Marathon training - Nikalas Cook

Each year, thousands of people are inspired to don their running shoes and take on the challenge of a marathon. But on the road to the finish line many marathon hopefuls fall by the wayside, struck down by injury. Largely to blame are plans that are too running intensive or that don't prepare the body for running and ignore correct technique.In this book, published for the first time in paperback, Nikalas Cook adopts a cross-training approach to running. Into his plan he incorporates functional strength training, complementary activities such as cycling and swimming, and only three focused running sessions per week to deliver you to the finish line 100% prepared and injury-free. In 28 weeks, you can go from being a complete non-runner, through your first 5k, 10k or half-marathon, and finally on to success in the full 26.2 miles of the marathon.

Nikalas Cook is a writer and coach who specializes in health, fitness, endurance and adventure sports. Having studied a postgraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science, he worked as a top personal trainer in London. As well as completing marathons, triathlons, ultra-marathons and other endurance challenges, he's successfully trained clients to achieve their own endurance goals, including four successful Marathon des Sables (150-mile race in the Moroccan Sahara) clients.

‘I decided to do the Marathon des Sables. Nik Cook trained me, and despite a long history of late nights, smoking and drinking, I don't think I could have been better prepared. At the start line the other competitors laughed at me, but at the finish line some were conspicuously absent. Cook has a global, holistic and highly intelligent view of fitness. I revere him and am eternally grateful. He is, 'The Man'.'
Kate Spicer, journalist & TV presenter

‘Nik's balanced and varied approach meant I stayed injury-free throughout all of my training... His technical knowledge of training methods, nutrition, motivation and human physiology is truly impressive.'
Ramez Sousou (Founder and co-CEO of TowerBrook Capital Partners)

'Marathon Training is targeted at the novice runner who has aspirations of running the classic distance with a cross-training approach...for those just starting out it is certainly worth a look.'
Athletics Weekly