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Daniels' is one of the best running coaches in the world 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.
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 so excited about this second edition. I can't wait to get back in shape and there is no one I trust to help me more than Jack. 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 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.
kindle edition is worthless. print version is the way to go. i have the kindle dx version. alot of charts have been left out that text refers to.
The Table describing the entire 24 week training plan is simply missing from the ebook. 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). 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.
I have a feeling that it is extremely unlikely this is the only thing missing. So I give the Kindle Edition two stars. As a general rule, when I find one major mistake right off the bat, there are many others close behind.
This is not a review as much as a warning for anyone thinking of buying the Kindle version instead of hard copy. But Table 20.1, referenced several times in the text, is not. I would rate the hard copy book five stars but that's another story.
Probably covers 80% of target readers. The Elite Plan, Table 20.2, is there.
I found that I responded better to slightly longer and slower long intervals than he recommends in his book. Some modest changes in organization and emphasis would make it a five start book. in detail. 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. This is a really good resource for competative runners, especially if they are self coached.
To a certain extent, it doesn't matter: the training principles work, even if the underlying theory is less certain. Some of the most important statements in the book are not emphasized adequately. Overall it is one of the best guides out there to give an overview of training for competative runners. Buy it, use it, read and re read it anyway. I tried his recommendations, and found I was more tired and sore, and most importantly my racing times went up or were flat. But I think he overemphasizes the science, such as it is, and underemphasizes his own knowlege of coaching.
It really covers what you need to know with respect to training. Daniels is a first rate coach with years of experience. (I also strongly agree with his recommendations concerning younger runners). It is not a book for beginning runners, and it does not cover gear, injurys etc. He clearly points out both that training has to be individualized, and that the bottom line (race time/place) is the bottom line. 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.
Some caveats. He makes statements to the effect that different runners respond differently to different types of training.
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