I used this book to run my first marathon at the age of 50 in 2006 and successfully completed the marathon injury free. I bought two more copies for my daughters and we are going to run the Yakima, WA marathon together, this being a first time for them. I highly reccommend this book for anyone considerning a marathon. Success will be yours if you follow the training guides in the book.

I am an author myself and first i must say that this is a well written and thorough book. I am training for my first marathon and absolutely love Jeff's training plan and the Run/Walk strategy. It keeps me fit, motivated, healthy, and looking forward to my marathon. Thanks Jeff. Highly recommended for anyone interested in running.

I began running using another of Galloway's books. Then I thought anyone who did a marathon was insane. Now that I've done ultramarathons (farthest was 57.12 miles), well, guilty as charged.

This is a great book for anyone who thinks they can't complete a marathon, or who isn't too sure. He has great advice, and I use the Galloway method during ultras, and it helps immensely. He covers almost everything imaginable, including a temperature gauge to tell you how to dress for whatever condition you're in. There are plentiful training calendars depending on your goal (finish a marathon, best your time, qualify for Boston, etc.).

I started running when I weighed about 240 pounds. In 3 months I went from couch potato to finishing my 1st marathon (which is much sooner than what he suggests, so don't panic). Without this book, I doubt I would've even tried much less succeeded.

I was a non-athletic (translation: couch potato) half marathon trainee with a lot of doubt. Jeff's straight-forward information, hints, suggestions, and warnings were extremely instrumental in my ability to complete my first half marathon at the age of 50. The book is very readable, well organized and to the point. Jeff accomplishes what he sets out to do: give everyone a good plan for training for a marathon. I highly recommend his work.

I first heard about this book when I began training earlier this spring for the Chicago Marathon (2006). The national AIDS Marathon Training Program, the group I am training with, uses Galloway's program, and I wanted to cover all my bases during training. This book provides a great deal of mental support for the beginning marathoner, and I believe would be most beneficial to those who have never run regularly before. My only complaint is that it could use even more nutritional advice. All in all, though, it's a strong reference book to have around during training.

As an older beginning runner who has completed a handful of 5Ks these past few months, the idea of a marathon is one of those "why not" ideas that has been creeping into mind. After reading this book, that goal sounds more realistic than ever before.

In my judgement, Mr. Galloway does a nice job of breaking down the details and convincing any runner that, despite someone's age or athletic abilities, not trying to ever run a marathon will cause more anguish years from now than training to run one. I obviously can not speak for advanced runners but I recommend this book to anyone who has broken out of the run-walk combo program and is ready to add some mileage to their workout.

As an older beginning runner who has completed a handful of 5Ks these past few months, the idea of a marathon is one of those "why not" ideas that has been creeping into mind. After reading this book, that goal sounds more realistic than ever before.

In my judgement, Mr. Galloway does a nice job of breaking down the details and convincing any runner that, despite someone's age or athletic abilities, not trying to ever run a marathon will cause more anguish years from now than training to run one. I obviously can not speak for advanced runners but I recommend this book to anyone who has broken out of the run-walk combo program and is ready to add some mileage to their workout.

Best book I could find for a beginner marathon-hopeful such as myself. It is a folksy book written by a pro for the beginners and the more advanced runners. There are several easy to follow training regimens based on one's goals and levels of experience. The author is not overtly selling his own training services for running marathon, though they do have a world-class training program. I will be running my first marathon early next year. This book gave me nice tips to build my stamina while avoiding injury.

Best book I could find for a beginner marathon-hopeful such as myself. It is a folksy book written by a pro for the beginners and the more advanced runners. There are several easy to follow training regimens based on one's goals and levels of experience. The author is not overtly selling his own training services for running marathon, though they do have a world-class training program. I will be running my first marathon early next year. This book gave me nice tips to build my stamina while avoiding injury.

I am finding this book practical and informative, but redundant with Galloway's previous book. One or the other would seem more useful than ordering both...and if I had to choose, I might purchase the other book for it's comprehensive information about injury prevention and treatment. Still, compared to other books on marathon by other authors, this book is encouraging, helpful, specific and especially appropriate for the non-traditional athlete: the older, female, injured or less athletically inclined among us who are still motivated to do a marathon for whatever personal reasons.

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.

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.

...Respecting the Distance.

Jeff Galloway is an Olympian who has run 130 marathons. That's why I chose to use his training program for my first marathon, because I believe he must know something about running. I am in my seventh week of training and doing wonderfully. People need to realize that Galloway's program is intentionally designed to get you to the starting line and through the marathon injury free and enjoying yourself, not hurting and tortured (although it's still going to be hard). There is nothing second-rate about walk breaks; he even gives the history of marathoning as having included walk breaks in the early days, and examples of modern record setters who took walk breaks. So posh on the nay sayers. When I added walk breaks to my program, the fun immediately came back and I was able to run twice as far with a smile on my face the whole time, enjoying scenery, rather than plodding along like a mule. He backs up his advice with scientific reasoning that makes total sense: when you give the running muscles a brief rest from the beginning and throughout the race, your legs stay fresh. You don't lose time because of this, and then you get to pass people later on, all while minimizing the risk of injury. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would turn up their nose at that. Hopefully I'll be passing some of them on the course.

As for the reviewer below who said that Galloway doesn't mention goo, that is just inaccurate.

The important thing to remember (!) is that 26.2 miles is a LONG way. Anyone who crosses the finish line is a marathoner, period, whether you ran, walked or crawled. Galloway's training programs (there are 11 to choose from depending on your goals, even time goals for the competitive reviewer below...HELLO! CAN YOU RUN A 2:39?! Galloway has a program for that, did you try it?) are designed to get you trained and through the race safely and ready to keep running more races or at least running for life. Hopefully with a smile on your face. What more could you possibly want?

The other wonderful part are the mental tricks he suggests, such as "Anti-Gravity Fluid" and "Magic Words". This is a great book.

Includes chapters on: Long Run, Walk Breaks, Running Form, Cross Training, Training Programs (11), a whole section on inspiration and motivation, what race day is like, Running Faster (speed and hill work), section on food and fat burning, advice on getting older and running, gear, an Appendix and many tables and charts.

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.

I recently read this book beginning to end and have to say that the poor quality of the writing made it hard to follow at times. Galloway repeats the same sentence throughout the book in inappropriate or unexpected places. He is clearly a runner and not a writer.

I have to say though, that his advice and methods are sound and will work. I was relieved to find out that I would not be running all 26 miles, but taking short walk breaks to recover. Some of the book sounded a little dated (he never mentions goo as an alternative to Powerbars) but overall it is a good first step for people considering running their first marathon.

This is the best source of information for overall marathon training. The book is well formated and an easy read.
The recommendation of taking a walking break while doing the long runs and the marathon seem difficult to accept, when for years you were not considered a real marathon runner if you walked any part of the run. I tried the approach and ran a PR on a difficult course.

A friend recommended this book to me and I am so glad she did. She is training for a marathon and I am not... at least not yet. This book will give you strategies and guidelines to help you train for a race of any length. I currently do 5K runs and have a 10K (my first!) scheduled later this summer. There are tips and advice about all aspects of running including: walk breaks, drinking water, cross training, training in various weather conditions and more. Galloway says that virtually anyone can finish a marathon with his 6 month training program and I believe it. In fact, after reading the book I am motivated to give one a try... maybe next year though!

Galloway does repeat himself a lot. I think this is because readers may chapter-jump when using this book and he wanted to make sure certain things were stressed. It didn't really bother me, but I thought it was worth noting. Also, does Galloway own the company that makes PowerBars or something? He just raves about those things! :-)

This book is the safest, most fun way for you to run a marathon. I used it, along with joining a local Galloway running group, to complete 3 marathons in the last 1 1/2 years.

Make sure you get the second edition, with the word "New" in the middle of the cover. The negative comments on the older reviews, referencing the "story" woven in the book, refer to the first edition. The criticisms were warrented, and this "story" was eliminated from the second edition. As a result, the excellant running advice shines through.

Jeff Galloway is the "Johnny Appleseed of Running", bringing running and marathoning to the masses. This book is a great way to get started off on the right foot.

After repeated bouts with injuries while training using other programs, Jeff's program got me out the door and running a faster marathon.

My initial reaction to his run-walk method was sheer disbelief. After working his plan for a month or so I was converted. I cut 20 minutes off of my personal best with this program. I feel that the Galloway method really teaches you how to work with your body. Most programs try to jam your body into doing a marathon. Galloway's edges you into it and as a result makes it easier for you to complete the training and the marathon.

The book also presents a very realistic attitude about running and running marathons. We all aren't Frank Shorter or Catherine Ndereba. This book helps to turn us everyday runners into marathoners.

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.

From dirty tricks on your mind to magic words to keep you going, this is the best low mileage marathon book I have ever followed. I have used his strategies on all 5 marathons I have run.

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!

I found this book to have useful information for a beginner, but the manner in which it is presented made it hard to access and use. The format Galloway uses includes an ongoing story that tells of a group of runners and their quest to run a marathon, broken up into parts in each chapter. The story was too precious for me, I found it distracted from the information I was looking for, and made it hard to wade through the book.

I would have been much better served by a less cute, more cut and dried manual, using the info Galloway presents, but without the stories. There are some good techniques in here, some interesting points, some valuable tips. But the effort required to extract the good info out of the rest of the mush was too much, and I felt it detracted from the overall value of the book.

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.

I only gave it 3 stars because of the silly story that readers must wade through to get to the advice. But following the directions in this book, my marathon times were improved and I set PRs in 10ks and 5ks, too.

Excellent training manual, encompasses all aspects of marathon training. Lends inspiration and motivation to begining runners. Highly recommended!

I picked up this book on the advice of a friend who had done the Houston Marathon the previous year and heard Jeff's seminar on running Marathons. He felt Jeff had given him so much good advice that enabled him to have success in his race thathis book would benefit me.

Well, I must say it did. I went out and had a painless, great day in my first 26.2 mile race and I attribute most of it to jeff's training schedule and his run a mile/walk a minute strategy that will actually improve your time instead of what you might think. I am living proof and this book got me through it.

I highly recommend this boof for a first time marathoner, it answers many of the questions you may have going in about diet, water, sports drinks, rest, anxiety, what to do if....., etc..

Definitely a book you can trust in and use to make your race the best it can be.

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!

A great, common sense approach to marathon training.

The charactors' story through out the book takes what could be rather dry reading and makes it fun.

I highly recommend it!

Two members of my family have read and used this book as a training guide for their first marathon in 1996. Now, seven marathons later, they still recommed it highly to friends. Happy runnning!

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.