Using this book for over two years, I've found all the Messiers and learnt a whole lot from this book. The book starts off with briefly introducing the pre-requisites to stargazing, and the geometric estimation method for locating the deep-sky using a Telrad. The book also tells the story of Charles Messier, and the origins of the Messier Marathon. He then takes the reader on a tour of all the Messier objects. Since this book has its focus on the Messier Marathon, the sequence of the objects is based on his observing sequence during the Marathon. However, as Harvard points out, this book does not necessarily have to be used during a Marathon and can be used any time to locate any of the Messier objects. The finder charts proved to be extremely useful, and I found this book becoming the book I refer to the most. The advantage is, I don't have to flip through other star maps looking for the Messier objects I'd like to observe. Its all included in this book. Therefore, I used this book more than my star atlas while observing the Messier objects. There is a little bit of inaccuracy with some of the charts. For example, in the chart for finding M75, I found I had to extend a little further than the distance from the mouth of the teapot to the lower corner of its handle away from tau Sag. to get to M75. Perhaps it was my problem of not using a powered finder (only the Telrad), but I had to try 5 times before I was compelled to move my scope little further east and north when the dim glow of M75 slid into view. This situation is actually clearly demonstrated in any star atlas, M75 is definitely a little further than the estimate.(I did very careful measurements on a printout of a few star chart program and Harvard's estimation method got to 0.6 to 1 degree from M75 depending on the angle deviation from the gamma Sag. - tau Sag. line, so I'm guessing some people may have troubles) Nevertheless, this is a VERY minor complaint for Harvard's method is based on estimation. Getting as near to the object as possible with the simplest method is what matters. My suggestion to any similar situation is to use a star atlas beside this book too to help with objects that don't seem to show up on first or second attempt. Furthermore, if the object is not in view, do scan around a little (which Harvard did mention). In a real Messier Marathon, don't panic (as I did =) and keep in mind that the less detailed charts are mainly for estimation. Overall, an exceptional book, beautifully written and educating. A book that deserves to be on the bookshelves of all amateur astronomers!

This is an extremely helpful book. I rate it among the very best for helping in your Messier Object search: At the April 2000 Messier marathon, I found 75 objects, and was on schedule to find 105, but I grew too tired to continue. On a recent star party in September, 2000, I found 45 objects before midnight, thanks largely to this book. Buy it while you still can!

After trying run my first Messier marathon with charts that I had prepared myself, I wish I had had this book with me that night. I would have seen alot more. Using this book, I have able to locate many objects that I had not been able to find before with certainty.

This book is excellent resource that I now take along with my telescope to every star party. The charts and object sketches are well oriented to the practicing amateur astronomer. Also covered are telescope calibration, observing techniques, and site selection. The only drawback to this book that I have found so far has been that it is not printed on waterproof paper. So, I had to order another copy to cut up and laminate.

The first thing Putnam does in this calm, well-balanced and very accessible book is make the very reasonable suggestion that instead of labeling a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) we might better say that the child has a "Marathon Mind." Putnam goes on to make the strong argument that instead of treating the hyperactive child with Ritalin and other psychostimulants it might be better and more natural to try a program of aerobic exercise.

This makes so much sense that it is hard to believe that it isn't more often prescribed. Putnam hints at the reason: (1) It's not easy for a busy parent to supervise the exercise program, and hiring a personal exercise coach is expensive. (2) "[I]nsurance will more likely cover medication" than therapy or a coach. (p. 13) It should also be noted that Big Pharma is not motivated to conduct research into the effects of exercise on ADHD-labeled children since a positive finding would not favorably affect their bottom line.

Personally, I am highly suspicious of these new "disorders" like ADHD that HMO-driven doctors treat with drugs. There are legitimate cases, no doubt; but most of the time I suspect there is nothing wrong except that this is a child that needs a lot of physical activity and a lot of body/mind stimulation. That is that child's strength. He (most of those diagnosed with ADHD are boys) can be active and effective at a high energy level and take in a lot more from the environment than other kids can. He needs to be up and doing. Putnam sees "movement" as satisfying "the wanderer, hunter, farmer, and gatherer in all of us." This is the message from evolutionary medicine. We evolved in an environment that had us up and doing all day long. The child that craves activity and stimulation is perhaps the truly natural child; and it is the modern environment with its restrictive classrooms and exercise-stealing tools and vehicles that is unnatural. Perhaps the environment ought to be labeled as having PADD (Physical Activity Deficit Disorder).

Consider the program of the typical "soccer mom." Despite all her good intentions, her child really doesn't get enough exercise. First there's the ride to the soccer field, then there's sitting on the bench during perhaps most of the game, then the ride to Chuckie Cheese's afterwards, and then the ride home. Perhaps a couple of hours or more have passed and how much of that time was the child actually exercising? Maybe twenty minutes, maybe ten.

How about at school? How long does recess last? Putnam cites studies that show even a little exercise tends to allow the child to focus better. He even suggests that the very lack of movement forced on the child in the typical classroom situation is contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. He uses the term "proprioceptive feedback" to refer to a mind/body phenomenon that allows us "to adjust our arousal level as well as our sense of tranquility." (p. 22) By the way, I would like to see the amount of time devoted to physical education in our schools doubled. Not only would this help the child that feels trapped in the classroom, but would work against the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Putnam discusses what he calls "optimal stimulation" and analyzes the role of dopamine in an exercise program, and "the runner's high." He considers the wide range of needs that children may have and offers suggestions on how parents may help their child find the right exercise program. He considers motivation and the family dynamics that either foster or hinder the child's opportunity to exercise.

Putnam clearly believes that the use of drugs to treat a hyperactive child should be the treatment of last choice, and I couldn't agree more. Who knows what the long-term effects might be? Read this book and see how you as a parent might be able to make a healthy choice for your child.

Stephen Putnam's Nature's Ritalin For The Marathon Mind: Nurturing Your ADHD Child With Exercise is a solid, "reader friendly" guide specifically written for the parents of ADHD children. Putnam offers exercise as an alternative therapy to medication for the control of ADHD symptoms. Healthful, fun, and exciting ways to share activities with one's child are discussed as well as the special benefits that a good fitness program has on the ADHD mind. Highly recommended reading for parents concerned with the problems inherent in behavior control medications for children; the solid precepts clearly laid out within the pages of Nature's Ritalin For The Marathon Mind are meant to be discussed at length with one's family doctor.

This book provides a common sense, lay-language approach not only to its intended audience - adults dealing with ADHD children - but also a general populous.

It's the simple and obvious that is so often forgotten or dismissed. Putnam effectively outlines how exercise impacts behavior, mental acuity, attitude and pleasure. While the book is intended to address the issues associated with ADHD, it is applicable to any parent, child, teacher or adult seeking possible avenues for relief and release. His casual writing style, anecdotal fodder and how-to approach makes this book an easy read and useful resource for anyone who deals with kids (or is a kid at heart).

Given the increasingly sedate nature of our culture, this book is an inexpensive and valuable resource for anyone trying to balance attitudes, actions and performance.

Of course, parents dealing with ADHD children have tremendous challenges. I've witnessed the trauma an ADHD family faces, particularly when medication is not effective and/or accepted. This book provides some wonderful possibilities for these frustrated, exhausted parents, to redirect and focus their child's intellect through exercise. Putnam doesn't claim (and carefully cautions readers to seek expert input) to offer a panacea, but does provide some interesting, documented and easily implemented ideas for encouraging and monitoring regular physical activity in the ADHD child with the goal of minimizing symptoms and encouraging excellence.

This book is great for anyone after some serious conjugal bliss ! It was only by reading this book that my eyes were opened to the possibilities of meeting my soul mate in the 3 mile queue for the toilets before the start of the Menai Straits half marathon. The subtlety with which Mr Taylor alludes to the exquisite trials of nipple burn pronation and crotch chaff belies his deep appreciation of his subject. Mr Taylor's neo medicinal interest in vomitorial and lavatorial systems provides a regular evacuation of humour throughout the novel - Bronwen and I will be eternally indebted to him !

'Looniness' might be a book about an unfit Londoner but the writing is anything but! This very funny author had me in more stitches than the one I got when I last attempted to run a marathon.

As a dedicated couch potato, I am really like books that let me experience exercise without ever having to do more than lift som e potato chips to my mouth. This book is great - it really makes you empathise with Russell Taylor's attempt to get fit, and learn how to run a marathon, without making you feel like you are reading an instruction manual. Clever and funny, in a way that will appeal to both running enthusiasts AND those who like reading humorous books on any subject.

After listening to this series and applying what I've learned I have a few reasons why master copywriter and business consultant Drew Eric Whitman selected the title.

Maybe it relates to the fact that I would have paid $50,000 to him and the 10 other experts that have literally super-charged my business and increased profits. And at that price, it would have been a steal.

Or maybe the $50,000 references what average business owners can add to their annual profits after listening. I know in my case, $50,000 would be a low estimate for the increase in business I expect over the course of the next year as a direct result of listening to this course.

Whatever the reasoning behind the title, in my opinion this is material that every person running or thinking of starting a business should own. It delivers essential business and marketing information (some of which I've never heard before but works almost like magic), and it spoon feeds it to you in such a way that you not only completely understand it, but you're excited and can't wait to start applying it to your business immediately.

I've had many nights where I've only grabbed a few eyefuls of sleep since owning this. But I want to thank Drew Eric for giving me the information and motivation to get in and do something that's responsible for literally putting more money in my pocket while making it fun.

Grady Smith

Who is this Drew Eric Whitman? And how can he help me?

Those were my thoughts as I read his captivating ad for The $50,000 Business Makeover Marathon. I was spell bound. And you will be too.

Being an adventureous sort, as all entrepeneurs are, I decided to take the plunge and purchase it. You know what? It was everything he said it would be, and more!

Drew, if you read this, thank you. We may never meet but you have changed my life and business.

After listening and putting into action many of the tips(lessons, really) I have seen an amazing change in my professional and personal affairs.

I own six other tape programs on sales and marketing and this one is unique. Get it now. While you're thinking about it.

Better hurry. Your competition may already have this.

Yours in Success,
...

I confess to buying too many business tapes. I am also too often disappointed by the quality of the production as well the content.

THESE tapes, however, are fantastic. The speakers are all interesting to listen to - not boring. No fluff. Recorded in a studio, so you can ALWAYS hear the speakers. The topics will be valuable to any small to medium size busines owner or marketing executive who wants to expand and grow their business.

You may have heard SOME of this material before, but you haven't heard ALL of it -- and it's all in one powerful package.

IMHO, it's worth a listen -- again and again.

-Keith Price
Developer of The Magic Bullet
Software to help you write sales letters that really sell.

This is the first review I've ever written on Amazon. This book made such a difference in my life, I had to comment on it. Six months ago I decided I needed to do something to get in better shape. I was in decent shape, I played raquet ball a few times a week, but I couldn't run more than a mile and really didn't have any interest in doing so. I came across the book title on Amazon and decided to check it out. I read the book while on vacation and decided I was going to run a marathon. I did the pre-training for a week and then began the program. Then the most important part, I started telling friends and family I was going to run a marathon.

I finished my first marathon yesterday( 10/28/01) in Mystic, Connecticut, in four hours and 51 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I learned that the marathon was the reward and the training was the goal. During my training I read a number of marathon books, they all had helpful advice, but none were as important as this book. It was a guide, a reference and logbook. Its no longer just a book, its a memoir of the journey to my first marathon!

Yesterday 10/15/00, I ran and finished my first marathon! I purchased this book back in May/June, read through it that month, chose my marathon, and started the program. I did exactly what the authors said and as an extra helper--I even signed up for a marathon class (but I did not use the class' 6-day weekly training schedule). It turned out, I really didn't need the marathon class, the book alone was enough! I used the 4-day weekly schedule and the mental imagery exercises and it worked! I even missed a few days of training, which I thought might have hindered my efforts during the marathon but my longest run was 18 miles and as they write in the book, "if you can run 18 miles, you can run 26!" Being a first-timer, I set no time goals, my only goal was to finish--(one tip I did take from the class was to do the marathon 5 miles at a time), and I finished my marathon in 5:18. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! I recommend this book to anyone who has an inkling of a thought that they might want to run a marathon--get this book and get started! YOU CAN DO IT! "LESS THAN 1% OF THE POPULATION EVER ATTEMPTS A MARATHON." JOIN OUR 1% MARATHON FAMILY!

I ran a few miles several times a week before I bought this book but really didn't think my knees or lungs could go much farther than about six miles. I had been talking about running a half-marathon for years. Finally I was talking to a runner who said if I was serious about it I should buy a book and start training. So I upped my goal to a full marathon, bought this book, read it, followed it, and 16 weeks later I finished a marathon. Other than a commitment to do it, it was almost that simple. The book's approach to staying healthy, staying positive, and finishing the marathon was right on the money. As I trained alone, the stories by other runners really helped. Most amazing was the timing of advice. Often I would get off track or start to set unrealistic goals and about that time, the book would get me back focused on my goal - stay healthy, stay positive, finish. The four day per week approach is also a big plus. With my travel schedule I don't think I could have stuck to a more aggressive schedule. If you follow the plan, four days a week is all you need. Amaze your friends. Commit to this and do it.

This book was simply amazing! Stu Mittleman covers in detail all of the areas that allowed him to run over 1,000 miles in 11 days. He covers your mindset/philosophy (if you are in a marathon you are not running 26 miles you are running 1 miles 26 times). He covers training and shows you how to slow down so you burn fat, not sugar, as well as proper heart rate zones etc and lastly he covers food. He'll teach you how to eat so that you put your body into a constant fat burning mode not sugar burning. His suggestions will help you to eliminate the ups and downs throughout your day and make it so you will feel high energy all day without getting tired! This really opened my eyes and Stu knows exactly what he is talking about because he walks his talk and has done so for over 15 years. This is a must read for anyone even remotely interested in health and/or fitness!

Stu Mittleman has accomplished what seem to be several ridiculous feats. How could a man possibly run 1,000 miles in 12 days? How could a man run 100 miles per day for nearly 6 days? How could he do all of this and have a smile on his face, and minimal fatigue afterwards?

Slow Burn is revolutionary! Never would a runner imagine all of the little things that go into it. Mittleman teaches us how to visualize, how to use proper technique, how to breathe properly while running, how to alleviate the stress on the body, which foods we should be consuming, and much more.

This book is excellent, and anyone who needs to improve their physical fitness and well-being should set aside a day or two to absorb the information within. It's an excellent read.

Contrary to the title, for me this book was more about finding the JOY in running and less about buring calories. By changing my thoughts and form while running I immediatly found myself able to run farther and enjoy the process more. This book is about getting away from delaying happiness until some long term goal is met and about enjoying the expirience of exersizing. You will not find a 16-week marathon program in this book.

I did invest in a heart rate monitor, as strongly advocated by Mittleman. While I have found it to be very useful and believe me gauge me level of effort during my workouts, I do not see it as a must. I believe Mittleman's other suggestions on how to gauge your level of effort, including using visual clues and breathing, to be as much if not more useful.

Reading the book did improve the expirience of running for me, no doubt. I had trouble, however, with Stu's dietary suggestions. They seem extreme to me and, while I 100% believe they work for many individuals, there is not enough how-to in that section for me. That is Stu's way though, he believes we each should find out own way- including deciding which exersize programs are right for each of us- and that I do appreciate.

Anyone that has ever run at any time in their lives will love this novel. In The Long Run is a compelling and charming story of truly vivid characters. Tim Van Wagner manages to weave an enchanting and authentic story and propel us along for the ride, or rather, the run! Josh Chamberlain, the main protagonist of the book, has resolved to run his first marathon and while doing so gets into "the zone". It is in this "zone" that he contemplates his past and distant heritage and where he meets "the colonel" his great-great grandfather and Medal of Honor recipient. Whether you happen to be a Civil War buff or not; you will find the entire tale a joy to read. Tim has a runners soul and an historians attention to detail. My only regret was that this excellent book had to end. I'm already anticipating Tim's second novel!

Lynn Seely; runner/ author

My brother advised me to read this book as he knows the author via sports. As I love to read, I was happy to oblige him just to see what he was talking about. I was pleasantly surprised to find a book that captured my interest from the first page! The author's style is easy to read and well done, and his sense of humor and detail appreciated by me. The story of the past and present Joshua Chamberlains blended together well and I was entranced.
Maybe I loved this book because I'm from a small town in Upper Michigan, and my dad was a Civil War buff and took us to battlefields and made history come alive with his stories.
Maybe I liked it because my brother was a basketball star and our small town team went to the state finals in the late 60's against those Detroit teams and won!
Maybe I liked it because I have run 10ks and walked a marathon and know what that's like.
Maybe I liked it because I read a lot and can recognize a good author and tale when I read it.
Maybe I have told a lot of others about it because I feel it's a "sleeper" and a good read!
Thank you Tim V for a great tale and enjoyable read!

This book caught my attention being a marathon runner and a Civil War buff. Having both together seemed too good to be true. Not entirely what I expected but certainly not a disappointment either. I found myself focusing more on the non-running aspects of the book, but was still acutely aware of Mr. Wagoner's description of the marathon that were unique and descriptive. A smart, smooth use of multiple times enabled me to correlate the main characters life with his progression through the marathon which I found very clever. Surprisingly so, this book made me feel like a teenager again. I'm not a love story type of guy, but I would highly recommend this book. Made me feel good about people again.

I first bought an earlier edition of this book in 1993, the year I ran my first NYC Marathon. If you want to get immersed in running this is THE book to buy. This new edition gets even better. It's accurate, concise, thorough, well-organized, and motivating! Detail-oriented people will love this book. I recommend it for those who are seriously interested in learning everything about running and the details and preparation that go into training & racing. Even if you're not into racing it's still a great book because you get details on proper clothing, shoes, etc. (or you can buy the authors' other book, 'Beginners Guide to Running. . ." )

I can't say enough good things about this book. I recently ran my first marathon, on a slow, hilly course in San Francisco, in a time I was really pleased with, and only because of the advice from the Glovers. From big picture psychological issues to the most mundane details, I found myself constantly turning to this book and finding the right answers. Everything from diet to race day details are covered in here, in a concise, conversational and accessible way. I would unreservedly recommend this book to any beginning or intermediate runner who is looking either to improve their times in shorter races (5K, 10K, etc) or run a first (or faster) marathon -- or, if you just want to get in shape and enjoy a running program, the book is still great (although it is focused a bit on racing).

I read and bought more than 200 books on sports and martial arts. When I received the book and read a few hours, I told myself that I really got an "excellent" book. I can say "The Competitive Runner's Handbook: The Bestselling Guide to Running 5Ks Through Marathons" by Bog Glover, Shelly-Lynn Florence Glover is best book I have ever read. I can't believe that a book at that price could cover almost every aspect about distant running in such details. Despite having a keen interest, I am no expert in sport and definitely not in a position to say that that book outdoes all the other books on the same subject. But, as a reader with keen interest in sport, not necessarily only distant running, I couldn't find something that is lacking. If there is something I could humbly ask the authors to include, maybe a number of photos showing the posture of stride and posture of the good runners together with an analysis of the angles of body and the limbs. In fact, the authors have given a lot of description about the ideal running forms. The simplicity of use of language, a lot of valuable information and step by step programme making you feel that the authors are personally coaching you. I even promote it to some of the friends who do not have a keen interest in distant running because it is just not only for the distant runners, it is an interesting book to read. Of course, I will still buy some books by other authors. Given I could afford to buy only one book on distant running, that book is definitely my choice.

Once is the book read by many top collegiate distance programs across the country. Cassidy represents all runners who seek to be the best. This is not a book for the happy-go-lucky "Runner's World" readers who think a 35 minute 10k or running on the treadmill when it rains outside is what running is about. A true runner runs when he doesn't want to, has quirks that come out when doing it, and puts his heart into it--just as Quentin Cassidy. An inspirational book for those that laugh when people ask them the Secret to running, why they run, and other things only runners understand. Miles of Trials. . .

Hello All!

I run Divisin III Cross-Country and Track for Colorado College in Colrado Springs, CO. I have been running since 7th grade, yet somehow I managed to miss reading ONCE A RUNNER until this summer. This is the premire running novel! It is the cure all for those days when you are having a hard time getting motivated. After 10 months of training, it is easy to get a little burned out. After reading the Interval Workout chapter, I remain inspired to dedicate my life to the sport. For all runners out there (and those trying to understand us) you can't find a better read!

Once a Runner is the best running book I have ever read. Unlike training guides or running stories that spend far too much time explaining the beauty of running and trying to introduce people to the wonders of jogging around, Once A Runner really goes into the life and mind of a runner (though the book uses fictional characters, they are easily recognizable and realistic). It describes the dedication, hard work, and goofiness that is required to be successful and what makes runners a very unique, though cetainly interesting breed. The story itself, of a young college-aged runner and his quest to run the fastest mile he could while in school and after he got kicked out, is extremely well paced and smootly written, just as a good race. It is a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it for beginners, enthusiasts, or someone who just needs a little motivation.

As someone who literally put my blood, sweat and tears into training for my first marathon, I was almost offended by the numerous stories of people who just decided to run, with little or no training. Kind of like not paying your dues. There were several examples in which people downplayed the seriousness of this undertaking. Sure, they paid for it with tough marathons, but that is besides the point. I bought this book to read on the plane on my way to my first marathon. It so discouraged me and trivialized my efforts that I didn't feel like what I was doing was such an accomplishment after all. I ended up leaving the book on the plane and trying to forget about the ease at which some of these people decided to run 26.2 miles.

This book is a must for anyone who wants to run a marathon. It is a collection of essays written by runners from all levels, including world class runners to a Portland, Oregon nurse who details her first marathon. All these stories are short enough to be read in a single sitting, some leave you thrilled by the run, others leave you with tears in your eyes.

I purchased this book before I ran my first marathon hopeing to gain insite into what I would encounter. I also bought several other copies as gifts to friends who needed some encouragement to run their first marathon. It certainly is an exceptionally nice gift for any runner or runner-to-be.

Just can't wait too see volumn 2 of First Marathons!

The different stories show how common people took up running. There is wide range of marathon finishers and therefore it is easy to find somebody in the book you can relate too.
What this book does best is inspire those who contemplate running a marathon. I took up running a few months ago, slowly building up my mileage. The incredible stories in the book show me that indeed it is possible to run 26.2 miles, or even more for ultramarathons. At one point it becomes a matter of mind over matter. Beyong running, this book is about the incredible abilities that lie within each one of us if we give ourselves the right training and believe we can achieve what we've decided to do.