The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
by David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, Tanjala Kole
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Book Reviews of The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
Book Review: Not a one-size-fits-all program
Summary: 3 Stars
I just ran my first 1/2 marathon 3 days ago using this book. My intention was to run my first marathon but it just didn't work out that way.
I am not completely new to running (low mileage) but it was put on hold for grad school then 2 children came along and my running has been non-existent. I've always wanted to run a marathon and I committed to doing it this year. I began by using the Couch to 5k program (highly recommend) to get up to where I needed to be before beginning the training program in this book.
I went by the book and all seemed to be going well until my first 16 mile long run. After that run I had a terrible pain on the outside of my right knee that was diagnosed as bursitis. I followed Dr.'s orders and took 3 days off running taking ibuprofen 3x/day. I gradually increased mileage after that to be hit with pain on the inside of my knee. At this point I saw an Orthopaedist who specializes in sports injuries. I now had tendonitis and bursitis on the inside of my knee and had to take another week off with a few sessions of physical therapy. He informed me that unless I wanted surgery the marathon was a no-go but I could still train for the half. It turns out the mileage increases were just too much in too little time for me.
I realize that many have used this to finish their first marathon and that's super, but this cannot be seen as a one size fits all type of book. The mileage increases are severe and there are those of us who are not physically made to be able to do it in such a short time. When you look at the bios of the runners they profile, many are young, had run in high school or were still running, and/or had already finished a marathon or two. So when they keep harping on the fact that only ONE person who followed the program didn't finish a marathon, you need to keep in mind how you fit into the profiles of those who did.
Overall, it did have some good advice and I credit it with helping me finish the half, it was just a bit too high on itself and needed to make room for the biomechanical differences that naturally occur among us.
Book Review: Christmas to Boston - Three Short Months & 26 Long Miles
Summary: 5 Stars
My wife and I were not really runners. We ran for general fitness and no more than five miles at a time, a couple of times a week. In late December 2000 we learned that some of our, more dedicated, running buddies were planning to run the Boston Marathon. Two had run it and the Dublin Marathons the year previously. On a cold and miserable January Sunday morning, after an absence from running for at least six months, we were on our way to meet the group and fulfill mumbled New Years promises. "Why not" we echoed almost in unison, and the decision to run the Marathon was made. The rashness of youth!
Decision made we joined in the training programme the others were following. I, however, needed more information on nutrition, stretching, approach etc and went looking for a book. It is a difficult thing to select a book on Marathon Training from the veritable library available; I bought up the first one I saw!
"The Non Runners Marathon Trainer" was a bit heavy on jargon, visualisation, "Marathoners" etc to start with. However, I soon realised that gems of information such as 'not setting a completion time for your first marathon' and 'not being afraid to walk stages if necessary' were the secret to success.
We were fit enough to get into the training without too much trouble. The book made clear that the real battle was the mental one. The approach taken helped me overcome my inherent laziness and Fiona her uncertainties; she ran a 4.03 and I a 3.56. She put her time down to having gotten her 'head straight'. My training was hampered by an injury and a lazy head and I wouldn't have finished if I didn't understand the mental aspect of the day.
We intend to run the London Marathon this year and my brother is at this minute buying the book as part of his preparation for the trot.
Book Review: Great read - but not sure I agree with the premise
Summary: 3 Stars
I read the book (several times) as I was getting into running. I can't argue with the incredible success that the authors have had, and with the numerous testimonials (both in the book, and here on Amazon) that attest to the training program working. My one issue with the book is that the goal is to take a non-runner, and have them complete a marathon in 16 weeks.
I am not a coach, I am not a trainer - I am just a runner with an opinion. I tried the "zero to marathon" plan twice before I actually became a runner. Both times, I developed shin splints that were so painful, I stopped running entirely. I feel that one needs to run regularly for some period of time before committing to marathon training. I feel that the body needs time to adapt to the stresses of regular running, and that there's a lot to be learned in the way of form, and technique that comes from mastering shorter distances first.
I ultimately ran and trained for about 1.5 years before embarking on a 16 week marathon training buildup. Had I not had the experience of racing 5k's, 10k's and half-marathons, I think that my race experience would have been much different.
If your goal is to achieve the milestone of "conquering" the marathon (regardless of pace), then this book is for you. If you are looking to turn running into a lifelong passion, where you strive to continuously improve, then I think that there are other ways to achieve that goal.
I said it before, and I'll say it again - running (particularly distance training) is a highly individualistic pursuit. No two people respond the same way to identical stimulus. If this program works for you, that's great - but I'm glad that I took the time to build a proper base before I set out to run my first marathon.
Book Review: The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
Summary: 3 Stars
While this book does present considerable useful information about the physical needs and demands of running with a clear focus on being able to complete a marathon, I felt most readers would be better served if it were less wordy & shorter. The authors seem to be trying too hard to give us a zen-like look into some runner philosophy, but it comes off in a mondane and at many points down right boring way. There were simply WAY TOO MANY lengthy segments of the marathon students personal thoughts and experiences where a few less would have done the trick for comparison of feelings, enlightenments, etc, without putting the reader to sleep. I never got the connection to any of these students that I think the authors were trying for.
The book tracks the author's experiences teaching a college course that prepares classes of experienced as well as non-experienced runners to run/complete a marathon. It boast that virtually everyone who took the course indeed finished the marathon of each particular class except 1 student who sustained a non-running related injury and the presentation does seem doable, but I found the book BORING, skipping over more and more of the student personal experiences as I went. I would have given a higher review rating if it was more of a training manual than a preachy sounding board for every boring thought, experience and emotion that the author's students could drum up. The fact that I remember not a single name of students shows how the personal information didn't stand out in any way, personally or otherwise.
The book is written in a low academic style and can be understood with absolutely no prior knowledge of running or athletic physiology.
Book Review: Achieving Your Running Dreams
Summary: 5 Stars
After completing the Derby Marathon this weekend (my first marathon), I went back through this amazingly simple book that took me from a novice runner where I used to think that long runs were 3 - 4 miles, to being able to get to the starting line healthy and finish my first marathon healthy!
The book offers great advice in two areas. The most important area, in my opinion, was the psychological aspect of running a marathon. The strategies and tactics that the authors and past marathoners share helped me shed many of my pre-conceived notions about running and truly helped me achieve this life-long goal!
The second core aspect of the book was obviously the physical training component. The 16 week training regiment was pretty clear to follow and to accomplish if you take some of their advice and really apply the psychological components. The advice the authors give in "how" to accomplish the training was incredibly valuable. Simple things like joining a running group, how not to over train (I need to read that part again as I had some injuries due to over training at about weeks 5 - 8) and how to stay on track and motivated have helped me come to appreciate running.
Although I have not read other marathon training books for first time marathoners, I did a lot of web research. While there are great web resources, this simple book pulled many of the components together and provided a roadmap to success.
I'm looking forward to my second marathon in Indianapolis in October...and good luck to all of those running their first marathon!
Steve