• 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
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (285 ratings)

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1:59  By  cover art

1:59

By: Philip Maffetone,Bill Katovsky
Narrated by: LJ Ganser
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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.

©2014 Philip Maffetone (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about 1:59

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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

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This is the book you read after Born to Run.

If you haven't listened or read Born to Run by Christopher McD, listen or read that book for listening to this. he does a great job of illustrating how and when a sub two hour marathon will happen, and it is actually really fun to listen and learn from him. I recommend this book to all runners.

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2 people found this helpful

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Thought-provoking, instructive, entertaining

Phill is among the prophets and sages of endurance sports. You can't get within 30 feet of him without learning some insight.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Watch out for the “Bro Science”

This book is interesting and has a lot of good ideas but seems to ease into “bro science” where Maffetone supports some pretty out there ideas based on “logic” and what “makes sense” to him vs actual peer reviewed science even though he presents his views as scientific fact. In particular the section about diet and nutrition was pretty cringey.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great info, but a little dry & geeky...

Worthwhile info. Lots of running science. Endurance geeks will love it. Lots of good tips, too.

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Good book, but

Was very well read, but the information is definitely dated. I would still recommend listening to as there are some solid points throughout.

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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.

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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

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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.

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    3 out of 5 stars

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

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