Transform your training, nail your nutrition and master your mindset so that you can run marathons faster, stronger and more confidently
Push on from the middle of the marathon pack to fulfill the potential you know you have, outperform your fellow club runners, and qualify for major marathons
“Master the marathon in 6 weeks”
is a course designed to run alongside your marathon training to teach you how to structure and execute training and the race itself, the importance of nutrition, mindset and lifestyle on your performance and how to implement these in an optimal and sustainable way for your life.
The marathon is an iconic race distance that is very difficult to execute well. The marathon experience you dream of is possible but there are many pitfalls to navigate along the way. Some things are out of your control which can make achieving your best marathon frustrating but many of the traps marathoners fall into can be confronted and avoided. Controlling these factors gives you the best chance of success in a marathon. Best of all, you are not alone - I will be here every step of the way to answer any questions you have and guide you to a stronger, faster, more confident marathon.
Hi, I’m Alan, a very passionate running coach, nutritionist and marathoner. In 2018 I was where you are now. My dream was to qualify for the London Marathon with a sub 3-hour marathon. My previous best was 3:25. I thought a sub 3-hour marathon might not be possible but I decided to commit to trying. That year, I ran 2:58 and by refining the skills I learnt then, I’ve since lowered that further to 2:48. I’ve also been coaching marathon runners since 2015, first at my local running club of which I am now head coach and also more recently one-to-one through my coaching business. I am qualified as a UK Athletics Level 2 Coach in Running Fitness and hold an Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Nutrition Coaching. 
Marathons are more popular than they ever have been and many of the biggest races allow you to qualify for a guaranteed place to avoid the lotteries of the masses. The times required are competitive but attainable when you really understand and execute all the different factors that can improve your time. And the sooner you start, the longer you have for that knowledge to compound as you build up experience of strong marathon after strong marathon.
Why wait? Are you happy plateauing where you are now or is it time to make that big performance improvement?
Inside the course
Every week there will be new content available on your favourite podcast platform. You'll have direct access to me so you can ask any questions.
What is included?
  • 6 week course covering all the important topics for marathons
  • Audio modules so you can learn on the run, in the car or the house
  • Worksheets including homeworks to put knowledge into practice
  • Ask any questions you have over email or Whatsapp
You will learn about...
Lifestyle
Laying the groundwork for success
  • Sleep
  • Stress
  • Support
  • Time management
  • Goal setting
Training
Sustainable and progressive training
  • Types & Purpose
  • Progressive overload
  • Strength
  • Drills & Strides
  • Taper
  • Rest, Injury & Illness
Nutrition
Fuel as the athlete you are
  • Sustainability
  • Covering nutritional bases
  • Calorie balance
  • Macronutrients
  • Hydration
  • Race nutrition
Mindset
Unlocking the mind AND releasing the limits
  • Fear of failure
  • Comparison syndrome
  • Self talk
  • Being level-headed
  • How to stay relaxed
  • Breaking the marathon down
Planning
Control the controllables
  • Tiered goals
  • Logistics
  • Course profile
  • Conditions
Execution + Reflection
The sum of all the parts
  • Race pacing and fueling
  • Run your own race
  • Enjoy the success
  • Learn from the experience
  • Decide what is next
Who should join 'Master the marathon'?
This course is for you if you are a keen marathoner but you’re not getting the results you feel you should be. If you are having any of the problems below then this course is for you:
  • Your shorter distance times are comparatively better than your marathon time
  • You fade in the second half of the marathon
  • You struggle with your fueling for the marathon
  • You can’t get your pacing right for the marathon
  • You talk yourself out of the race when things get tough
  • You’re not sure if your training is right for you
  • You find it hard to make time for marathon training
  • You have lots of other things going on your life but you still want to do well in the marathon
What about first timers?
This program is about mastering the marathon. Why not try mastering it from your first attempt? Whilst this is not explicitly aimed at first timers, there is so much valuable information that can help you with your first marathon. If you feel that you will be walking more than running then this course might not be the best fit but if you’re going to predominantly run the marathon in under 6 hours then this course will give you all the tools you need to be successful.
I'm already following a training plan
If you are just following a written plan then you will still definitely benefit from this course. The training module will really help you understand the plan you have and may also give you ideas to tweak it for the better. A written plan is unlikely to cover any of the other areas in the course which are critically important for a successful marathon.


 
What if I already Have a Coach?
It really depends on how hands-on your coach is and how much time you get with them. If you are looking for new ideas or to cover areas such as nutrition that your coach is not qualified in, then this could be a good fit. I’m very happy to discuss individually on a case by case basis - reach out to me at alan@therunningrules.com.


 


If you already get one-to-one coaching with me then please send me a message and I will give you a loyalty code for 50% off.
I'm already running fast Marathons
If you’re already running fast times in the marathons (e.g. qualified for London or Boston) then you probably already have an excellent knowledge of preparing and racing the marathon. There may be something new in here for you but you might be better off hiring a coach to help you shave those next few minutes off if you don't have one already.


 


Again, if you are not sure, feel free to reach out to me.
What do my clients say?
Absolutely Buzzing!
You've turned what I thought was going to be another shocker of a year into an incredible year for me
Martin
Would recommend 100%. Found the tips and suggestions helpful in regaining focus. Noticed improvement in my recovery from hard run sessions - found I recovered quicker / wasn't as tired
Claire
I really felt Alan had my back and was rooting for me! With Alan’s coaching and encouragement I recently completed my first ultra marathon - injury free and recovering well!
Angela
Really pleased to run a personal best, eight attempts in, almost 17 years after my first marathon. It turns out preparation really is king and it’s been fantastic working with Alan at The Running Rules
Philip
Wouldn't It be nice if you could take your shoes Back if you didn't like them?
I'm so confident you will love this course that if you don't, Just let me know why, and I will refund you within the first week
Many coaches will focus only on a few aspects of training for a marathon. Having progressed as a runner myself and studied nutrition, I help you tackle all areas so that you don't get let down by a weakness you haven't addressed. I show you how to adapt and mould plans to fit your life. I help you to work on your mindset that is critical for success and that is so often glossed over by others.


 


I am also open about the fact that every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to marathons. The framework I guide you through is built on solid foundational areas and also has room for you to find what works best for you.
FIRST 10 PARTICIPANTS GET A FREE ONE HOUR ONE-TO-ONE COACHING SESSION!

Sign up by Midnight Friday December 9th For the special first time beta offer!
Usually £399 / $499
Now £199 / $249
How does this compare? Cheaper than...
  • Pair of Nike Alphaflys - £269.95
  • New York Marathon Entry - $295
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 - £299.99
  • London hotel night before marathon - from £200
WILL YOU MASTER YOUR NEXT MARATHON?