While treadmills are great for keeping yourself in shape, exercising on them can get boring and monotonous at times.
So, wouldn't it be awesome if you could take out your iPad and catch up on your favorite show while doing your daily runs? Well, the best treadmill tablet holder can help you do just that.
At a Glance – Our Top 10 Picks!
- The Non Runner's Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett
- Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon
- Running Your First Marathon by Andrew Kastor
- Four Months to a Four-Hour Marathon by Dave Kuehls
- Me, You & 26.2 by Denise Sauriol
- Marathon by Jeff Galloway
- Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger
- Marathon: 5th Edition by Hal Higdon
- Marathon Training for Dummies by Tere Stouffer
- The Runner's World Big Book of Marathon by Amby Burfoot
10 Best Marathon Training Books for Beginners – Our Comparison Table
Image | Product & Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | The Non Runner's Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett
| |
  | Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon
| |
  | Running Your First Marathon by Andrew Kastor
| |
  | Four Months to a Four-Hour Marathon by Dave Kuehls
| |
  | Me, You & 26.2 by Denise Sauriol
| |
  | Marathon by Jeff Galloway
| |
  | Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger
| |
  | Marathon: 5th Edition by Hal Higdon
| |
  | Marathon Training for Dummies by Tere Stouffer
| |
  | The Runner's World Big Book of Marathon by Amby Burfoot
|
10 Best – Reviews
1. The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Based on the top-rated marathon running class
- 16-week program
- It suits runners of both genders
Suppose you're looking for the best books about running a marathon. In that case, you should consider adding this to your list.
Are you someone who shies away from using words like a marathon, athlete, or runner to describe yourself? You may even feel like you're out of shape or just too old for a marathon. But that's not true. Even you can be a marathoner, and that's what this book by David Whitsett advocates.
This book will introduce you to a 16-week training program inspired by an incredibly successful class delivered at a university in Iowa.
This training book has worked wonders for male and female runners of all ages. Now it's time you let it work for you.
Pros
Cons
Following the guides and advice in this book will make you fully prepared when your marathon day arrives.
2. Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Practical guides of a veteran marathon runner
- Comprehensive training guide for first-time marathoners
- Casual, reader-friendly style
Whether you're a veteran or an aspiring marathoner, the top running books will benefit you immensely, and the same goes for this book.
It's filled with the valuable and practical wisdom that Hal Hidgon has acquired through his years of marathoning experience.
You'll get to learn practical tips on different areas, including ways to improve your mileage, defensive running strategies, running long, peak performance, etc.
Higdon's book is informative, inspiring, and packed with anecdotes, advice, and training schedules. But that's not it. Instead, the motivational section is what most readers find the most valuable.
Pros
Cons
This book is filled with real-life experiences and practical running tips.
3. Running Your First Marathon by Andrew Kastor
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Expert advice from an Olympian runner coach
- 20-week training program
- Motivational chapters
Great running books are an invaluable investment for first-time marathoners who prefer well-structured training.
This 20-week training journal is packed with value. Through this book, Andrew Kastor showcases his expertise as a coach of Olympic medalists and world-class runners.
This book will train you to stay inspired and fit and set achievable goals. You'll even learn how to track your progress.
Pros
Cons
Total marathon beginners will relish the easy, practical advice and training tips this book contains.
4. Four Months to a Four-Hour Marathon by Dave Kuehls
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Authored by a marathoner
- Detailed diet plans
- Fun and humorous read
This is another go-to marathon training book for beginner athletes looking to participate in a marathon.
Dave Kuehls' book isn't just for newbies. Veterans will be able to find some incredibly useful advice in this book. From what you should wear, eat, and expect to how you should be training for the marathon, this guide is nothing short of pure wisdom.
Like all best books for runners, it includes detailed diet plans, training schedules, motivational content, do's & don'ts, etc. The book even covers how you can pick the proper shoes. This might even help you choose between your favorite Nike and Adidas running shoes.
Pros
Cons
This training guide is enriched with valuable and funny anecdotes to prepare you for your first marathon.
5. Me, You & 26.2
by Denise Sauriol
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Loaded with pro info and advice
- A perfect gift for new female runners
- Inspirational stories
If you've signed up for a local marathon, and it's making you all excited and scared at the same time, this is the book for you. Me, You, & 26.2 is the work of Denise Sauriol, who has participated in 100-plus marathons and has even trained first-timers to become expert marathoners.
Through this book, Denise shares her years' experience in a guide form to help any marathon participants succeed. She starts with a personal story about a first-timer that will inspire you.
With this book in hand, you'll get access to her tricks, lessons, and tips she learned from participating in 200 plus races across six continents.
Pros
Cons
This value-rich training book will get you started running in the right way.
6. Marathon by Jeff Galloway
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Revolutionary training methods
- Ideal for beginner and pro runners
- Former Olympian's expertise
Marathon is among the best running books of all time, and it's the work of Jeff Galloway, a former Olympian who has trained thousands of beginners to run marathons.
The book details Jeff's revolutionary training methods that have helped several athletes in their marathon running journey.
Marathon is also among Jeff's new running books or the updated edition of his last book. Like most inspiring running books, it has tips to keep you inspired throughout the marathon training journey. Additionally, it includes fat-burning techniques, time trials, and more.
Pros
Cons
A perfect book to get yourself motivated to run your first and next marathon successfully.
7. Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Best for veteran runners
- Effective training methods
- Nutrition & hydration strategies
Are you serious about running and want to up your game? Then you need to get your hands on the best books for runners like the Advanced Marathoning.
It will introduce you to everything you need to prepare yourself smartly, avoid injuries, and prepare for the marathon.
Advanced Marathoning only contains the most effective training methods, from tempo runs to marathon-pace runs.
This book will teach you how to improve your running with form, core, and strength training.
Pros
Cons
This book covers everything you need to succeed in your first marathon.
8. Marathon: 5th Edition by Hal Higdon
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Detailed marathon training book
- New chapters and tips
- Guides for Half & full marathons
This is the new edition of his best-selling Ultimate Training Guide, which is still the holy grail for over a million athletes worldwide.
Among the many reasons for the last edition's success, the one that contributes greatly to its popularity is that it works.
The 5th edition talks about ultramarathons and includes chapters on multiple new training programs, recovery techniques, and several other tips to beat your personal record.
Pros
Cons
A complete no-nonsense guide for beginner runners looking to participate in a marathon.
9. Marathon Training for Dummies by Tere Stouffer
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Simple, reader-friendly content
- Comprehensive and informative
- Sustainable tips
This is another best-selling marathon training book that you can purchase to get yourself ready for your first 26.2 miles marathon.
To prepare yourself for such a challenging run, you should know ways to identify & treat injuries properly. And this book by Tere Stouffer can help you with that.
In this book, you'll learn about adding strength & speed, improving your approach, eating right, weight training, treating injuries, and several others for peak performance on the day of your race.
Pros
Cons
This book presents everything a novice runner needs to prepare mentally and physically for a marathon.
10. The Runner's World Big Book of Marathon by Amby Burfoot
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Features
- Informative, practical training tips
- Dedicated book for half & full marathon
- 25+ training plans for every level
This is a dedicated marathon book from a recognized connoisseur at Runner's World. The book details the core information on the essentials of nutrition, marathon training, injury prevention, etc.
As a complete beginner, you don't want to boggle your mind with countless training methods.
What you need is advice and a guide that works. And that's what you can expect from this book. It gives you practical advice and covers many topics to prepare any rookie for their upcoming marathon.
Pros
Cons
It's the ultimate guide with comprehensive, easy-to-follow tips to get you straight to the finish line.
Best Marathon Training Books for Beginners: Things to Consider
When shopping for running training books, you need to look out for some factors, including:
⦿ Credentials:
When purchasing books on workout programs, training regimes, or running methods, it's critical to check the author's background and credentials— anything that proves their credibility. You can find such information in the book's "About the Author" part.
⦿ Inspiration:
Reading a book authored by someone with a similar personality or relatable stories will inspire you to put on your running shoes and train harder. You can read reviews or go through a few pages to see if it speaks to you.
⦿ Cost:
The cost of a running novel or marathon training book will vary. So, know your budget limit and make buying decisions accordingly. You can even lookout for special discounts to get a fair deal.
⦿ Goals:
Choose a marathon training book that caters to your objectives and needs. For example, beginners will be better off by purchasing a guide with super-technical content. Instead, you want to go for something that introduces you to the basics in a reader-friendly format.
⦿ Length:
Do you prefer comprehensive or short-length books? If you're intimidated by thick books, shorter ones will suit your taste better.
⦿ Format:
Nowadays, most books are available in multiple formats. Hard copies and paperbacks are perfect for someone who loves a new book's fresh smell and feel. Digital copies will suit someone who likes to read anywhere instantly.
Buyers Guide: Quick Summary
Here’s a quick buyer’s guide for the busy reader:
Want an affordable book?
The running books by Tere Stouffer, Pete Pfitzinger, and Hal Higdon (2005 edition) are among the most affordable options on this list.
Are you a complete beginner?
While every book on this list is beginner-friendly, we personally recommend the one by Hal Higdon and Andrew Kastor.
A book for intermediate or advanced runners?
Pete Pfitzinger's Advanced Marathoning is perfect for runners of every level, including intermediate to experienced athletes.
FAQs
1. What to expect from the best marathon training book?
The best marathon books should inspire you to run. The book's content may include:
- Training regimes/routines.
- Specific training techniques.
- Setting targets.
- Even personal stories and experiences of the author.
- The best books will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.
2. Can a beginner run a marathon?
Absolutely! That's what the best books for beginners are for. These books introduce first-time runners to the basics of marathon running, followed by practical tips and motivational stories to prepare them both mentally and physically.
3. How can running books benefit you?
Running a marathon isn't easy. It challenges you both mentally and physically. The best running training books can help you with professional tips, guides, workout programs, and personal experiences.
Over to You
So, these are some of the best marathon training books for beginners you can check out if you're planning to participate in one.
Each book on this list varies in price and is unique with its own training methods. Make sure you keep the buyer's guide in mind, and you'll have no trouble finding your ideal book.
If you're looking for some great fitness magazines, you may consider checking our blog piece on the top fitness magazines.