The joy of running is often described as a unique blend of physical exhilaration and mental clarity. For those embarking on the journey to complete their first marathon, this joy is not just a fleeting moment; it becomes a profound part of the training and race experience. As you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement, each stride brings you closer to the Finish line, both literally and metaphorically. Embracing the joy of running helps you cultivate a passion for the sport that will sustain you through the challenges and triumphs of marathon training.

Thinking about running your first marathon? Or maybe you already have a place for an upcoming race and are now wondering what the hell you have done. And ladies, if you are carrying some extra weight and don't look or feel much like a marathon runner right now, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the wealth of marathon training advice out there...none of which seems relevant for you. DO NOT PANIC!!!! You have plenty of time to get yourself organised and prepared for the biggest adventure of your life....and plus size marathon runner and life coach Julie Creffield will walk you through every stage of the process with her unique mix of humour, realism and practicality.Covering everything from chesticle chaffing, to mingeries...swamp arse, to blister popping. This book goes where no other book dares to go, with its warts and all account of training as a larger lady.Julie committed to running her first marathon back in 2005 weighing in at 20 stone and unable to run to the top of her road. She has gone on to run 4 marathons, a 40 mile ultra marathon and hundreds of other races as well as inspiring and coaching thousands of women around the world to survive and thrive in the world of long distance running.As the creator of the award winning blog The Fat Girls Guide to Running she has transformed the landscape of plus size running, and has worked closely as a coach with more than 100 women to help them train for their first ever marathon. She knows the kind of doubts that women have about their own abilities, and the complexity of marathon training while working and raising a family. Many of the marathon training books out there are great in an ideal world, but let's face it, how many of us live in that ideal world.This is a marathon book for those of us in the real world...and you won't find a more honest account of what preparing for and completing your first marathon feels like.The book will cover everything from- Deciding if the distance is even for you- Securing your race place- Reviewing your habits and deciding your approach- Creating a robust and doable plan- The types of running sessions you need to include- How to get rid of the negative voices in your head- Avoiding injury- Fuelling your marathon journey- Building your support team- What to expect on race day- How to deal with the aftermath...and what to do with your medalThis book will give you the confidence, know how and common sense to see you through what is sure to be some of the toughest months of training you will ever do. It will also help you see that so many of the skills and behaviours you pick up during marathon training are applicable to other areas of your life too.If you want to get to the start line and the finish line in one piece...this is the book for you.

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.

One of the few professional athletes on an entirely plant-based diet, Brendan Brazier developed this easy-to-follow program to enhance his performance as an elite endurance athlete. Ten years later, his lifestyle still works. In this anniversary edition, Brendan brings 25 new recipes as well as updates throughout. Thrive features a 12-week whole foods meal plan, 125 easy-to-make recipes with raw food options that are free of dairy, gluten, soy, wheat, corn, refined sugar. With this program, you can lower body fat and increase muscle tone; diminish visible signs of aging; increase energy and mental clarity; sleep better and more restfully. Thrive is a long-term eating plan that will help you develop a lean body, sharp mind, and everlasting energy, whether you're a professional athlete or simply looking to boost your physical and mental health.

Features instructions for runners of all ability levels on preparing for a marathon, including training schedules, advice on diet, defensive running strategies, and tips for staying motivated.

An elite, competitive runner gives advice on every aspect of the New York City marathon, from how to enter and where to stay, to the best training guides and non-runners' spectator guides.

Finally, runners at all levels can improve their race times while training less, with the revolutionary Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) program. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal and featured twice in six months in cover stories in Runner's World magazine, FIRST's unique training philosophy makes running easier and more accessible, limits overtraining and burnout, and substantially cuts the risk of injury, while producing faster race times. The key feature is the "3 plus 2" program, which each week consists of: -3 quality runs, including track repeats, the tempo run, and the long run, which are designed to work together to improve endurance, lactate-threshold running pace, and leg speed -2 aerobic cross-training workouts, such as swimming, rowing, or pedaling a stationary bike, which are designed to improve endurance while helping to avoid burnout With detailed training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon, plus tips for goal-setting, rest, recovery, injury rehab and prevention, strength training, and nutrition, this program will change the way runners think about and train for competitive races. Amby Burfoot, Runner's World executive editor and Boston Marathon winner, calls the FIRST training program "the most detailed, well-organized, and scientific training program for runners that I have ever seen."