An compact, plain-English guide to getting in shape for a marathon

More than 400,000 people run marathons every year. Millions more aspire to this ultimate runner's test-a grueling road race over a course that's 26 miles, 385 yards long. This small-trim For Dummies guide shows first-time marathoners how to realize their dreams-and helps veteran marathoners shave minutes off their time. Written by one of the top professional road racers in the U.S. today, the book presents a complete marathon training program, offering savvy advice on nutrition, hydration, stretching, injury prevention, mental preparation, and other issues that are key to success. And because marathons are so demanding-even experienced marathoners can't run more than a few a year-Marathon Training For Dummies also offers training tips for half-marathons and other distance events.

Tere Stouffer Drenth (Charlevoix, MI) is a twenty-seven-year veteran of running and racing and currently runs professionally. She was a scholarship runner at the University of Tennessee and has worked as a high school cross-country coach.