The Ultimate Running Guide: How to Train for a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon

by J.M. Parker

So you wanna run?

OK, then let’s run. But it’s not going to be easy and this no nonsense program is not for the faint of heart. If you want to run with us, you can’t be a punk! Running a marathon is not for the weak bodied or for the fragile spirited.

The physical part of running is only a small portion of how far you can go. It’s your mind that will carry you past the physical obstacles. You will feel pain during your training, but it’s just weakness leaving the body. Don’t cry. Just push through it and stop whining!

If you want to earn that 26.2 bumper sticker, this book will help you get it, but don’t think you won’t be pushed out of your comfort zone. Comfort is the thief of progress. We don’t want to rob you of your progress, so we’ll make sure you are anything but comfortable. You may be in pain and you may be tired, but if you stick with it, you’ll be glad you did. There’s nothing quite like knowing you’ve accomplished a feat that makes you part of an elite group. It’s not every day someone runs 26.2 miles.

Written by a 12 year Army veteran who trained soldiers to get fit, you won't find any sissy stuff here. We concentrate on diet, choosing the proper clothing, training, and most important: mental discipline.

So, if you’re truly ready, grab your sneakers, your water bottle and this book to get started. Stay motivated, and stay disciplined. It’s all worth it when you cross that finish line. Besides, no one likes a quitter.

Genres: Nonfiction

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2012

Reviews

[Victoria Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

In opposition to the other reviewer, I thought this book was laid out wonderfully (to each his own). I would classify myself as a beginning-intermediate runner. I've done an occasional 5k and 10k but haven't tried anything longer, like a marathon or 1/2 marathon; and even for those I know now I was not training very well. If you can't do a mile a week then you do what is best for you. You build gradually until you get to the point you want to be at. That seems kind of obvious though.

I found the detailed meal plans and the tips on diet especially helpful, as well as the importance of taking things slow in training; especially in the beginning. Most of my running is casual jogging, not running races (which require training), but after reading this running guide I'm enthused enough to start training for some races now!

The author put together some resources that will help instill confidence for those taking steps to complete their first 5k, 10k, half-marathon or marathon. Most all running books are lacking in the area of strength training, but not this one. The author shares a variety of upper and lower body workouts geared to compliment the running portion of training.

Regarding the importance of diet, the author does have another book especially for that,
The Ultimate Runner's Diet: How to Fuel Your Body for Peak Running Performance

I bought the diet book shortly after reading this one and it was also a wealth of information. Diet is so extremely important in all aspects of life, and the author goes into great detail on the importance of a good diet for any runner who is in training. Both of these are books that I'll refer back to time and time again.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've just started training for my first 5K and was thinking I could use some instruction on proper nutrition and form etc. This book barely hinted at the things I was hoping to get more info on. If you are brand new to eating healthy, whole foods and taking part in any sort of fitness routine this isn't a bad place to start. But, if you are like me and have been leading an active lifestyle (sans running) for a year or more there is little new information you will find here.

I also found the descriptions of some of the cross-training exercises to be confusing.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like a whole lot about this book. First off, I thought it was laid out horribly. There were parts that the author discussed important components to the ideas before laying out the ideas making it a very confusing read. Second, I found the ideas for building up distance running...simply put she gave the advice of run one mile one week and run 1.5 miles two weeks. As someone who is still building up my distance running..telling me to run one mile one week doesn't cut it.

[Lisa Lingrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clear, straightforward guide, with tips, and extra suggestions. I purchased the 3 bundle, that also spoke on nutrition and clothing. I already knew the majority, but it's always beneficial to hear the motivation behind the advice. Worked for me.