Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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).