Advanced Marathoning Paperback – 19 Dec. 2008

I had already run a few marathons (4, I think) when I bought this book but I must admit, I only glanced through it a few times. Having run my first few marathons in progressively better times (coming down from 3:05 to 2:45), I was happy with the way my training had been going. However, my times started to go backwards in my next 5 races and I realised I needed to do something different, which is when I picked up the book again.I had read somewhere that Steve Way, the British marathon runner who went from 16 1/2 stone to elite level marathoner representing England in the Commonwealth Games, had followed a plan from the book, so I thought I'd give it a bash.The first part of the book goes through the theory behind the training methods covered. There are also some very interesting bits of information provided by and about other runners - of varying levels of ability - which are both interesting and inspiring. There are also sections dedicated to race strategy, nutrition and how to balance training and recovery.I found reading the entire book before diving into the training very helpful because it teaches you the reasoning behind the training, which helped me a lot.The second half of the book is devoted to training schedules, divided into 4 sections: up to 55 miles a week, 55 - 70 miles, 70 - 85 miles and 85 miles or more a week. There are also varying schedule lengths for each distance, so you can pick the one which suits your event or circumstances best.I opted for 70m a week. To begin with, it felt quite tough but as time went on, I adapted and I started to notice some big improvements in my fitness. I discovered understanding why I was doing particular workouts really helped with motivation. It does say in the book the training would be challenging but it was never exasperating. I was also able to complete the training virtually injury free, which has been a problem for me with other training programs.So, what happened with my time?I ran 8 minutes quicker than my previous marathon and went 3 minutes under my target time of 2:50. Most importantly, I felt better equipped than I had before and I was able to run strongly from start to finish. Even though it wasn't a PB, I felt it was one of my strongest runs.I highly recommend this book.

I bought this book to train 'properly' for my second marathon. I'm in my 40s and only started running a few years ago.From a base fitness of 20 miles per week, with no injuries in the past 6 months and having done a few months of 1 day per week on some hills I followed the 'easiest' 12 week plan, peaking at just over 50 miles per week.I followed the training schedule religiously - maybe shortened a couple of sessions over the 12 weeks - as well as mostly following the hydration and nutrition advice. I didn't do much of the strength work simply because my routine was a bit shot at the time but I do already stretch a lot daily so at least my flexibility is OK.Anyway, 12 weeks later I ran a 3:39 marathon, taking 1 HOUR 15 mins off my newbie runner's marathon time of 18 months previously. I ran non-stop and with really consistent splits, even though the course was undulating. I even had enough gas in the tank to increase the pace over the last 2 miles.I'll be using the plans contained within to work towards getting a Good For Age time, though that might require a few more attempts!I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's easy to read, there are multiple plans to suit your schedule and the results speak for themselves.

Really helpful for all advanced marathoners. It's written to all non-begginers who wish to improve their result sistematicaly. All aspects of training are covered and give additional value with answering some 'common' questions regarding nutrition, amount ot training and race day preparation.

Excellent level of detail with enough science to explain how the plan works enough that you're able to sensibly adapt the plans around life and other races without getting injured. All the theory still holds true and will no doubt take your marathon to the next level. The advice is pragmatic and practical with a few nods to Daniels and Ron Hill along the way. I found the plans easy to follow and paces easy to calculate. Will be purchasing the follow up book for shorter distances after my marathon.UPDATE: I've been now following this plan and that of the other book for nearly 3 years now, I've continued to PB at every distance despite turning 40 and hope to go sub 16 for the 5K soon, but more impressively I no longer get sidelined by injury when I follow the plans diligently, this has kept my training consistent. I realise now the importance of recovery this book has incorporated into it's plans and will enable me to run healthily well into the future as I age.

A must read for those runners trying to chip away at their marathon PB. I am on my 7th marathon and moved from Hal Higdon's online plans to the 50-75 miles per week plans currently and while the mileage is higher than I'm used to I am starting to feel the benefit.The book also goes in to the background and reason for each type of workout and highlights the pace and heart rate you should be aiming for.Also has some decent chapters on strength training, diet, health etc.Edit: Got a 13 minute PB with this plan on a horrible wet and windy day in Dublin in 2015. Negative split too with the second half a couple of minuites quicker, I felt I had a bit more in the tank too. I will be using this plan again