Product Description

In this completely revised and expanded edition of the must-have runner's reference book Bob Glover and Shelly-Ann Florence Glover outline everything you need to train successfully. From the official training program for the New York City Marathon to specific training programs for all levels of runners. Sections on how to prepare your own training schedules make this the definitive guide to training to compete as a runner.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43561 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 688 pages

From the Author
AT LAST! Complete rewrite is off and running April 1999
It took over two years to write this book. Why so long for the 3d edition (1983 and 1988 were #1 & #2)? First, it is 700 pages long. Second, so much has changed with research and with our experiences coaching over 3,000 runners each year in our New York Road Runner's Club classes that I had to throw out the old editions and start all over. This book is very, very thorough. It contains everything you need to guide you to success for 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon racing--and all the distances in between. Most important, it is written the way we coach--in a fun, lively style that will get you pumped up to enjoy your running and to run a great race.

About the Author
Bob Glover and Shelly-Lyn Florence Glover are acclaimed coaches and the authors of the bestselling RUNNER'S HANDBOOK and RUNNER'S TRAINING DIARY. They live in the USA.

Customer Reviews

need a running tip? any running tip?
This is the one. Being a naturally cautious boy, I initially bought the Runner's Handbook. This one is a considerable improvement - it repeats much that is in the original; however, unless you're the kind of runner who can't manage more than a run down the end of the road, you should ditch the first book in favour of the Competitive ... It has all the useful information contained in the previous version, and then a lot more that will help you move up a level, whether you're low or mid-intermediate. Any higher than that (ie if you're looking at sub-40 minute 10kms, etc.) and I suspect you already know what you're doing and you're not looking to buy a book like this, although you may find some useful tips. Stretching, injury, different programs for different distances and different types of runners; ideas on how to run on various types of terrain; in different weather conditions. It's all there, and not only are the sub-chapters there to answer any question you might have but, most importantly, it's well written and intelligently done. There is very little filler in this book. There are very few annoying Americanisms and little wasted space - every chapter serves a purpose, is well constructed and leaves you with a bit idea of what you're trying to achieve. A great buy amidst the wealth of running books available.

A must for all runners
Having being a serious runner for about 5 years I thought I knew everything about running. I was wrong. This books gives you everything you need to know about every aspect of running. It has quite alot of funny comments which makes you chuckle but it was we all think. The Mental Training chapter contained within the book I found to be very benefitcial. I ran the London Marathon this year and Bob's words were ringing in my ears over the last few painful miles. Although it is called the competitive runner's handbook, it does cater for beginners as well as the speed merchants who we see disappearing off into the distance. This book is a must. I guarantee once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down.

T-H-E Runner's Bible
Covers most aspects of running to satisfy both the beginner and the serious club athlete. All chapters are relevant and easy to read but the most useful I find are the concepts behind speed training, the schedules which cover a variety of distances, psychological tips and the nutrition sections. I run all distances from 5k to ultras (sometimes for fun, sometimes competitively), I am self coached and I own 5 other running books but I always refer back to this book. It was useful to me when I was a beginner (the first edition) and it is still useful to me now after 18 years of running.