Basking in the aftermath of a sub-3 hour marathon (detailed in the Telegraph Sports Book Award-winning 26.2 Miles to Happiness), comedian Paul Tonkinson is drunk on a Personal Best and pasta. The idea was that a corner had been turned. The future seemed full of a dizzying dreamy potential. Existence divided into pre sub 3, and post.

Alas, this was not to be, and Paul soon realises that he is now beyond his peak, and is in decline as a runner and as a person.

The book is a comedic and philosophical exploration of physical ageing through the device of the Five Stages of Grief (only the stages are dealing with the loss of speed and youth, not life itself)

Denial -Anger - Bargaining - Depression - Acceptance form the spine of the first half of the book, a journey involving stories from my running/family life, comedic observations on decline, and insights gained from chats with relevant voices on themes explored, different attitudes to getting older/running /life/meaning.

By the time Paul's reached Acceptance, he has brought himself to the brink of a new adventure where he takes on the Marathon Des Sables – commonly known as the toughest foot race in the world – an ultra through the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Numerous high-profile names are on hand to help Paul – including Eddie Izzard, Malcolm Gladwell, Bryony Gordon, Vassos Alexander, Lionel Shriver, Camille Heron, Susie Chan and Damian Hall – as he hilariously and astutely details the trials and tribulations of coming to terms with age, and the prospect his greatest running challenge.

Praise for 26.2 Miles to Happiness

'Utterly joyous!' - Bryony Gordon

'The best book about running I have read' – Nick Cohen, The Critic

'The funniest book about running I have ever read. In fact it is the only book about running I have ever read, but it is HILARIOUS!' - David Walliams

'...insightful, inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny!' - Michael McIntyre

'Pain. Hope. Misery. Joy. All the big stuff. Excellent.' - Dara Ó Briain

'This book is funny (which I expected) and concerns running (ditto), but it is also exceptionally moving and profound. Don't be fooled: it's not really about completing a marathon. It's about life and all its joy and weirdness. Recommended to all…' Miranda Sawyer

'Very good book... very funny, very insightful, very inspiring' - Chris Evans, Virgin Radio

'Fabulous book' - Radio 2