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 - Just buy it. You'll finish your marathon.Prior to training, I had run ONE 5k race (mostly walked), and never actually ran for excercise for more than 3 miles. I began this training wanting to see how far I'd get and the next thing I know I was 15-20 pounds lighter and crossing the tape at that Dallas WhiteRock marathon in 2003 at 4:18:13. Don't get me wrong, I was in pain. It wasn't easy. But as they say, the pain is temporary... I'll have that accomplishment with me forever. If you are considering a training regimen, I cannot suggest this book enough to you. Easy to read - chapters are all short and in a very creepy way INCREDIBLY accurate as to which week you begin feeling what pains in your legs/feet and how to combat. People always ask me "was running the marathon hard?". My typical response is: "Not really, actually. There were about 3 miles that were very difficult but overall it was pretty easy. The real hard part is all the training. It's getting your butt out in the rain on a sunday night and making yourself run 12 miles even though you have to get up for work the next day. It was an exercise in willpower that gets you through the training, when no one would know if you skipped a run here and there. No accountability like there is in the marathon. So once you get through that, you become almost like a robot, a machine. After about 2/3 through it nothing on earth will stop you from accomplishing your run. Darkness? Cold? Snow? Rain? None of it matters.". Buy the book and run. Rating: - Excellent! More than I expected!I am so glad I ordered this book. I have never ran nor did I like to run but way down deep inside I wanted to run a marathon. OK, I have had this book for two weeks and can not run four miles. That is four miles for someone who never ran anywhere. Great mental health. Rating: - Book ReviewI loved this book. It took a very practical approach to training. The training focused not only the physical aspects but also the psychological training. I would recommend this book to anyone considering training for a marathon. Rating:  - motivating and easy to followI've done a little running on and off for a while but never could seem to increase my level of fitness. I bought this book to challenge myself and to enjoy the running trails I have by my new house. This book is worth every penny! I am only a few weeks into the training, and I have increased my fitness level and increased my enjoyment of the experience. This book is based on a "marathon class" the professors taught that is a combination of sports psychology and fitness. It is great for beginners, and if you follow along and do exactly what the authors suggest I have no doubt you can finish a marathon. The stories from many of the students make it a well rounded experience, and I can relate to the doubts, thoughts and issues they experienced and its helpful to read how they dealt with them. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars because this book has some typos and a few sections seem a bit repetative; However, I admire the student who wrote it as she also participated in the class and being a bit overweight like me I can relate to her experiences and appreciate that she did complete all 26.2 miles as well! Rating: - Absolutely Amazing!This book not only helped me complete my first marathon, (NYC '07), but also continues to help me overcome seemingly unsurmountable obstacles in life itself. Many extremely useful mental techniques to call upon when the miles start climbing above 20 or so, (you'll need them). Upon receiving I read from cover to cover. Then re-read each chapter weekly during my training completing all the journal entries. It worked for me and it worked very well. I followed this book nearly to the letter and ended up finishing the marathon in fine physical and mental shape grinning from ear to ear. I've run another marathon since but will never forget the mind-blowing thrill of crossing the finishing line for your very first time. Highly recommended.
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