Marathon Wisdom

by Mara Yamauchi, Jo Pavey (Foreword by)

Overview

Mara Yamauchi is a two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, and one of the UK's fastest female marathon runner ever with a personal best of 2:23:12. But there is much more to Mara than just running fast. During her career as a world-class marathon runner, Mara experienced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of elite sport. Her experiences proved to be an enriching journey of immense self-development, deep understanding and valuable learning-about her character, running and life itself. This book of 42.195 insights-the number of kilometers in a marathon-distils the wealth of wisdom and experience Mara has gained as a world-class athlete. From planning training, optimizing nutrition, and preparing effectively for racing to coping with disappointments and struggles with mental illness, Mara shares everything she has learned-good and bad-as one of the world's top marathoners. Not one to spoon-feed her training plans, Mara instead encourages you to think critically to understand how to improve and set your own goals. She also takes you into the revered world of distance running in Japan, one of the world's marathon superpowers. This book has something for everyone, from beginner runners to competitive athletes and those aspiring to the very top. Mara's insights are also applicable beyond running and are meant for anyone who wants to realize a dream or achieve a lifetime goal in whatever field is special to them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782552451
Publisher:	Meyer & Meyer Sport
Publication date:	05/01/2022
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	1,059,141
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Mara Yamauchi is a British former elite marathon runner and former diplomat. She is one of the UK's fastest female marathon runner of all time, a two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, and London Marathon runner-up. Her sixth-place finish in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is the joint best performance ever by a British woman in the Olympic marathon. She grew up in Kenya and has lived and worked in Japan for nine years. She now lives in London and works as a writer, commentator, and coach.

Table of Contents

Foreword 7

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction: Always Warm Up! 12

Part 1 Define What You Want to Do

Insight 1 What Fires You Up? 16

Insight 2 From Dream to Reality 19

Part 2 Achieve Your Dream

Insight 3 Basics, Basics, Basics 23

Insight 4 Glorious Goals 26

Insight 5 Simple Is Best 30

Insight 6 Beetroot Juice or Tailored Training? 33

Insight 7 Too Long a To-Do List 37

Insight 8 The Art of Copying 40

Insight 9 Open Your Mind 44

Part 3 Mental Strength and Confidence

Insight 10 Focus on Yourself 49

Insight 11 Process or Outcome? 52

Insight 12 Your Unique Toolbox 56

Insight 13 Value Your 'Done' List 59

Insight 14 Nothing I Can Do 62

Insight 15 Freedom to Flourish 65

Part 4 Work With Others

Insight 16 Confidence in Your Convictions 70

Insight 17 The Orbit of Brilliance 73

Insight 18 Scepticism, Always 76

Insight 19 Carry Others With You 80

Part 5 Execute a Performance Well

Insight 21 Build Up or Down 89

Insight 22 Always Do Your Best! 92

Insight 23 Use Mistakes 95

Insight 24 What Is the Worst? 98

Insight 25 Perfect on Practicalities 101

Insight 26 Don't Be Dazzled 104

Part 6 Review and Reflect to Improve

Insight 27 Stop, Rest, Think 108

Insight 28 A Pat on the Back 111

Insight 29 Celebrate! 114

Insight 30 Be Your Whole Self 117

Insight 31 Good Times Are Fleeting 120

Part 7 Look After Yourself

Insight 32 Food Is Fuel 124

Insight 33 Precious Sleep 128

Insight 34 Be Kind to Yourself 131

Insight 35 Healthy Mind, Healthy Body 134

Insight 36 Switch Off 137

Part 8 Survive Hard Times

Insight 37 Hang in There! 141

Insight 38 Throw in the Towel 144

Insight 39 When Something Breaks 147

Insight 40 Accept the Down Times 150

Insight 41 Adapt and Move On 154

Insight 42 Embrace Failure 157

Enjoy the Journey! 160

About the Author 163