This book is aimed at beginners, and it is a fantastic resource for that audience. This is the manual you want if you're a couch potato- or maybe just a timid novice. It offers a low mileage schedule that doesn't intimidate those just starting out even as it garners results.

Especially helpful is his 'run a mile, walk a minute' technique. It makes the idea of having to run 26.2 miles in one go a little less daunting. And let's face it, anything that makes that distance less daunting is worth it.

My only complaint is that instead of offering a straight guide to running the marathon, Galloway works in a story about a group of runners trying to finish their own marathon, which was a little cutesy and unnecessary. But if you can overlook that, this is a solid resources for those just starting.

I in no way want to run a marathon, never did. I needed to read this book to get motivation about running at all! So I did. I used the tactics in the first couple chapters to get into it. For years I've been trying to attain the "runner's high" that some people get that are crazy about running, and I have to say, this book does not deliver that. You will get motivated, you will get in shape, but it won't be easy because if you're like me, you won't want to get out and just "start". But when I finally put the book down long enough to run, when I realized that I can't just read my way to fitness, I went out, ran his 3-5-3 program, and I can say now that I look forward to waking up and taking a run in the morning to start it off right.

I think this is an excellent book, it you are in good shape. Many people think by reading books, even this one that you can do this. Thousands have been able to run, but I felt that the book implied if you try you can. Training, exercise and the proper diet really does work. Good luck and this book does help.