Mara Yamauchi

I am the UK’s third fastest female marathon runner ever, a two-time Olympian, London Marathon runner-up, winner of the Osaka Women's Marathon, and Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medallist. My marathon personal best is 2:23:12.

Before I became a professional athlete, I worked for the UK Foreign Office as a diplomat, including in Japan. I returned to Japan as a professional athlete and competed there for most of my elite career. I speak Japanese.

After retiring from elite competition in 2013, I qualified as a UK Athletics Coach. I now work self-employed as a coach, commentator, writer, mentor and motivational speaker. My hobbies include cooking, mountain walking and travel. I live in London, UK, and still enjoy running to stay fit and healthy.

I hope you enjoy my book, Marathon Wisdom. My next book will be about food for marathon runners. Watch this space!