Book Description
The New York City Marathon Cookbook is far more than just a collection of 262 favorite recipes contributed by hungry runners. The first five chapters provide nutrition guidance for all endurance athletes who want to know how to eat well to prevent fatigue and optimize their health. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
Ten years on and I still think this is the best when it comes to running nutrition and diets. The energy bars beat any Powerbar in my book, and the energy drinks and simple and useful. I use it from time to time to re-evaluate my diet based on how much I'm running. Love to see it updated!

Easy cooking for busy people!
Nancy Clark has become one of my favorite nutrition authors.This book is easy to read with basic nutrition advice in the first section.The second section consists of nutrition enhancing, simple to follow recipes that donot require much time or fancy ingredients.I tried many different bananabread recipes from different cookbooks and found the one in this book notonly the easiest, but also the best tasting.When I can't decide what toeat I pull out this book and always find some inspiration. ... Read more

Book Description
William Goldman's remarkable career spans more than five decades, and his credentials run the gamut from bestselling novelist to Oscar-winning screenwriter to Hollywood raconteur. He's beloved by millions of readers as the author of the classic comic-romantic fantasy The Princess Bride. And he's notorious for creating the most harrowing visit to the dentist in literary and cinematic history--in one of the seminal thrillers of the twentieth century. . . .

MARATHON MAN

Tom "Babe" Levy is a runner in every sense: racing tirelessly toward his goals of athletic and academic excellence--and endlessly away from the specter of his famous father's scandal-driven suicide. But an unexpected visit from his beloved older brother will set in motion a chain of events that plunge Babe into a vortex of terror, treachery, and murder--and force him into a race for his life . . . and for the answer to the fateful question, "Is it safe?" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

IS IT SAFE?...
This is an excellent spy thriller filled with international intrigue and double-dealing characters. It leaves one wondering just who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.While it sometimes seems a little dated in parts, the book will not fail to capture the imagination of the reader with its intricate plot, clever characters, and humor. Written in a straightforward, cogent style, this book was made into a major motion picture that starred Dustin Hoffman and was a big hit in its day.

Thomas Babington Levy, known as "Babe" to his family, is a Rhodes Scholar, a graduate student historian at Columbia University, and an amateur marathon runner. He has a wealthy older brother, Henry David Levy, whom he affectionately calls "Doc" and believes to be a successful business man.

When Babe meets a beautiful blonde named Elsa Opel, he is in seventh heaven, believing that he has met the woman of his dreams. When he introduces his brother to Elsa, Babe shortly thereafter finds himselfenmeshed in international intrigue. It seems that all is not as it has seemed. There is someone out there that believes that Babe has valuable information, and this person will stop at nothing to get that which he most desires.

This is a quick, page turning read that those who like international spy thrillers, replete with old-fashion skullduggery, a Nazi war criminal, multiple murders, and a fortune in diamonds, will enjoy.

Not Free SF Reader
Not a fan.For a thriller, I would say this is too overblown, and it is not quite far enough to the other type of writing to get a good horror book, either.The bad guy being a killer dentist is close to that end of the spectrum, it would seem.Then there is a bit much of the whole running, running, running, theme throughout.

See the movie, forget the book
I read this book after seeing the movie, which may have been my first mistake, but nevertheless I was disappointed with the book, considering how much I enjoyed the film.

I had a huge problem with William Goldman's style of prose. His technique is that he writes the prose as though it were the rambling thoughts of the characters that are the focus of whatever section of the book he's writing. So while it may give you a better insight into those characters and their way of thinking, it is very uncomfortable to read because he tends to ramble in long, disjointed sentences that end up driving you crazy by the book's end. I'm a firm believer in good, flowing prose that makes it easy for the reader to continue reading.

Another problem with the prose is that it fails in its intention to put the reader into the minds of the characters. The reason for this is that by the time you're halfway through the book, you realize that Goldman makes no particular effort to differentiate the thoughts and viewpoints of each character. You'll find that Babe, Doc, and Szell all have the same cynical worldview and make the same mental comments to themselves.

To conclude, don't miss out on the movie version with Dustin Hoffman as Babe and a mind-blowing and memorable performance from the late, great Sir Laurence Olivier as the sadistic Szell. Leave the book in the past where it belongs.

Don't Ever Let A Nazi Dentist Work On Your Teeth
Ever wonder where all the Nazis that escaped Allied Justice, the ones that weren't allowed to escape that is. Most went to Latin America, which is here Szell "The White Angel," spirited off to alfter the Third Riech fell, Paraguay to be exact. There he stays until the man, his father, who is the man intrusted with Szell's vast wealth of diamonds dies. So Szell needs those diamonds to live. Doc, our hero's big bro. is a spy, but apparently spies need some extra cash now and then so he worked as a courier for delivering the diamonds to wherever they needed to go.
The White Angel thinks Babe (the main character) knows whether or not its safe to get the diamonds, torture of Babe insues. The old Nazi is a dentist so you can imagine how he tortures.

Though I wasn't too impressed with the story itself, already having seen the movie, and they are pretty much just alike, Goldman's prose on the other hand was outstanding, a fast paced well written little book. His dialogue was to die for, quick and witty, giving the characters a 1930's noir aura.

Really if just want to skip the novel and watch the book, feel free. Or if you have seen the movie and want experience the book, you really don't need to. They are nearly identical. Which makes since of course because Goldman wrote the sceenplay, so you'd think he'd stay true to his own work.

A swift, suspenseful page turner of the highest order
A well crafted thriller with interesting, complex characters.It is one that I did not want to put down.I only wish there were more pages to it with more background of the characters and more details.It is one that I did not want to end but couldn't wait to get through it to get the whole story.

This is a spy classic.It hasn't lost its edge over time at all. It is some of the best suspense, action writing I have read--skillful and artistic not like some of the packaged, thesaraus writing milled out by some of today's writers.

Go for it; you will be pleased I think. ... Read more

Book Description
In Boston Marathon or Bust, Scott Sharp Armstrong, success coach, entrepreneur and owner of Colorado's Boulder Coaching Academy (www.bouldercoachingacademy.com), shares his story of taking a big dream, qualifying for and running in the 100th Boston Marathon, and turning it into reality by showcasing his step-by-step plan for guaranteed success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for those who want to succeed.
Scott's book was a great read. He taught me in 6 short chapters what I needed to know to work toward my dreams. This book is not just about qualifying for a Boston Marathon, it's about qualifying for success in any area of your life. Using and applying his suggestions has helped me find who I am and what I want to become. Thanks Scott.

Whether you ran a Boston Marathon or not.....
This is one of the best books I've read on how to achieve your goals and dreams in record time.Scott Armstrong is creative in weaving a step-by-step process into running the Boston Marathon, but he didn't stop there.Scott shows how these same principles that helped him achieve his goal are same key ingredients that you can transfer and adopt in everyday life.This book is a great read and you will be motivated and inspired to take action toward your goals and dreams TODAY! So why wait? You now have the success formula!

GreatRoadmap fo Success
This is a great little road-map book. Scott Armstrong shares the step by step process he used to achieve his goal of running in the 100th Boston Marathon. What's great about how he shares his story is how seamlessly he transfers the wisdom he gained from his triumph into a form that anyone can use to engineer their own personal triumph. Scott recounts the goal achievement process that he developed to cultivate the clarity, commitment, focus, discipline and perserverance it would take to execute his plan. We as readers are guided to examine our own goals, to expand our view of what is possible, to set our sights higher, and to develop the mind-set that will carry us all the way through the process with laser-like focus. The book provides a great example of how the mental and emotional aspects of goal achievement are fused to the daily action steps required to accomplish the goal. What I found unique about this book is Scott's ability to provide insider's access to the step by step, results-driven, daily mental and physical regiment of a high achieving athelete, in a way that inspires me greatly, and still makes the process seem attainable for my dreams and goals. I felt like Scott conveyed the wisdom and kindness of a good coach; one who will walk beside you no matter where your starting point, relentlessly encourage you to believe in your potential and abilities, stick with you as you increase your skill and overcome resistance, help you keep developing strength and speed and endurance, and then celebrate your many victories. My kid's are high-school athletes and are reading this book. The lessons in mindset, goal-setting, values and daily action are presented in a way that they 'get' it and put into practice. Kyrie Johnson

... Read more

Book Description
Runners have different nutrition and recovery needs than other endurance athletes. Yet until now, theyve had no nutritional resource specifically addressing their concerns. This comprehensive guide distills the newest thinking in the science of exercise nutrition into practical, hands-on tips that will help runners stay healthy, recover faster, enjoy better workouts, and race successfully. Readers will learn: detailed information on nutritional topics important to runners, from balancing internal energy stores to proper hydration how to customize their diets to their individual training needs shopping tips and dining-out strategies to help runners maximize their nutritional intake the top 5 pre-race meals and top 5 healthiest snacks for runners nutritional tips for special populations, including women, children, diabetics, and older runners ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Amazing Resource
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to learn how to best feed their body for running.As a beginning runner who's training for my first marathon, the information included in this book has been priceless.

As is the case with Runner's World, the quality of the writing is unique amongst sports-related publications.Most running books I've encountered so far generally have poor grammar and/or spelling, and tend to read more like grad school papers than informative books.Matt Fitzgerald's writing style manages to make the subject matter interesting and enjoyable.

References to websites and other resources for more information were also very useful.The section regarding supplements and where you can find out which ones are honest about their ingredients is fantastic.

Regardless of where you are in your training, I would highly recommend this book.

excellent advice for any runner
I'm about 3/4 of the way through this book and the advice that Matt supplies is extremely eye opening.I never knew drinking during your workout was so important.

This book is written from a very down to earth point of view.I felt like a coach or a friend was giving me advice.After reading most of this book I went ahead and ordered both the EFS (formerly E3 as mentioned in the book) sports drink and the Ultragen recovery drink.I'm completely convinced by Matt's detailed explanations that these products are really targeted to maximize your body's needs.

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is an avid runner.It will help you understand how certain foods and nutrition can help your body as a runner.

What but not How
Fitzgerald offers a good overview of various nutrients and their role inrace performance. The short coming of this book is that it doesn't offer specific menu plans.Great title, just falls a little short of being truly helpful.

Must have for serious "amature" runners
I found this book a great asset to my running training.Matt Fitzgerald does a great job of explaining the reasons for the different enegy sources.He also tells how to get the proper amounts of protien from more that just meat sources. I'm only an "hobby" runner for fitness & health (to maintain a 100# wt loss) but this book made me feel like I could do more than I thought I could.I was hoping to cut 30-45 mins off my time. After reading and applying the info in this book I was able to fule myself for my 2nd marathon good enough to cut 58 minutes of my 1st marathon's time.I was able to run harder during the marathon (I had a faster 2nd half) & recovered better after it.It's easy to read & understand.I'm glad it's part of my fittness library.

Very useful
I found this book to be very useful in more ways than one. It was extremely helpful in educating me on the advantages and disadvantages of the different sports drinks and recovery formulas available to long distance runners. I also found that it motivated me to eat a healthier diet in general. While much of the general dietary information was stuff that I already knew, some of it was not.
I have significantly changed the way I eat as a result of reading the book, and I regularly recommend it to friends whether they run or not. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (139)

Good Stories; Better than average Blog Writing
I'll confess up front that I'm a bit of an endurance nut myself.I've completed several 100+ mile bike rides and am just starting to get into longer distance running.

That being said, I love reading running and cycling endurance stories online, mostly in Blog format, and I bought this book more for the running stories than for a well-written, comprehensive autobiography.

Of course Karnazes is not a professional writer, but he certainly puts sentences together better than the average blog writer out there.The running stories are what it's about, and Dean delivers high-quality accounts of the highs and lows of endurance events.He offers strong insight into the (crazy) minds of ultra-runners.

Yes, the autobiographical sections are a little weak and border on cheesy, but they do come across as genuine to me, and they end up being a decent supplement to the running stories.

I recommend this for runners and perhaps spouses of runners seeking some insight into their partners' crazy obsessions.

Inspirational read
This book an interesting insight into what drives people to do outrageous things to their bodies. I found that I was drawn in by the first chapter and had a great deal of difficulty putting the book down. Its an interesting easy read but I do wonder how he remembers so much detail of the Ultra events considering the physical state he gets himself into. It also serves as a great introduction to the sport of Ultra running. I was considering running an Ultra Trail marathon but after reading this book I have changed my mind. I have a huge respect for those who do these events.
This book is hugely Inspirational (pehaps not to do an Ultra) and a real eye opener.

Running with the Devil
An upfront admission - I am a horrible runner. Maybe the worst ever. We have to qualify in a PT test every quarter and the 1 1/2 mile run kills me. Every time.

That said, Mr. Karnazes made me want to be a runner. Maybe not enough to go out there and run for real, but in my heart he made me a runner, which would amaze any of my friends who know me well.

Since I can't run for anything but have always been a kind of extreme guy in the hobbies I pick (mixed martial arts, shooting, skydiving, etc.) I decided to employ Mr. Karnazes' philosophy in other directions - weightlifting. I'm currently learning the Olympic lifts and am looking to see how far I can push my body in executing them.

Find that itch you have to scratch, then read Karnazes' book - it will inspire you to get off the couch and go life live. And to live it hard.

Inspirating
In november (2007) I stumbled upon a Nissan ad on the net that featured Dean Karnazes and my interest was born. I googled him, read a lot of articles and saw a lot of video clips and I got more and more intruiged. Then I ordered the book and waited. Got it on a monday and finished it by friday. Every chance I got I read. Dean isn't the greatest of writers, but he writes in a way that ordinary people would write. I smiled a lot at his adventures and recognized myself in many of his thoughts and situations. Some gripping moments almost brought a tear to my eye.
Read it if you're a runner (at every level), read it if you're not a runner. This book is not about running, it's about not giving up and about following your heart.
As a newborn runner since 1½ year, I wasn't interested in ultrarunning before I "met" Dean, but next year I'm aiming for my first 50K.

so, so
Interesting world that I had no idea existed, but written by a guy with a pretty big ego. Some good anecdotes, some bravado, overall entertaining read. ... Read more

Book Description
Build your nest egg, finance your retirement, fund a college education... Protect your savings against inflation, bad times, unemployment or injury... Find solid, growing businesses to invest in... Increase your personal wealth with only modest risk... For more than forty years, Brad Perry has produced excellent results like these for his clients by introducing them to the simple, common sense approach to successful investing favored by such giants as Warren Buffett, John Templeton, Rowe Price, Peter Lynch and others. Now you can benefit from Perry's rich experience.

With your personal copy of this concise new guide to sensible investing, you'll learn to focus your efforts on the basic, long-term strengths of good companies. Discover how to locate well-managed businesses, understand market trends and cycles, avoid investment fads and risky "can't fail" IPOs. Get priceless advice on picking a qualified advisor. Master stock statistics and market formulas - and f!ind they aren't very tricky after all. Using easy, proven evaluation methods, you'll find stocks with true staying power and build dramatic wealth without the worry and hassle we often associate with the stock market.

Will tomorrow's market be up or down? Will "Company X" be a moneymaker or a loser? Like the marathon runner, an investor must conquer obstacles with well-conceived strategies. Thanks to the coaching you'll gain from Winning the Investment Marathon, you'll race smoothly past the pack to reach your goal - and profit no matter what the challenges.

Packed With The Secrets Of Highly Successful Investors!

"Hot tips" that turn into costly disappointments - and how to spot them

Key moneymaking factors you must look for in a prospective investment

Risks you take buying stocks - and why these risks are vastly overrated

Popular "market timing" strategies that almost never work

The pitfalls of short-term, follow-the-crowd stock-picking

Secrets of outg!uessing and outfoxing the professional traders

Why You Need Winning The Investment Marathon:

Priceless advice to boost your own portfolio performance

Concise beginner's introduction to investing for your children or spouse

Perfect gift for clients, friends, family

Order extra copies to give away! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

How risky are stocks?
The main thing I noticed about this book was that its author repeatedly emphasized how great stocks were.He said that if you do it right and study the company, its earnings, and dividend payoffs (instead of the stock price) you'll pick good companies to invest in.After that you'll hold onto the stock for years and years and years, and if you have enough diversification in your portfolio, you'll be sitting pretty in the long term.This book is all about long term investing, and that's why I like it so much.

In addition to promoting the safety of stock investing (if you pick them right and diversify correctly) the author also mentions that bonds aren't all they're cracked up to be.Because of callback features on many of them, it's a lose-lose situation.I think the author suggests something like an 80% stock and 20% bond portfolio ideally, unless you're squeamish about day to day fluctuations.

The intended audience for this book seems to be a more wealthy crowd than the average joe.Most people can't afford a completely diversified stock portfolio, so they have to pick a mutual fund that will choose stocks the way stocks are chosen in this book.That just takes research and help from a reliable financial advisor with a very satisfied clientele.

This book doesn't promise any short term gains and suggests that any books that do are full of bunk.There's no way you'll predict the next huge upsurge in the market.You still have to work your whole life and invest over years and years.That's reality.

The main feature of this book is its surprising emphasis on the relative safety of stocks, as long as you follow the procedures the author suggests and don't sell unless there are problems with the company.I agree with his plan.The problem is you need a lot of capital to implement it and unless you have a lot of time on your hands, you'll need a good financial advisor you can trust to help you along the way.

Disappointed
I was very disappointed with this book.It basic premise is fine, but it would have been better suited for a magazine article - not a book. It is the same tired old stuff, nothing new. Cannot recommend,even to beginners.

Most sensible advice I've seen
This book HITS THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD. It provides the most sensible investment advice I've ever seen -- a sure way to become an investment winner without taking a lot of risk.

A sensible, wildly successfull investment method
This little book is a jewel. It is for the indivdual investor who should absorb and practice its contents. The best book on the subject I have read.1 "In rural Maine, the best compliment one can pay a person is 'he'sreally sensible.'" The same view applies to investing." "Ibelieve the essential factors for success are quite simple. Complexitybreeds confusion and often failure in this seemingly volatile,difficult field." 2"Although stocks do swing widely in price attimes, their trend is what counts: in the long run, every stock's pricerises just about in direct proportion to the growth of the company'searnings and dividends." 3 "It is very importent to analyze thebasics of different businesses and see what their sustainable long termgrowth has been. Past growth does not portend the future. This involvesgathering information and making subjective judgments4 "However,missing a long term growth forecast occasionally is not fatal. Baseballplayers do not get a hit every time at bat. It's the average of theinvestor's decisions that determines success." 5 "The first thingto analyze in any company is its competive position." 6 "Here areare three tests to use to make intelligent stock purchases and sales. Isthe company growing more or less than the typical pattern for the companyand its industry? Is the company's profit margin above or below itshistorical norm? Is the current superior or inferior performance reflectedin an historically high or low valuation?' 7 " Be a sensibleskeptic." 8 " Don't be a sucker." 9 "Spread yourbets." The book finishes up with more pithy advice to have you staythe course. All of the above is illustrated by actual data to prove thecase.

A Solid Reinforcement of Growth Investing Fundamentals
I settled in on my couch for a closer look at this work by one of Babson's finest.By the time I stood up, I had finished it.It provides a solid reinforcement of NAIC (strategic long-term) investing principles.BradPerry suggests a strategy of analyzing companies as business enterprisesand their valuation in the stock market.Complexity breeds confusion - andoften failure - in this seemingly difficult field.Perry presents a commonsense outlook, shaped with healthy skepticism, that demonstrates that thefactors for investment success are actually quite simple, and thatinvestors should focus on some basic principles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Incredible Inspiration
If you are ever dragging to get out for your morning run...the marathon monks will guilt you into calling in sick so you can run all day. This is absolutely one of the single most amazing books I've ever read, and even if it were fiction, it would be incredible.

No words can ever describe the emotions...
No word can ever describe the emotions you will live in the reading of this book. It is sad that no one cared to mention that John Stevens,(the author) is himself a Marathon Monk. (I finished translating this book into French, in 1991)

Aucun mot ne peut décrire les émotions que vous vivrez à la lecture de ce livre. Il est triste que nul n'a fait mention que John Stevens, (l'auteur) est lui-même un moine du marathon. (J'ai terminé la traduction de ce livre, en français, en 1991)

Amazing Human Endurance
This book will shock and amaze!

These monks are so inspirational anyperson facing hardship should read this book to give some perspective tolife.

After running for2 years you finally get to wear your rain hat--if a monk fails to finish his run-- he is supposed to kill himself.

nonike cross-trainers.. they run in straw sandals--

I must read for anymartial artist ... Read more

Book Description

Personal stories of making the mara-thon a part of your life.

This companion volume to First Marathons will inform, inspire, and educate any runner who wants to try the marathon, or wants to run several marathons a year. It picks up where that fast-selling book left off: it follows up with the 37 people profiled there, to see how their marathoning life has progressed since their first race. And it includes some 20 new first-marathon stories, as well as the stories of runners tackling their second or third marathon, and making the marathon an integral part of their lives.These stories are lively first-person essays, oral history on the subject of running marathons. Far more valuable than dry how-to books, this is powerful, heartfelt human experience.

Customer Reviews (1)

The Spirit of The Marathon
This book is great if you thinking about running a marathon.If gives some good insite into what you can expect in your marathon. ... Read more

Book Description
At the age of 19 Ian Waterman was suddenly struck down at work by a rare neurological illness that deprived him of all sensation below the neck. He fell on the floor in a heap, unable to stand or control his limbs, having lost the sense of joint position and proprioception, of that "sixth sense" of his body in space, which we all take for granted. After months in a neurological ward he was judged incurable and condemned to a life of wheelchair dependence. This is the first U.S. publication of a remarkable book by his physician, Jonathan Cole. It tells the compelling story, including a clear clinical description of a rare condition, of how Waterman reclaimed a life of full mobility against all expectations, by mental effort and sheer courage.

Cole describes how Waterman gradually adapted to his strange condition. As the doctors had predicted, there was no neurological recovery. He had to monitor every movement by sight to work out where his limbs were, since he had no feedback from his peripheral nerves. But with astonishing persistence Waterman developed elaborate tricks and strategies to control his movements, enabling him to cope not only with the day-to-day problems of living, but even with the challenges of work, love, and marriage. ... Read more

Book 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 (4)

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

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent guide for beginners and experienced runners
I have read this book over and over during marathon training and post training recovery.It has given me a lot of insight from many experienced trainers.This is the best book I have found for beginning runners (I amnow on to my 5th marathon) both short and long distance.There is not onechapter that did not provide helpful information.

A very efficient training guide
I bought this book to prepare my first marathon. (Indianapolis, 1997). I had a real pleasure reading it. The author covers all the aspect of marathon: History, training, personal advices, and many examples. He givesyou very efficient guide lines in order not to get injured and to reallyenjoy running. I red it few times, trying to study it. I still read part ofit to check informations. What I like a lot compared to the other books Ired is the clarity of the text. It's organised to be as simple as possibleand to really fit your needs. The author has also a good sense of humor.It's a great book, efficient, serious, easy to read, and fun!

Guides without Guidelines
The Marathon Guide of Hal Higdon misses what many books miss when trying to reach as many potential readers as possible: Focus. The book promises to suit everyone's needs, first time marathoners as well as experienced marathoners. Even though the book starts with chapters written especially for three different levels of marathon performance, the book looses this concentration in the following twelve chapters. The author mixes content for experienced runners with content for beginners. A confusing and weakly structured work is the consequence. Undoubtedly, the author is an experienced runner and coach. But this disposition leads more to a description on "how I did it" than to suggestions how runners should behave to train for and run a Marathon. You could expect more from a "ultimate training and racing guide". ... Read more

Book 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

Book Description

Book 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 (3)

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

Book Description
Sure, running sounds easy enough. But a good running program involves more than just buying a pair of new sneakers and hitting the pavement. From gentle jogs to intense marathons, this guide will help you to choose the right equipment, train safely, and meet your running goals. Written by a veteran marathon runner and trainer, this book teaches you how to:

• Set immediate and long-term running goals
• Prevent injuries
• Avoid plateaus
• Workout at any level
• Regulate your water intake
• Cross-train with weights and alternative methods (like yoga)

Customer Reviews (4)

Strong ending for a great trilogy
Read "The Demons at Rainbow Bridge" and "The Run to Chaos Keep" first, or you won't understand what is going on.

The true threat and power of the Quintara are revealed, and the remnants of the teams running the Marathon must fight the devils or join them.

Chalker kept me turning pages constantly by throwing plot curveballs.If you as a reader feel weird about some of the revelations, you really identify with the characters who agree with you.Rarely I have identified as much with characters inside a science fiction novel.

Chalker spins religion into sci-fi in a way that suprised me.I hate being general, but I hate spoilers more.Unless you as a person are religiously intolerant, you'll like this book.You might even smile and say 'Wow!' at the ending, like I did.

Fun read, but don't expect much depth
As the characters spiral their way down through the depths of hell and toward the ultimate destiny of a fragmented humanity, so we as readers spiral through revelation and enjoyable action sequences in an exciting mix of horror, sci-fi, and myth.It tells the tale of three teams from rival empires.Their quest is one of discovery- to uncover the secrets of a race of Demons.Their only clues along this journey are the myths and beliefs of their own cultures that must have experienced the Demons first hand thousands of years in the past.The twist of this story is it's challenge of religious beliefs by the standards of science fiction. While Chalker strips away shrouds of biblical dogma, he quickly replaces it with sci-fi rationale.While this does have the effect of revealing the wizard as an old man behind a curtain, it validates the underpinnings of religion by giving substance to human myths.Whether you are deeply religious, anti-religious or just plain neutral on the subject like me, I think you'll enjoy the author's attempt to create a fantasy world where the tensions between science and theology can be bridged with rational observation.As we grow up in a society whose cultural beliefs are constantly challenged by the rigor of science, this book gives us a chance to look back to Sunday School and ask, "What if science could validate and explain all that bible mumbo-jumbo?"Such questions are answered with the help of characters representing three distinct viewpoints- Theological fanatics (The Mizlaplan Team), Capitalist businessmen (Exchange), and amoral opportunists (Mychol).Each viewpoint is further enhanced by each team-member who give the extreme, moderate, and even doubter's mindsets to each philosophy.This spectrum of viewpoints gives the reader a whole set of opinions to take with the plotline.

Unfortunately, this book cannot survive on ideas alone.His Empires, though intriguing, are one dimensional and thus unbelievable.Would you believe a Theocracy *completely* devoid of greed?How about a true capitalist society where everything is bought and sold, and nothing given?Governments and societies exist in a Universe filled with duality and contradiction, and thus the believable society must adapt to, and in fact embody such contradictions.This shallowness permeates the book where the characters- though varied- remain flat and predictable once their "rules" have been learned.Even the "scientific" revelations about demons and the occult are so simple and unfounded that it is hard to pick the "truth" out of the endless speculation that each character engages in throughout the three books.The lack of depth is sad, because it turns this series from an exploration to merely an appealing story.Sure, we've learned that the demons are aliens, that the arcane is really technical mastery and that the Bible is really historical text.But when there is little else revealed, it just becomes another retelling of human myths by a scientist- all that was profound about Dante's Inferno instead becomes a technical manual- much like watching a magic show with the technician whispering mirror locations in your ear.Had Chalker understood this, we'd see still more mystery behind the explanations that stimulate our imagination.If only he'd known that the incomprehensible aliens briefly mentioned in the beginning were more exciting than the demons whose simplistic goals make us wonder how they ever developed the complexity to intrigue our ancestors.

All that having been said, the series is a quick read sure to entertain you.If you go into it expecting depth, you'll be disappointed.But if you expect something to keep you turning pages while waiting for your flight to dock, it is right up your alley.

Excellent plot!
I have always been a fan of Jack L. Chalker. Most of his books have a similar theme, that of advanced alien civilisations that used to rule the universe. This trilogy though is different in that it provides a new twist to the familiar theme. Also his characters are well written, the philosophy is interesting, the plot is excellent and fast paced. Each of the three books has a unique flavour. Definitely a good read.

A v.good blend of science fiction and speculative theology.
The entire Quintara Marathon is one mind-bending, surreal escapade after another.The first book is devoted almost entirely to character development, the second to development of the plot... and the third is the big one.Although the climax is sometimes almost as hard to understand as the last ten minutes of the movie 2001, don't let that daunt you.This book has something for everyone.Space opera, science fiction, science occult, fantasy, and crisises of faith....I thoroughly enjoy this sort of 'gestalt' and if you do as well, then I don't believe you will be disappointed.Some people might be squicked by some of the religious overtones (undertones?), or the Ultimate Nature of the universe (some of the characters are squicked, as well!) but taken in the light of the story, this concept adds greatly to the plotline.Besides, it's a rousing good read! ... Read more

Book Description
One of the most respected and honored historians of the media, Erik Barnouw has been called a major national resource by The Nation. Norman Corwin dubbed him America’s Gibbon. He is the writer, says critic John Leonard, “from whom the rest of us steal instead of doing our research.” Media history is his subject, and, as this memoir makes so delightfully clear, it has also been Erik Barnouw’s life. Barnouw’s story, told with wit and charm in Media Marathon, is the story of American culture adjusting to the twentieth century, of new media repeatedly displacing the old in a century-long competitive upheaval.
Born in Holland in 1908 and an immigrant to the United States at the age of eleven, Barnouw spent his early working years in an astounding array of occupations—actor and stage manager, lyricist, translator, director, producer, teacher, and union official. This varied background, described here in rich detail, informs his writings about the world in which he moved, specifically regarding the shifting channels of twentieth-century mass communication. Telling his story through a series of personal profiles of the famous, the infamous, and the little known but powerfully influential, Barnouw recounts the events that took him from the vaudeville stage to the Library of Congress, where he became the first chief of its newly formed Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recording Sound Division. Thornton Wilder, Pearl S. Buck,Joshua Logan, Dwight Eisenhower, Lynn Fontanne, Tallulah Bankhead, and Akira Iwasaki—these are among the featured characters in the drama of American media, rendered here in striking close-ups.
From The Hague to retirement in Vermont, with stops in India, Japan, and Russia, Barnouw’s remarkable story gives readers the chance to relive crucial chapters of modern media history—and to relive them with one of that history’s masters as an incomparable guide. A book for those interested in the “mass media,” its evolution, and role in society, Media Marathon will appeal to students, scholars, and general readers alike.

... Read more