The Marathon and Half Marathon: A Training Guide

by Graeme Hilditch

As this study shows, the popularity of the marathon and half marathon has increased dramatically in recent years. Growing numbers of people have become aware of the life-changing experiences and the health benefits that result from training for, and competing in, a 13.1 - or 26.2 - mile race. Notwithstanding this, these events are extremely testing endurance races and entrants need to be properly informed so that they can train and prepare in an appropriate way. This handbook discusses everything you need to know, including choosing the right clothes and running shoes, the importance of stretching and core stability, and even post-race nutrition and hydration.   

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2014

Reviews

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first step-by-step guide for both the full and the half marathon.

From my perspective it contains mostly everything you need - from running itself, to nutrition and injuries you may experience, training programme, some anatomy, training heart rates and more.
And of course about mental strength, which in a race situation is far more of a determining factor than a number flashing at you from your wrist receiver.

I believe this book will guide you through your first training run right through to the elation of crossing the finishing line! :)

And the phrase I took away from this book:
“Pain is temporary, quitting is forever”, Lance Armstrong.

[Dolf van der Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Trigger: the Paris Marathon I am going to run in April 2019!]

This is still my go-to book for half and full marathon preparation, because it contains all the basics of training, nutrition and health, as well as four good training schedules. It is missing most of the mental preparation, though.

[Next up: the non-runners guide to running a marathon, which does have plenty of mental preparation in it.]

[Fred Mcbreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been running for years but still learned a great deal from this book about training, diet, hydration, injury prevention and more. Well written and informative. I’d recommend for new and more experienced runners alike.

[Mal Sad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Loads of useful information, writen in very user friendly language

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for beginners to running. Some chapters were quite informative, others a lot less so for intermediate runners. Chapters which I particularly liked were the ones on heart rate monitoring, nutrition and injury (i.e. the more scientific chapters). If you already have a general idea about the various types of training runs and you've already gone through a race, I wouldn't recommend this book for you.

[Daniel Halliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid look at marathon training with practical schedules to help you train. I used this originally for running three half marathons, but picked it up again for a full read on considering some longer runs. No frills, but useful.

[Damaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

very insiteful on all aspects from the race to how your body is dealing with it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for beginners, some sections need updating due to advances in sport science over the last few years.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Chatty but helpful and full of tips.
Only gripe is that it's hard to read some of the schedules when it is on the kindle but want to take that up with the publisher.

[Jen Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, with a sense of humor. Mr. Hilditch provides a lot of information without overwhelming the reader.

[Jurgen Van Gael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paris, here I come!