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Running in the Midpack: How to be a Strong, Successful and Happy Runner
'...a really, really, really good book' – Vassos Alexander'A masterpiece' – Paul-Sinton Hewitt CBE, parkrun founder'A lovely book… it is really simple about getting a nice relationship with your running where it helps your life and changes with your life… Very accessible.' – Paul Tonkinson, Running Commentary presenter and authorA smart running book designed for the all-too-often overlooked middle-of-the-pack runner, written by Marathon Talk's Martin Yelling and Anji Andrews.Welcome to the midpack!Running pushes us, stretches us, asks us difficult questions, challenges us. It gives us space, calms us down, picks us up, boosts our energy, rewards, inspires and fulfils us.Midpack runners – those who fall between the beginners and the elite – are the heartbeat and footsteps of the running community. In this long-overdue book, Marathon Talk's Martin Yelling and Anji Andrews share their expert knowledge, first-person stories and coaching ideas to nourish the midpackers' running experience.Covering such diverse topics as 'Making Yourself Bullet-proof' and 'How to Nail Your Race', Running in the Midpack will cultivate your running progress, and help you to become a healthy, happy and successful runner.Marathon Talk is the UK's number one running podcast.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2021
31 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 19, 2021
Ein Buch, das wirklich für die "Midpack-Runners" geschrieben ist und das sowohl für Laufanfänger*innen als auch für ambitionierte Athlet*innen bestens geeignet und dabei sehr unterhaltsam geschrieben ist. Der charmante Ton, den man aus dem Marathon-Talk Podcast kennt, findet man hier auch wieder. Absolute Pflichtlektüre!
April 17, 2021
If you're looking for the simple instructions on how to be the best runner ever, this is not it. In fact, that book doesn't exist because all runners are different! This book allows every runner to take ownership and responsibility for their own running and gives tips and tricks and all of the tools to allow you to adapt and recognise what is best for you as an individual. One common misconception is that there are simple rules you can follow and they work for everyone. The best coaches and runners know that what works perfectly for one person, doesn't necessarily work for the next person and it is this ability to recognise and change accordingly that will give the most benefit for coaches and runners alike.
The authors are very experienced in both terms of coaching and athletic prowess in their own rights, and their experience comes across in a very clear and relatable manner. A sprinkling of anecdotes throughout shows that, as we all are, the writers are human too and make mistakes and learn from these mistakes. This trial and error approach is how athletes become better in themselves and gives the reader hope and insight into becoming a better runner, whether that is through being faster, stronger, more resilient, able to go further or just being as injury-free as possible and running happy.
This book is an essential for every runner's bookshelf as all can relate and become better from it. Buy it now, then buy it for a friend and tell them to buy it for their friends! I strongly believe this book will be one that is purchased time and time again for friends, family, new athletes and occasional runners. My copy is already in my wife's "to read" pile.
The authors are very experienced in both terms of coaching and athletic prowess in their own rights, and their experience comes across in a very clear and relatable manner. A sprinkling of anecdotes throughout shows that, as we all are, the writers are human too and make mistakes and learn from these mistakes. This trial and error approach is how athletes become better in themselves and gives the reader hope and insight into becoming a better runner, whether that is through being faster, stronger, more resilient, able to go further or just being as injury-free as possible and running happy.
This book is an essential for every runner's bookshelf as all can relate and become better from it. Buy it now, then buy it for a friend and tell them to buy it for their friends! I strongly believe this book will be one that is purchased time and time again for friends, family, new athletes and occasional runners. My copy is already in my wife's "to read" pile.
February 3, 2021
Audiobook narrated by the authors and they were awesome. If you’re not a runner or a person who wants to be or longs to be a runner than you probably wont like this book. At 40 it took me 2 years before I could run a 5k without stopping. I wish I’d had this book as a reference back then because I know it could of really helped me out. Great advance and honesty about the struggles. I felt like I had a personal trainer.
For me the book talked about all my issues. What to do, how to do it and why we do it. It covers everything! Totally worth getting if you’re serious about running.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK Audio via Netgalley for gifting me this audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my honest review.
For me the book talked about all my issues. What to do, how to do it and why we do it. It covers everything! Totally worth getting if you’re serious about running.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK Audio via Netgalley for gifting me this audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my honest review.
July 27, 2021
I think there's probably some good advice in here but I found it a bit dry and lifeless. I think i like running books to have some inspiration in there and I didn't feel it in this one. Might just be me though.
November 12, 2023
The first true midpack book in a publishing world full of beginners and elites. I began this while on a run a couple of weeks ago and it inspired me to sign up for a proper Half plan. Whether I've followed it? Well that's another story. I enjoyed their chapters on the mental side of running, and how life doesn't follow a training plan. A good, quick read
January 20, 2025
Repetitive and at times condescending. I didn’t learn anything new from this book and anyone who has been “running in the mid pack” for a while likely won’t either…
April 10, 2021
Occasionally there are perks to having started a little corner of the internet for runners who like reading about running, like being given the chance to read one of my most eagerly awaited books of the year a week ahead of its publication date! Thanks to the author, fellow Runner’s Bookshelf member, Anji Andrews, I got my hands on a review copy of “Running in the Midpack: How to be a strong, successful and happy runner” co-authored by Martin Yelling, who many will know from the ‘Marathon Talk’ podcast and his work as a coach for the London Marathon.
I may be a midpack runner but I was really chuffed to be one of the first to finish this; I’ve said it before but sometimes I really wish I could run as fast as I read. Having said that, one of the messages I took away from this book was that the midpack is really the beating heart of our fantastic sport, so I am going to start to wear my midpack credentials with a bit more pride from now on!
The book covers psychology, whole body health, training, nutrition and racing and even as someone who reads a lot about running, and listens to a lot of podcasts, I felt that there was something different about this book in its appeal to those of us who aren’t at the pointy end, but for whom running is a huge part of our lives. Friends and family who don’t run themselves may find it peculiar that we regularly run in races we could never win, they may question why we devote so much of our time and energy to the sport... and while I love books written by and about elite athletes, or those written about or for beginner runners, I think this book is one of the first times that midpack runners have been celebrated in this way.
The book has good reminders of all the fundamentals of running; good sleep, nutrition and the key elements of building a training plan. It’s easy to follow, but not written in a patronising way and with a recognition that we’re all people who have other priorities in our lives too. There were some new concepts or ways of thinking about running, and subjects that might not have been covered in detail in some ‘classic’ running books, such as how social media can impact on our relationship with our running.
The book is separated into meaningful bite size chunks, with reminder lists, highlighted sections and cute illustrations and it is written in a warm, conversational style. There are plenty of examples and references to other running books too (of course, Anji and Martin read a lot about running, they’re just like us!) I delighted in the playful language; sections with titles like: “let’s not wait to cock it up”, and “relax FFS” and I loved the emphasis on finding joy in running. I wondered before reading it if it would feel like it had been written by two people, but it doesn’t - the different experiences and backgrounds complement each other but it flows like it’s been written by one person.
This book came at the perfect time for me, when I needed a little something to help with my motivation and running mojo. The section on racing did remind me of what we’re missing at the moment, but I also felt inspired to put a bit more effort in rather than going through the motions. There were a few lines that stood out personally, such as these: “Regardless of your experience, ability and self-perception, we believe that the running you do should add joy, happiness, purpose, satisfaction, contentment and fun to your life”... “if you want to re-ignite or even discover those things in your life then it’s time to reflect on what your running means for you and how you engage with it.”
I may be a midpack runner but I was really chuffed to be one of the first to finish this; I’ve said it before but sometimes I really wish I could run as fast as I read. Having said that, one of the messages I took away from this book was that the midpack is really the beating heart of our fantastic sport, so I am going to start to wear my midpack credentials with a bit more pride from now on!
The book covers psychology, whole body health, training, nutrition and racing and even as someone who reads a lot about running, and listens to a lot of podcasts, I felt that there was something different about this book in its appeal to those of us who aren’t at the pointy end, but for whom running is a huge part of our lives. Friends and family who don’t run themselves may find it peculiar that we regularly run in races we could never win, they may question why we devote so much of our time and energy to the sport... and while I love books written by and about elite athletes, or those written about or for beginner runners, I think this book is one of the first times that midpack runners have been celebrated in this way.
The book has good reminders of all the fundamentals of running; good sleep, nutrition and the key elements of building a training plan. It’s easy to follow, but not written in a patronising way and with a recognition that we’re all people who have other priorities in our lives too. There were some new concepts or ways of thinking about running, and subjects that might not have been covered in detail in some ‘classic’ running books, such as how social media can impact on our relationship with our running.
The book is separated into meaningful bite size chunks, with reminder lists, highlighted sections and cute illustrations and it is written in a warm, conversational style. There are plenty of examples and references to other running books too (of course, Anji and Martin read a lot about running, they’re just like us!) I delighted in the playful language; sections with titles like: “let’s not wait to cock it up”, and “relax FFS” and I loved the emphasis on finding joy in running. I wondered before reading it if it would feel like it had been written by two people, but it doesn’t - the different experiences and backgrounds complement each other but it flows like it’s been written by one person.
This book came at the perfect time for me, when I needed a little something to help with my motivation and running mojo. The section on racing did remind me of what we’re missing at the moment, but I also felt inspired to put a bit more effort in rather than going through the motions. There were a few lines that stood out personally, such as these: “Regardless of your experience, ability and self-perception, we believe that the running you do should add joy, happiness, purpose, satisfaction, contentment and fun to your life”... “if you want to re-ignite or even discover those things in your life then it’s time to reflect on what your running means for you and how you engage with it.”
January 8, 2023
I thought the section on lactate and lactic acid was interesting, but most of the advice I think is appropriate for new runners, not those that have been running for years.
April 18, 2025
I read this a second time! And I learned just as much from in the second time as I did the first time!
When I say that this book taught me more about running in the past two days, then I’ve heard my entire life I mean it. This book was absolutely phenomenal for the working class citizen who wants to get serious about running, but doesn’t know where to start. The mid pack Runner is a book that I highly recommend for anyone who is getting serious about running, who wants understand how to push themselves at the level they’re at but also with the reality that life might get in the way sometimes, it is written by two professional athletes, who give you strong guidance, but also encourage you to continue to listen to your body and what your body needs while you were training for a long-term runs!!! Highly recommend please read if you are interested in training for runs And for further running events.
When I say that this book taught me more about running in the past two days, then I’ve heard my entire life I mean it. This book was absolutely phenomenal for the working class citizen who wants to get serious about running, but doesn’t know where to start. The mid pack Runner is a book that I highly recommend for anyone who is getting serious about running, who wants understand how to push themselves at the level they’re at but also with the reality that life might get in the way sometimes, it is written by two professional athletes, who give you strong guidance, but also encourage you to continue to listen to your body and what your body needs while you were training for a long-term runs!!! Highly recommend please read if you are interested in training for runs And for further running events.
March 28, 2021
I personally didn't find this book helpful or even motivating for me to better my running.
It mostly covers techniques and stuff that's common knowledge on runners world or even just from a quick google search.
It mostly covers techniques and stuff that's common knowledge on runners world or even just from a quick google search.
July 24, 2023
It was challenging rating this book. There is nothing wrong with it. It contains a lot of solid advice for the average runner. Ultimately though it feels like a compilation of what you might find in several running magazine articles. It’s good solid basic running advice. Where it might fall short is in appealing to its intended audience which is the non elite but serious mid pack runner that will likely know everything within it’s pages. This is a great book for someone that is newish at running and wants to move up to the mid pack and keeps stumbling over training mistakes.
January 8, 2022
Picked this up because when my counselor told me I needed to exercise 4x a week for at least 30 mins, running felt the easiest and most logical first choice for me. This book reminded of my time in cross country. I also felt like could apply some of it to life not just running. after reading chapter 6: race day, I’m feeling very motivated to run a marathon or at least sign up for a 5k and work my way up.
July 27, 2021
I'm in the middle of marathon training, and was having a crisis of confidence. This was just the book I needed to make me feel better, put things in perspective, and provide strategies for both the physical and mental sides of long distance running. It's also read by the authors, and their voices are just so comforting.
July 11, 2022
This is a comprehensive handbook for the rest of us, the runners in the midpack. Readers can be assured of having no illusions of making it to the front of the pack, although the authors do talk about "the pointy end of the midpack", lol. It's an easy read and you can bookmark the sections you'll want to return to again. I'd recommend this book to experienced and beginner runners as well!
January 28, 2023
Whether you are fast or slow, elite or domestic - you are a runner and running in the mid pack (the beating heart) is the best place to be - one of the best books I’ve ever read on running - this book will stay with me forever
June 28, 2021
Cracking realistic and useful book for those running a happy race and wanting to maybe move a little closer to the front of their part it
January 4, 2022
A great book, about running, for runners. Not sure how much it would appeal to non-runners however I loved how real the book was and the audiobook (narrated authentically by the authors) was also great. A really honest, relatable book about the highs & lows of running, when you’re not an elite level athlete that is!
August 16, 2025
A little difficult to ‘read’ as an audiobook for some of the training plans but an informative read and motivating.
December 7, 2021
A great book for the beginning Runner. It touches on so many good topics and makes a lot of good points. If you’re starting out on your running journey you’ll probably gain a lot of useful knowledge from this book.
March 31, 2021
An incredibly well written and thoughtful book about being a midpack runner. On reflection, I can only personally relate to parts of this book as my running journey is still relatively beginnerish. However, being someone who always ends up in the midpack at events, I have picked up quite a variety of tips, tricks, knowledge and inspiration from this book and it's a book I'll be referring back to, and recommending to friends, as much as possible.
While not being completely relatable to myself, the book obviously has a wealth of experience within it, as the advice and guidence given is so broadly accessible, and never once condescending or teacher-y (if that's even a word). This book is like asking your friends for advice, and they've written everything they know, in broad terms, so everyone can pick out whatever they need for their own journeys.
A brilliant book and brilliantly executed. Bravo!
While not being completely relatable to myself, the book obviously has a wealth of experience within it, as the advice and guidence given is so broadly accessible, and never once condescending or teacher-y (if that's even a word). This book is like asking your friends for advice, and they've written everything they know, in broad terms, so everyone can pick out whatever they need for their own journeys.
A brilliant book and brilliantly executed. Bravo!
February 10, 2021
The audiobook version of ‘Running in the Mid-pack’ was a welcome companion on my runs.
This audiobook was narrated by authors and was both well written and easy to listen to.
Having an audiobook of this title was a stroke of genius as the very act of running gives ample opportunity to listen to this book, and as such I was able to get through it very quickly. It is also super motivating to listen to and the very act of listening while running made me put that bit more effort into my runs!
Authors are very authoritative on their topic and cover all the areas of running and racing that we would expect from a book on this topic.
This is a book that is as relevant to seasoned runners as well as those who are new to running. Despite having run for many years I still learnt a lot from this book, and even the sections that had very familiar content to me were welcome as revision.
The book covers areas such as nutrition, race preparation, progression and injury. My favourite section being the section on training - lots of ideas and inspiration for anyone wanting to hone their skills!
My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook in exchange for an advance copy.
This audiobook was narrated by authors and was both well written and easy to listen to.
Having an audiobook of this title was a stroke of genius as the very act of running gives ample opportunity to listen to this book, and as such I was able to get through it very quickly. It is also super motivating to listen to and the very act of listening while running made me put that bit more effort into my runs!
Authors are very authoritative on their topic and cover all the areas of running and racing that we would expect from a book on this topic.
This is a book that is as relevant to seasoned runners as well as those who are new to running. Despite having run for many years I still learnt a lot from this book, and even the sections that had very familiar content to me were welcome as revision.
The book covers areas such as nutrition, race preparation, progression and injury. My favourite section being the section on training - lots of ideas and inspiration for anyone wanting to hone their skills!
My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook in exchange for an advance copy.
April 21, 2021
Some useful reminders and thoughts, but nothing that really stood out to me. Quite a lot of repetition as well. Would be useful for someone wanting to gain more confidence with running or who hasn't been running for very long.
March 7, 2021
Brilliantly written. For runners to feel supported in their craziness and for non-runners to understand the craziness of runners.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews