Marathoning for Mortals

Rating:
Summary: Everything one needs to know
Review: A great easy-to-read book that gives you interesting info about what distance running means for your body, and what it takes for you to be prepared both physically and mentally, to get to the start line. John's and Jenny's explanations, experiences and suggestions encouraged me to revisit my training routine for, as I kept on reading, I realized how my original approach was not helping me to get the best out of my effort. I made some adjustments and they have resulted in evident improvements.

If you are not one of those seasoned-supersonic runners in the world, I'm sure you will find the book of great help, and at times, even a source of inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Bingham always has a great perspective inside each edition of Runner's World. 'Marathoning for Mortals' keeps the same tone while connecting the dots of his 'high five' mantra into a training regiment.

You'll get high praise from Bingham while "Coach Jenny" brings it back to the training. They cover everything for the beginner as well as the the runner who is looking to take on his/her third/fourth marathon.

It takes you month by month through the training, anticipating every heartbreak and muscle ache. If you're thinking about marathoning, then start here, then move onto Galloway or Higdon.

Rating:
Summary: Ultimate Bingham
Review: Bingham always has a great perspective inside each edition of Runner's World. 'Marathoning for Mortals' keeps the same tone while connecting the dots of his 'high five' mantra into a training regiment.

You'll get high praise from Bingham while "Coach Jenny" brings it back to the training. They cover everything for the beginner as well as the the runner who is looking to take on his/her third/fourth marathon.

It takes you month by month through the training, anticipating every heartbreak and muscle ache. If you're thinking about marathoning, then start here, then move onto Galloway or Higdon.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for beginners!
Review: I just completed my first marathon and I can't say enough about this book's training program. I am a "mere mortal" and never really ran much before I started training for the Chicago Marathon. I found myself amazed at how I was always ready for the next long distance every weekend. There are several different training programs listed in the book that meets the needs of all runners from novice to expert. In addition to the training, this book also covers all the questions you would never think to ask, but you need to know... from the type of socks you should wear to what you should eat the night before the race. I was completely prepared for my marathon and I owe it all to John and Jenny! I can't recommend this book enough!

Rating:
Summary: Good for beginners
Review: I purchased this book for a friend who is a beginning runner and wanted to achieve a lifelong dream of running a marathon. I did look through it before gifting it and found it to be full of doable advice for the average person. Mr. Bingham does not take the elitist attitude some runners have towards the sport of marathoning; that it has been cheapened by the influx of "mere mortals" who dare to venture out on to the 26.2 mile course with nothing more than a pair of shoes and a few weeks of training. Instead, he maintains that there is a place for everyone in the pack (and I agree) All runners pay the same entry fee. The "mere mortal" may have put in just as much training as the elite runner to get to the finish line. Some can cross the line in just over 2 hours, others require 3 or 4 times that long. In my opinion (and Mr. Bingham's) if they have given it all they have for 26.2 miles, they have run the same race. Anyone contemplating this lifetime achievement (I will NEVER forget the feeling of crossing the finish line at my own first marathon) but who fears that it is out of their reach, should buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Good for beginners
Review: I purchased this book for a friend who is a beginning runner and wanted to achieve a lifelong dream of running a marathon. I did look through it before gifting it and found it to be full of doable advice for the average person. Mr. Bingham does not take the elitist attitude some runners have towards the sport of marathoning; that it has been cheapened by the influx of "mere mortals" who dare to venture out on to the 26.2 mile course with nothing more than a pair of shoes and a few weeks of training. Instead, he maintains that there is a place for everyone in the pack (and I agree) All runners pay the same entry fee. The "mere mortal" may have put in just as much training as the elite runner to get to the finish line. Some can cross the line in just over 2 hours, others require 3 or 4 times that long. In my opinion (and Mr. Bingham's) if they have given it all they have for 26.2 miles, they have run the same race. Anyone contemplating this lifetime achievement (I will NEVER forget the feeling of crossing the finish line at my own first marathon) but who fears that it is out of their reach, should buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Go the Distance! Have some fun too!
Review: Marathoning is more than a physical effort. It is also mental and spiritual. Body and mind both must be conditioned for the 26.2 mile adventure. This book addresses the whole person's preparation for a marathon. Bingham stresses that each person can find success at their own level.

A few years ago, I joined "Team In Training" to do a marathon while raising money to fight cancer. A noble goal, but I had never done more than a 5K. In fact I am a cancer survivor myself! I read this book cover to cover, and followed the ideas. Foure months later, I finished my first marathon! I have done a few more since then too!

If you are a hot-shot runner, go write your own book. Want a technical book in running? Go get one. This book is for the rest of us who just want to do the marathon, go the distance, and have some fun too!
Thank You John!

Rating:
Summary: If you don't think you can do it this book will tell you how
Review: This is a great book. I ran a marathon a couple of years ago and was not very happy with the training I had done. I got the schedule off the internet with no other info and it was a huge mistake. I picked this book up and started reading it - I signed up for a marathon two days later! It has lots of info and 8 different training plans for different fitness levels and goals (half and full marathons). By giving up my coffee habit I realized having that wired up feeling all day clouded my concentration. Did you know one cup of joe raises your blood pressure by 14%! Fortunately for me I was able to find a wonderful tasting replacement made from soyabeans. You brew like coffee and it even helps lower my cholesterol. I found it online at www.S o y c o f f e e.c o m. Gaining this understanding will effect every move you make from this point on and will bring with it the necessity to share it. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they think they can run a half or full marathon or not.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is an excellent book for whomever needs some help on his/her training. It explains in perfect detail how to train for a full or half marathon according to your current level. It tells you what to expect, how to prepare yourself, and especially it makes a lot of emphasis on cross training (which means training by doing other sports other than running). Cross training is a key component in a good routine. Few authors put so much emphasis on this. He also explains the importance of stretching and using other sports for your benefit. I really think this is one of the best books you can get if you don't know anything about training for a marathon and you are planning to train for one.