|
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
I am so excited about this second edition. 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 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. 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.
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.
This is not a review as much as a warning for anyone thinking of buying the Kindle version instead of hard copy. So I give the Kindle Edition two stars. But Table 20.1, referenced several times in the text, is not.
Probably covers 80% of target readers. As a general rule, when I find one major mistake right off the bat, there are many others close behind. 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. The Table describing the entire 24 week training plan is simply missing from the ebook. The Elite Plan, Table 20.2, is there.
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 rate the hard copy book five stars but that's another story.
Daniels is a first rate coach with years of experience. It really covers what you need to know with respect to training. I tried his recommendations, and found I was more tired and sore, and most importantly my racing times went up or were flat. in detail.
(I also strongly agree with his recommendations concerning younger runners). Some caveats. Some of the most important statements in the book are not emphasized adequately. This is a really good resource for competative runners, especially if they are self coached. Overall it is one of the best guides out there to give an overview of training for competative runners. I found that I responded better to slightly longer and slower long intervals than he recommends in his book.
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.
Some modest changes in organization and emphasis would make it a five start book. It is not a book for beginning runners, and it does not cover gear, injurys etc.
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. 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. To a certain extent, it doesn't matter: the training principles work, even if the underlying theory is less certain.
Buy it, use it, read and re read it anyway.
|
