Run Fast: How to Beat Your Best Time--- Every Time [Paperback]

Hal Higdon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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.

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; Revised edition (September 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579542697
• ISBN-13: 978-1579542696
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No training plans included, September 3, 2005

By 

Thomas Olausson (Manhattan Beach, ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Run Fast: How to Beat Your Best Time--- Every Time (Paperback)

I picked up this book after reading Higdon's training plan's online.

The book is mostly a collection of phrases and anecdotes. Granted, Mr Higdon has run successfully for a long time, but there's very little new advice here.

He outlines, in many way, the way he approaches speed work.
But after I read it twice, the only thing I can remember is "don't do too much speedwork" and "vary your training".

I was expecting more advice on form and specific speed workout plans, but I have to look elsewhere.

I think your running will be better if you do it with correct form. But after reading the "other" runner guru Jeff Galloway's book and this one, I can safely say that they don't discuss form that much.

One chapter talks about stretching and drills to improve flexibility, which I found interesting.

The front cover says "training plans for 5K, 10K...". That's not true. There are no training plans in this book. Find them online instead.

I suggest ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer if you want tips on better form.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers the fundamentals, November 30, 2010

By 

Jacob C. Case "J Case of Utah" (Salt Lake City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Run Fast: How to Beat Your Best Time--- Every Time (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this Book, March 25, 2011

By 

G. Columbine (Australia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Run Fast: How to Beat Your Best Time--- Every Time (Paperback)

This is one of the best running books I have ever read. Written by a runner for a runner. Its written in a way that is easy to read and references science without boring you with it. In addition it does not limit itself to merely presenting science as is becoming the trend. The author also uses experience from athletes a novice and exceptional ability to draw conclusions and links between the science and art of training for success.