Hansons Marathon Method: A Renegade Path to Your Fastest Marathon

Review Quotes:

"Keith and Kevin Hanson have been training professional and amateur distance runners for over 20 years. Last year the brothers, along with Luke Humphrey, an exercise physiologist and one of their coaches, published Hansons Marathon Method. In it, they've thrown out just about every standard of the marathon training program" ]Unlike other marathon training programs, which typically have runs of 20 miles or longer, the Hansons method tops out at 16 miles, an appealing draw."  -- New York Times

"You might expect a training program devised by the Hanson brothers, Keith and Kevin, to be a little different than the usual rehashing of principles and schedules. Given the success of athletes from the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, you wouldn't be surprised if it was effective, too."  -- Runner's World

"Whether you're a first-time half-marathoner or want to improve your PR, this book is worth a read."  -- Competitor magazine

"Hansons Half-Marathon Method lays out an approach that can work for anyone from a runner who's doing a charity run with the goal of just finishing to a highly competitive runner trying to PR."  -- The Runivore

"Kevin and Keith Hanson have years of experience coaching athletes at many levels. Their knowledge of the sport is evident in their ability to continually develop athletes and take them to the next level. In addition, Luke Humphrey's science background coupled with being a top-tier marathoner brings a unique and beneficial perspective to training. Not only can Luke provide the scientific approach to the training methods, but he's done the workouts and had successful results. The results have been proven at every level, from the beginner to the elite, the Hanson's training system works. With the coaching experience of Kevin and Keith and the science background Luke brings to the table, you have an incredible wealth of knowledge, and arguably one of the best marathon coaching teams in the country."  -- Desiree Linden, Olympic marathoner

"Keith and Kevin Hanson, through their passion for the sport of distance running, have developed an amazing history of successful coaching with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Their insights into their individual athletes and coaching philosophies have enabled athletes like Desi Davila and Brian Sell to successfully compete on the world's greatest running stages. Even more impressive is the development of what many elite coaches would call "marginally talented runners"  who the Hansons have coached up to being national-caliber competitors. Many coaches have systems, but the key to success is the athlete's belief in that system. That comes with trust. The athletes trust the process and the people directing that process. Luke Humphrey adds the science behind the process, but the implementation of the process is an art perfected one athlete at a time."  -- Greg Meyer, American distance runner and winner of the Boston and Chicago Marathons

Luke Humphrey is head coach of Hansons Coaching Services and a member of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Humphrey holds a B.A. in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University, an M.S. in Exercise Science from Oakland University, and is a Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine. Humphrey is also a professional distance runner with top 10 and podium finishes in major U.S. running races from 10K to marathon, as well as two-time qualifier for the Olympic Trials.

Kevin and Keith Hanson are elite running coaches and co-founders of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Kevin has earned multiple Coach of the Year distinctions in recognition of the performance of athletes racing in his programs.

Break free of outdated training traditions to run your fastest marathon!

The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project has taken American running by storm, becoming one of the nation's most successful running groups. Known for upstart talent and an unconventional 16-mile long run, the group has earned spots on podiums at the biggest U.S. marathons and on the U.S. Olympic team.

Now you can learn the team's secrets for a PR-busting performance in your next marathon. Combining smart science with proven practice, Hansons Marathon Method starts with the end in mind, preparing your body for a marathon's toughest final miles through:

• Lower-mileage long runs that emphasize quality over quantity
• Speed, strength, and tempo workouts focused tightly on goal pace
• Crucial nutrition and hydration guidance to avoid hitting the wall
• Detailed training plans for both beginners and advanced runners

Coaches Keith and Kevin Hanson break old rules and new ground, combining science and strategy to cultivate the very best race in any runner. Their method, laid out in clear, easy-to-understand terms, arms you with the knowledge, tools, and training plans you need to run your best marathon and achieve the personal record you've dreamed of.

Luke Humphrey is head coach of Hansons Coaching Services and a runner with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project.

Keith & Kevin Hanson are elite running coaches and founders of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project.

Foreword by Kevin and Keith Hanson

Introduction

PART I " oe THE APPROACH

PART II " oe THE PROGRAM

PART III--THE STRATEGY

Afterword

Appendix A. The Elite Program: Hansons-Brooks Distance Project

Appendix B. The Sweat Rate Worksheet

Index

In Hansons Marathon Method, the coaches of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project reveal the methods they've used to turn their runners into race winners, national champions, and Olympians. Hansons Marathon Method offers a radical overhaul of marathon training that promises to turn any runner into a true marathoner and help experienced marathoners set new personal bests.

Hansons Marathon Method does away with mega-long runs and high-mileage weekends--two outdated traditions that make most runners miserable. Instead, runners using the Hansons method will gradually build up to the moderate-high mileage required for marathon success, spreading those miles more sensibly throughout the week. Running easy days mixed with precisely paced speed, strength, and tempo workouts, runners will steel their bodies and minds to run the hardest miles of the marathon.

Both Beginner and Advanced training programs feature the unique Hansons 16-mile long run which, as part of the Hansons program, is ideal for preparing the body for the marathon. Humphrey explains how runners should set their goal race pace and shows how to customize the Hansons method to their own needs, like adding extra racing, running more miles, and handling training interruptions.

Detailed nutrition and hydration chapters help runners pinpoint their personal energy and hydration needs so they know precisely how much to eat and drink during workouts, race week, race day, and for recovery. The Hansons approach to pacing and nutrition means marathoners will never hit the wall.

Hansons Marathon Method lays out the smartest marathon training program available from one of the most accomplished running groups in the nation. Using this innovative approach, runners will mold real marathon muscles, train their body to never hit the wall, and prepare to run their fastest marathon.