How to Lose a Marathon

A Starter's Guide to Finishing in 26.2 Chapters

By: Joel A. Cohen

Narrated by: Nicholas Techosky

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

In How to Lose a Marathon, Joel Cohen takes listeners on a step-by-step journey from being a couch potato to being a couch potato who can finish a marathon. Through a hilarious combination of running tips and narrative, Cohen breaks down the misery that is forcing yourself to run.

From chafing to the best times to run, explaining the phenomenon known as the "Oprah Line", and exposing the torture that is a premarathon expo, Cohen acts as your satirical guide to every aspect of the runner's experience. Offering both real advice and genuine commiseration with runners of all skill levels, How to Lose a Marathon lets you know that even if you believe that the "runner's high" is a complete myth, you can still survive all 26.2 miles of a marathon.

©2017 Joel Cohen (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

" Simpsons writer Joel H. Cohen shares what he learned as he went from self-described 'chubby middle-aged guy' to marathoner. Narrator Nicholas Techosky delivers the 26.2 chapters (a marathon is 26.2 miles), which in book terms equal 26 chapters and the world's shortest epilogue. Helpful information on running gear such as treadmills, shoes, and apps is covered. Uncommon terms are explained. Colorful descriptions of marathons around the world are inspiring. Techosky's encouraging tone will keep new marathoners motivated, particularly as Cohen promises, 'If I can do it, you can, too.' Quotes - from runners, books, and African proverbs - pepper listeners with other helpful viewpoints. Most satisfying is hearing Cohen take on purists who look down on slow runners. He believes EVERYONE who finishes a marathon is a winner." ( AudioFile Magazine)

Can't decide to be snarky or enthusiastic

while trying to be entertaining the author loses some of his enthusiasm and his story. At first he begins a very snarky view but later becomes quite enthusiastic. Wish she had been more enthusiastic throughout

A lot of fun.

I’m normally a self-help/non-fiction fan. I’ve been trying to find books that are lighter and can be read just for fun. I’m often disappointed with books by comedians or even my shots at fiction often don’t work out. This book is based on the author’s experience training for the NYC Marathon. I liked the mix of a “true” story with so much humor. If you’ve run a marathon or just want to know what its like to prepare/run for one this is an extremely fun description of what you go through. The author uses a lot of sarcasm, which normally turns me off, but it worked so well here. I was laughing out loud through the whole book. I’m listening to it a second time (I rarely do this) just because it makes me happy. It’s also a good book to listen to as you fall asleep b/c there isn’t any drastic changes in sound levels/music etc. A lot of fun!

A topic of struggle with humor

I really enjoyed his approach to and humor concerning the topic of prep and performance of running a marathon. I listened during my training runs and it made them very enjoyable. Her includes good info for those who are just dipping their toes into the running pool and others looking at tackling their first marathon beast.
I really enjoyed this. Great job, Joel!!

Great Book

This was a really great book and fun to listen to. I highly recommend it.

So much laughter!

I love someone who can tell great stories while not taking themselves too seriously. This book nailed both.

Funny stories & a great narration that hit beats

Solid beginner's what to expect when youre expecting style working towards marathon training. Was full of clerver quips & great asides.

Hilariously Accurate

This book is so funny. I had to stop myself from spitting out water every time I laughed at work. The narrator does a good job capturing the author's humor (especially how he describes himself). His advice is beginner-level (if it's not evident by the title), but it's helpful if you have no idea where to start. This book has inspired me to start running again (but probably not a marathon).

Delightful

A good mostly motivating story about running a marathon with good tips for novices and delightful humor. The self deprecating jokes started to get to me as the book when on, but otherwise I enjoyed the jokes.

Starter's Guide

This is exactly as it states: A starter's Guide. This is not for those who have ran marathons before.

Disclaimer : don’t listen while running .

What I liked : first book that made me laughs while running. Many anecdotes that can be easily related to. Narration was superb.

What I didn’t like : possible at the end , it looked like to complete 40,000 words there needed to be fillers.

Still will recommend.