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: Power of positive running
Summary: 5 Stars
I am attempting to "finish" a marathon. (...) I bought this book to begin my research into the possibility of making the marathon dream come true. The matter of fact, assured tone of voice through out the book has convinced me that it is possible. The only thing better than reading this book would be to take the course. I've followed the "pre-training" plan and am here to tell you that if I can run 30 minutes without dying, then anyone can. It's practically impossible to imagine that running can be a mental activity. According to these authors, it is at least 90% so.
I'm using their information in a series of articles I'm writing for a health webzine as I begin my marathon quest.
Along the way, I've conducted extensive research and this book stands out among the rest. Run to the store and buy it.
The mental preparation, thinking positively and all that sounds like a bunch of bunk. But it works! I especially like to say, "IT doesn't matter," when things go wrong as they suggest. That has made a huge difference in my running and in my life. (...)
Book Review: It really does work
Summary: 5 Stars
The training course (which includes only four runs a week) is very reasonable for us non-runner types, but what really make this book work are the mental exercises. Due to injury I actually missed the two longest long runs and started two weeks of physical therapy a month before my marathon. But because this book keeps reinforcing keeping a positive attitude it never occured to me that I wouldn't finish. Well, this Sunday (Oct 22) with a heavily bandaged knee and my longest previous run being only 16 miles, I finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 5:39:39. I found out after the fact that even my doctor didn't think I'd make it.For the record, before I started training six months ago I had never been a runner. My first run of 1.6 miles made me dizzy, exhausted and very sore afterwards. Six months later I can run 26.2 on a bad knee. If anyone out there is at all interested in running a marathon I say go for it. The feeling of running across that finish line while the crowd is cheering you on is more than worth it.
If you do decide to do it, buy this book.
Book Review: Useless as a reference
Summary: 2 Stars
I've just started my training program, and this book seems to provide a realistic and successful training program. My beef is with the organization of the material. It's divided into weekly training guides, with general training information book-ended by pep talks in each chapter. The problem is that the training info is not in any particular order. There is no index. The table of contents does not actually describe the contents of the chapters. For example, if you want to find nutrition information before week six you have to page through the whole book to find it. Like I said, no index and the table of contents for chapter six says only "Physical Preparation," just like every other chapter. It would be worth two more stars if the TOC could muster a simple "Physical Preparation: Nutrition."
Perhaps the book is meant to be read in full before the training program. In that case the pep talks and testimonials are voluminous and a bit mind numbing. It really makes more sense to read these to find support as you progress through the training.
Book Review: Good for beginning runners, not so much the athlete
Summary: 3 Stars
I suppose I could have figured out the above by the title, but this book had so many positive reviews I bought it instead of Hal Higdon's book; in the end I wish I had bought Hal's book. I used the training schedule off of Hal Higdon's site, and looked to this book mainly for training tips and education about running skills.
This book has some useful information regarding training, physiology, and some advanced psychology, but is mostly "you can do it!" type encouragement for those who have never run before and have serious concerns about completing a marathon. As someone who is pretty active and had run previously (though no further than a 10K), I found the material a bit light, and the testimonials repetitive. That said, the heart and commitment of the authors shines through, and you can tell it is a labor of love for all involved in its creation. This is probably the greatest single source of encouragement and inspiration that I received from this book, and I did my marathon, so I guess it worked!!
Book Review: A successful first marathon!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first book review ever. I found this book while browsing for a book about hockey. I always had in the back of my mind that someday, someday I'll run a marathon. I've run fairly regularly the past few years, but never more that 2-3 miles. This book does exactly what it says - prepares you to finish the race, nothing more. Once you realize a marathon is 85% mental training, then the training runs just become reinforcement for your motivation. In September 2002 I ran my first marathon, the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH, and I finished in five hours flat. There is little in life that can compare with crossing the finish line of your first marathon. I had been told that before the run, but had to learn for myself that it is very true. If you apply the techniques in this book, and stay focused on your goal, you WILL complete the run.
This book was exactly the right kind of help at the right time. I recommend it to anyone starting their own personal quest for the 26.2!