Complete 26-week Training Program: Marathon and Half-Marathon

Caron, Marnie. The Complete 26-week Training Program: Marathon and Half-Marathon: the Beginner’s Guide. Vancouver: Greystone Books, 2006.

Reason read: I think I’m training for a marathon in November…

Unfortunately, The Complete 26-week Training Program was not as helpful as I thought it would be. All of the important information was there: what to wear, what to eat, how to prevent injuries, what to do about blisters, and most importantly, how to complete a half-marathon or even a full marathon. I should note this is a book for the absolute beginner…as in the walk/run beginner. In fact, the entire 26-week program is based on a walk/run progression. Nowhere in the plan do you ever just run continuously -not even on race day. Walking is always part of the process. We’re talking real beginner. That would just about drive me nuts.
Other pieces of information I found uncommon to other books included what to do (training-wise) when you have a cold or have too much on your plate. Running with a pet or including children is discussed. However, there are no pictures (not even of strength training exercises or stretching).