Rating: 
Summary: Good info, but poor writing makes it difficult to read
Review: I recently signed up for a marathon training program based on Galloway's method (gradual increase in mileage and run/walk ratio). This book was recommended as a "must-read." I have to say I am disappointed. The chapters are not arranged in any meaningful order, and the "real" information is interspersed with a fictional story of a group of runners training for a marathon. I had read this comment in a previous review, but thought that it only applied to the later edition, not the original one. Well, it's in this one too, and while I normally wouldn't mind such a story, it does not flow well in and of itself, nor does really integrate with the non-fiction topics. The way it all fits together is so bad, in fact, that I just couldn't stomach it, so I am looking for another book to read on running. Fortunately I only paid $1.50 for this one, otherwise I would be angry for wasting my money. Galloway does seem to be an expert in the field, so perhaps I will try his Book on Running. Hopefully it will be more fact-based and organized better.
Rating:
Summary: Good info, but poor writing makes it difficult to read
Review: I recently signed up for a marathon training program based on Galloway's method (gradual increase in mileage and run/walk ratio). This book was recommended as a "must-read." I have to say I am disappointed. The chapters are not arranged in any meaningful order, and the "real" information is interspersed with a fictional story of a group of runners training for a marathon. I had read this comment in a previous review, but thought that it only applied to the later edition, not the original one. Well, it's in this one too, and while I normally wouldn't mind such a story, it does not flow well in and of itself, nor does really integrate with the non-fiction topics. The way it all fits together is so bad, in fact, that I just couldn't stomach it, so I am looking for another book to read on running. Fortunately I only paid $1.50 for this one, otherwise I would be angry for wasting my money. Galloway does seem to be an expert in the field, so perhaps I will try his Book on Running. Hopefully it will be more fact-based and organized better.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of Good information for the beginner
Review: I recommend this book more for a beginner marathoner rather than for someone who is more competitive. Galloway gives plenty of valuable information and training tips but I disagree with his approach. Galloway recommends a fairly minimal amount of training and although this approach may help someone finish a first marathon, I don't feel one can improve greatly without significantly more mileage than he recommends. Also, he recommends walk breaks but, if you are well trained and pacing yourself properly, these are not necessary. All in all, I find Bob Glover's Competitve Runner's Handbook to give better advice for marathon training.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Guide for a 1st tme marathoner
Review: I used this book as a guide to prepare for my first marathon. I couldn't have asked for better advice. I finished the marathon in a respectable time, pain free and ready for number #2. If you are thinking of running a marathon, buy this book. You will not go wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent guide for marathon training
Review: I've long enjoyed Jeff Galloway's articles in "Runners World" and his other running books. This one ranks up there with the best guides on ho w to train for a marathon. It's not preachy or sanctimonious and it offers some sensible tips on how to get yourself in shape to run 26.2 miles. The book is dated, and if you do much of your training on a treadmill, you're out of luck. The book was written before treadmills became a practical way to train indoors in your own home. Aside from this "defect," the rest of the book is excellent. Whether you're an avowed coach potato, or someone who runs 10 miles a week, the book will get you to the starting line and, hopefully, get you to finish your first race. Running is a joyous activity and one which brings many individual rewards. Finishing your first marathon is one of life's great memories and hopefully, there will be many more for you to savor as you gain experience and fitness. If you're a serious, addicted runner who has never run a marathon, you'll love this book, but the beginners will reap the greatest rewards. It's well-written, fun to read and instructive. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent guide for marathon training
Review: I've long enjoyed Jeff Galloway's articles in "Runners World" and his other running books. This one ranks up there with the best guides on ho w to train for a marathon. It's not preachy or sanctimonious and it offers some sensible tips on how to get yourself in shape to run 26.2 miles. The book is dated, and if you do much of your training on a treadmill, you're out of luck. The book was written before treadmills became a practical way to train indoors in your own home. Aside from this "defect," the rest of the book is excellent. Whether you're an avowed coach potato, or someone who runs 10 miles a week, the book will get you to the starting line and, hopefully, get you to finish your first race. Running is a joyous activity and one which brings many individual rewards. Finishing your first marathon is one of life's great memories and hopefully, there will be many more for you to savor as you gain experience and fitness. If you're a serious, addicted runner who has never run a marathon, you'll love this book, but the beginners will reap the greatest rewards. It's well-written, fun to read and instructive. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: A waste of time
Review: If you wish to spend your time reading a book about running that is virtually worthless to a runner, this is the book for you. The dramatic scenarios are, at best, uninformative and, at worst, absolutely inane. All of this from a writer who has made significant contributions to the literature of running in the past--must've just temporarily run out of anything useful to say. I hope to see a return to the previous level of quality in future endeavors.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for beginners
Review: If you're planning for your first marathon, this book is for you. Galloway tells you everything you need to know to make it to the finish line comfortably and without injury. I used his run/walk method for my first marathon, and was out and about that evening celebrating -- unlike several of my fellow marathoners who spent the rest of the day in bed w/ sore feet and legs. His story telling style may be a bit annoying to some, but the paternalistic nature of the book guides you from start to finish simply and effortlessly. At least as much so as training for a marathon can be!
Rating: 
Summary: Pre-marathon dietary advice
Review: The author suggests eliminating salt from one's diet for 24 hours prior to the marathon, supposedly because the intake of salt would lead to dehydration. This viewpoint is in contrast to the majority of runners and authors who encourage the runner to eat some salt during the morning meal (bagel with salt), and to carry pretzels to eat during the last half of the race when electrolytes have been depleted. Total elimination of sodium prior and during the race, along with continual ingestion of water can lead to hyponatremia.
Rating:
Summary: Good information irritatingly presented
Review: There's a lot of really good advice on marathon preparation here. Unfortunately, Galloway interweaves the meat of the book with the excruciating story of a fictitious band of infantile, narcissistic runners who are getting ready to run a marathon themselves. This would be a mere annoyance if it didn't make finding the running advice a lot more difficult. The reader is forced to wade through the stupefying adventures of Suzi, Tom etc in order to pick out the many kernels of running wisdom. Stick to the facts, Jeff!
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