Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

7-year-old aspires to run a marathon
My 7 y.o. niece got this book at the library. She now wants her own copy for her birthday. She loved both the pictures and the story in this book. She took the lessons about eating right, drinking water, on so on (see the "See Inside" link under the book cover image to see what I mean) very seriously. She has read it multiple times and now wants to run a marathon just like the mouse in the story. She wanted to emulate the mouse even to the extent of fainting so the mouse friends could revive her, but I had to explain that that part was added for drama, and real runners want to avoid fainting!

There is a set of exercises to do before running in the back of the book. Before we went for a run of our own, my niece propped open the book on the patio table so she could view the exercise pictures and lead us in those exercises. Not only was this an engaging story for her, but it also introduced her to good life concepts about eating right, avoiding drugs and tobacco, and getting exercise.

Surprising
This is a very funny book and exciting.Anyone who reads this will love it.(This is an 11-year-old's review!)

the marathon
i admit it im not much of a muscle mouse. so when i accidentally got sindup for the mouse island marathon, i was so shocked that i lost my squeak me, run a marathon but my friends and family were determined to help me coss that finish line. holey cheese, i was never going to make it.

This is a Great Adventure Book
I was in the library and I was finding a book for me to read. So I looked at the bottom of the shelf and I found "Geronimo Stilton Mouse Island Marathon".

When I read the title I thought, "This will not be a good book." But, when I looked at the pictures it looked so good and it was a fiction book.

The main characters are Geronimo Stilton, Thea, Trap and the nephew Benjamin.In the story Geronimo Stilton was going to run in a marathon and he was scared to run because he didn't want to be last. But he raced.

Do you know why I liked it: Because it is an adventure book. If you like to read adventure books you should read this book.-by Kosuke (a student in msdu's class)

Geronimo is great
My daughter really loves these books. She especially likes it when my wife or I read it to her. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Must read if you are a marathon runner.
Of course I am a runner, why else would one read a book like this.As with all runners I read about other runners to know if I am missing anything.I haven't run the NYC Marathon - yet; but, I will.I have run the NYC Half Marathon and it too is a lottery.

I haven't read a running book like this. The author takes the reader through each mile seen not by just one runner but over a dozen runners.She provides the background on the runner's lives, how and why they are running - allows one to feel as though they have slipped into the runner's shoes.Add to this the descriptions provided of the scenery and history of NYC as one runs past it - and you have an incredible book.

Now for the best part.So many details of how the marathon is organized, the selection process, the monies raised to operate the New York Road Runners (the organizers of the marathon).Just an incredible book.When I was selected for the Half in 2010, due to this book I knew exactly how my name had gone through the process of being selected.

If you are a runner - what a factual book.

Inspiration for Marathon Training
I enjoyed this book, which covered a number of aspects of running marathons, from the history of the marathon, to running gear, to the emotions involved. I also liked the photographs, which where colorful and sometimes informative. It was a fast read, and as well as good inspiration for my marathon training.

Disapointing "stories".Mainly a history of the marathon.
It's a pretty book.Looked at once, though, and that will be it.There isn't much that is terribly amusing or interesting.Thought it would be more about just normal people running marathons.No.Just the history of the marathon.

26.2:Marathon Stories
26.2: Marathon Stories

This was the perfect gift for my brother who was completing his first marathon.He read it from cover to cover on the plane.He loved it.I loved it and I didn't run a marathon!It's filled with interesting and inspiring stories and neat facts.It makes a great gift for the runner in your life.

Marathon Books
Great book, especially for those who have run a marathon and can appreciate first hand the highs and lows involved every step of the way.Couldn't put it down. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (21)

Great book!
This is a wonderful book.Very inspiring.A must have for those training for their first marathons!

Inspiring for FIrst-Time Marathoners!
I enjoyed reading the different points of view about first marathon experiences. I liked the variation between novice and elite runners. There were some common threads, but other things were different about the experiences. Sometimes the writing (or editing?) seemed a little choppy, but it didn't distract me too much, since it's a subject of high interest to me. I'm thinking about rereading it, now that I've actually signed up for a marathon.

TERRIFIC book
I have run a few half marathons and decided to read this book as I began to consider running a full marathon.Regardless of what type of runner you are (beginner or agro athlete) this book contains inspirational stories ranging from everyday runners to elite runners.There is truly something for everyone in this book whether you want inspiration to run around your neighborhood block, a local 5K, or train for a full marathon.Highly recommended.

Awesome Read
My running buddy told me about this book.We are both running our first marathons this year.This book made me laugh and cry and yet continued that "fear of the unknown" for my first marathon.The short narratives made it an easy read and a quick one, too.

Interesting reading, but gets monotonous
Interesting book for the first time reader.Not something that you will pick up and read over and over.As you get through several stories they actually get a little monotonous but it is still an interesting read.If you don't have to spend the money and can get it at the library, I would recommend that first.
Also, the dates of some of these runners stories are quite aged.Much of the book is like a history lesson where marathon running has come from over the past 70 years.Again interesting, but didn't do much for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Sage advice from the nine-time winner of the New York City Marathon—now updated.Do you consider yourself too old or out-of-shape to run a marathon? Do you fear that you lack the conditioning, motivation, or emotional strength to finish? If so, Grete Waitz, nine-time winner of the New York City Marathon, has a program for you that has proven to help would-be racers do what they thought was impossible: complete their first marathon. In Run Your First Marathon, Waitz offers:

• A 16-week training program that has been proven successful time and time again
• Methods for physically and mentally preparing to start and finish a marathon
• Helpful tips regarding equipment, nutrition, and hydration
• Guidance to help overcome motivational and physical roadblocks
• And much more!

Customer Reviews (9)

Good book for beginner - Beware: major typos in book!
After looking at a few books, I settled on this one. I thought it was clear, straight forward information for someone who is new to running, like myself. I really like this book, but, I did encounter some problems with the book that drove me crazy and thought maybe I was making some mathematical error when I was trying to add up the time from the walk-run schedule section. Weeks 2,3,5, and 6 have errors in it. After reading above reviews, I realized it wasn't me,if I would have caught this earlier, I would not have bought it. Luckily, thanks to google books, I was able to pull up the first edition and get the right information for the walk-run schedule. I had to white-out the errors and manually input the correct jog/walk times (what a pain).

My advise, if you plan on purchasing this book, please get the 1st edition. The second edition has major typos and can be a complete bummer for someone wanting to prep. for their first marathon.

Not the best training program
I've done quite a bit of reading on completing half and full marathons. At the moment, I'm in the midst of training for a full marathon. In the past year, I've completed two half marathons and will be running my third soon.

This book has good information on hydration, stretching, mental motivators, and even includes a walk-to-run beginning program.However, I found the actual training program lacking.The author provides one 16-Week Beginning Marathon Program that really doesn't have much of a taper phase. On week 16, the week of the marathon, she has you running 20 miles plus the marathon.I've never seen a training program, especially for beginners, with so much mileage during the last week.I could be reading it wrong, and the reader is supposed to lower the mileage in week 17 and run the marathon, but this isn't made clear.

Overall, the book has good information, but the most essential information, the training schedule, is lacking. If you purchase this book, I highly recommend you also get The Marathon Method: The 16-Week Training Program That Prepares You to Finish a Full or Half Marathon in Your Best Time.This book is also for first timers, but includes three different schedules depending on your running experience and weekly mileage.

You can do better.
By hearing the credentials of Grete Waitz, I was expectant to learn much from this book about my first marathon training. What I got however, was the desire to break out a red pen and an overwhelming need to get a better book. The entire work is filled with obvious grammatical errors (even on the back cover, "udated" rather than "updated" is featured in bright yellow lettering. If only I had paid attention to that!) English errors aside, this isn't a very helpful book as a guide. Most of the information in it is little more than common sense, and if it isn't, could have easily been gleaned from the internet. Grete has but one 16 week training program, and a bonus one previous to that to make sure you are fit to run. The descriptions of the programs are lacking at best, and offer scant insight on the timing of strength training or stretching. For a better knowledge base and a book you'll go back to when you have questions, try The Marathon Method: The 16-Week Training Program that Prepares You to Finish a Full or Half Marathon in Your Best Time By Tim Holland- it features far more detailed and varied training plans, so you'll be more likely to find one that suits you. With all respect to Waitz and her amazing accomplishments, her book fell far short of the training bible she claims it to be.

Initially dissappointed
I got this book to prepare for my first marathon but also thought the walk-run approach might be helpful for my wife who is scared but curious about running even short distances. Unfortunately, the walk-run tables on pages 36-38 don't add up. Specifically, weeks 2 and 3...the training regiments don't add up to 25 and 31 minutes respectively. Week 5 and day 2 of week 6 are not right either. Lost immediate credibility in the first 40 pages. I hope the rest of the book is better edited.

Been enjoying this book
Getting ready to run my first marathon, and find a lot of good wisdom and encouragement in this book.

Easy to read, and if you're running your first marathon, lots of good training tips and things to ponder for the big day.

Highly recommend. ... Read more

Product Description
A step-by-step guide to running a half-marathon.Few experiences match the accomplishment a runner feels after finishing a half-marathon, yet not many people are able to run 13.1 miles. In this guide, Joe Donovan provides a practical and effective training schedule designed to condition you both physically and mentally for your first half-marathon. Whether you're looking to make a lifestyle change or just want to know how it feels to conquer an extraordinary goal, this book will set you on the path to becoming a successful long-distance runner. ... Read more

Product Description
Pellie is a little duck who takes the reader through thework and the smiles of 26.2 miles.

In running a marathon, Pellie learns lessons that both children and adults can appreciate.

Her feet get heavy and the race gets long.
But Pellie keeps on going.
She even sings a song.

A little voice says,
"You can do it!"
And Pellie keeps on running. . . . She runs, runs, runs.
She runs right to it.

Pellie finishes a marathon! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspiring and Fun
Pellie teaches the importance of not giving up and doing your best, even if your best is not being the winner. She sends a powerful message to children about setting goals and achieving them even when it is difficult to do so. The pace of the book engages children in the story and by the end they are chanting the refrain with the reader.

A great book to encourage fitness and goal setting with kids from pre-readers to emerging readers.

What a great role model!
This little duck is a great role model for adults and children alike!She perseveres through the 26+ mile run and celebrates her accomplishment at the end - it's not about winning, just about finishing!I highly recommend this book for preschool teachers, coaches, and parents. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

Get your running shoes on Girls
Very good read...thanks to K Switzer, Women can run with the best of them....inspried me to get my shoes on and go run.

Wonderfully written & very inspiring.
I recommend this book for any women looking for a role model.Or any runner looking for inspiration.Or any person looking for a great book.

A role model, to be sure!
This is the perfect book to give to a female running partner! Reading Kathrine's story of personal and athletic growth was most inspiring. As well as being an honest and insightful autobiography of her personal and athletic growth, the book really lets you in on the world of networking, marketing and how people influence each other. You see how things can get done with a person's determination and focus -- in the business world as well as through the rigors of athletic training. Kathrine tells pretty much her whole story; whatever she has left out was probably appropriate abridgement, because what we see of her seems pretty complete for the purposes of this book. What an adventure it was at the start of women's running! You get a step-by-step unfolding of what it took to get to that excellent moment in 1984, when Joan Benoit crossed the finish line of the first women's marathon in the Olympic Games. Runners will especially enjoy this book, but it will be interesting to anyone who enjoys reading about people who make a postive difference in the world.

A must read for all runners
Kathrine is famous as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon (under circumstances of some controversy, back in 1967).After that historic event, she continued a powerful running career, which included winning the 1974 New York City Marathon.Kathrine is furthermore credited as one of the main influencers of the development of competitive distance running for women internationally, including the establishment of the women's marathon as an Olympic event.
This book is Kathrine's story.While that story is a fascinating one for anyone involved in running, it is more than that - it is a source of inspiration for anyone fighting against the odds in similar situations.
However, it is not just the story that makes this book special.It is written in such a casual, enjoyable style that I, for one, could not put it down.Marathon Woman is a must read for anyone who calls himself or herself a runner.
Warwick Ford, Author of "Fun on Foot in New York"

My inspiration!
Katherine Switzer's story truly inspired me to give qualifying for Boston another shot, and this year i trained my heart out and improved my marathon time by over an hour, breaking 3:20 and qualifying for Boston for the first time.I thought of Katherine's story as I ran my marathon and used it to make me stronger all summer long.It is the best book I have ever read, it made me realize anything WAS possible if i trained hard and believed in myself.Thanks Katherine!! ... Read more

Product Description
For both runners entering that first neighborhood race and elite marathoners, trainers Bob and Shelly-lynn Florence Glover's completely revised guide is the book on training to compete. A book that's already sold close to 200,000 copies, The Competitive Runner's Handbook will now offer all the latest information needed to design basic training programs; special workouts to increase strength, endurance, and power; schedules and worksheets to develop individual goals; and specifics on preparing for all kinds of races--with an emphasis on the 10K and the marathon.

Informed by their over thirty years of coaching experience, the Glovers give winning tips on alternative training, footwear and diet, and common injuries and illnesses, as well as sensible advice on balancing running with work and home life.Amazon.com Review
"Competitive running gives your running life afocus. Competition measures progress. You set a goal and accomplishit." Bob Glover and Shelly-lynn Florence Glover, authors of TheCompetitive Runner's Handbook, know what they're talkingabout. Bob has run competitively for nearly 40 years, coached for 30years, and completed more than 30 marathons, while Shelly-lynn hasraced for more than 20 years and is an exercise physiologist with amaster's degree from Columbia University. They've coauthored severalbooks on running. Clocking in at over 600 pages, The Handbookcovers basic training techniques, gives tips on speed training, andoutlines regimens for specific races: short, 5K, 10K, half-marathon,and marathon. There are also sections on motivation and the mentalaspects of competitive running, proper running form, nutrition,dealing with illness and injury, and more. In addition, the bookincludes many helpful charts. Straightforward and authoritative, thisis a comprehensive reference guide that's suited to runners of alllevels. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Running book
Very good book that came highly recommeneded and has proven to be a wonderful book of knowledge.

Turned me off to running
The handbook does what it says, and provides an enormous amount of information, analysis, recommendations, and opinions. However, it's truly geared toward competitive runners.

As a recreational runner, my times don't even qualify me for the "novice" category, which is the lowest grouping in the book. I found it discouraging, even down to the section where it discusses genetics and body type, which suggests that people with certain body types cannot achieve success at the most competitive levels. I thought this mentality was archaic.

I enjoyed reading the biographical information about the authors and contributors, and also understanding more about the role of women in competitive running, and the progression of a couple significant running events in the US. Very cool.

For a truly competitve runner, this book is probably very well received, but in my case, I didn't appreciate it. I am still searching for a friend or colleague who could use it to improve his/her running, but I haven't found one yet who is competitive enough to benefit from it.

A fantastic 'running bible' - skip the normal Running Handbook and get this
I ran cross country in high school.While I was basically an average JV runner, I did manage to break 19:00 for the 5k once, which is pretty decent.I have kept running off and on since high school, and about 9 months ago I decided to train for my first race since I was 18 (I just turned 30).I remembered quite a bit from cross country, and have occasionally browsed through magazines like Runner's World over the past decade, so I was not a total beginner and still had some knowledge fresh in my mind.Still, I wanted an all-in-one reference, as opposed to constantly trying to find good info on the internet.

Following the recommendations of some runners I know, I bought this book.In my view, it's just about perfect, and it could be the only resource most runners would ever need.It strikes a great balance between being casual and fun to read, while still containing a healthy dose of the denser scientific stuff which is necessary for effective training and racing (lactate threshold, carbo-loading, etc.).There is very thorough coverage of the major kinds of speed training, hill training, long runs, and so on; great chapters on injury prevention/recovery, diet, mental training, and footwear; and specific chapters and training plans devoted to the major race distances from 5k to marathon (as the title states), and much more.You get the idea - this book covers pretty much every topic of running with good detail.I don't believe it says much about the latest fad, barefoot running, but training principals are significantly altered for that method compared to normal shoe running, so you'd probably want an entire book specifically devoted to it.

While I say that this might be all a typical runner would ever need (and that is true) I use it as my 'bible,' the resource I go to first and always return to, while still consulting other sources like magazines or other classic training guides such as those by Daniels and Galloway.As Bob Glover points out in an early chapter of this book, other training guides are neither right nor wrong, just a different application of the same training principals used by everyone.

In my review title, I suggest getting this book over the more beginner-oriented 'Runner's Handbook' by the same authors.I don't own that one, but I recently spent a good 15 minutes paging through it at the bookstore; this book contains basically all the same information, PLUS the more in-depth and advanced material.It's beneficial to read that stuff, and view the training plans that an elite athlete would use, just for the perspective, even if you're still a novice.With any luck this book will help you catch the running bug, and within several months or a year you'll need some more advanced advice - so just get this book and get it over with.

This is one of those books that is rare in any field - a well-written, extremely credible, thorough guide that basically has no drawbacks.Get it, you won't be sorry.

College text
I purchased this book for a college pt course training for the grandmas marathon. Good book and pretty funny too.

Great resource for all runners
My fiance has owned this book for awhile as he's been a runner since high school.This past summer I began training for my first ever half marathon, running distances longer than I'd ever run before, at least since high school.I spent my summer free time reading through this entire book, and what a great idea it was.I had wanted to actually learn about running while I was training, and I found the information to be incredibly useful.There are sections for each race length from 5K to marathon, with training schedules and pacing tips, as well as sections on hot and cold weather running, injuries, motivation, recovery, stretching, female runners, etc.It's a very complete book that I recommend to anyone who runs or is thinking about it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A great book
This is a great book for those interested in astronomy.The book is very well organized and will help you find every Messier object, whether you are doing a marathon or not.I've used it with both a 5" SCT and 8" SCT (GOTO) and in both cases it was invaluable, with its star charts and eyepiece views.

I highly recommend this for beginners and experienced amateur astronomers.

fun with the stars
This book is quite detailed and offers an extended quantity of information about the constellations and its locations in the night sky. It is easy to read and it is great for all ages. I would recommend this book, it's a keeper. Great service and the shipping was fast.

The Bible of the Marathon
The defacto standard for the Messier Marathon. It's also great the rest of the year for knowing what M objects are up for any given time of year, allowing you to do mini marathons with good pictures and descriptions of what you will see in the eyepiece.

Good Starter Book
I bought this book to help me find things in the sky. It does its job very well. I particularly like the finder and telescope sketches rather than the photographs as the sketch gives me a better idea of what I will see.

This book is well worth the purchase for a newbie like me. It is intended to get you through a Messier Marathon but does just as good helping you find and learn about Messier objects without the pressure of a marathon.

Worth Every Penny
Probably the best book to guide the new observer through the Messier objects. Invaluable "at the scope." ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty-five hundred years ago, in ancient Greece, a small band of Greek soldiers faced the mighty Persian army on the plain of Marathon. A runner named Pheidippides ran to neighboring Sparta, one hundred forty miles away, to ask for the Spartans' aid. Afterwards he sped back to the battle, where he helped defeat the enemy. Then the weary runner did his duty yet once more; he ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver the miraculous news of the Greek victory.

The legend of brave Pheidippides has inspired the running of marathons worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

We want to run a marathon now!
I read this book to my six-year-olds and they were spellbound.By the end of the story I was bawling, but the author did such a wonderful job describing the hero and his courage that they understood why and felt the emotion, too.

I love the story of Phidippides and through this book, my boys now love it.The illustrations are a bit cartoonish, but it holds their attention and doesn't detract from the story.They have asked for it to be read many times and when we go to the gym they 'run a marathon'.

I'm so glad there's a book which makes the courage, bravery and nobility of Phidippides accessible to children.Most teens and adults would enjoy this book as well as it easily explains the story without dumbing it down.

Read it.And then go running!

... Read more

Product Description
From a national class marathoner who qualified for the Olympic Trials--valuable coaching on gearing up for and finishing a marathon. Bloch explains the benefits of cross-training for marathon runners, offers winning strategies specific to individual race courses, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Training
If you are serious about running a marathon this book is very helpful. I may not have won anything but I did enter and finish.

Too simplistic..
Don't waste your time on this book, even for 1st timers this stuff is old and out of date.Get Jeff Galloway's Marathon instead.

Good for beginners
This is a good option if you are plannig to run your firs marathon.I follow it on my trainnig for New York marathon wich I spent 4 hours 6 minutes.

Fabulous book for marathoners!
This was the only book i had for my first marathon. i read it at least 20 times. i found her down to earth attitude refreashing. hey, anyone who encourages you to eat pizza is fabulous. the most helpful part for me was the lengthy sections on h ow to prepare for the marathon, a week before, a day before, day of, etc. not only was it my frist marathon, it was my first race (not smart).I felt very prepared and have recommended this book to many many people.

Platitudinous & Insipid
Laughably weak effort -- the "running book" equivalent of a 9 hr marathon.The advice is incredibly banal.I bought it used for the postage plus 1 cent and still felt cheated. Unreal that this kind of junk gets published! ... Read more

Product Description
Improve your racing performance through multispeed training! Whether your distance is 5K, marathon, or anything in-between, this book tells you how to train smarter and run faster. Pete Pfitzinger—a world-class marathoner, distance running coach, and exercise physiologist—teams up with former Running Times editor Scott Douglas to teach you how to

• design a week-by-week training program,

• determine the right pace to run during speed workouts,

• get the most out of long runs,

• taper training before an important race,

• detect and avoid staleness and injury,

• determine the best strategy for each race, and

• achieve the optimal mental state to train and race.

Included with each of five training schedules are racing tactics, mental tips, and lessons from world-class runners. Whatever distance you plan to race, Road Racing for Serious Runners will guide you to peak performance! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Nice beginning to advanced guide
I have been running for just over a year but have been running with others in my group that have been running for 20+ years.
This book gives great advice that goes along with the advice that my long time running friends have offered to me.
Highly recommend.

Good book!
Extraordinary book for the lovers of marathons, great tools for desing your own training schedules.

A good book for serious runners.
If you are a true runner this is the book..!!!. It help you to improve your training and explains in detail what you can do to reach your goal.

For the Long Run
The title says it all, as co-authors Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas amp things up to delve into the training and racing for those who are seeking to achieve big goals in the vast venues of road racing events; from the fast 5k to the grinding marathon.

The charts, analysis and text is geared to be guides over specific periods of time. The book - while a comparably "easy" read - is best used in conjunction with a training/racing schedule, hence it may find a cozy home next to a log and not gathering dust on a shelf.

Pfitzinger was one of the top road racers - and 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon champion - in an incredible era for runners and events. The knowledge and tips he shares are for the long run.

The Efficient Reader's Running Training and Racing Guide
What I like most about Pfitzinger's and Scott's book is that it is a very friendly efficient book that gets right into the subject matter and it breaks down what others describe in more complex fashion, like VO2 Max, into much simplier terms making the comprehension easy and in far fewer pages. Although written in the very late 90s, this book is still an excellent guide for HS and runners virtually up to local elite status. "Daniels Running Formula" is probably mote satisfying, and more detailed for top guns but Pfitziner and Scott give you a lot of the same information with a variety of workouts based on goal times at various distances. The authors even quote Daniel's research and others so it still is in the game. If you want a quick grasp training book that is top knotch, pleasant to read with examples and pictures, then this is your book. ... Read more

Product Description
A unique anthology of essays exploring the philosophical wisdom runners contemplate when out for a run. It features writings from some of America’s leading philosophers, including Martha Nussbaum, Charles Taliaferro, and J.P. Moreland.

• A first-of-its-kind collection of essays exploring those gems of philosophical wisdom runners contemplate when out for a run
• Topics considered include running and the philosophy of friendship; the freedom of the long distance runner; running as aesthetic experience, and “Could a Zombie Run a Marathon?”
• Contributing essayists include philosophers with athletic experience at the collegiate level, philosophers whose pasttime is running, and one philosopher who began running to test the ideas in his essay

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book
Very inspiring and thought provoking. Not only gets your foot out the door but your mind is no longer lazy either! Must read for all thinker/runners.

Two different activities that complement each other greatly!
Though I have read very few pop culture & philosophy books all the way through, this is one of the best ones I have read. Not only do many of the essays connect to well known philosophers and ideas, but many other essays seem very original in their thesis and their conclusions. The best part about this book, though, is that nearly all of essays are easily relatable as anyone who has ever done even a short mile or 5K race can instantly understand what the author is talking about when they mention something about running. It doesn't hurt that many of the best authors seem to be runners themselves and imbue their essays with their own personal experiences. However, at times the book suffers from what many pop culture & philosophy books suffer from: essays and ideas that are not explained very well and go way over the heads of the readers. One essay in particular started talking about "zombies" without explaining what he was talking about. It took me half of the essay to figure out what he meant. Overall, while this book won't make you a better runner or be as necessary as a good pair of running shoes, but the topics discussed will keep you thinking on those long runs.

Food for thought
Philosophy is the key word in the title. I'm not a philosophic guy generally speaking. The book is made up of many different philosophical view points and then they are equated to running. I think it would be an outstanding resource if I find myself taking Philosophy 101 and have to show how philosophy can effect my daily life.
That being said, I did find many of the essays thought provoking, and I was able to really think about them on my runs. Some of the subject matter and tag lines even became part of my blog posts about running.
It you are looking for something deeper to think about while you are running, or need something to help your motivation, it is an excellent choice.

Thought provoking, time well spent
I picked up this book at the perfect time and that is why I am giving it 5 stars.I originally got into running like a lot of people in high school as part of the cross country team.I only ran cross country as a way to get in shape for basketball season.After high school I stopped running and did not pick up the sport again until after my Step-father was diagnosed with cancer.He was a big time runner and had a 10 year streak of competing in a local 13.1 mile race.So I stepped in to run in his place to keep the streak alive.After his passing, I ran my first marathon in his memory and in the process found out a lot about myself.I have been running ever since, taking on 5K, 5 milers, halfs and marathons, all the while becoming more engrossed in the sport of running as well as the psychology behind it.As a child running is as natural as breathing, then at some point it became a chore and now it gives me the time and space I need to think in our modern world.This book simply shares the thoughts of others who have found similar insights from running.Happy trails.

Fun, Challenging, Motivating
This is one of the best books in the whole philosophy and pop culture genre.

For philosophers, the essays feel like they come very naturally out of the topic. They are wide-ranging but all grounded in running--no stretches to get the philosophy in. It's as effortless as a comfortable pace can be.

For runners, there is an informative development of ideas that you've probably started to have in your own running, but haven't seen through this far.

Fun, challenging, motivating. ... Read more

Product Description
Seven beautifully written journeys, marathons run at the ends of history, culture and the planet. YUKON - Yukon River TrailJAPAN - Lake KawaguchiAUSTRALIA - State Championship of VictoriaANTARCTICA - Antarctic 'Last' MarathonSOUTH AFRICA - Two Oceans UltramarathonATHENS - From the Plain of Marathon to AthensBRAZIL - Florianopolis, Santa CatarinaEPILOGUE - Tashkent, Uzbekistan on the day of the Andijan massacre in May 2005 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Disappointing
This book was especially trying to read since the writing at the sentence level is just so jarring. Sentence fragments may add a lit spice, but a lot of this book feels more like the author wants to write tight poetry, or tweets. The narrative is disconnected and superficial as the author spends more time arting-up the scenery and going through the daily boring bits of travel. He shows up, he runs, and that's that.

There's almost no lead up to each event, and the events themselves are unexciting and lacking passion. The travelogue bits are mildly interesting only for the exotic locales. If you're not a runner, however, there's nothing to pull you into the book.

Especially recommended as inspirational reading for marathon runners in training.
Running the Seven Continents: Tales of Travel and the Marathon is a memoir anthology by marathon runner Clint Morrison, about his experiences running long distance upon each of the world's seven continents. A literate first-person adventure about the joy of travel, pushing oneself to the limit, becoming immersed in foreign cultures, and even confronting one's own fear of failure. An insightful and passionate account, Running the Seven Continents offers the closest thing to a true marathon experience short of actually running twenty-six miles by oneself. "There are those that say that Pheidippides did not make the run at all. They may be right. It may be that he was among the first to get there, or that someone did die on arrival, but in a sense it really doesn't matter. If we need to ascribe an individual achievement to Pheidippides the man, it seems likely that he did make the much longer run to Sparta and back." Especially recommended as inspirational reading for marathon runners in training.

A journey of life
This is not actually a book of philosophy, but more of an observation of life, and how decisions affect one's life.

Well written and articulate, and despite some interesting ties to major Philosophers, the language is simple, effective, and not afraid to comment in the modern American English vernacular. This seems, to me, to allow the author to obtain a more complete friendship with the reader.

Perseverance may be part of the guiding thoughts, but moreso the essays are an exhortation to act, rather than merely to be.

Perhaps a bit of Thoreau, Aeschylus ... or even Orwell ... might have influenced some of these writings, but the thoughts expressed will, quite confidently, stand on their own merits.

I have other reasons to appreciate this text that do not necessarily apply to this review, but I would suggest that anyone seeking some direction, or even inspiration, in life might obtain valuable insights by experiencing the stories. ... Read more

Product Description
Terrorists Threaten the Boston Marathon
Race Director Killed
WorldÂ’s Largest Spectator Event at Risk

The trouble with most terrorists is they think too small. This is the message Boston police receive days before fifteen thousand runners and two and a half million spectators descend on the city for the marathon. Even bin Laden only killed thousands. What if the target was larger? What if millions were at risk?

Sgt. Mike Quinn, Vietnam vet, homicide detective and addicted marathoner, is called in to help when domestic terrorists, looking too piggy-back onto the World Trade Center disaster, threaten a race day bloodbath. How real is the threat? On Sunday, October 28, 2001, six weeks after the attack on the World Trade Center, the Boston Globe printed a call-to-arms by Rocky Suhayda, the chairman of the American Nazi Party: “if we were one-tenth as serious as the bin Laden terrorists, we just might start getting somewhere.”

Quinn is a divorced, forty-something year old history buff, who loves his city and its marathon. He’s run the race six times. And when marathon director Ronnie Silk is killed, Quinn is assigned to protect Raven, the red hot rock ‘n roll diva and the marathon’s first-ever celebrity entrant. Raven is a magnet for trouble. And Quinn scrambles to keep up with her during the final miles of the race while trying to flush out the maniac terrorists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Heartbreak Hill: An exciting thriller!!
I recieved the book as a gift and did not have a chance to read it untill now. I regret waiting this long. The book in a few words is; awesome, exciting, entertaining! I seriously could not put it down.I ended up reading it in less then 24 hours between work and home. Very realistic and thought provoking.I also enjoyed the fact that it not only had a story of a man and his profession but it includes his personal life as well. I could almost relate to his feelings on lost love. Overall the book was excellent! Very well written. I makes you think about what goes on in the heads of the lunatics in the world today. Thanks for the book I'm deffinatly going to suggest it to all the other frequent readers in my family who are always looking for a great read.NICE JOB TOM!! YOU'VE MADE ME A FAN!!! ... Read more

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Product Description
A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

A complete program for taking runners to the next competitive level, from one of the world's greatest marathoners

Written by distance runners' Hall of Famer Alberto Salazar, Alberto Salazar's Guide to Road Racing arms novice and veteran runners, 5Kers, and ultramarathoners alike with a complete program for running farther, faster, and with greater reward and enjoyment.

Drawing upon his experiences, Salazar offers expert training advice tailored to specific events, showing runners of all ages and abilities how to customize their workouts for maximum physical and mental toughness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Holly Hight was added on a lot of reviews for Mr. Lovett's writing
Holly Hight was added on a lot of reviews for Mr. Lovett's writing. In my opinion Holly Hight's own writing it is much more descriptive and less bland than Richard A. Lovett's writing. I think he was holding her talent back.

Coach Salazar
I bought this book only because it had salazar's name on it, he's the best coach in america hands down right know, if he has a book and you run, you go get it!!! Nuff said.

Excellent guide
It's a book for the serious runner aiming to better training and racing. Salazar surprise me as a good coach, even better than the runner he once was. No easy recipes to follow, just the knowledge to make your own training program.

Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. Salazar has a way of explaining complex issues in an easily understandable manner that anyone could follow.I think this is a great book for the average runner who wants to learn how to take their training or racing to the next level, or for the beginner who is eager to learn how to get the most out of his/her time spent training.

Geared towards the novice
this book is very much for the first time marathoner and virtually worthless to someone who already knows the basics on how to run a marathon. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Nutrition Guide
I bought this book for nutritional advise for my first marathon.The author is from England.The foods that are recommended by the book are all in grams and liters.No equivalents are provided.Also, the foods are local in that they are not familiar to those living in the United States.So if you live in England, this may be a great guide for you.Those who live in the United States may find it confusing (as I did). ... Read more

Product Description
Prepare to run your best marathon yet! Road-tested by thousands of runners, this 100-day plan combines carefully crafted workouts, expert advice, and timely inspirational messages to ensure your success. Choose among these programs:

·The Cruiser program helps you finish your first marathon in good shape.
·The Pacer program helps you run the entire race at a personal best or preset goal pace.
·The Racer program helps you compete against peers, and beat your own PR.

In Marathon Training, author and coach Joe Henderson is with you every step of the way, every day. His programs incorporate his own experiences as a cruiser, pacer, and racer; a steep knowledge of running physiology; and a large dose of common sense that takes into account the inevitable ups and downs in the sport. Daily log pages will allow you to monitor every key aspect of training, while Henderson’s thought for each day will keep you motivated and focused.

Take the guesswork out of your workouts leading up to the big race. Marathon Training will ensure that your efforts to run a first or fastest marathon pay off at the finish line. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Guide
I used this book to train for my first marathon.Felt very prepared and exceeded my goal.I am starting to train for my next marathon and am looking back at my log-very helpful to see what worked and what did not.Recommend this book highly.I also liked the motivations and advice.

One of the Best
This book features an interesting format of an ongoing progression of training and running advice in conjunction with logs in which you record your training experiences. In a sense, this book is written by two expert coaches. Expert coach 1 is Joe Henderson whose knowledge of running and writing skills provide excellent and plainly-stated advice on how to progress through the training process and how to manage the day of the big race. Expert coach 2 is you, even if you are a novice runner approaching your first marathon (as I was). The process of training for and running a marathon is a superb learning experience if you put your mind to getting the most from it. By completing the logs, you will come to understand what works best for you and how best to apply your experience. Working with the book was much like working with a knowledgeable coach who cared and listened. I read several other marathon books preparing for my first marathon and realized that I had figured much of the advice in those books on my own during training runs (e.g., don't make a decision while running an uphill stretch). The advice on phantom injuries and illnesses was excellent and is a topic not well covered in most books (my worsening cold on the day of the race disappeared before I reached mile 1). The training plans are oriented to three levels of runners, novice, experienced, and excellent and the programs are straightforward and sound. Unless you really want to enroll at the School of Marathon Running Made Complicated, I think you will find this book one of the best guides for learning about yourself and meeting your goals during the marathon experience.

Interesting, but not very useful
This book contains a number of interesting meditations and reflections on marathon running.And viewed as such, it's a nice book to have.But the substantive guidlines on how to train are poorly lacking.There are some general guidlines and a few charts you can use to chart your progress, but there is little beyond that (e.g., about nutrition).

Marathon Rookie
I enjoyed this book.Like I imagine a lot of improving runners, I have purchased several books with various training schedules as well as Runners World.I got this book mid-training, so did not use its best feature, the runners log.Lots of good advice. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical "how-to" guide helps take the stress out of planning for the marathon. Readers will find sections on every conceivable aspect of preparing for-and enjoying-the big day, including:

€ How to Enter
€ Three 16-week Training Guides
€ The Top 14 Tips for Surviving in the City
€ The Weather and What to Wear
€ Hotels
€ Volunteering
€ The Race Expo
€ Where to Run in NYC
€ Getting to-and Surviving-the Start
€ Best Bagel and Pizza Restaurants in the City
€ Spectator Essentials
€ The Course-for the Marathoner and for the Spectator
€ NYC Sports Doctors
€ Tips from the Pros ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I loved this book!
This is hardly a training must-read but it sure was a blast to read if you're looking at NYC as an upcoming must-do marathon.

I particularly enjoyed the spectator section and how the author recommended the best mile markers to view from.I bought a used copy and the previous owner made some notes in the margins regarding his/her own personal experiences with both the hotel and restaurants chosen.

It's interspersed with fun trivia and prior race stats.

The mile-by-mile description of the race itself was well written.

Certainly this book will motivate and inspire a runner or two.

Definitely worth the $5 investment.

Some good advice but overall of limited usefulness
I bought this because used it cost 1 cent plus shipping!There is some useful advice about the race, but some of the training advice is not up to date.For example, he talks about the importance of drinking water, with no mention of the risks of hypnotremia.You will notice that the last review was over 3 years ago.A lot has been learned in that time...
That said, I picked up some useful tips for my upcoming NY Marathon.It's a very fast read, and I would recommend reading it for someone running the race for the first time; but I would see if it's available at the library, since it isn't a book one needs to own, IMHO.

Not only a running book but......
Found it a great guide for a runner in New York City - eateries, places, info - Very helpful, and the running advice is awesome.Many pages of training ideas/tips from famous runners.

I would recommend this book for any marathoner/runner, not only those running nyc.

Refreshing surprise
Pulled this book off the shelf expecting another book with scant info BUT I was spellbound at once!It had everything from schedules to advice from all the names I had seen run the damn thing.
I know NY city, but after reading this book I know it better as a runner.Loved Grete Waitz's advice, most entertaining and not really like any other travel - running book I have ever read.
It has a jaunting theme of enjoyment, but offers first rate help to any level runner.Bought a copy, immediately!

Local, intense and fulfilling
The thing that pleased me most about this book, written by a deeply amusing and insightful Brit, Toby Tanser, is that he has turned the New York City Marathon into an accessible source of enjoyment for all, not just runners but visitors and family as well.

Not only does he tweak the great city of New York into a handful of joyful and fascinating stories, but he brings the reader into direct contact with the city's people and streets. How detailed his research must have been to be able to say of my own local bagel shop that it has the most dough for the dollar (Pick-A-Bagel on 2nd Ave at 77th St) and yet thereafter list dozens of other shops, locales and curiosities that are minutely detailed and wonderfully inviting. Reading his book, New York becomes the friendliest spot on earth - and it certainly can be that. The book proves it.

Author Tanser also adds humanism: he describes the race-director's birthplace as having been on the same Avenue around Mile 22 of the NYC Marathon itself. I didn't know that, and I used to WORK for the race director for 7 years. Imagine.

Additionally, since he's a superb and responsible runner himself, Tanser squeezes the finest running-resources into his book. As marathon reference tool, city-guide and training manual, this book really has it all- and it's not too long, which is a plus for runners eager to get going! ... Read more