Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking November 23, 2008
Outstanding, inspirational, informative. I read this when I was training for my second marathon. The author is humorous and inspiring, keeping the training fun and filling the reader with confidence to be able to complete a marathon. In addition the material and references are well researched. He brings years of experience to the reader, in a form that is understandable to a beginning marathon trainee, yet offers depth to a veteran walker as well. I read the book twice and will use it as an inspiration and a training manual for any marathon I prepare for in the future. A must read for marathon walkers.
very inspirational for an ex-runner October 27, 2008
I have been a runner for 30 years, and 10 of those were my marathon years. I did around 50 of them, including qualifying for Boston 3 times. So you can imagine how unhappy I was when injuries received on a 5 week hike kept me from running for an entire year. Well, that year is over, and I have found that walking doesn't hurt me, but running does. So logic is finally prevailing, and I am now a walker. But I refuse to give up my beloved marathons.
This is where Dave McGovern's book has come into play. His book, particularly theintroductory chapters, makes me excited about walking, not just resigned to it. Now I have a sport that I can continue the rest of my life, and with many fewer injuries. I figure I have spent at least 25% of the past 5 years injured and unable to run. But, even with my injuries this past year, I could still walk pain-free.
And I don't have to give up my marathons! With the passing of time, I had come to the end of an improvement of my times for running marathons, and had to just be content with running for the fun of it. Nothing wrong with that, but I do still like to be challenged. Now I have a new method of participating, and a new chance to challenge myself both in skills and in time.
Dave McGovern's book is both inspiring and informational. I learned a lot from it, and continue to re-read it, especially when I slip back into thinking, "Gee, maybe I could try a little running again." Nope! With the guidance of this book, I will now begin my second decade of marathoning, but with a whole new twist...one which, quite frankly, I believe will be much healthier for my body. I was fit when I was running 4 -5 marathons a year (when not injured), but was I truly healthy? I believe that walking marathons will give me both.
As a side note, if you wish to speed your walking up a notch or two, I would recommend Therese Iknoian's "Walking Fast: Techniques and Workouts for High-Level Fitness and Performance." I intend to get more into racewalking in the future, so that I will be able to participate in any marathon out there, not just the ones with very lenient time limits.
But for good, basic information, Dave Mcgovern's my guy. I plan on attending one of his racewalking clinics in the future, once we move back to the U.S.
Must-have resource, especially for newbies June 25, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this book because I was about to enter my first half-marathon, and I grasped at every straw in getting prepared. I found Dave's book to be a terrific source of information, and it helped me think of a few things that helped me be prepared on race day. The section on walker-friendly marathons is a bit dated, but I used it as a springboard for my own research. Information on foot care, pace, recovery, fuel, etc. was all extremely pertinent, and very appreciated. Experienced folks probably won't find it all that valuable, but I continue to refer to it.
Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic June 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Before buying this book, I'd heard about Dave McGovern, the author. It's all true. He's extremely knowledgable, has a very accessible writer style, and is goofy!
I learned a ton, even after training with a group. I just finished my second walking marathon and intend to re-read portions of this book every time I prepare for a marathon.
The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking January 7, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book is very helpful for someone who has never done a marathon and now that I have one behind me, I'm using this to review and prepare for a second marathon. It covers everything from what to wear, eat, stretches, training schedule, injuries, recovery, etc. A great read!
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