Review of Jeff Galloway's Book "Marathon - You Can Do It!"

While I feel, personally, that most people, especially beginners, will do best in a marathon if they train in an organized group, this book nearly proves me wrong. So if you feel the need to train alone, or just don't want to shell out the money for a group, this book is well worth the money and time.

For Beginners...

Jeff Galloway's "Marathon - You Can Do It!" really puts the beginner marathoner at ease. If you are thinking about trying your first marathon, or even your second or third, this book can be a huge advantage to you, even if you are in an organized group.

This book imparts so much personal motivation and knowledge from experience that you'll feel as though Jeff Galloway is coaching you in private. It covers the basics and more of form, nutrition, programs (including one specifically for fat burning), and how to mentally handle the big day (as well as the months before it). It also covers such topics as the older runner, hot and cold weather, and cross-training.

Possibly the two most important parts of this book are the amazing motivational sections and Jeff Galloway's theory of walk breaks. If you are not already familiar with this theory, it's one you should really research, and this book can explain it all to you.

For The More Advanced...

Jeff Galloway's "Marathon - You Can Do It!" is not just for beginners. It offers "dirty tricks" that can be useful for all levels of runners. Galloway's mental preperation could be just the thing to push you on to that next great PR or the easiest, most comfortable marathon you'll ever participate in.

The chapter on speed and hill work can help intermediate runners reach their goals safely and happily. The motivation sections, too, can be just what an intermediate to advanced marathoner needs to get that extra push.

Possibly the best aspect of this book, for advanced runners, are the programs Galloway offers, including Time-Goal programs specifically targeted to meet your goal time. Whether your goal is 4:40 or 2:39, there is a program in this book to help you achieve that specific goal.

And, let's not dismiss the walk breaks as only being for beginners. Read this book before you decide whether they are for you or not, who knows you may find an easier way to get the new personal best time.