What to Expect When Training for and Running a Marathon

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!

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.