Are you looking for the perfect resource to help take your running game to a whole new level?
Here’s a great list of top-rated books that are sure to provide plenty of useful advice and inspiration, regardless of whether you’re just getting started or already an experienced runner. With insightful stories about training and competing in marathons, comprehensive guides on nutrition and endurance, plus so much more – these books are designed to give you all the knowledge you need to reach those goals faster than ever before!
Our reading list is filled with lots of amazing titles from some incredible authors who know exactly what goes into preparing for a marathon. Whether it's learning how to improve times or understanding proper nutrition - now there will be no obstacle too big when it comes time for race day!
Let our selection be your starting line into a world full of possibilities - Check out our marathon book list blog below.
How We Choose the Best Products for You
Trying to pick the best marathon book can be tough. There are so many different books on running marathons out there, and it's hard to know which one will work best for you.
It's no secret that preparing for a marathon takes a lot of time, effort, and energy. You want to make sure that you're using that time wisely and picking the right book is a big part of that.
We've researched for you! After reading through thousands of reviews and ratings, we've compiled a list of the top 6 marathon books on Amazon.
Here at Smart Frog, we take pride in our reviews. We only recommend products that we believe in and use ourselves. We also believe in transparency, so we want you to know that Smart Frog Reviews may receive a commission at no cost to you from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business).
With that said, we would never recommend a product we didn't believe in just to make a quick buck. We stand by our reviews 100% and hope you find them helpful. Thanks for supporting us and happy shopping!
What We Like Most About It
Introducing Hansons Marathon Method, the revolutionary training program from one of the leading running teams in the world- the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. This advanced program is designed to be your ultimate companion along your running journey. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take on your first marathon or an avid runner who wants to optimize their results and break their own personal best, Hansons Marathon Method has what it takes to help you reach your goals.
Developed by coaches of the esteemed Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, this pioneering method challenges old-fashioned training traditions by eliminating excessive long runs and hefty weekend mileage that only work to injure and demotivate runners. Instead, with Hansons Marathon Method, gradual progression is key as you build up to higher mileages required for true marathon success. With the miles spread more sensibly throughout the week, you can progress safely while seeing desired results!
What You Need to Know
Recommended by 'Runner's World', The Hansons Marathon Method is a comprehensive and effective program to help you run the best marathon possible. It doesn't rely on outdated traditions; instead, its success is based on scientific evidence. Hansons' speed, strength training, and tempo workouts are tailored to your specific marathon goal, while sensible weekly mileage ensures you get optimal results without overtraining.
You also have access to nutrition and hydration guidelines, plus detailed training schedules for experienced and advanced runners. And if this is your first marathon or you just want to complete it using the Hansons Just Finish approach, there's support for that too. Whatever pace you need during your race, the Hansons Marathon Method can help you reach success!
What We Like Most About It
26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life is an incredible journey of Meb’s 26 most Memorable Marathons. Throughout each marathon, readers take an inside look at the ultimate challenge of pushing physical and mental abilities to embrace unprecedented heights with every race.
Each chapter dives into the race itself. Meb takes readers on his personal roller coaster ride highlighting both successes and failures while imparting great lessons throughout each race. In his inspiring story, he explores his battles with self-doubt as he pushed himself to compete against the best in the world; he also examines moments of hope and inspiration as he simultaneously cultivated a deep faith in God and an incredible strength within himself.
Above all else, Meb demonstrates how running marathons can fundamentally transform our lives for the better by embracing the unpredictable experiences that come with life.
This powerful book is sure to intrigue passionate runners as it outlines precise techniques needed for improving athleticism but it will equally inspire those who have never run a marathon due to its overarching message of tackling fear and doubt – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - for a greater sense of purpose. 26 Marathons is not just about running but about living more fully through the discovery of self-beliefs and top performance & achievement standards previously set by Meb Keflezighi himself.
What You Need to Know
26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life offers invaluable insight for any runner. Chronicling Meb Keflezighi’s life and running successes, 26 Marathons shares practical advice about running training methods and nutrition in addition to words of wisdom on navigating family dynamics, carving out personal identity, and realizing faith goals.
26 Marathons is the perfect intersection for marathon aspirants and long-time runners alike wishing to catapult their running performance with a dollop of motivation stirred in. 26 Marathons is an excellent guide to exploring what it means to be good at life by being great at running!
What We Like Most About It
Love running, but need a little help getting ready for that next half marathon? Look no further than Ace The Half! Written by certified distance runner coach and nutrition coach Beverly Asante Puschmann, this comprehensive book offers up everything you need to know for your next half marathon. Beverly’s anecdotes from her own running experiences give the reader a boost of laughter along their running journey towards 13.1 miles of success.
With tips on how to get started, stay motivated, and increase performance, this book puts beginner runners in the right direction and is the ideal companion for more experienced athletes looking to up their game. So whether you’re new to the track or have an established presence among the running crowds, Ace The Half is all that you need to reach peak performance while having a little fun along the way.
What You Need to Know
Ace The Half: Run Your Best Half Marathon is the one-stop resource for anyone interested in conquering the half marathon challenge. Written by running expert Beverly Hofstadter, this book has everything you need to prepare for and succeed at your next race.
Not only will Ace The Half motivate readers to keep running, but it also provides checklists, training tips about preparation and equipment selection, fueling suggestions, and recovery advice – giving readers the guidance they need to ace their half marathon goal!
What We Like Most About It
Get the boost you need at the start of your day with 'Rise and Run: Recipes, Rituals, and Runs to Fuel Your Day'. Running legends Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky combine their knowledge and passion for running to create nutrient-dense breakfast recipes, recovery drinks, and snacks that will help fuel your day.
Not only that, but they also give you twenty-four new Superhero Muffin recipes which are sure to supercharge your energy levels at the start of each day. Science has proven time and time again that what we choose to eat in the morning goes a long way in determining how we'll operate throughout our day.
What You Need to Know
Rise and Run: Recipes and Runs to Fuel Your Day provides a plethora of resources for any lifestyle. From morning rituals and intention-setting tools to predawn running tricks, Rise and Run has you covered in both the fitness and nutrition departments. Plus, Rise and Run offer expert-level advice from trainers and pros to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions for injury prevention.
As if that wasn't enough, Rise and Run includes a fourteen-week marathon-training program designed by Shalane Flanagan guaranteed to push your running abilities to the limit. Whether you're aiming for an amazing post-run treat or prepping for your first marathon, Rise and Run is worth checking out!
What We Like Most About It
If you're looking to take your running performance to the next level, 80/20 Running can help. This cutting-edge approach is guaranteed to make you stronger and race faster with just a few simple changes. Combining an in-depth look at the latest science behind this training style with fitness expert Matt Fitzgerald's knowledge, this comprehensive guide will cover everything from how to properly structure your workouts for success to optimizing both speed and endurance.
With 80/20 running, you'll find yourself 80% of the time running at lower intensities and only 20% of the time pushing your limits--making it easier than ever to fit into even the busiest of lifestyles. Unlock peak performance today when you add 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower to your library!
What You Need to Know
80/20 Running, as outlined in 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower, offers an innovative alternative to the traditional training experience. 80/20 Running seeks to revolutionize working out and prevent burnout, while still optimizing results. With 80/20 Running, runs will become more enjoyable and cause less fatigue. Not only will this help prevent burnout, but 80/20 running helps runners reach higher fitness levels with fewer high-intensity runs than ever before.
80/20 Running is designed to get the most out of each run with minimal time spent pounding the pavement - a win-win for any runner!
What We Like Most About It
Introducing Marathon, Revised and Updated 5th Edition — your ultimate guide to marathon success. Whether you’re training for your first race or striving for a personal record, this book contains the strategies and resources you need to reach your goals.
The fifth edition features an all-new chapter on ultramarathons, as well as updated material on recovery techniques and multiple new training programs. Plus, learn how to win a Boston Marathon qualifying race and get advice on improving your personal record.
This definitive guide is packed with essential information on endurance running, written by experts in the field. With Marathon, Revised and Updated 5th Edition, you can go farther than ever before!
What You Need to Know
The Revised and Updated 5th Edition by Hal Higdon, is the perfect resource for any marathoner looking to maximize their performance. With comprehensive information on injury prevention, training, and nutrition, this book will make achieving peak performance seem effortless.
The Marathon experience doesn't have to be a mystery; Marathon breaks down each element of Marathon training into easily comprehensible sections and leaves no room for guesswork. Whether you are running your first Marathon or your fiftieth Marathon Higdon's methods will help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently!
Marathon Running FAQs
You want to find the best marathon for you but don’t know what to choose! With so many choices on amazon, it can be hard to figure out what is the best for you especially if you are new to marathon training.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about marathons so you can find out more about them and see what book might be best for you.
How many 20-mile runs should I do before a marathon?
The number of 20-mile runs you should do before a marathon will vary depending on your current fitness level, the distance you plan to run, and your goals for the race. If this is your first marathon, it’s advisable to start with a few shorter runs such as 6-8 miles to build up the necessary level of endurance.
Once you have built up this base level of endurance, it’s recommended that experienced runners complete at least one full 20-mile run closer to their event date. This lengthier run can help train your body for both mental and physical toughness during longer-distance races such as marathons.
Are 35 miles a week enough for marathon training?
Running 35 miles per week is a good target to reach when training for a marathon, but many people find that they achieve better results with more mileage. While there’s no “right” answer as to how much running is necessary for marathon training, most experts recommend aiming for 45-55 miles per week in the 4 months leading up to race day.
What is the best age to run a marathon?
It is difficult to determine one specific age as the best age to run a marathon, as it depends on many factors such as physical and mental preparedness, commitment level, and even life stage.
However, generally speaking, participants in marathons are typically between 18-60 years old. From an athletic standpoint though, the ideal starting point is usually in your late twenties or early thirties because this is typically when peak performance in most sports occurs due to the body’s physical capabilities at that time.
How many hours of sleep before a marathon?
It is generally advised that runners should get at least 8 hours of sleep before running a marathon. Research has shown that athletes who do not get enough sleep before an event are more likely to experience fatigue and poor performance, while those who are well-rested have been found to outperform their less-rested counterparts.
How many days rest before a marathon?
The amount of rest before a marathon should be tailored to the individual runner's needs and preferences, as everyone has different levels of fitness and recovery. However, there are some general guidelines for how much rest one should take before a marathon.
Generally speaking, two weeks out from race day is when most runners start to taper their training and begin resting more in preparation for their event. During this period, your body needs time to recover after months of hard work and you want to arrive at the starting line feeling rested and ready to go.
What is a realistic marathon goal?
A realistic marathon goal takes into account your current running capabilities, the amount of time you have to train, and how much motivation you can muster up.
If you’re just starting as a runner or are relatively new to the marathon world, focusing on safe and progressive training while completing the entire distance (26.2 miles) in a reasonable amount of time should be your main priority.
Can I run a marathon if I can run 10 miles?
Absolutely! If you can already run 10 miles, then running a marathon is totally within your reach. However, it's important to note that while running a marathon doesn't require any particular talent or athletic ability, preparing yourself for the challenge of running 26.2 miles -whether it be your first or your fiftieth- does take dedication and preparation.
First off, make sure to consult with a doctor before attempting any major physical activities like running a marathon; they may have additional guidance tailored specifically for you and your health needs.
What mile do most marathon runners quit?
On average, marathon runners finish their race at around the 20-21 mile mark. However, there is no single "mile that most marathoners quit" as each runner's individual experience will vary greatly from event to event.
Many factors come into play when it comes to running a marathon, including physical and mental endurance, training level/preparation for the distance, nutritional/hydration strategies during the race, weather conditions on race day (temperature mix of wind & humidity), etc.
Should you run 2 days before a marathon?
The answer to this question depends on your running experience and fitness level.
For beginner runners, it is generally recommended to rest 1-2 days before a marathon, not run any more than that. This allows your body time to rest and recover from previous runs so you can give the marathon your best effort without risk of injury. Additionally, running too much before the race can increase fatigue levels leading up to the day of the event.
What should you not do before a marathon?
Before running a marathon, it is important to ensure that you have prepared yourself sufficiently and that your body is adequately conditioned for the race. There are certain things that you should not do before a marathon if you want to improve your performance and chances of completing the distance successfully.
Firstly, avoid any drastic changes in diet or exercise routine within the week before the marathon. Making sudden shifts in either of these can cause physical strain and fatigue resulting in poor performance during the race.
Secondly, refrain from tying new running shoes on the day of the marathon as new running shoes require some time to break in and can become uncomfortable after extended periods of wear if not properly broken in previously.
Which Marathon Book is Best for You?
We hope you enjoyed this blog and found it helpful in choosing a marathon book that is right for you to help you become a successful runner! There are many great options out there, and we tried to provide some of the best based on our research.
All you need to do now is just tap the red button next to the book you want to check the price.
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