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: An integral part of my training!
Summary: 5 Stars
For years I had watched people run marathons, and was filled with a mixture of awe and the feeling that "they are nuts!" Deep down I knew that I wanted to tackle a marathon someday, but I was scared that I didn't have it in me. This book changed that perception.In the spring of 1999 I suddenly decided to sign up for the Twin Cities Marathon. In searching for advice on how to prepare, I checked out every book I could find at our local library. Most of them were just not for me. They assumed that I had been running for years (in truth, I hadn't laced up my shoes in almost 10 years). The minute I picked up this book, that all changed. It might as well have been titled "Ben's Marathon Trainer."
The tone/mantra of this book is simple and consistent -- "If you WANT to run a marathon you CAN run a marathon." You set your goal (to finish the race regardless of time) and visualize that goal early and consistently.
Each chapter focuses on one week in a 16 week training schedule. They provide a well paced physical schedule like all the other books. However, what this book provides that the others are lacking is a week by week EMOTIONAL training schedule. I don't know how many times I would come back from a training run feeling a little down, pick up the the book, and find that the next section talked SPECIFICALLY about the emotions I had felt on the run.
Count me as one of this book's success statistics! Just as I visualized, I finished the TC Marathon with flying colors (if not a flying time ;) ). Better yet, I loved every minute of it.
Book Review: Just buy it. You'll finish your marathon.
Summary: 5 Stars
Prior to training, I had run ONE 5k race (mostly walked), and never actually ran for excercise for more than 3 miles. I began this training wanting to see how far I'd get and the next thing I know I was 15-20 pounds lighter and crossing the tape at that Dallas WhiteRock marathon in 2003 at 4:18:13.
Don't get me wrong, I was in pain. It wasn't easy.
But as they say, the pain is temporary... I'll have that accomplishment with me forever. If you are considering a training regimen, I cannot suggest this book enough to you. Easy to read - chapters are all short and in a very creepy way INCREDIBLY accurate as to which week you begin feeling what pains in your legs/feet and how to combat.
People always ask me "was running the marathon hard?". My typical response is: "Not really, actually. There were about 3 miles that were very difficult but overall it was pretty easy. The real hard part is all the training. It's getting your butt out in the rain on a sunday night and making yourself run 12 miles even though you have to get up for work the next day. It was an exercise in willpower that gets you through the training, when no one would know if you skipped a run here and there. No accountability like there is in the marathon. So once you get through that, you become almost like a robot, a machine. After about 2/3 through it nothing on earth will stop you from accomplishing your run. Darkness? Cold? Snow? Rain? None of it matters.".
Buy the book and run.
Book Review: As a Physical Therapist, I highly recommend this book.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a physical therapist who also enjoys (???) running. This past Fall, I finished my 2nd marathon in Appleton, WI. My first was Grandma's in Duluth, MN in 2002 (before children). This second marathon I used the same program but had to add the walk to run progarm in also as I had a one year old and a two year old at home now! I was not quite in the same shape I had been for the previous marathon. The program is wonderfully flexible with only 4 days of training a week. I printed the small schedule in the front chapter up and used to mark off my runs. Reading the chapters a second time still was important to train the mental endurance. As a therapist, I really love the stressing of completion and not speed. Reading each chapter a week helps to mentally prepare for the runs and stay focused on the weekly runs and the marathon itself. It is such an accomplishment to complete the race that setting time goals should only be broad- I'll finish in under 7 hours. I would be very interested in reading the women's book but would love them to write another book for 'subsequent' marathoners. The issues of mental endurance, life balance, and aging bodies would be good additional chapters to write about.
I have used the walk to run program for many of my patients who want to return to their prior level of running after injury with very good results. If you are even thinking of just getting into running this book is a great book and you may just decide 'why not try the marathon'.
Book Review: This book works. Period.
Summary: 5 Stars
I used this book to train for the 2009 Chicago Marathon. it tells you that you should get yourself to be able to at least jog for about 30 minutes before starting the 16 week program. I did that, and then started about 20 weeks before the marathon just in case I had to rest an injury or something. The book gives you a lot of information on hydration, nutrition, stretching, what to wear, and a ton of motivational stories from previous participants in the program.
I did the runs as scheduled and read the book along the way. I did tweak a hamstring about halfway through and had to rest for 2 weeks, so I was glad I started early. I finished the Chicago Marathon, and that was my one and only goal. This book works. If you are trying to run a fast marathon or are a more serious runner, get something else. This is designed for new runners, and it works as advertised. I went from barely being able to run a mile in May 2009 to finishing the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2009. Again, it works if you believe in what they are saying.
The only con would be that it is hard to find specific info in the book because they give you a little bit in each chapter, so a more detailed table of contents or an index would be great. But I feel like that forced me to actually read the whole book and get a better understanding for the challenges ahead, so maybe it was for the best.
Thank you for writing this great book!
Book Review: Will get you to the finish line
Summary: 5 Stars
Two weeks ago I ran my first marathon in New Orleans. It was in every way the experience of a lifetime- and I credit that largely to this book. The book covers every aspect of the training from physical to mental, and acts as a personal trainer for any first timers training alone. The program seems light compared with several other running programs (only 4 runs a week, a longest run of 18miles as opposed to the more usual 20miles etc). This worried me so I did a comparison of several other beginner marathon programs including Runner's World and Jeff Galloway. Turned out that the total mileages were almost identical- the difference was the buildup. This program included several long runs at each of the big distances, with slow increases- helpful for a beginner hoping to avoid injury, whilst many other programs ramped up slightly faster for 3 weeks with a fourth 'down' week with a lower mileage. Basically, this is a slow and steady program that will absolutely condition you to successfully run a slow and steady marathon. If that's what you are looking for, this book will get you to the finish line in great shape. One final note- I would agree with other reviewers that a few extra months of comfortable running before you start would be a good idea. I would suggest choosing a marathon at least 6 months away unless you are already in good shape. Have a great marathon!