The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer

Got 16 Weeks?

Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Overall good book.

I didn't realize I had to be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes before I could start training. I will review this book again once I can accomplish that task.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great beginning marathon training!

This book is very motivating and is a great way for people who are not runners to begin marathon training. The only drawback is that the increase in milage can be a bit much if you are not accustomed to running. I would recommend running steadily for at least four months before beginning this program.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Just finished my first marathon!!!

I spent a long time trying to pick just the right book to help me run my first marathon, and after reading many user reviews for many books, this is the one I chose. After finishing my first marathon just last weekend there is no question that I picked the right one.

This book is so, so much more then a "how to train" manual. It DOES have that.... a complete plan of how much to run, how often to run, how far to run, and how far ahead of the marathon to start. Think you are too busy to spend all the time training? It's based on a very simple plan of jogging only four days a week. Yes. FOUR DAYS A WEEK. You'll do three short runs during the week and a long run on the weekend. Anyone can follow it.

It is also filled with inspiring first person stories of people who were training for and running their first marathons, and I found I could really relate and put myself in their shoes. The book also takes you week by week through all of the runs you will do, tells you what to expect, how to handle pitfalls both emotional and physical, and gives you advice on everything from the type of clothing you should wear, diet, and more.

This book pounds home the idea that on your very first marathon, you should not AT ALL be worried about your time. I had friends who had done marathons who wanted to know what my time goal was and I could tell some of them were annoyed or maybe just curious that I didn't have one. I just wanted to finish the marathon.

And I'm thrilled to say that I did it. *I* did it... 39 years old, six feet tall, and fifty pounds over weight. I finished a marathon!!

I could never have done it without the help of this book. I fully intend to write a letter to the three authors to thank them. Doing this marathon changed my life, and they were a big part of that.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommended

I have always "ran" but only 10ks and 5ks through high school and college. When I was 29 I gave birth to my first daughter. I wanted to get back in to running again but it had been over 2 years since I really had ran. I started 6 weeks after she was born with the 10 week plan to get up to 30 minutes of non stop running. I followed this training. plan to run my first marathon. In ever skipped any long runs, but misses runs during the week here and there. I ran my first marathon in 4 hours 30 minutes when my daughter was 9 months old!

I LOVED the week by week training chapters. Since then I have ran 4 half marathons and I am starting to train again for my 2nd full marathon.

An essential for first time marathoners

I was given this by my brother and his girlfriend for Christmas 2009, started following the guide and in April 2010 I completed the Virgin London Marathon. As long as you read and follow the guidelines you'll be well prepared. Prior to reading this book, I had run a 10km in September 2009 and vaguely started some training for the marathon. I closely followed the guide and found the marathon went very well, apart from miles 18-21 where I struggled a bit!

Highly recommended!

I absolutely LOVED this book. If you are unsure if you can complete a marathon, this is the book for you. It is very inspirational and practical, and if you follow its sage, research-backed advice, you WILL complete your marathon. Buy this book today!

Great training reference

Want to run a marathon? This is the book for you! I trained with this and was able to complete my first marathon. It is a wonderful book for beginners with lots of applicable advice.

A reviewer

Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.______The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.______ Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.______ The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).______ All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.______ Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. Good luck :)

GREAT start for new runners

I ran a half marathon with Team in Training thanks to this book. It gave me the courage to start a sport I had never done before! You learn to keep your mind going, how to breathe, how to eat, how to pick shoes...everything important! I will be running again in May!

IT WORKS!!!

I hated to run and the longest I had ever ran in my life was 2 miles and that was when I was twenty something. I'm 45 now and I just finished my first marathon. I trained on my own and used this book as my guide. Now I'm hooked on running and can't wait to prepare for another marathon.

The impossible made easy!

Since following this book, I've finished five marathons and will still run more. It takes a feat that is seemingly superhuman and makes it a realistic goal for the average person. I buy multiple copies and give them to friends. Many of my friends have also then gone on to run multiple marathons! It's inspiring.

Go for it!

This book does just what it says: helps you complete a marathon. The training schedule gets you completely ready. I had a great time running the marathon and thought that it was easier than training.

Best Training Guide

I just finished my first marathon what more can I say!!!

First Time Marathoner

I found this book at B&N just as I was deciding whether or not to try a marathon. I just finished my first! Excellent!

This book will turn you into a marathoner!!

After reaching a plateau in my work-out journey, i decided that I needed a challenge and a goal to work towards. I decided after much delibration that I would take the step to train for a race. I loved this book! The week by week process was so helpful!! I have now run my first marathon and am hooked! I would recommend this to anyone in the beginning stages of running or anyone who needs motativation and practial advice for marathon training!!

No Running Experience? No Problem!

I completed by first marathon in June 2003, and this program was the reason. The authors definately know all the questions, all the answers and talk you through every stumbling block along the way. Who else could get someone like me, with had NO prior running experience (& out of shape), across the finish line with a big, fat smile on my face. The gradually increasing program is fantastic and leads you through a very natural & challenging progression to marathon day, confident and ready to go. If you're considering your first marathon, I strongly recommend you consider this book!! You will become 'the expert' on everything from nutrition, hydration, pace, form, shoes, common injuries, mental focus, and a load of other things! Good luck!

A Great Beginner's Guide!

I myself am not a runner by nature. I found that the program in the beginning of the book to be so helpful in beginning any kind of training program. It helps you to go from ground zero to running straight for 30 min. before the actual marathon training begins. I have used it so many times over the last year and have recommended it to all of my friends. I'm still hoping to run that marathon soon, but the book is awesome!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Inspiring, fun to read, not at all overwhelming!

I've been reading books on cycling, swimming and running as I prepare for my first triathlon. I came across this book and read it even though I don't like to run. This was by far the best training book I've read. It is easy enough to understand and not overwhelm. The book is written from 3 perspectives: the mental training required, the physical, and from a 'lay persons' experience. For the latter section, they include many testimonials from people who have actually been part of this program and accomplished their goal. I always have enjoyed the 'real people' angle, and appreciate that this book isn't written for elite athletes, but for someone like me!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Indispensible for rookie runners

This book will absolutely get you through what will become a life-changing experience. Along with the athletic training, you will find hundreds of tips and tricks to beat the toughest part of the marathon challenge - the one inside your own head. Not only will you survive your marathon, you will experience it with joy, hope and enthusiasm.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.