Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan: Definitive Programs for Runners of All Ages and Levels [Hardcover]

Bill Rodgers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 1996

This guide offers advice for runners of any age or level of ability. It covers all aspects of running from getting started to countering the effects of ageing. Tips are included on diet, clothing and shoes, training, racing strategies, injury treatment and prevention, record keeping and how to fit running into your day-to-day schedule. The text contains profiles of many non-elite runners and their personal running profiles. There is also a section by Joan Benoit Samuelson with special tips for female runners. Charts and training schedules are given for the various age groups.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bill Rodgers' four wins in New York and in Boston inspired my own running and training in the 80s. Now Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan is an inspiration to me in the 90s. This book is full of words to live by--right on into the 21st century." -- Alberto Salazar

"Bill's perspective on running is truly uplifting and fascinating. His appreciation and respect for runners of all ages and abilities along with his experiences in training, racing, traveling and living from the early days of the running boom to its present-day popularity make Bill Rodger's Lifetime Running Plan a thoroughly entertaining and useful book." -- Joan Benoit Samuelson

"I relate to so much of what Bill has to say. It is refreshing to find out that he feels the same way about many aspects of running I always thought were just my own personal feelings. I know other runners at various levels will react the same way. I truly enjoyed this book." -- Grete Waitz

"No runner has defined the gremlins of injury and burnout better than Bill Rodgers, so I was eager to read this book. I completely agree with his premise that the key to personal success is in adapting training to one's individual body and personality. This is good, sound information for beginner and expert alike. I learned something from this book and, as a result, I have altered my own daily approach to running. I urge you to do the same." -- Frank Shorter

About the Author

Bill Rodgers has won both the New York and Boston Marathons four times each, an unprecedented feat. Still an active marathoner, Rodgers is a monthly columnist and contributing editor at Running Times magazine. He lives in Sherborn, MA.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1st edition (September 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062733869
• ISBN-13: 978-0062733863
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,085,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Okay Book, Totally Misleading Title, April 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan: Definitive Programs for Runners of All Ages and Levels (Paperback)

I was really disappointed upon receiving this book, because it just does not deliver what the title promises, e.g. "definitive programs for runners of all ages and levels". And that promise is the only reason I bought it: like so many intermediate runners, I don't have a personal trainer and have lots of questions about my training routine. In the beginning, you just run; but after a year or so, you start wondering: am I training enough, what's the best combination of workouts (slow/fast; long/short etc.)in a given week, what types of workouts that make sense are there... So you can imagine how happy I was when I discovered a book with this title. But there is NOTHING in here to answer that type of question. It's a well-written how-to book, mainly for beginners with lots of injury tips and motivational stuff - but hey, that's in EVERY running book. So I guess it's okay - if you don't have the wrong expectations.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book. Especially the pages for masters runners., July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan: Definitive Programs for Runners of All Ages and Levels (Paperback)

Since, like the author, I am a runner over the age of 50, I felt this book really provided valuable information on training. I especially liked the discussion on weight training. Bill encourages a moderate approach to lifting, which I agree is better than the more intensive weight training that seems to be the norm these days. I highly recommend this book to runners of all levels.

2.0 out of 5 stars Boring., August 28, 2011

By 

John Doe (Somewhere in New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan: Definitive Programs for Runners of All Ages and Levels (Paperback)

A lot of times, Rodgers offers a lot of biased information with occasional reminders of how lucky and blessed he is to have strong, durable connective muscular tissues. Other times, he will remind you of his VO2 max, how many miles he runs a week either in his heyday or current, how he sucks in speedwork, and so on. In between, information presented by the Boston Champ, you surely can find the same in any Runner's World magazine. Just pick any, they are all the same to me. At any cost, avoid this book; kinda surprising, with these padded down training tips, that he actually won the coveted premier marathons (surely, there must be more to it than that).