1st marathon - books?

lipi

I'm hoping to do my first marathon this year and am starting the training this weekend.

Can anyone recommend any books that are useful or any particularly good for women?

Thanks

HardyEustace

If you're from a very novice back ground I've recommend the non-runners marathon trainer!

Got me through my first marathon, went from never having run to running a marathon in six months.

It's brilliant book. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

hunnymonster

Welcome to the world of marathon. There are a zillion or so marathon books out there. One that is often recommended is the non-runners guide to marathon running. I've not read it myself but know a lot of people who loved it.

However, tbh, you will learn as much (if not more) about marathon running by talking to the people on here. Between us we must have run 1000's of marathons and there are some elite athletes and some back of packers so whatever level you fall into there is someone to advise.

What is your starting point (running experience, fitness level at the moment)? If you tell us this we can start looking at what kind of training plan to start you off on.

Finally, you definitely don't need women specific books. your training will be the same as the men. The two things you do need to think about are 1. sports bras (google shockabsorber bouncometer to see what I mean) and 2. how you're going to handle your periods when it comes to running long training runs.

MarieC

I really like Hal Higdon's book http://books.google.ie/books?id=J2q8mxzw6IsC&dq=Hal+Higdon&printsec=frontcover&source=an&hl=en&ei=opTZS8q3CI7u0gSP7_RY&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

lipi

Apart from a few mini marathons a couple of years back, I started running last year. Just done the Connemara half which is my second half marathon and aiming to do my third half in July.

Had hoped to do the Cork marathon in June but I seem to get injuries when I go over 10 miles so I need to rigidly follow a sensible plan to ensure I don't push the distances too quickly.

So if all goes according to plan I hope to do the full marathon in Dingle in September:eek:

Raging_Hull

I can strongly recommend this book. Bought it in Waterstones. It has great advice on all aspects of running for the newbie. It got me through my first marathon in 03:43 :rolleyes:

Peckham

MarieC wrote: »

I really like Hal Higdon's book http://books.google.ie/books?id=J2q8mxzw6IsC&dq=Hal+Higdon&printsec=frontcover&source=an&hl=en&ei=opTZS8q3CI7u0gSP7_RY&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

+1 to this one. It started me on my marathon career!

alrilad

Hey All,

I’m thinking of doing my first marathon in oct the Dublin marathon. I can run 10k in 34min and 5k in 16.30. What would be a realistic time for me to aim for? I like aiming high!!!!

village runner

alrilad wrote: »

Hey All,

I’m thinking of doing my first marathon in oct the Dublin marathon. I can run 10k in 34min and 5k in 16.30. What would be a realistic time for me to aim for? I like aiming high!!!!

2.40 odd i reckon. If you do the right training maybe below it.

kit3

hunnymonster wrote: »

1. sports bras (google shockabsorber bouncometer to see what I mean) and .

Any advice on best brands of sports bras ? I have some shock absorbers but wondered if there was a better brand on the market ?

Thanks