“Inspiring reading.” —The Wall Street Journal “One of the scariest things about running a marathon for the first time isn’t the distance, the muscle pain, the chafing, or the blisters. It’s not knowing what’s going to happen. That’s why this disarmingly honest collection of first-time accounts is so refreshing.” —Runner’s World UK First Marathons is the collected stories of 37 runners, told in their own words, describing the experience of running their first marathon. Everything is covered, from the early flickerings of desire, all the way to full-blown obsession—the training, the food, the emotions, every mile of this incredible journey. First Marathons is the best instruction book you will ever find, because you learn from the heartfelt life experience of others. Illumination and inspiration are on every page. These runners are old and young, fat and thin, men and women. Some are famous (like Grete Waitz, Ted Corbitt, and Bill Rodgers), and others are just ordinary people—all of whom have achieved something truly extraordinary. Their collective message: anyone can run a marathon; everyone should. It will change your life forever.

Andrew Kastor has taken the tried-and-true principles that all us pros follow and made them available and applicable for everyone. Andrew has certainly helped me along my journey--with his sage advice, his miracle-working hands on the massage table, and giving me a laugh when I needed it the most.

"The results have been proven at every level, from the beginner to the elite, the Hanson’s training system works." - Desiree Davila, Olympic marathonerWith the right training, ANYONE can finish a marathon! Hansons First Marathon, from one of America’s most successful marathon training groups, offers a smart, friendly guide to preparing for your first marathon. With their proven method, the coaches of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project will show you how to break down the 26.2 miles into achievable daily workouts. By race day, you’ll feel strong and confident of a race experience you’ll be proud of.The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project has an amazing track record of turning normal runners into marathoners through their acclaimed Hansons Marathon Method. Now they have made the marathon not just something to check off your bucket list, but also an enjoyable, inspiring, and life-changing experience.Hansons First Marathon is for anyone who has decided to step up to the marathon. Whether you’re a totally new runner who has never run a race, a recreational runner who enjoys occasional races, or even a competitive runner who is ready to go all the way—you’ll find the right marathon training schedule for you in Hansons First Marathon. Author and coach Luke Humphrey starts you off on the right foot with a simple survey about your running experience, race goals, and your natural strengths and weaknesses. Then he guides you to the right plan to prepare you for the miles ahead.Hansons First Marathon covers everything you need to know:Finding your foot type and a good shoe for marathon trainingThe types of workouts and how (and why) to do themChoosing your race wiselyTraining around travel, illness, and navigating injuriesHow to stretch and strength train for marathonWays to recover from daily runs and after your raceScience-based nutrition and hydration guidelines for workouts and race dayWhat to do differently during the crucial final 6 weeks before your raceHow to get to the start line feeling confident, stress-free, and readySetting an ideal marathon race strategy that puts you in controlMarathons are an exciting, rewarding challenge for runners of all abilities, but how you get to the start line matters as much as how you finish. Choose Hansons First Marathon to start your marathon adventure and you’ll set yourself up for success.

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run what was then the all male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors who attempted to violently eject her. In what would become an iconic sports image, Switzer escaped and finished the race. This was a watershed moment for the sport, as well as a significant event in women's history. Including updates from the 2008 Summer Olympics, the paperback edition of Marathon Woman details the life of an incredible, pioneering athlete, and the lasting effect she's had on women's sports. Switzer's energy and drive permeate the pages of this warm, witty memoir as she describes everything from the childhood events that inspired her to succeed to her big win in the 1974 New York City Marathon, and beyond.

Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training offers prescriptive programming for all levels of runners. Not only will it help you learn how to get started with your training, but it will show you where to focus your attention, when to progress, and how to keep it simple.

GET FIT, GET FAST, AND GO FARTHER WITH OLYMPIC RUNNER KARA GOUCHER’S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO RUNNING FOR WOMEN KARA GOUCHER is crazy, madly, head-over-heels in love with running, and she wants to help you feel that love, too. Whether you’re just getting started or already a seasoned runner, this is the book that will take you to the next level. Kara Goucher’s Running for Women contains her expertise, tips, and tricks targeted specifically at female runners to help you become a better, happier, healthier, and more fulfilled runner. She’ll teach you how to: • GET STARTED WITH THE RIGHT GEAR • BUILD A SUCCESSFUL SUPPORT TEAM • FIND THE RIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOU • OVERCOME PSYCHOLOGICAL SETBACKS • BALANCE RUNNING WITH FAMILY AND WORK • AND MUCH MORE Designed to fit your busy lifestyle, Kara Goucher’s Running for Women is packed with quick tips, pearls of running wisdom, and sample training schedules and nutrition plans, as well as sections dedicated to running during and after pregnancy, managing the special challenges of the female athlete’s body, and maintaining a balance between sporting and family life. Kara Goucher’s Running for Women is the ultimate guide for women who want to train for the gold or simply discover their personal best.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A world-class runner and four-time Olympian shares the life lessons he’s learned from each of the twenty-six marathons he’s run in his storied career. “An athlete whose wisdom and lessons aren’t just for runners.”—The Washington Post When Meb Keflezighi—the first person in history to win both the Boston and New York City marathons as well as an Olympic marathon medal—ran his final marathon in New York City on November 5, 2017, it marked the end of an extraordinary distance-running career. Meb's last marathon was also his twenty-sixth, and each of those marathons has come with its own unique challenges, rewards, and outcomes. In 26 Marathons, Meb takes readers on those legendary races, along every hill, bend, and unexpected turn of events that made each marathon an exceptional learning experience, and a fascinating story. 26 Marathons offers the wisdom Meb has gleaned about life, family, identity, and faith in addition to tips about running, training, and nutrition. He shows runners of all levels how to apply the lessons he's learned to their own running and lives. Equal parts inspiration and practical advice, 26 Marathons provides an inside look at the life and success of one of the greatest runners living today. Praise for 26 Marathons “26 Marathons is a swift read, guaranteed to be popular with student athletes plus hard-core and recreational runners, who will undoubtedly agree that Meb is an American treasure and running ambassador who never fails to inspire.”—Booklist (starred review) “26 Marathons gives great insight about the ups and downs in marathon running and how to cope with them. As Meb shows, dealing with these marathon experiences help us become better in our lives.”—Eliud Kipchoge, Marathon World Record Holder and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist “Meb’s 26 Marathons is like opening a treasure chest full of inspiring stories that give behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mental and physical joys and obstacles that elite-level racing can bring. His advice on training, overcoming injuries, and adversity is for everyone. It’s pure gold!”—Shalane Flanagan, 2017 TCS NYC Marathon Champion