Reddit reviews Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide

Hmm, any tips on selecting a good coach? I just started running for fun on my own, and I've been figuring everything out on my own from books (like this and this), online forums, etc. I might benefit from some coaching, but I'm not sure how to distinguish the good ones from the quacks. Sports and fitness is an area where there just seems to be a lot of uneducated, superstitious bullshit out there, even among professionals.

PS: someone above linked you to Higdon's website, but I can't recommend this book enough: http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-The-Ultimate-Training-Guide/dp/1594861994 --This was my training bible in the time leading up to the race (and after the race, too). He has chapters on every little thing including nutrition, injuries, what to expect in the race, how to prepare yourself mentally, what to expect from your body while you're training, etc. Love love love that book. It also has the added benefit of making you feel really excited about running as you read it :o)