26.2 Secrets for Running Better - Calmer - Faster Marathons: How Runners and Marathoners of All Levels Can Easily Use the STRIDE Race Day System for ... ...

by Run.Stoic.Strides

Training for a marathon is so hard.
You've sacrificed mornings & weekends for months…
Will you let marathon race day chaos steal your moment ?! 😢

Not with 🆂.🆃.🆁.🅸.🅳.🅴 💪😁
Our advanced marathon training book will help the noise and focus on what you can controlAvoid last-minute mistakes with exhaustive race-day checklistsBuild a simple race pacing plan with split charts and effort cuesTime your carbs, gels, electrolytes and hydration without overthinkingRun your best marathon race day ever, feeling calm and fully present.
It's NOT a marathon training plan… but it adapts to all training plans

It's NOT magic to make you run faster… but it prevents the mistakes that slow you down

It’s NOT running theory or fluff… but highly-detailed & practical checklists you can actually follow

It's NOT a simple marathon running journal… but a marathon race-day planner for perfect execution

It’s NOT a generic how to run a marathon book… but a proven path to marathon excellence


FOCUS on what you can controlGrounded in a Stoic mindset, this running book organizes race day into a hour-by-hour system. Built for a structured method you can trust on a chaotic marathon morning.

🆂: marathon race blueprint, most common pitfalls & fears, race goals
🆃: race-day checklist, pre-race breakfast, marathon race day essentials packing checklist
🆁: pacing strategy & split chart, mantras, mental preparation for marathon race day anxiety
🅸: 150+ checkpoints on pacing splits, nutrition, gels, hydration, electrolytes timing
🅳: immediate recovery actions, runners' pain scan, post-race injury prevention
🅴: post-marathon reflection, racing goals evaluation, mental resets
WHO is it for ?🏃First-time marathoners will love the race-day nothing will ever be forgotten! It gives the same clarity runners look for in a beginner marathon book, but without dumbing it down. And it adds clear pacing and hydration/gel timing so race day feels like a simple how to run a marathon plan.🧑 Masters runners (40+/50+/60+) will appreciate a race-day plan that protects energy. It supports masters marathon training goals with smart effort-based pacing, gut-friendly fueling, and quick recovery steps so older marathon runners can run strong and feel good the next day.🔥 Ambitious runners chasing a PB or a Boston Qualifier can use it as the ideal complement to any advanced marathon training book. It helps sub-3 marathoners refine race strategy, stack marginal gains, avoid hitting the wall and hit their personal-best.💖 Anyone who loves a runner can give this as a thoughtful marathon finisher gift.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2025

Reviews

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘26.2 Secrets for Running Better - Calmer - Faster Marathons’ is not my favourite book. Just starting with the book’s title—it barely makes grammatical sense. The punctuation and syntax used in the book’s title lets the reader know straight away what type of book they can expect this to be. Then the cover art, which is clearly AI-generated, reinforces this set of expectations. When you open the book (in my case I’m reading this on Kindle Unlimited), all the text tends to be summarised into short bullet points for maximum clarity and coherence and memory-encoding and -recalling potential for the reader. This is exactly how LLMs like ChatGPT are designed to generate text. The text of ‘26.2 Secrets for Running Better - Calmer - Faster Marathons’ also features prolific use of colour, bold, italics, and lists—another typical sign of AI-generated text.

Now for the information contained herein itself. The information is useful but definitely overdone. A lot of the finer points in here aren’t things runners might actually like to know: for example, how to set multiple alarms to ensure one wakes up punctually on the day of the marathon. Sentence structures are replicated over and over again throughout the book. The prose has a motivational, highly conversational tone—and for me, the effect of this is to feel as though I’m talking not to Yannick, the book’s human author, but to ChatGPT. Rest assured that if you’re simply seeking some tips on running a marathon, you’ll find more than enough in here.

[Zeenat Mian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets for Running Better is an impressively detailed guide that captures the true essence of marathon preparation and performance. The book goes beyond surface-level advice, offering thorough insights into what it really takes to succeed—from training regimens to mental resilience. Central to its approach is the STRIDE method, explained in clear, simple language that makes complex concepts easy to follow for runners of all levels.
One of the most endearing aspects of the book is its reminder to “honor” the race, no matter the outcome. This perspective elevates running from a physical challenge to a meaningful personal journey. Complementing STRIDE is the QUEST framework, which guides readers through every stage of the marathon experience, from pre-race preparation to post-race reflection.
The book’s strength lies in its comprehensiveness: graphs, workbook examples, and practical exercises make the guidance actionable. It also dedicates significant attention to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of diet planning and fueling strategies. Combined with advice on do’s and don’ts from real-world experience, and repeated focus on the mental factor, Secrets for Running Better becomes both a manual and a source of inspiration for anyone striving to run smarter and stronger.

[Shuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a clear, structured race-day roadmap through the STRIDE method—six stages that guide you from the night before the race all the way through your post-finish reflection. The checklists are detailed without being fussy, helping you pack, plan, and mentally settle in a way that feels almost like having a seasoned marathon coach at your elbow. The pacing cues, fueling reminders, and split checkpoints take the guesswork out of execution, which is invaluable when your pre-race nerves are firing or your mind starts to fog at mile 18. The REFOCUS section offers grounded, repeatable tools that actually shift your mindset on the start line and keep you steady when the race gets loud—both externally and internally. And after the finish? The DECOMPRESS and EMBRACE stages encourage thoughtful recovery rather than the typical crash-and-burn aftermath. The emphasis on reflection—honoring your effort, noticing what worked, and learning from what didn’t—is refreshing and elevates the whole experience beyond just chasing a time. This guide makes the entire journey feel calmer, more intentional, and ultimately more rewarding.

[Gracie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve run plenty of 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons over the years, and I’ve always planned to take the leap to a full marathon, but I just never felt like I had the right system to guide me through race day. This book changed that. 26.2 Secrets for Running Better – Calmer – Faster Marathons breaks everything down in a way that finally makes the marathon feel achievable instead of intimidating.

The STRIDE method is smart, practical, and easy to follow. It covers more than just strategy, and it gives you checklists, fueling reminders, pacing plans, mindset tips, and even post-race recovery guidance. What I loved most is how calming the approach is. Instead of adding to the noise, it simplifies race day into clear steps so you’re not scrambling or second-guessing gear, nutrition, or pacing. It genuinely feels like having an experienced coach talking you through every stage.

With this book, I finally feel like I have the tools, structure, and confidence to go for a full marathon, not someday, but soon. For anyone training for 26.2 or even thinking about it, this guide is absolutely worth it.

[FunctionX · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've sacrificed your life for months training for a marathon, you know the biggest fear isn't the miles: it's the race-day chaos that can steal your moment! That's why I am obsessed with this book. 26.2 Secrets isn't another generic training plan; it’s the perfect execution blueprint that adapts to whatever plan you're already following.

This book is a masterclass in focusing on what you can control. Built on a brilliant, simple Stoic mindset, the STRIDE system turns all those frantic pre-race unknowns (fueling, hydration, pacing, mental traps) into highly-detailed, practical checklists. Seriously, this system makes race morning feel like a calm, familiar script instead of a panicked scramble. Whether you're a first-timer worried about forgetting something crucial, a masters runner needing to protect energy, or an ambitious PB chaser trying to refine your strategy for a Boston Qualifier, this book is your competitive advantage. It’s the closest thing to having a seasoned coach whisper exactly what to do at every mile marker. Highly, highly recommend!

[Freya Kissane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel I should be clear about my running experience from the outset of this review. I got well into a training plan what would have been my first marathon a few years ago but had to pull out due to injury, since then my runs have been shorter and less consistent. However I purchased this book hoping for guidance and advice that would be applicable to me as I take small steps towards the goal of my first marathon. This book as is mentioned early on is designed to be paired with the accompanying training journal that provides a resource to reflect and implement the advice given. I appreciated the inclusion of photographs of what the training journal looks like so I could easily determine if it would be something I could get value out of. I think the highlight of the book for me was the section of 26.2 (so really 27) tips and appreciate that the author acknowledges that not every tip is everyone and to take what you want from it. Overall I finished this book feeling motivated to run and train and with more knowledge than I started.

[Kathy Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘26.2 Secrets for Running Better - Calmer - Faster Marathons’ is THE book to have read if you want to come away with an unforgettable experience and know that you have given yourself the best possible opportunity to prepare yourself well. The book is clearly written so that it is neither over-technical nor too advanced, and is as relevant to first-timers as to those who are familiar with running marathons. What is important to realise, however, is that even if you run marathons regularly, this book can teach you something about that preparation. The author uses a system he calls STRIDE, and it covers everything you can think of, from the physical right through to whether or not to wear jewellery or to consider toileting arrangements. It also talks about ‘body whispers’ and recognising what your body is telling you during and after the run. This is such an excellent guidebook, checklist and philosophy that it is a MUST HAVE for anyone seeking to put their body through this kind of challenge.

[Dave C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Clear and Steady Companion for Marathon Day
This guide surprised me with how practical and calming it is. Instead of adding more noise to an already stressful experience it cuts through the worry and shows you how to take control of race day. The STRIDE structure is simple to follow and each section walks you through what to expect from early morning prep to the final push toward the finish line. The detailed checklists are a standout feature because they make it almost impossible to forget something important. The pacing tips and nutrition cues are also broken down in a way that feels easy to apply even when your mind is busy with pre race nerves.
What I liked most is how grounded the approach feels. There is no hype or confusing theory. Just a steady plan that helps you stay calm present and ready to run well. Whether you are gearing up for your first marathon or chasing a new best this book gives you clarity and confidence when you need it most.

[D.D Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so detailed, has everything one would need to prepare, train and run a marathon. I was surprised at the amount of information held within. From diet, to carbs loading, to running styles. its got everything properly listed to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone even just simple runner doing a 5k like me.
I struggle asking people for different advice and to find it all within this book was good. It really has so much information. I really see this book helping me, helping me relax while running because sometimes i overdo it, trying to achieve past my limits. The author really simplified the process and makes me feel better about my performance.
I like the part about celebrating simple achievements, because sometimes we think the end goal is winning yet its completing, challenging yourself to do a marathon to achieve this grand effort.
I hope this book does well and recommend it to anyone to ensure they have a nice calmer running experience. .

[Marie Van-Doorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ideal aid for feeling calm and prepared on race day.
Before sharing my review, I want to clarify that I have no prior running experience. I bought this book hoping it would provide guidance to help me prepare for a marathon. This guide offers anxious marathon runners like myself, a clear plan for race day, emphasizing the mental preparation required well in advance. Living in Australia, I appreciated the race-day checklist that includes small but important items like lip balm and sun protection, as well as the advice to concentrate on my own pace instead of comparing myself to others. The book is practical and reassuring, easing race-day nerves with simple, direct advice. It serves as a reliable resource that makes marathon day less daunting and easier to handle.

[P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Targeted and motivating

I gave this four stars as a casual occasional runner who'll probably never tackle a full marathon. I picked it up half for daydreaming, half for motivation, and it delivered on both counts. The level of detail is impressive—honestly more than I need for my short runs, but I can see it being absolutely brilliant for anyone seriously training for 26.2 miles. It's packed with practical checklists and race-day guidance that would calm those pre-marathon nerves. An inspiring, thorough read that made me appreciate the marathon journey even from the sidelines.

[Dimitris Margetas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never run a marathon, and honestly the idea always felt intimidating to me. I picked up this book mainly as a motivator after seeing how many good reviews it had. What surprised me was how practical it is, with clear race day checklists, pacing guidance, fueling tips, and mental preparation. The STRIDE structure breaks the marathon journey into simple stages, from the night before the race to recovery afterward. Everything is explained in a calm and encouraging way. It focuses as much on mindset and staying relaxed as it does on running itself. Instead of pressure, it gives clarity and confidence. I hope I make my dream true to run a marathon.

[OhNoNotAPublicName! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Race Day Game Plan in a Book

This book breaks marathon day into simple, bite-sized phases so runners are not trying to figure everything out at 4 a.m. with race nerves kicking in. Readers get practical checklists, pacing guidance, and mental tips grounded in a calm, Stoic approach, which can make the whole experience feel more controlled and less chaotic. It is especially useful for runners who already train but want a clearer strategy for handling nutrition, mindset, and recovery from start to finish.

[Vishnu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent companion for anyone preparing for a marathon. The pacing tips, fueling guidance, STRIDE system, and checklists make race day feel far less stressful. Everything is explained in a simple, practical way that’s easy to follow, whether you’re a first-time runner or looking to improve your next race.

A smart, calming, and very useful guide for running better, smoother, and more confident marathons.

[Nora S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smart, practical guide that takes the chaos out of marathon race day. Instead of more training theory, it gives runners clear checklists, pacing plans, and fueling timing so they can stay calm and focused when it matters most. Whether you’re a first-timer or chasing a PB, this book helps you avoid common mistakes and run your best marathon with confidence. A genuinely useful companion to any training plan — and a perfect gift for runners gearing up for the big day!

[JESSICA MARIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like most about this book is how simple and useful it is. The author uses something called the STRIDE system, which breaks race day into small, easy steps like getting ready, pacing, eating, staying calm, running, and resting after. Instead of feeling confused or trying to remember everything, you get clear lists, little charts, reminders on when to eat, and tips to stay calm. It makes the whole marathon feel less scary and much easier to handle.

[Lola Frapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for a marathon. The STRIDE system (love the name) provides a framework to prepare in a holistic way for the grueling (my words) marathon you're about to run. The 6 phases (one for each letter) begin with preparation and end with recovery (after the race). It's an amazing way to truly be ready. I'm a checklist person, so this was right up my alley. Loved it! I highly recommend this!

[Unscripted Chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

26.2 Secrets for Running Better – Calmer – Faster Marathons is a practical and supportive guide that walks runners through race day step-by-step using the stride method. It helps reduce nerves, improve pacing, and stay mentally focused with checklists, pacing tips, and mindset strategies. Instead of just saying “run faster,” it teaches how to feel prepared, calm, and confident from start to finish—great for beginners and experienced marathoners who want a smarter, more relaxed race day.

[J.M. Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a highly structured, methodical breakdown of marathon execution, and this approach will definitely appeal to runners who love systems, checklists, and detailed frameworks. the stride and quest models are clearly explained, and the author does a nice job connecting personal mistakes to practical strategies. The tone is motivational without being overly hyped, and many sections, especially the early stories about pacing mistakes and race-day chaos, felt relatable and grounded.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with practical strategies and mindset shifts that really make a difference on race day. I loved how the STRIDE system is clearly explained—easy to understand and apply, whether you're a beginner or an experienced marathoner. The mental focus techniques helped me approach running with more confidence and calm. I highly recommend this book to anyone preparing for a marathon or looking to improve their performance while enjoying the process more.

[Samuel Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"26.2 Secrets for Running Better – Calmer – Faster Marathons" is a clear, motivating guide for runners at any level. It breaks down the STRIDE Race Day System into simple, actionable steps that help improve speed, endurance, and confidence. The book is easy to follow, packed with practical advice, and perfect for anyone wanting a more effective and stress-free marathon experience.

[GABRIELE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exhaustive checklists for pacing, nutrition timing, and gear are invaluable. It transformed my pre-race anxiety into calm, focused confidence. Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned runner chasing a PR, this book provides the structured clarity needed to run a smart, strong, and satisfying marathon. An essential tool for perfect race day execution.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

good guide

I found this super informative without feeling overwhelming. It breaks everything down in a way that actually helps instead of stressing you out, and the checklists make the whole marathon process feel way more doable. It’s a solid, straightforward guide, and I’m honestly glad I picked it up.

[P M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It cuts through chaos with calm, practical structure—checklists, pacing tools, fueling timing, and mental cues that actually work. Not a training plan, but the perfect companion to any plan, it helps beginners feel prepared, masters stay efficient, and PB-chasers execute with precision. A smart, Stoic-minded blueprint for running your best marathon with clarity and confidence.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a clear, calming approach to race day strategy, not just training miles. The STRIDE system is easy to remember and genuinely useful, especially for runners who struggle with nerves or pacing. I appreciated the mindset advice and practical tips. I do wish there were a few more real examples, but overall this is a motivating and worthwhile read for marathoners of all levels.

[Valerie Anne Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

26.2 Secrets for Running Better surprised me with its depth of understanding and actionable advice. You don't necessarily have to be a marathon runner to appreciate the advice offered here; in my opinion, this book covers all the bases so you won't have to learn the hard way. I especially love the charts and the checklists; it would make a superb gift for any runner!

[Volt Shuner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how this book turns marathon race day from chaos into a clear, step‑by‑step plan using the STRIDE system. I liked the mix of practical pacing, fueling, and hydration tips with a calm, Stoic mindset. I appreciated that it works with any training plan and helps runners feel organized, present, and confident at every mile.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate that this book comes from experience. It’s not hype but tried and learned lessons. He talks about how it’s not about the miles but the preparation. It’s basically creating a framework for the race- preparation, running, cooldown and post. And you practice the tips before the big day too.

[Benard Chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my bucket list for 2026 is running and eventually a marathon down the road. This book is a great starting point but well advanced, i don't mind. I recognize some of the hacks I hear in my chat group for runners and the chapters really cover the width and breath of running and faster too.

[Pampy Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, practical, and highly actionable, this book breaks down training, race-day pacing, mindset, and recovery with a refreshing simplicity that makes the STRIDE system feel not just doable, but empowering.