Running Your First Marathon: The Complete 20-Week Marathon Training Plan

This book is the best marathon training book ever! Short, sweet and to the point. I'm not a runner, in fact, I hate running but I got it in my head when I lost 100+ pounds that my next goal (bucket list item) was to run a marathon. I have completed (4) 1/2 marathons without the best preparation and have suffered greatly. My times are beyond embarrassing and my recovery time is weeks and I am crippled for days. This book though - God send!First step.... get up to running 25 miles a week before you ever start the training plan.Ding, ding, ding!It contains so much valuable information like what stretches to do - HELLO! Another one of my problems solved. I'm not athletic, I have no idea how to stretch for running! I have no idea what to eat, how much I should sleep, how to recover from long runs.....This book has it all! I wish I could report a successful marathon completion using all of the valuable information, but I am at the beginning of the training journey right now. I am just starting.... and that means, getting to 25 miles a week.I have no doubt though, that by starting now and following this book as my map, I am going to feel proud of my 2025 1/2 marathons and I will be VERY satisfied with the completion of my first full marathon!If you're wanting to run your first marathon....get this book! It's the only one you'll need.

There are so many training plans you can find online. Just get this book, and it has everything you need (diet, hydration, stretching, strength workout, injuries,,) I really liked this book throughout my training but had to wait till post race to write this review.Jan: half marathon 2hr 13minMay: started 20 week marathon training with this bookAug: half marathon 1hr 58min sub 2!Oct: full marathon 4hr 12minI completed most of the runs and finished low end of weekly mileage. I could have done more strength workouts. I focused too much on getting the weekly mileage.

Am new at this am enjoying I wish he had a bigger sections and tips on how to overcome injuries. But I am enjoying thi new journey and this book really helped

This book has it all. A reasonable plan, wise, practical advise, and clear instructions. I cannot recommend it enough for a first time marathoner who is already running in the 15-20 miles per week range. My expectations were modest - (1) finish, (2) finish before 4:20, and (3) if possible, finish under 4:00. I ran every run on the high end of the given range, followed the pacing recommendation (long and slow, stay healthy), and just trusted the advice. End result: 3:50, which was unbelievable for these 50 yo legs. I felt so good on race day, I just glided. And I learned a lot about running and participated in a great race that beautifully supports challenged kids. Tearing up thinking about all of this again. Thanks, Andrew Kastor, for a wonderful 20 weeks.

Very helpful book, for beginners or more advanced runners. Very engaging and informative - highly recommend!

I used the book to run a marathon. I have to admit that, I wasn't ready in 20 weeks. I took a little longer but,I completed the marathon I set out to do.I felt it was a good trainer.

A lot of basic stuff, but some real gems. I've run half marathonsand below before so I needed a place to start for the big one. He provides this and gives you the "north star" for training versus trying to pull something together yourself. He even says he's not the one to get your fastest time ever, he is trying to get you across the finish line. For me this is exactly what I want. I'll be following his book to the letter. I'll let you all know the results- update i've skimmed through it and keep finding even more gems and his 20 week training plan is exactly what i needed.

I have run the Houston Half Marathon 3 times and will run the 2021 Marathon for the first time. So I bought this book. The plan is very specific and easy to follow. It also has general nutritional information, injuries, even how to select the correct sneaker. I will update this review after I complete the training and finish the marathon

Finished my first marathon with a time of 3:48:11! This book was a huge part of making it happen. Before getting it I had previously ran a half at 1:50. Followed the daily training schedule about 65% due to being quite sick and life getting in the way. Longest run I did before was 18miles. Also skipped cross training days for rest

Quick read, full of useful tips

Está en inglés pero es simple de leer. Tiene excelentes conceptos e ideas simples no solo para ese "primer maratón" pero para correr en general. Algo que se debe mejorar es la presentación de las tablas del plan de carrera por semana pues se pierde un poco en la versión Kindle. Supongo que en la versión impresa se ve mejor. Eso no demerita en nada el resto del contenido.

No aporta nada especial. Lo que podrías leer en un blog de internet. No entra en el detalle de nada

I Loved this book - it got me through my first marathon!Andrew sets a calming tone with his narrative which puts you in the perfect frame of mind for dealing with all that marathon training has to throw at you! You need to be able to adapt easily to changing weather, temperature, terrain and loads of physical variables. Andrew has solid advice for a wide range of situations that may arise and helping you deal with these both mentally and physically. The book is a great length - easy to read and broken up with tips from top Marathoners, active stretching techniques, nutritional advice and advice about dealing with minor running injuries and training.I have literally just finished the section on recovery post marathon - having finished my first in Brighton, UK on Sunday 15th April!Great book. Must have for the first time marathoner.