Advanced Marathoning-2nd Edition [Paperback]

Having logged a few marathons under my belt, I found a lot of programs and books out there were focused on the largest crowd. Those either wanting to complete a marathon, or those running less than 50 miles per week. But what I really wanted was a book on 'racing' a marathon. Specifically - how do I get as fast as my genetics (and age) will allow? I wanted programs that would push me further (safely) and make me work towards a PR of a sub-3 hour marathon in the next couple years.

I stumbled upon this book because of the other reviews, and thought I would echo the high ratings of this book. I'm now halfway through a 22 week program I put together from this book. The programs are actually 12 or 18 weeks, but I used the recovery section and the guidance presented in the book to ramp-up my mileage a little between my last marathon and my next one.

The book and the included plans are not for the faint of heart. The 'easiest' plan maxes at 55 miles per week. I'm on the 55-70 mile plan and it's tough! There are 70-85 mile plans and even a section on 100+ mile weeks and multi-marathoning in shorter periods of time that are thought to be sane.

The first part of the book provides a great overview of the concepts and guidelines that forms the basis of the plans. I've read a lot of articles and books on running, but there were some great new lessons learned and understanding I got from the first part of this book.

The second part are the plans. Even though you'll latch onto the one that best serves your needs, I found it very educational to go through each of them and see how they differed in their construction. It's not just the same plan with different mileages per day. The workouts and weeks are structured differently too.

The plan has me right on that razor edge of fatigue almost all the time. I feel I can go into my workouts strong, but you can definitely feel a little residue from the previous days. And just when you feel like you need a recovery run or day off, it's right there.

Results wise, I'm getting faster. I always felt that if you want to run distance faster, then you have to practice running distance fast. And the book shows you how to do that without over-taxing your system and burning out. I've also realized the importance of running my recovery workouts easier so I'm ready for the next quality workout. It makes every day interesting to have a theme or point to the workout - but I still enjoy the runs too - and that's kind of what it's about!

Great book - definitely differentiated from the bulk of what's out there.

In the fall of 2003, my marathon PR was just below the Boston qualifying standard for my age: 3:08. I wanted to run better, but needed help. One day in a bookstore, I came across Scott and Pete's book. I thumbed through it and decided it was worth a shot.

I read it cover to cover that night and tore out the schedules. I posted them to my wall next to my treadmill. I followed them religiously. In 2004. I took my marathon PR down to 2:42. I then ran back-to-back marathons using the multiple marathoning schedule. In 2005, I dipped under 2:40 and in 2006, I cracked the top 300 U.S. list with a 2:32 PR. Admittedly, a book won't do the running for you; it won't get you out in the rain or get you to run that final 1200-meter repeat, but it does tell you what you need to do.

Scott Douglas' cogent writing paired with Pete's brilliant coaching expertise make this a readable, practical book. The second edition is even better. I enjoyed the addition of the easy-to-grasp flexibility/strength training diagrams as well as the inclusion of drills.

If you want to improve your marathon time, this book is for you. Buy it, put it on your bookshelf and consult it. Trust me, you won't regret spending the money

I had a copy of this that i bought two years ago anfter failing in three straight attempts to qualify for Boston. I read this, followed it (70 mpw). Best marathon of the 16 I had run to that point. No wall, no slowing, very little pain. (BQ by 90 seconds, smiling as I crossed the line.) Best money I have ever spent on any book, period.
This copy - I bought as a gift for somebody who remarked to me at mile 25 of a recent marathon "I will never run another marathon again unless I am properly trained."