Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #421207 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Offers a complete guide to running for fitness and fun, discussing how to develop the body to run faster and showing how short distance speed can shorten workouts, translate into long distance speed, and hasten weight loss.

Customer Reviews

Not useful if you've done the Runner's World 12 week plan
I bought this book after running the Henley half marathon in 1 hour, 43 min., looking for ways to improve for next time. I had used the 12 week training schedule included in the July, August and September 2001 issues of Runner's World magazine (UK version) to prepare for this half marathon. The techniques recommended in Hal's book were already covered by that 12 week plan, so I felt I didn't learn anything new by reading this book. This book would still be great for a beginning runner, with very precise programs for 5k and 10k, less so for someone who wants training schedules to improve speed for their 1/2 to full marathons. Hal expects the reader to take his techniques, then draw out his/her own program. If you want someone to tell you exactly what to do to prepare for a 1/2 to full marathon (instead of designing your own), then perhaps Hal's book on marathons would be a more appropriate purchase. I won't keep this book on my shelf (I saved copies of the RW schedule), but I will give it to my sister, who's spent a long time away from running and could probably use some of these tips to retrain.

Superb book, a reference to improve your training.
This is a superb book, suited both for beginners and advanced runners who will be able to select advice adapted to their level. The main goal of the book is to include speed exercises in your training in order to improve your "Personal Best" on a wide range of distances (for racing and training). Full of good advice on how to warm up properly, with the relevant exercises described at length, this book allows runners to have a consistent and moderate intensity training in order to avoid injury. For beginners, the advice is to build a good endurance base before including speedwork but they will benefit right away from other parts, such as the one on Good Form. I tried the training schedules for 5 K and 10 K and they worked well for me. The technical part is kept to a minimum. The writing is good and makes the reading very easy. The author relies efficiently on his personal experience as a runner and a coach; athletes and coaches share their story and tips. In fact, I found that the exercises described were a good way to introduce efficient changes in your training with an optimisation of exercises according to your current level. As the classic, reference book, by Bob Glover "the Runner's Handbook ", this makes interesting reading for every runner. My favourite quote: "running fast is to feel the wind in your hair". How enjoyable and true!