| Author |
Topic: thoughts on The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer book? |
pdstein
Member |
 posted Aug-17-2007 07:19 AM
  
As I mentioned in my first post yesterday, I recently started training to run my first marathon. A friend of mine lent me a copy of The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer. Has anyone else read this book? If so, what do you think about it?Has anyone trained by it? - Paul
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mrinertia
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-17-2007 09:01 AM
I've read it but haven't trained by it for a few reasons. First of all, it seems to be geared towards doing the absolute minimum preperation. The marathon places huge stresses on your body and mind and it makes sense that I would want to be as prepared as possible when race day comes. There are very few things in life that should be met with the absolute least amount of preperation possible and the marathon is no exception. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to do well, the more likely you are to have fun and the more likely you are to do more after your first one is over. Secondly, I'm a runner and using a nonrunner's guide doesn't make any sense. I know that the title is just marketing phraseology, but the very idea doesn't make sense to me. If you're looking to run a marathon, you're a runner. You should use material aimed at helping runners. Jack Daniels running formula is an outstanding book for beginners and will much better prep you for a marathon.
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Marathon Peach
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-17-2007 10:20 AM
Someone bought me a copy of it...hadnt used it for training but found some of the stories in it inspiring..------------------
Girl on a mad mission
From 400 meters To 26.2 miles
Race Day - October 28, 2007
16 year liver transplant survivor
My Running Journal
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alexbobalex
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-17-2007 07:29 PM
I just picked it up to and actually liked it. I am not training for a marathon yet, but liked the concept that a mere mortal like myself could run one. I also though the stories were inspiring and some of the mental advice seemed helpful for every level of runner.
It did seem like a lot of the people who finished it didn't continue to run much after; which leads me to believe that the goal of the people in it was to finish a marathon, not build a long lasting relationship with running.
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pdstein
Member |
posted Aug-17-2007 08:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mrinertia:
Secondly, I'm a runner and using a nonrunner's guide doesn't make any sense. I know that the title is just marketing phraseology, but the very idea doesn't make sense to me. If you're looking to run a marathon, you're a runner.
Several runners have told me they have issues with the title. Obviously to run a marathon you have to become a runner. But I guess you have to consider the title from the perspect of someone who is picking up the book and not a runner at that time.
------------------
Training for my first marathon
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runninlaw
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-17-2007 09:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mrinertia:
I've read it but haven't trained by it for a few reasons. First of all, it seems to be geared towards doing the absolute minimum preperation. The marathon places huge stresses on your body and mind and it makes sense that I would want to be as prepared as possible when race day comes. There are very few things in life that should be met with the absolute least amount of preperation possible and the marathon is no exception. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to do well, the more likely you are to have fun and the more likely you are to do more after your first one is over. Secondly, I'm a runner and using a nonrunner's guide doesn't make any sense. I know that the title is just marketing phraseology, but the very idea doesn't make sense to me. If you're looking to run a marathon, you're a runner. You should use material aimed at helping runners. Jack Daniels running formula is an outstanding book for beginners and will much better prep you for a marathon.
I couldn't agree more. And trust me, I'm all for people running marathons. But if you don't even consider yourself a runner - why bother? Being a "runner" is a mindset IMHO. If you aren't serious about it, the marathon will really really hurt come race day.
With that said, when training for my first marathon (spring 06), I read Higdon's Marathon and Binghams "marathoning for mortals." They are vastly different, but both had a lot to offer. I liked Higdon for the "real" part, I liked Bingham for the "attitude" part. It is hard to go into a marathon being a newbie and it is nice to have the inspirational stuff. That is what the book you refer to is about. If it inspires you - AWESOME!! If it makes you think anyone can do it - pick up another title to round yourself out and get real before you race so you truly enjoy it (and are ready to sign up for #2). GOOD LUCK and have fun training!!
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Tamara40
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-18-2007 07:56 AM
I have read the book, several times, and it has inspired me to run a marathon and I'm currently training with their schedule. Several of my friends have used it and successfully run a marathon (and they were nonrunners prior to the book). If you read the book, you will find that one of the first lessons they teach you is that you ARE a runner and you have to start telling yourself you are a runner, and you tell everyone else you are a runner b/c if you're out there doing something, you ARE are a runner. I found the book very inspirational b/c normal people like me did this program and were successful. They helped me believe I can actually run. I never thought I could ever run 8 miles, which is what I'm doing today, and it was that book that gave me the courage to try. I realize their program doesn't work for everyone...neither does Hal Higden, or any other program out there. THe point is, you have to find what works for you, be smart, listen to your body and don't push yourself needlessly. There is always a marathon out there to train for, take your time and pay attention to you body.
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kcarmike
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-20-2007 09:28 AM
I own the book. I am not using t for the physical training for the marathon. I LOVE the mental prep advice however. So many training programs concentrate soley on the physical prep for obvious reasons. But being mentally ready is just as important. Why not use it for the physical training? The authors place so much emaphasis on the fact that all but one person finished the marathon. I wonder how many started the class and then went on to drop the class? I started Calc 2 and most people I know who finshed the class passed. But 40% of us dropped the class (including me). So the statistic is 100% who took the final passed. What about the marathon training class? It may be misleading. I am not sure there is enough preparation physically. The class was created for a series of studies by PhDs needing to be published. Definitely use it for some mental prep work. I find it helpful, even on a 3 mile run on those days I just don't want to. Kris
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