Publication Date:June 27, 2006 Shipping:Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Promotion:Save $10.00 when you spend $50.00 or more on Qualifying Items offered by Amazon.com. Enter code BMLSAVES at checkout.Terms and Conditions Availability:Usually ships in 24 hours
A score of 2.5October 16, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I got two good nuggets out of this: what bars to eat when running long distances, and running a half lap in 68 seconds is what a nine-minute mile feels like.
I'll admit that the book has you believing you can pull this off, and I'm not sure that you can't. Obviously, many have.
But at the end of the day, all you're really buying is a training plan.
Ten dollars seems like a lot to pay. If you must have it, buy it used, or read it at your local library for free and THEN decide if it's a must-have.
Great help - worked for me (3'53"30''')July 5, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm not a die hard runner by any means, but desired to run a sub-4 hour marathon for my first marathon. This book helped me with confidence and a concrete plan for training. It isn't so complex that you need to incorporate blood testing, heart rate monitors, etc. (which are probably important as you advance). This is a basic plan that tells you the workouts you need, food to eat, and how to prepare. If the training is too hard then you probably need to establish a better base or revise your goals.
I didn't do all the training because after I got about 10 weeks into the plan I had two 'back to back' sciatica attacks (the second had me on the floor for 60 hours in pain). I was in fear that I wouldn't finish let alone run sub-4. I believe the basic endurance gained from the plan allowed me to achieve my time. I was worried the training wasn't tough enough, but followed it to the letter (when I could due to my back).
I previously researched other plans online (Higdon's and others) but they only showed mileage to run and didn't tell me about pacing which is extremely important!
Summary: this book keeps it simple and to the point. If the title is your goal you would be foolish not to get it. Good luck regardless.
P.S. I ran the Grandma's in Duluth June 2008. A fast course, beautiful views of the lake, awesome support, and a great local crowd. Highly recommended race!!!
Four Months to a Four-hour Marathon,UpdatedJanuary 16, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this book. I am a new runner and this book has given me soooo much helpful information from certain leg pains I was feeling and suggestions on how to remedy it; to how to increase my speed in my jog/run effectively. You can't go wrong getting this book. If you are excited to start training your body and mind to run a marathon I would totally recommend this book. - "Good Luck!"
A little bit dated, but still a great book.December 23, 2007 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wealth of knowledge, especially for the beginner runner that I am. I'm sure that all of the hard work will pay off in the end.
Great training guideDecember 2, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have successfully trained for 2 marathons with this book and I recommend it to friends aspiring to do the same all the time. Not only does it give reality based tips, the training schedules in the back are reasonable and easy to understand. I picked my first marathon, the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon, out of the back of the book where it recommends flat, fast courses . My husband and I followed every bit of advice and the schedule and hit our 4 hour goal at the finish line, finishing well into the middle of the pack of racers. The only additional advice I would add to what the book tells you is to get fitted for running shoes at the on-set of your training by someone certified in Gait Analysis- this will save your knees, feet, and lower back tremendously.
