Rating: 
Summary: A must for novice marathoners
Review: After renewing this book from the library multiple times I just had to own it. My husband and I are training for our first marathon and this book is our "bible." There's a new piece of valuable information on every page, and each time I reread a section I find something I can use again. Inspiring, informative, with training schedules, advice, and anecdotes throughout. I've looked at other marathon training texts but this one is the best--written for the average reader, it doesn't take the elitest attitude toward running that some of the others do.
Rating: 
Summary: Waste of money and time
Review: Hal definitely knows Marathons! He also does a very good job of passing on tidbits of knowledge that can be very useful for first timers or those with just a few Marathons under their belts. If you want to know more about Hal's style or mindset, I would suggest that you look at some of the articles on Marathoning that are available online. ...
Rating:
Summary: Good information.
Review: Hal definitely knows Marathons! He also does a very good job of passing on tidbits of knowledge that can be very useful for first timers or those with just a few Marathons under their belts. If you want to know more about Hal's style or mindset, I would suggest that you look at some of the articles on Marathoning that are available online. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Fabulous training guide for the first time marathoner!
Review: I am living testiment to the fact that this book works. I'm 31 years old, new mom and a relatively new runner and through this book and the 18 week training guide on his website, I was able to complete the Chicago Marathon this past October. He promises that if you stick to his guide you can finish and it works. The best thing about the book is that it is supportive, but not preachy. Hal uses examples of elite athletes, but never forget that he is writing this for the novice or intermediate runner. As a novice myself (I had only started running about 6 months before), I found I was able to set realistic goals (just to finish, really) and run injury-free. I cannot count the number of times in this book where I would read something and instantly be reinforced that I could complete a marathon. And that's very important because the training can drain you, make you question your ability and scare you.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous training guide for the first time marathoner!
Review: I am living testiment to the fact that this book works. I'm 31 years old, new mom and a relatively new runner and through this book and the 18 week training guide on his website, I was able to complete the Chicago Marathon this past October. He promises that if you stick to his guide you can finish and it works. The best thing about the book is that it is supportive, but not preachy. Hal uses examples of elite athletes, but never forget that he is writing this for the novice or intermediate runner. As a novice myself (I had only started running about 6 months before), I found I was able to set realistic goals (just to finish, really) and run injury-free. I cannot count the number of times in this book where I would read something and instantly be reinforced that I could complete a marathon. And that's very important because the training can drain you, make you question your ability and scare you.
Rating: 
Summary: same as others
Review: I buy these books hoping to find a mixture of training programs, instead i find each author holds to his own theory. I guess i need a book containing a number of training programs from different runners. where can i find one of those. Higdon is a great runner and deserves respect, but i do not find that he gives u any insight not found in books by others. I need more. I need variety.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent primer for first time marathoner
Review: I just ran the Chicago Marathon this past weekend - my first - and used this book as my primary reference along with Hal Higdon's virtual training program. Using this program I realized and exceeded all my goals for the race. The program works, the experiences related in the book accurately predicted my own and were an excellent guide for the training program and the pre-race preparation. If you are a first time marathoner and you follow this program, you will succeed.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent primer for first time marathoner
Review: I just ran the Chicago Marathon this past weekend - my first - and used this book as my primary reference along with Hal Higdon's virtual training program. Using this program I realized and exceeded all my goals for the race. The program works, the experiences related in the book accurately predicted my own and were an excellent guide for the training program and the pre-race preparation. If you are a first time marathoner and you follow this program, you will succeed.
Rating:
Summary: Essential For the Novice Marathoner
Review: I really enjoyed the information Higdon had to share. He answered every question I had about embarking on my first marathon, from what to eat to how to train and how to rest. Most helpful is the training guide at the end of the book to help you prepare for this quest. At least 4 times in the book he talked about how he liked to drink a soda right before the race. I thought once was enough. However a recommended buy.
Rating:
Summary: Best book for a first time marathoner
Review: I recently ran my first marathon, and this book was extremely helpful. It helped me learn what to expect, and was an excellent resource in helping me to prepare, both mentally and physically. I would definitly recommend this to anyone who is preparing for their first marathon.
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