Marathon and Half Marathon: The Beginner's Guide

With proper training, most people can successfully run (or walk/run) 13.1 or 26.2 miles (a half and full marathon, respectively). This very basic, nonthreatening guide is great for first-timers who don't care about how long it takes them to do so and just want to finish "with some degree of grace." Caron and her colleagues at "SportMedBC" lay out a 26-week program that combines walking, running and an in-between step called the shuffle, and involves three days of such activity a week (other days are for resting or cross-training). Profiles of everyday runners, tips from elite athletes and mini-lists punctuate the text. The book is best for those who have never run a race before (others will already know, for instance, that "female runners will probably want to consider a sport bra"). Chapters explain proper "fueling," mentally preparing for a distance race, cross training, including one's family in the training and, of course, dealing with the pains that will inevitably arise. (Mar.)