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Marathoner

What to Expect When Training for and Running a Marathon

Illustrated by Jayson Kayser
Photographs by Victor Sailer
Look inside
Paperback (Flexibound)
$22.50 US
8.7"W x 9.22"H x 0.74"D   | 29 oz | 16 per carton
On sale Apr 06, 2021 | 240 Pages | 9780789339713
Whether running your first or fiftieth marathon, Marathoner is everything you need to know about running a marathon. This is your go-to, illustrated reference that breaks down the race from start to finish line and beyond.

Marathoner is a celebration of running 26.2 miles and all the crazy, painful, shocking, and exhilarating moments that come along the way. Each of the 26.2 chapters (OK, 29, but that's not as fun) offers mile-by-mile insights and information helpful to all runners--from first-timer to veteran marathoner--including how to choose the right race with a guide to marathons around the world; prerace advice on how to train and prepare leading up to the race; how to approach the starting area; mile-by-mile advice on taking in fluids and sustenance; staying calm and loose during the long journey; tips for marathon bathroom emergencies; ways to handle "the wall" racers hit around Mile 20; and a postrace recovery food bucket list.

Just like a starting line wouldn't be complete without standing-room-only runners, Marathoner is also jam-
packed with myriad practical and entertaining factoids, making it indispensable as a gift for any runner. An analysis of starting-line traditions? Running playlists? The history and evolution of running shoes? Find your answers here!
“Marathon motivation must come from within, but a great training guide can offer a big boost, and Marathoner is the best I’ve seen. The design and photography are exhilarating; the tips and interviews are first-rate. Mile by mile, Marathoner will help you go the distance.”
—Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner and author of Run Forever
 
“It’s clear Matthew Huff loves the marathon. From Mile 1 through Mile 26.2, he catalogs every grueling step—who has taken them, where, when, what shoes they wore, whether they used a pacer, what they ate and drank for fuel, and so much more. Marathoner is a perfect gift for any runner who wants to laugh, cry, and celebrate the big race!”
—Elyse Kopecky, author of New York Times bestseller Run Fast. Eat Slow.
 
Marathoner is a fun and informative journey through the process of preparing for (and then actually running!) a marathon, full of great tips and tricks from some of the best in the business. Marathoner takes the mystery out of long distance running for the newbies, an opportunity for reminiscence and commiseration for the veterans, and a peek into running culture for those just thinking about getting involved. A recommended read for anyone who loves running, or loves someone who does.”
—Amanda McGrory, Three-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist
 
“It’s time to give yourself a gift whether you are a marathon runner or have dreams of ever becoming one. In Marathoner, Matthew Huff has put everything you need to know about the legendary 26.2-mile race into one stunning book. It’s so full of information and inspiration that you will be sure to savor it for the long run.”
—George Hirsch, New York Road Runners chairman, longtime publisher of Runner’s World, and a founder of the New York City Marathon
 
“Beginning runners to experienced marathoners will find great tips, sound advice, and fascinating personal stories in Matthew Huff’s examination of every mile of the marathon.”
—Jim Crist, operator of MarathonPacing.com
 
“I am honored to have contributed to Marathoner and look forward to enjoying its pages for a very long time.”
—Meb Keflezighi, the only marathoner to win the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and an Olympic medal
Matthew Huff is a writer and runner. His writing has appeared in Runner's World and Buzzfeed, among other places. He hosts a weekly pop culture podcast called P.S. You're Wrong and regularly performs improv comedy. Previously he was a literary agent, writing tutor, and McDonald's employee. His first race was the Dairy Dash 5K in Elsie, Michigan, which he slowly shuffled through for the bagels.

About

Whether running your first or fiftieth marathon, Marathoner is everything you need to know about running a marathon. This is your go-to, illustrated reference that breaks down the race from start to finish line and beyond.

Marathoner is a celebration of running 26.2 miles and all the crazy, painful, shocking, and exhilarating moments that come along the way. Each of the 26.2 chapters (OK, 29, but that's not as fun) offers mile-by-mile insights and information helpful to all runners--from first-timer to veteran marathoner--including how to choose the right race with a guide to marathons around the world; prerace advice on how to train and prepare leading up to the race; how to approach the starting area; mile-by-mile advice on taking in fluids and sustenance; staying calm and loose during the long journey; tips for marathon bathroom emergencies; ways to handle "the wall" racers hit around Mile 20; and a postrace recovery food bucket list.

Just like a starting line wouldn't be complete without standing-room-only runners, Marathoner is also jam-
packed with myriad practical and entertaining factoids, making it indispensable as a gift for any runner. An analysis of starting-line traditions? Running playlists? The history and evolution of running shoes? Find your answers here!

Praise

“Marathon motivation must come from within, but a great training guide can offer a big boost, and Marathoner is the best I’ve seen. The design and photography are exhilarating; the tips and interviews are first-rate. Mile by mile, Marathoner will help you go the distance.”
—Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner and author of Run Forever
 
“It’s clear Matthew Huff loves the marathon. From Mile 1 through Mile 26.2, he catalogs every grueling step—who has taken them, where, when, what shoes they wore, whether they used a pacer, what they ate and drank for fuel, and so much more. Marathoner is a perfect gift for any runner who wants to laugh, cry, and celebrate the big race!”
—Elyse Kopecky, author of New York Times bestseller Run Fast. Eat Slow.
 
Marathoner is a fun and informative journey through the process of preparing for (and then actually running!) a marathon, full of great tips and tricks from some of the best in the business. Marathoner takes the mystery out of long distance running for the newbies, an opportunity for reminiscence and commiseration for the veterans, and a peek into running culture for those just thinking about getting involved. A recommended read for anyone who loves running, or loves someone who does.”
—Amanda McGrory, Three-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist
 
“It’s time to give yourself a gift whether you are a marathon runner or have dreams of ever becoming one. In Marathoner, Matthew Huff has put everything you need to know about the legendary 26.2-mile race into one stunning book. It’s so full of information and inspiration that you will be sure to savor it for the long run.”
—George Hirsch, New York Road Runners chairman, longtime publisher of Runner’s World, and a founder of the New York City Marathon
 
“Beginning runners to experienced marathoners will find great tips, sound advice, and fascinating personal stories in Matthew Huff’s examination of every mile of the marathon.”
—Jim Crist, operator of MarathonPacing.com
 
“I am honored to have contributed to Marathoner and look forward to enjoying its pages for a very long time.”
—Meb Keflezighi, the only marathoner to win the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and an Olympic medal

Author

Matthew Huff is a writer and runner. His writing has appeared in Runner's World and Buzzfeed, among other places. He hosts a weekly pop culture podcast called P.S. You're Wrong and regularly performs improv comedy. Previously he was a literary agent, writing tutor, and McDonald's employee. His first race was the Dairy Dash 5K in Elsie, Michigan, which he slowly shuffled through for the bagels.