Train for Speed...Feel Great!

Are you looking for better race times, whether you run 5-Ks or marathons? Searching for that ultimate, exhilarating moment when you're running faster than ever before? Or do you just want to get healthy and have more fun when you run?

You can run faster, and this book will show you how. Much more than a training guide, this classic volume-- completely revised and updated for runners of every caliber-- spells out a complete program to help you increase your speed, improve your times, and motivate yourself to achieve your running goals. You'll see how to:

* Shave time off your Personal Record
* Make speedwork count-- and avoid the risk of associated pain and injuries
* Make the most of limited training time
* Build more muscle to boost your speed
* Achieve a smooth stride and an efficient, economical running form
* Listen to yourself and be your own best coach

You'll discover magic workouts that both improve your speed and make training fun. And, if you've taken an exercise break, you'll see how to get back in shape and back on track, with faster times than ever before.

Packed with stories and tips from coaches, record holders, and average runners alike, Run Fast is brimming with inspiration. Experience the thrill of better race times, the satisfaction of running strong, and the sheer joy that comes from running faster than ever before.

Hal Higdon is a senior writer for Runner's World magazine and author of more than 30 books, including Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, Hal Higdon's Smart Running, and Hal Higdon's How to Train. He is a competitive masters runner, coach, and lecturer, and offers expert advice on the Internet.

First, some introductory information to put my review into perspective. I've been running for about 14 months consistently. During that time, I've completed two 10K's, two half marathons, and one full marathon. I followed training plans for each half and full marathon that I completed. I'm about half way through this book at the time of writing this review.

Given my running experience, I've still found this book to be very insightful. Most basic training schedules you'll find online just dictate distances, or times, and don't provide any information about intensity or other training variables and and methodologies such as interval training, fartlek, and junk miles. Hal Higdon goes into detail about the importance of V02 Max, Lactate Threshold, Max BPM, and other training metrics that, once understood and observed, can make a good runner a great runner. He specifically discusses how to train to enhance each of these measures to make you a better runner overall. I've recently started to study "Periodization Training," and this is the same concept. I also like how Hal discusses common conceptions in the running world, and gives his opinion about them. The truth is, most cliche's are applicable in some situations, but not others. Hal put's a lot of those things into context.

Again, I'm not finished with the book, but it's helped me to understand the many variables that contribute to becoming a better runner, given my intermediate understanding of running.