Hansons Marathon Method ─ Run Your Fastest Marathon

In the new second edition of Hansons Marathon Method, the coaches of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project improve the marathon training plan they’ve used to turn their runners into race winners, national champions, and Olympians. The Hansons approach offers a radical overhaul of marathon training that has helped thousands of runners become true marathoners and set new personal bests.

Hansons Marathon Method tosses out mega-long runs and high-mileage weekends—two old-fashioned running traditions that often injure and discourage runners. 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 final miles of the marathon.

New in this second edition are expanded marathon nutrition guidelines; new guidance on using GPS, heart rate, and physiological testing to get more from workouts; integrated flexibility and strength exercises throughout the week, and specific program modifications for busy work weeks or illness. A new Just Finish marathon training plan introduces aspiring marathons to the Hansons method with simplified workouts and lower mileage.

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.

Luke Humphrey is head coach of Hansons Coaching Services and a member of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Humphrey holds a BA in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University, an MS 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. He is author with Kevin and Keith Hanson of Hansons Marathon Method and Hansons Half-Marathon Method.

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.