Product Description

Entering is one thing. Finishing with a respectable time is something else.

4 Months to a 4-Hour Marathon serves as a personal trainer for runners looking to improve their performance. Whether competitive veterans or recreational beginners, with this essential guide marathoners can learn exactly what to expect, how to train, and even what to eat and what to wear. Dave Kuehls, contributing editor at Runner's World and a marathoner himself, discusses:

- Day-by-day training schedules for 4-hour and 5-hour marathoners
- Detailed diet plans
- The marathoner's mind-set
- Right and wrong things to wear
- Picking the right running shoes
- Pain vs. performance
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- The 36 fastest marathons in North America

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20388 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Makes running a marathon sound like a wonderful idea."

New York Newsday
New York Newsday: "Bright and witty, it's based on a solid, sensible program, and chock-full of interesting tidbits -- including details on how to prepare for (and survive) your long runs, a dress code based on temperature and humidity, plus a list of the 36 fastest marathon courses in North America."

Cincinnati Inquirer
"A solid training program for beginners in a breezy, reader-friendly format. His [the author's] philosophy: If talk show queen Oprah Winfrey can run a marathon, anybody can."

Customer Reviews

Great help - worked for me (3'53"30''')
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!!!

Four Months to a Four-hour Marathon,Updated
I love this book. I am a new runner and this book has given me soooo much helpful information from certain leg pains I was feeling and suggestions on how to remedy it; to how to increase my speed in my jog/run effectively. You can't go wrong getting this book. If you are excited to start training your body and mind to run a marathon I would totally recommend this book. - "Good Luck!"

A little bit dated, but still a great book.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wealth of knowledge, especially for the beginner runner that I am. I'm sure that all of the hard work will pay off in the end.