Run Your Best Marathon: Your trusted guide to training and racing better

I purchased this book before running my first marathon and I found it extremely helpful in preparing. It covers everything you need, from strength training and nutrition, to running the actual race. It’s very current and also includes training plans, which are very helpful.A must read anyone training for a marathon or generally interested in running.

I’ve been trying to get a sub 4 marathon for some years but in my late 50s I thought realistically that at my skill/body/ability level that it wasn’t going to happen. I saw this book (and I bought the audio book which is great) and was attracted by the very different approach to the training plans.There are a variety of different ones described in the book which can fit anyone from a just finish newcomer to those looking for an all out full throttle approach.I really enjoyed this new approach of getting to 20 miles quite quickly in the 20 week process but then concentrating on getting faster. The book though isn’t just about the plans. It covers everything for your whole marathon journey and is such a good and comprehensive read and listen ! Thoroughly recommend.

After I started to run marathons at age 60, the first three were trained for using a 3 day a week plan to allow for recovery and one that was primarily based on distance workouts. For my 4th Marathon and now aged 62 I wanted a different plan and purchased the Run Your Best Marathon book after reading a summary of the approach online. On a non-flat course, I took 6 1/2 minutes off my previous PB which was on a very flat course.From the 6 available plans, I used the Steady State - Experienced., which unlike some other plans each week is different and not at all monotonous and I looked forward to each week. There is lots of other good guidance on strength training and nutrition.

I ran my first marathon 10 days ago at the age of 52, alongside my son who ran his first official marathon days after his 18th birthday. The advice in Sam's book formed the cornerstone of my training, which resulted in coming in comfortably under my 4-hour target time, never before having run in a race further than a 5k parkrun, and my son also benefited from various bits of advice that I peppered him with throughout his training. I have at least half a dozen corners turned down for crucial bits of the book, including the training plan summary, diet, strength & stability routine and injury recovery (we both needed that bit!).The tone of the book is cheerful and friendly without a hint of condescension, it's not a word longer than necessary, it's well laid out in clear chapters and sections and there is a constant reference to scientific studies which are all clearly cited without ever feeling cumbersome or breaking the flow of the narrative.As the title suggests, the book is also very realistic and flexible in the advice offered, enabling the reader a lot of autonomy to make choices to suit their needs and abilities, rather than presenting a set of prescriptive recommendations.

Packed with useful tips and research backed guidance for all aspects around getting yourself ready for your next marathon. Delivered in a way that works for new and experienced runners alike, in particular a variety of training schedules, with some new thinking that sets them aside from the norm. Highly recommended addition to any runner's bookshelf!

Really enjoyed this book and have found it very helpful with my marathon planning! It has lots of science-backed advice and modern training technique, and is designed to suit any ability. It covers all aspects of preparing for marathon including strength training and nutrition, as well as the race day itself. A one-stop marathon training bible!

I’ve been a runner for about 10 years now and these books can get a bit samey. I didn’t find that with this book it was a really good book - down to Earth with no long winded jargon, lovely read.

This is a very helpful up-todate resource for anyone planning a marathon. The science is cited and this may be at odds with running myth! Excellent background given to explain how to run better.