encouragement so essential in completing a journey which, as the authors point out, is more about mind and spirit than miles.
I always recommend this book to anyone who asks me whether and how they should run a marathon. The copy I have is quite well used because it's been passed around.
Book Review: Good for beginners
Summary: 4 Stars
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.