Four Months to a Four-Hour Marathon: Everything a Runner Needs to Know About Gear, Diet, Training, Pace, Mind-set, Burnout, Shoes, Fluids, Schedules, Goals, & Race Day, Revised

I'm not a die hard runner by any means, but desired to run a sub-4 hour marathon for my first marathon. This book helped me with confidence and a concrete plan for training. It isn't so complex that you need to incorporate blood testing, heart rate monitors, etc. (which are probably important as you advance). This is a basic plan that tells you the workouts you need, food to eat, and how to prepare. If the training is too hard then you probably need to establish a better base or revise your goals.I didn't do all the training because after I got about 10 weeks into the plan I had two 'back to back' sciatica attacks (the second had me on the floor for 60 hours in pain). I was in fear that I wouldn't finish let alone run sub-4. I believe the basic endurance gained from the plan allowed me to achieve my time. I was worried the training wasn't tough enough, but followed it to the letter (when I could due to my back).I previously researched other plans online (Higdon's and others) but they only showed mileage to run and didn't tell me about pacing which is extremely important!Summary: this book keeps it simple and to the point. If the title is your goal you would be foolish not to get it. Good luck regardless.P.S. I ran the Grandma's in Duluth June 2008. A fast course, beautiful views of the lake, awesome support, and a great local crowd. Highly recommended race!!!

I have been following the FIRST training method for my upcoming marathon. I thought I would get this book to see how it compared to FIRST. I found that it is basically the same principle behind training as the FIRST program. Only this book was so easy to read and so much more understandable! Although it's a small book, it is full of information that is written so someone who is not a health scientist can understand it. It only took me about an hour to read. It not only talks about the idea behind the three key runs each week, but also talks about the right kind of nutrition to use in training. I also explains the reason why you need to have two pairs of running shoes for training. I highly recommend this book, not only for those who are training for a four-hour marathon, but for any long-distance run!

I have had this book for quite a while but held off on writing a review until putting it to the test. I ran my first marathon this month - the New York City Marathon, at age 61. My personal target was 4:30 and I succeeded in just beating that. I used many sources of inspiration and information, some printed and the others verbal or web-based. This book, which intrigued me, was one such source.It is a short book (about 100 pages). It is a little out of date. Nevertheless, I found it very relevant, easy to use, and often of help. If someone wanted to run their first marathon and was limited to reading no more than one 100-page book, this book is undoubtedly the answer.The book includes some valuable inspirational material, including an anecdote surrounding the author's father and the story of Oprah. This is a great start for a questioning first marathoner.It also includes an outline training plan. While I would not rely totally on that plan, I found it a good basis for a personal training program. If I was ever in doubt as to my own training approach, I found it useful to read this book's plan to check that I was in the same ballpark. Many little tips in the book are also useful.In summary, I found this book very helpful, and I would definitely recommend it as one book to read for anyone contemplating running his or her first marathon.Warwick Ford, Co-author "Fun on Foot in New York"

My friend, my husband, and I ran our first Marathon using ONLY this book as a training guide and IT WORKED. It actually took 5 months (we had to do the one month get-in-basic-shape-advice too because we were not running AT ALL prior to using this book.) And I was doing it three months after having my first baby! Now, I did not actually run my marathon in 4 hours (it was 4:48) but I am very proud anyway -- I ran every step, I was never a runner and had never run longer than a 5k, and I had given birth 8 months earlier. Training for the marathon helped me shed the 40 lbs I had gained being pregnant. This book is simple, clear, and written for amateur runners with the crazy idea of a MARATHON! Go for it -- all three of us love Dave!!!

i'm a 38 year old male who had never run a distance of more than 6 miles, though to be fair, i have been an avid runner for several years. i followed dave's book almost to the letter and ran 3:47 for my first marathon -- which was the ny -- a notoriously slow marathon. felt great the whole race, no wall, plenty of kick at the end. what sets book apart from others i skimmed was that it was more suitable for a "real" person's schedule. . .. basically, short runs during the week, and one long run on the weekend. couple of days of rest. only complaint with the book is that it is light on discussing injuries -- just gives the pithy advice of "stop running" for most every minor discomfort, which i suspect is likely just CYA.

Great book for runners to read and get understanding of how to run, what to wear, how long to train for, ect. This is great to get prepared for marathon. I haven't set down the book since I got it. The author is very funny and relatable which makes you want to keep reading page after page.

I am one month into the training program and am enjoying it so far. I am already noticing results in my speed. I have to sometimes force myself to slow down to the recommended speed I am supposed to be running on my long runs. I am relying on the plan to get me across the finish line in my goal time. When I first read the program, I didn't think it would be possible, but now I am starting to realize it just might be!Quick, easy read. Very informative. I reference it often. What is a "singlet" tho???

Pages of book damaged. Packaging was fine but pages damaged

When I was following this book I felt I was going too slow and not doing nearly the amount of miles my running buddies were doing so I wasn’t sure about it but I persevered and did a 3.56 marathon. So it DOES work and I got a fantastic result.

nice title, the rest is garbage

My first review because this book is worth it. If you want a training programme to improve your speed then this is it. I just completed the Paris Marathon in 4.06 taking 20 minutes off my last marathon and I now feel like I can go on to run the next under the four. This is a very easy programme to follow and enjoyable, before you know it you are running faster. I can totally recommend this book.

This book has been the sort that you just dont want to put down. It starts by explaining the benefits of running and how much enjoyment it can be. The following chapters give good relevant advice on the right gear to wear and how to get a cheeky discount on the best shoes for your running.The book explains the tactics to achieving the goal of running a marathon in 4 months by splitting it into 3 sections, endurance, stamina and the taper phase. During each section there is good advice to help you to achieve the goal. The book ends with a detailed break down of week by week workouts that are designed to promote speed, endurance and avoid injury.There is also a good section about injuries and how to spot them and treat them.I enjoyed reading it and got some really useful tips from it.Four Months to a Four-hour MarathonHighly recommend it.