Synopses & Reviews
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Hansons Marathon Method does away with mega long runs and high mileage weekends—two outdated traditions that make most runners miserable.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.
Review
“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 Davila, Olympic marathonerReview
“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, theyve 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 wouldnt be surprised if it was effective, too.” — Runners World
“With his wealth of knowledge, and the Hansons assistance, Luke Humphrey crafts a fantastic book that is easy to digest and understand. The book is a quick read and breaks down the entire program nicely. Hansons Marathon Method is purely based on science. Every single run is an important part of the entire program. There is a strategy and logic to everything the plan calls for you to do.” — The RUNiverse
“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 Davila, 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 worlds 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 athletes 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 winnter of the Boston and Chicago Marathons
Synopsis
The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project began in 1999, offering promising post-collegiate runners the support they needed to focus on developing their full potential. Lacking the resources of big-time running outfits like Nike’s Oregon Project and tucked away in a minor league running town, the scrappy Hansons-Brooks team toed the start line outgunned. But the running world took notice as Hansons-Brooks athletes showed up to races in their now iconic jerseys, running as a disciplined team and quickly moving up the ranks to finish at the front of the pack in the biggest U.S. races and Olympic trials.
The Hansons Marathon Method codifies the team’s unconventional, science-based thinking on how to get the best possible performance out of every runner. The plan begins with the end in mind, preparing a runner's mind and body for the whole race, not just the easier early miles. Featuring precisely paced speed work and shorter, harder runs that remold a runner’s muscles for long-lasting endurance, the Hansons method develops runners who won't just finish their marathon, but will master the race, feeling strong at every mile. The Hansons Marathon Method forges true marathoners from mere mortals, preparing them to withstand the hardest last miles of the race for record-breaking performance.
Synopsis
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 amarathon’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.
About the Author
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.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Kevin and Keith HansonIntroduction PART I – THE APPROACH1. Hanson Training Philosophy2. Marathon Physiology PART II – THE PROGRAM3. Training Program Components4. Hansons Training Programs5. Program Modifications6. Supplemental Training PART III—THE STRATEGY7. Selecting Race Goals8. Marathon Nutrition and Hydration9. Marathon Gear10. Race Tactics11. Post-Race Recovery AfterwordAppendix A. The Elite Program: Hansons-Brooks Distance ProjectAppendix B. The Sweat Rate WorksheetIndex