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Get in the best shape of your running career with the scientifically based training in Daniels’ Running Formula. In the book that Runner’s World magazine called the best training book, premier running coach Jack Daniels provides you with his proven VDOT formula to guide you through training at exactly the right intensity to become a faster, stronger runner.
Choose from the red, white, blue, and gold programs to get into shape, target a race program, or regain conditioning after a layoff or injury. Race competitively with programs for 800 meters, 1500 meters to 3000 meters, cross country races, 5K to 15K, and half-marathon up to the marathon. Each program incorporates the right mix of the five training intensities to help you build endurance, strength, and speed, and Daniels’ intensity point system makes it easy to track the time you spend at each level.
The formula can be customized to your current fitness level and the number of weeks you have available for training, and it provides the perfect solution for short training seasons. Get the results you’re seeking every time you lace up your shoes for a training run or race with the workouts and programs detailed in Daniels’ Running Formula. more info
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June 1st, 2010 at 1:39 am
Great Book!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is fantastic! Gets into why you do certain workouts without getting so technical you can’t understand it.
Also has training plans for a variety of experience levels and distances.
A must read for runners!
June 1st, 2010 at 3:07 am
Mad Runner
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
For the more technically minded runner or coach this is a great read. It goes beyond the usual vague explanations to provide exact details on what to do when to do it and how to do it. For creating effective programs Daniel’s Formula is a must.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:39 am
The best so far
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love to read about running. I love to run and just finished my first marathon. This is one of the best book ever written on the subject. This book will enhance your running performance. Buy the book if you love running and while you are at it buy ‘Explosive Running’ by Michael Yessis.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:09 am
A true reference for the amateur or professional
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Jack Daniel’s writes a good book. Good to read, even better to use ongoing as a reference. Technical enough but still readable by the novice.
Inspirational. I prefer to borrow books rather than own them but this is one you want to own.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:05 am
really great running info
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
this book has helped me to better formulate my training schedule. jack goes into great detail to explain his reasoning behind certain training techniques. he also does a really good job of explaining how to set up a personalized weekly/monthly/seasonal plan.
ive gained a lot of knowledge from this book alone and have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my training and in my race results.
i highly recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about the specifics of training technique.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:08 am
good book for any runner
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
this is a good book for any runner to have. it was required by our coach for our cross country team to buy this book and read selected topics. this book is what our basic training methods are based on.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:10 am
Daniels’ Running Formula
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you want to take your running to a new higher level, this is the coach and the book you need to read and follow. Dr. Daniels’ is one of the best running coaches in the world
June 1st, 2010 at 5:57 am
One of the best running books ever
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Daniel’s running formula is for the serious runner. Whether you are a beginner or an elite, Daniel’s scientific approach to running will help you to run better. Daniel’ book is a map – you will know where you are, where you need to go and how to get there.
If you don’t have access to a coach, this is the book!
If you are a beginner: don’t expect info on shoes, injuries, apparel etc. For that you can refer to other books.
Go ahead..
June 1st, 2010 at 7:54 am
Great for new distance coaches
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
As a multi events coach in “the old days”, I have more or less had distance coaching thrust upon me by some new athletes. Jack’s book was suggested by a coaching collegue and I am not disappointed. It has lots of information that I imperfectly understood. Most impressed with the idea of working EASIER/SMARTER when running too fast is actually harmful to your training goals. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Scott Glaspey, Powell River, BC Canada
June 1st, 2010 at 9:54 am
Awesome
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the best book about training runners ever. My (college) coach uses this program and the program took me from being a 10:00 2-miler to a 15-minute 5k runner in about 8 months or so. Compared to the other training guides I’ve read, i.e. Coe and Martin’s Beter Training for Distance Runners and Lydiard’s Running to the Top, this is definitely the best. The physiology details are easy to understand, unlike Coe’s book which is more of a physiology textbook, or Lydiard, which contains nearly no physiology at all.
This is a must-have for anyone who runs seriously or coaches.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:48 am
The Best book you’ll ever read.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book has kept me motivated and raised my Running to levels I never thought possible to personally achieve. Simplistic and straightfoward.
June 1st, 2010 at 11:05 am
Daniel’s running formula is great
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a great book. It addresses the basic problem that most runners have when looking for workouts. All runners are different and have varied abilities. Strength of the book is learning how to target your workouts so that you can get the most out of them. The science is a bit wordy, but the concepts are great.
June 1st, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Running like the wind that blows forever
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
i really have enjoyed this book.. i think that it has helped not on my running, but my attitude towards running and injuries.. this book is great for anyone that wishes to greatly improve there running no matter what the distance and it gives a lot of great ideas for dealing with the “down time”.
June 1st, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Probably all you need to be a very good runner
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m not a very good runner, so I can’t say that this is all you need. This book explains the fundamentals of training, the “why” behind your workouts. It also has useful tables for finding the right intensity for yourself. It has training plans for several distances in the back. It covers how to take planned breaks, and how to return from those breaks and get back into training. I’m trying to think of what else I’m forgetting, but I have very few questions about my training after reading this book. It’s mostly running. If you’re looking for information on strength training, stretching, or nurtrition, you might get a smudge of it in this book, but not much more.
The 2nd edition added some point system that I haven’t tried using. It just looked more complicated than I needed. I’d rather just understand the different workout intensities and their purposed and then follow the Daniels’ phase layout of a training plan.
I think the 2nd edition also has updated tables for doing tempo runs of different lengths. I think the 1st edition only had tempos of 20 minutes.
The other thing that I’ve recently noticed was missing was a good description of strides. There are a lot of different opinions on strides out there, and since I’m incorporating them more into my workouts lately, it would be good to see Daniels cover them in the depth that he covers other workouts. Especially since his training plans include them.
Oh well, I think this is the best distance running book I’ve read. Unlike Martin and Coe, I think this presents the material in a way that it is easier to read and use as a reference. In fact, I couldn’t even wade very far into Martin and Coe, so if you found their book to be a little too much, this might be the perfect book for you.
I recommend this book as THE first book for every running to read. It has it’s shortcomings, but if you just know what’s in this book, you probably know 90% of everything you’ll ever need.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
good for competative runners
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is a really good resource for competative runners, especially if they are self coached. It really covers what you need to know with respect to training. It is not a book for beginning runners, and it does not cover gear, injurys etc. in detail. Some caveats. Some of the most important statements in the book are not emphasized adequately. Daniels is a first rate coach with years of experience. He makes statements to the effect that different runners respond differently to different types of training. To an extent, it seems obvious, but the book presents training regimens and times, without adequately pointing out that these are suggestions, and you may have to work out what works best for you. I found that I responded better to slightly longer and slower long intervals than he recommends in his book. I tried his recommendations, and found I was more tired and sore, and most importantly my racing times went up or were flat. He clearly points out both that training has to be individualized, and that the bottom line (race time/place) is the bottom line. But I think he overemphasizes the science, such as it is, and underemphasizes his own knowlege of coaching. (I also strongly agree with his recommendations concerning younger runners.) Also, the training theory he discusses is not as clearly proven as you might think: we are still discovering new issues with respect to lactic acid, for example. To a certain extent, it doesn’t matter: the training principles work, even if the underlying theory is less certain. Overall it is one of the best guides out there to give an overview of training for competative runners. Some modest changes in organization and emphasis would make it a five start book. Buy it, use it, read and re read it anyway.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Must Read Book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Every runner must read this book. It includes sound experience and information. It’s not a huge book but surprisingly you can find huge information in it. After reading this book I started to plan my training (pace, weekly mileage and intensity). It is very important for a runner to understand what he/she is doing and which type of workout does what in his/her body. By this way you can keep away from overtraining and injuries.
June 1st, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Kindle version missing Table 20.1, Program A training Plan
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
This is not a review as much as a warning for anyone thinking of buying the Kindle version instead of hard copy. I would avoid it.
In the 2005 Edition of the book, Program A is the marathon training program for runners who want a typical approach. Probably covers 80% of target readers. The Table describing the entire 24 week training plan is simply missing from the ebook. The Elite Plan, Table 20.2, is there. But Table 20.1, referenced several times in the text, is not. I have a feeling that it is extremely unlikely this is the only thing missing. As a general rule, when I find one major mistake right off the bat, there are many others close behind. But I’m cutting my losses with this one omission.
The Program A training schedule is the sole reason I purchased the Kindle edition, to supplement my older hard copy Edition 1 (where I followed Program C). So I give the Kindle Edition two stars. I would rate the hard copy book five stars but that’s another story.
June 1st, 2010 at 9:16 pm
love it
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am so excited about this second edition! I am not a really gifted runner, but I have lots of desire. Jack Daniels has taught me how to use my ability at its highest level. With his help I cut 15 minutes off my last marathon and now, after just having a baby I can’t wait to start using it again.
I am especially excited about this new edition and the new training plans that are just for increasing your speed and fitness level, not just training for a race. I can’t wait to get back in shape and there is no one I trust to help me more than Jack!
June 1st, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Great book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Very informative, great work outs for each specific events. Very organized. highly recommend if you want to get faster.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Excellent book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book has something for everyone. It has advanced and beginner topics that had me reading every evening until it was done. I got several tips that will help me in my training.
June 1st, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Daniels’ Running Formula
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have raced for more than 30 years. This book is great for both the beginner and seasoned runner. It explains the different types of training and explains when each training type should be incorporated into your season (or schedule).
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 am
Great running book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m an old, but fairly serious competitive runner. Book was great set of routines to get faster without getting injured. Not as encyclopedic as Noakes’, Lore of Running, but this is the book I will use to set my training schedule.
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:56 am
The definitive training book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Comprehensive, clearly written explanation of the physiology and psychology of training and competing at all levels. For all serious, even if not elite, runners. Encouraging and inspiring.
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 am
Incredibly comprehensive book on running
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you run for fitness or compete in races at any level, this book is a must have. The information provided is very detailed yet easy to understand. I’ve been running/racing for over 20 years and I highly recommend this book for novices and experts alike. You can build training programs for virtually any distance and any level of performance.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:30 am
The best training book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The results talk by themselves, my PR before following Jack Daniel’s training plans: 3:24 for the marathon, achieved after years of running. Followed the “Marathon Training Plan A (pg. 260) for 2008 Boston Marathon and got a new PR of 3:17:11, followed the Elite Training Plan (pg. 264) and a new PR of 3:01:45 in last September’s 2008 Berlin Marathon. This book is great, full of smart tips and science. The plans are no play, this is serious training but the rewards are great, specially when you are 48!
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 am
A solid guide
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Daniels does a good job explaining all of his different ideas: the 4 (sometimes 5) phases in a training cycle, his different intensities (easy, moderate/marathon pace, interval, rep, f pace), and includes some very detailed training programs. He has general training programs, as well as programs for the 800, 800/1500, 1500/3000, cross, 5k-15k, and three marathon programs. Throughout the book he does a good job explaining everything and though at some points it can be “scientific”, nothing is over the top and can be understood by probably just about anyone. He also includes helpful sections on topics such as overtraining, supplemental training, what to do during unplanned and planned breaks from running, and race preparation. Overall this is a very thoughtful, well laid out book. However, as Daniels himself says, this is just one approach to training and while he does include detailed programs, it is best to pull ideas out of the book that work for you- you cant just superimpose all of his training ideas onto your own running plan.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:32 am
The Best Running Book Money Can Buy
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is by far one of the best books on running in print. It is written technically enough so the reader can understand the physiology of running, but written in such a way so that a person familiar with fitness doesn’t need a degree in physiology to understand it. This simply must be on the bookshelf of any runner who wants to not only improve their running but also understand how they are improving.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:43 am
Great Book – Always helpful
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I previously owned this book and my dog literally ate it, but it was so good that I am buying it again. I competed in corss country and track all four years in college and I was tremendously successful for the mileage that I ran. My coach’s approach was based on the Jack Daniels’ approach. In my opinion, this book is a good written summary of an intuitive system. It is also a system that let’s you get the most out of every mile run – without running hard every mile. Finally, the tables in back that help you figure out the various paces at which you should train are invaluable. They would also be tremendously helpful for anyone coaching an athlete.
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:11 am
BEST running book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the best running book out there. It has really helped improve my times, after a decade of running. The pace tables and workouts are great!
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:20 am
Solid, if dry, textbook on running
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Every now and again I get back in the running habit. And what with it being so long since I’ve done any formal training and not being able to afford an actual coach, I usually call on my Brooklyn Road Runners Club buddies to recommend a decent training book.
Turns out Jack Daniels, the author of the book they recommended, lives less than an hour from where I spent my summer in 2006, in upstate New York. Not that it did me any good, as he’s almost 80 years old and not taking in new athletes. Too busy taking in new wives, I guess – the newest one is as young as I am and has borne him a child that probably can’t remember when her father wasn’t farting dust.
But I digress. Geriatric standing aside, he’s written the running book I’ve always wanted to find – very little of the confessional, running-as-spiritual-quest crap or Runner’s World-style product mongering of the newest insoles or energy gels – just distance-specific training plans, time conversation tables, and scientific (as far as I know) reasoning for all of his advice.
There is some padding throughout – the “Training Essentials” unit is kind of general and not very useful, he puts runner’s profiles at the end of each section that are uniformly dry and uninspiring (“Sara’s ability to graciously accept both success and disappointment, her resolve to take one day at a time, and the faith we both share make me a fan of hers,” “It’s amazing how favorably his lab tests results compare to those of Jim Ryun”), and the “Training for Fitness” seems to have been added after the rest of the book was written just to get people who’ve never run before started. Come to think of it, some people may get something out of that section; I didn’t even read it.
Overall though, a great textbook – easy to read, what’s useful is easy to pick out, and the inevitable padding is easy to page through. So, like all good textbooks, the key word is “easy.”
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:41 am
kindle edition is worthless
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
i have the kindle dx version. alot of charts have been left out that text refers to. print version is the way to go. kindle edition is worthless.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:23 am
Great Book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is packed with good information. I have read, re-read, and referenced it so many times that it’s getting warn out. I got back online to order another copy and found out that there was a second edition, so I ordered it instead. Buy it, read it cover to cover, do what it says and watch your times drop. Mine did. I’m 32 years old and am back to running under 17 minutes for a 5k.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:47 am
Five Stars – Wow
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I loved it. Exactly what I needed. I loved the scientific approach. This book is for all levels of runners and will benefit all of them. However, only the ones who want to KNOW will like this book. There is a lot of detailed information pertaining to aerobic fitness, energy pathways and V02 max – what it is and how you measure it.
The author speaks in terms of pace, intensity zones, and heart rates. More toward the end of the book, there are training programs for runner of a levels. Browsing the book online gave me a good idea of what I was ordering. I am looking forward to applying Daniel’s formula to my next running season.
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:05 am
Training guide for amatuers to professionals
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you’re considering buying this book, you’re probably either a runner/coach, or hoping to become one. In either case, I definitely suggest getting this book. It goes from covering the most basic information about training philosophies and how to train efficiently to more complex training schedules, for people running any distance from a mile to a marathon. I have used it to create a training schedule for both my first two marathons, and I will continue to use it as the backbone to any future marathon training.
The method represented is the most straightforward, tried and true way to become a better running. Seriously, if you wanna learn how to run faster for any distance event, get this book!
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:06 am
If you buy one middle distance book this is the one
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you want to see your middle distance runners be the best they can be, buy and use this book. I’m an AAU /USATF track coach and have trained runners from 7 to 16 years old. Following the principles and training plans laid out in this book my kids have won state and regional titles and have done very well at the junior Olympics in distances from the 800M to 3000M. Daniels is an expert and takes all his years of experience and helps you bring it to the track. The VDOT ratings and training plans are worth every penny.
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:40 am
Great training advice
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a great book for runners who are serious about their training. Daniels’ training principles are based on solid research, and his presentation of them makes them easy to apply for runners of practically any level and ability. He answers one of the most common questions about training, namely “how fast should I run for this session?” Based on your own race performances, you can use the VDOT tables to find the proper pace for intervals, treshold/tempo runs, long runs etc. Training at the proper intensity is important to get maximum benefits from your efforts. For instance, running intervals too hard (as some runners tend to do) is detrimental to recovery and heightens the risk of injuries.
No running book is perfect, but Daniels’ Running Formula is the best in this genre that I’ve read so far.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:19 am
great book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Maybe the best running book of all the time,only one minus – there’s no plan for half marathon.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:07 am
Great book for intermediate marathoners
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Just got this book and read it cover to cover. It is a great book for those who want to take marathoning to a new level. Recommended for those who have completed at least one marathon and are striving for a Boston Qualifier or beyond. The training plans in the book accomodate runners who are running around 40 miles per week up to and beyond 70 miles per week. I beleive anyone (fast or slow) who is serious about improving their marathon performance could benefit from the suggestions and research provided in this book.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
Science for Running Nerds
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you’re a running nerd, or into exercise physiology, or are just wanting to know more about how to effectively train, then this should be in your library. It’s a bit technical without putting you to sleep and it’s full of great training ideas as well as lots of charts and data to help figure out what pace and how you should train. It has three plans(red, blue and gold) if you want to skip ahead and start training and then figure out why you’re doing strides one day and actually resting during the week. Definately worth every penny.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Best running bok period
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I wish I would of had a book like this when I was running in high school and college. Loaded with valuable info, covering just about everything.
June 2nd, 2010 at 11:22 am
Running book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Excellent resource for a coach or a serious runner. Easy ride, lots of great info.
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Undestand training and goals, if you really read the book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is not a running schedule “take one and call me in the morning”. In fact, he takes a very flexible approach. E.g., in the weekly planners which are geared towards racing, he merely indicates the “quality” days one should and may do, to fit in with the current phase of the chosen training program. It is important to read through the book to gain an understanding of the different aspects of the training, and how it achieves what you want to do [even if you gloss over the numbers during the aerobic profile section]. With most people’s schedules, it is good to know how to chose priorities. And for people who are just trying to achieve a fitness level, he has chapters devoted to that.
The casual scanner skipping to the “important parts” can miss some important points. With all the discussions on tempos, max oxygen consumption [VO2], and speed reps, you could be oblivious to his premise that easy aerobic running is the all-important base of your training. Also some of his tenets such as “specificity of training” are tempered later by his encouragement of cross-training.
All-in-all, an excellent book for fitness, competition, and coaches [who may and do adapt his principles according to their preferences].
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Long distance training, scientifically.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
To start off with, I would like to say that I have had a lot of experience with this training system. My high school distance coach based the workouts for the distance team on Daniel’s training method. I am very impressed with how the system works, when used correctly. It is important to know what physiological level you are at, then to train appropriately. Daniels uses a system of tables so that the athlete can determine his/her fitness level based on race performances, and then train at appropriate times for the given distance. While our distance team used this program for track & field, it also could be adapted to a cross country program.
This book is probably most valuable for someone who has a decent background with distance/middle distance running already, although I have found that the system is flexible enough so that the workouts can be incorporated into an individual’s own training regimine. My track coach used an adapted version of Daniel’s training plan, and it was very sucessful overall. During my senior year of high school I was able to take about 20 seconds off my 1600m time during the course of the season, and my teammates had similar results.
Why is Daniels so effective? Because he bases his method off of principals of exercise physiology. When the body undergoes stress, it will react accordingly, and adapt over time. This system make it possible to train intelligently and effectively without stressing the body excessively, thus causing injury or negative results. Daniels focuses on both aerobic and anaerobic training, as well as running economy, so that all the systems of the body will be prepared for peak race performance.
I recommend this book to anyone who desire to improve his/her race times while maximizing the effectiveness of their training sessions.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Running like a pro… =)
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Let’s just say that after reading and using Jack Daniels’ Running Formula, I have become a faster, stronger runner. I compete with more confidence than ever!! I plan on reading, re-reading and implementing training plans in this book throughout my running career.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Great book!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a great book. Could help any runner or coach seeking a science based, practical application of some great training theories!
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
THE Book on Running Training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I ran competitively for over tenty-five years before getting the book and I still learned a lot. I gave a copy to my son (20 yrs old) and recommended it to one of his friends. Not only did they both improve dramatically (in a hurry), but the book has also provided even more motivation for their running efforts. When someone asks me if there are any good books on running training, I simply tell them “Jack Daniels Running Formula”. They laugh thinking I’m kidding, but they remember the name.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
For advanced runners
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I’m not saying this book is bad – it looks very good, but it is not for my level of running. It is for very good runners who have a lot of time to devote to getting even better. It is extremely technical, with all kinds of complex measurements, formulas, etc. I guess I should have expected that with “formula” in the title. I just thought the formula would be easier.
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Excellent book but for the novice or beginner
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I think Dr. Daniels does a fine job of explaining the purpose of each of the exercises. His explanations of the physiological and metabolic changes that each specific run and intensity is trying to accomplish is helpful for people without a medical backround. However, he definitely slants the book towards collegiate and elite level athletes. As a novice runner, I found a lot of this irrelevant. I won’t be running 6-7 days a week with a wife, two small children, and a busy career. I think for the bulk of Americans who run, we run for health and fun rather than to win titles and prizes. I think there are probably 300-500 people in the USA who can really follow his top training plan. For a book with less science explanation and a more realistic training schedule, try Run Less, Run Faster by Pierce , Murr and Moss. It does touch on some of the science but nearly as in depth but I found that it was more applicable to the average American’s schedule.
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
The Next Step
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I would recommend this book to those who are ready to take the next step in training and get more serious about running. As noted in other reviews, this is not the book for a beginner or those seeking motivation. The good news is that you don’t have to be a fast runner, just someone who is willing to improve and work hard at it. The book teaches you how to design a training program taylored to your ability and also gives you some scientific background to suport the author’s formula. It is not an easy read, particularly the discussions on the science, but it is structured in a very logical and concise manner. It is meant to provide the blue print for a runner to design his or her own running program. I think it is well settled in the running community that JD’s training methods work. Go to any running website, and discussions of JD’s formula or similar formulas abound. Of course, JD’s running formula may not be the best training method for you, but the principles discussed in the book are a must read for any serious runner.
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Works for this beginner*
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was a mediocre high school cross-country runner who hadn’t run consistently in over 12 years. I got tired of saying “I used to be a runner” and got back out there four months ago. Spent two months moving between various plans and then, after a disappointing 30+ 5k, decided to try this book. 10 weeks, 154 miles later, and a 57-minute 10k personal best in the books, it’s time to write the review.
If you’ve started running solely to complete a marathon in 20 weeks, this isn’t the book for you. But anyone looking to make running a long-term habit, even those of us who aren’t competitive yet, should find this book a very good step towards a successful career (however we define it.)
For a beginner, this isn’t a cover-to-cover read. But his training plans (White, Red, Blue, and Gold) are great places to start. And as I go through the plans, I find myself turning back through the rest of the book to find out (a) why I’m doing the particular workout I’m doing and (b) why my body is responding the way it is.
And once you’ve gone through White & Red, you’ll be ready to understand and tackle the race-specific training plans. I’ve found, even 10 weeks in, that the rest of the book is starting to make much more sense to me now than it originally did.
Ultimately, Daniels’ book will most benefit people who want more of an explanation for long runs than “they increase your endurance.” People who want to know how they work and why you can/should run them so slowly will appreciate Daniels. If nothing could interest you less than that, this probably isn’t the best book for you.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Running is king
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This was great. So good to get back to the basics of true athletic performance. Daniels does a great job at taking this as far as many professional even care to go. He spells out all the physical and mental preparations necessary for a great outcome. The areas of science are good to understand why it is necessary to do more than just run constantly and he makes that very evident.
This is a very good book, I’m probably going to buy it.
John Blakely
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:13 pm
great expansion on original book by J.Daniels
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book has more for the beginning runner as well as experienced runners. Great approach with thoughts on all aspects of training and a data-driven ‘by the numbers’ approach that is just great.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Great Formula
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
While the target reader of this book is for competitive runners, I find the content very beneficial for someone like me who just want to finish a marathon.
It books helps me greatly in structuring my own training plan based on science and own personal fitness and commitment level. It doesn’t pretend to a a book with the right training program that fits all.
The only that I find missing in this book is about motivation. This book assumes that motivation to run and intrisic and anyone who pick up this book would already be a motivated runner. Then again, this book is not meant for a total beginner.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Finally I found it.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I read some books on trainnig, but I had never felt I could make my own trainning plans or make modifications to standard plans. This book gives you the elements to adapt plans to your own goals, no matter you are a new runner or an elite one.
If you want to understand what, when, why and how fast to train, this book will help you.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Plan Your Training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Plan your workouts for specific upcoming events. You’ll be able to create your own programs, and you’ll learn exactly how to run.