1:59

The Sub-Two-Hour Marathon Is Within Reach - Here’s How It Will Go Down, and What It Can Teach All Runners About Training and Racing

By: Philip Maffetone, Bill Katovsky

Narrated by: LJ Ganser

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

What will it take to run a marathon in less than two hours? The world's fastest times for the marathon have been dropping since the distance of 26.2 miles was made official nearly 100 years ago. But after a noticeable decline that occurred for a half century, the times, while still edging lower, have stalled several minutes north of two hours for the past decade.

For the first time, 1:59 examines what it will take for an elite distance runner to go subtwo hours. It will require more than raw talent, optimal body size, and great athletic genes. In order to become marathon's Roger Bannister and smash this elusive record, this runner must follow a healthy diet and an individualized training regimen that takes advantage of specific environmental factors ("live high, train low"). Because precious seconds count over each mile run, other critical considerations include improved running form and economy, sharpened mental focus, and wearing the right type of racing flats (or even going barefoot).

The athlete who finally breaks distance running's most tantalizing barrier will become a worldwide celebrity overnight. Will the runner be a Kenyan, an Ethiopian, an American, or a marathoner from another country? And how soon will it happen?

By providing a unique window into the highly competitive world of elite marathon running, this book also allows running enthusiasts to have a thorough understanding of the true potential of endurance athletes. And in turn, they can apply the same training and racing principles discussed in 1:59 to their own running, whether it's a 10K, half marathon, marathon, or ultramarathon.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2014 Philip Maffetone (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Excellent content

excellent content specific for the sub 2 hour marathon. Many aspects can translate into other physical activities and general health.

All things Maffetone in a tidy package.

In providing his insight into the possibility of a one hour and 59 minute marathon, Dr. Maffetone gives you some great training advice. This is not only a great book for those wanting to learn about elite marathoners, it is also a great book for those of us who just want to run faster.

informative well thought out and great dialog

as usual dr. mafetone delivers a scientific approach to explaining how the human anatomy physiology and psychology fit together in an easily digestible way. his approach to running and fitness is as usual objective and factual. great book

fun book -- interesting --

this is a fun listen...the diet information seems quite out of date - the idea of several small meals throughout the day -- haven't heard that one for a decade. The make believe pretend a 1:59 race part was kind of funny..
you could feel how fun that part was for the author...still...here we are 2021 and the record stands at 2:01:39

An inspiration for all runners

A well written and researched account of how a 1:59 marathon will happen. A promising look into the near future of running.

A lot of great information to improve for ever!

Wrench in the machine!

Insight that really makes one evaluate old thinking. Also given in such a way that it is easy to understand.

Great to listen while running...

second time listening to it and will also read it... Love this book... Wealth of information and inspiring... Thank you Dr. Maffetone...

Some training tidbits, but focus is 1:59

I purchased this hoping to get quite a bit of training information from the legendary Phil Maffetone. This book is definitely focused on who and how someone might achieve the 1:59 marathon. While it had some nuggets for the a average age group runner, there were overall pretty scarce, and they weren't consolidated into a few sections that would make it easier to obtain them. It would be tough to go back into the book and find where he talked about a particular topic, like weight training.

Best endurance athlete book I have listened too.

Everything in this book is dead on! If you are an endurance athlete or just a recreational runner this is a must listen, read, and follow book!

Very informative and interesting

Extremely knowledgeable author. I am a 40 + male who wants to take up leisure running. I want to learn about the correct ruining form, nutrition, and training. This book was beneficial.
I look forward to reading more books by the author.