Katluvr, I feel the same way you do. *I* know the show is not really focused on running a marathon or riding, but the millions of people out there don't. It is just plain irresponsible to present training in this way. After my brief foray into running this year, I have totally messed up my back. And, I am in shape, prepared, stretched, had PT, etc. So if this happened to me, what's going to happen to the out of shape, overweight person who thinks they can train for a marathon in 60 days?
I know I err on the side of super conservatism when it comes to training, risk, etc. But really, the whole show is just to make $. I watched the "Where are they now?" show and it was interesting, but nothing surprising.