Customer Reviews

Run Fast: How to Train for a 5-K or 10-K Race

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The only book I have found on how to train for the short distance races. The 10K race has now become the most popular road race in a America with the 5K quickly gaining in popularity. Whether you are a beginner road racer or shooting for a new personal best, this book does a great job of breaking down training schedules and drills to run smarter and prepare for race day. Hal also covers nutrition for runners and pre-race rituals that have helped him compete over the years.

This book was written for runners with at least a year of running behind them. Filled with anecdotes, it serves to demistify principles and terminology unique to the running culture. The training methods described are tried and true, scientifically backed methods used by today's elite athletes. It is very thorough without having the quality of a "dry" technical manual. Like Galloway's Book On Running, I find myself going back to it to brush up on my training.

I simply can't believe how well this book is written! A good sized, easy-on-the-eyes font (I've read a hard copy, 1992 library version), an easy-to-read and flowing writing style, and even has a bit of humor thrown in.

While not highly technical, it does explain all aspects of running in simple, clear, everyday English (of course, it does not cover, in detail, training for marathon running). Within the last couple of months, I've looked at and read about a dozen books on running and this was by far the best. A lot of other writers throw convoluted training schedules at you, backing them up with confusing and controversial "research." Mr. Higdon's recommendations are based on a lifetime of running experience. He also quotes a lot of other running authorities in this book (I mean a lot!), but all these quotes are brief, clear and very practical.

All that said, this book is not aimed at the elite runner. In my opinion, it is written for the beginning and intermediate levels.

The book clearly explains the process and importance of warm-up and stretching drills (applying dynamic flexibility for smooth running), running form, speedwork (feel the difference between fast and FAST), speed endurance, and such training methods as interval training, repeats, sprints, surges, strides, fartlek, up-tempo running, and power hills (both up and down hill). Again, I can't emphasize enough, all these terms are explained very clearly, without applying lengthy and boring technical terminology. He speaks to runners of all ages, from teens to seniors (he had just turned sixty when he wrote this book). He also touches on strength training and becoming your own coach.

Although I have said this is not a highly technical book, you will still learn about VO2 max, heart rate monitoring and training (i.e., training at different percentages of MHR - this section is very brief), anaerobic (or lactate) threshold, and the likes. And you will finally understand them too!

Mr. Higdon will even warn you about tying your shoelaces incorrectly prior to a race! - Very thoughtful and insightful.

(To compare, I liked this book much more than "Daniels' Running Formula", or "Galloway's Book on Running, 2nd Edition", or "5K and 10K Training" by Clarke, or even "Road Racing for Serious Runners" by Pfitzinger, etc. While these authors may be great runners, their books just did not reach or connect with me. However, a book that you may find helpful and a good companion is "Total Heart Rate Training" by Joe Friel. It fills in the parts that Mr. Higdon's book did not cover quite enough.)

If you are tired of reading dry, confusing, highly technical or misleading books (some giving instructions that, if followed, could cause injuries), do yourself a favour and read this straight-forward and highly practical book.

I found the previous reviews interesting because they suggested that this book was for seasoned runners. As a seasoned runner, I didn't find it extremely useful. It discussed things that I have already heard of.

Overall, I would suggest it to someone who has been running for a year or two and is now interested in racing but isn't sure where to start. It offers training insights without the technical jargon that seasoned runners, such as myself, throw around without even thinking. For those very new to running, this may be a little too much to think about. For those who have been around the block quite a few times, you probably have heard this all before.

Oldie but goodie. Solid training advice using time proven methods. Hal doesn't really give you training schedules though, so that is lacking. I think there should be more emphasis on what needs to be done to optimize development, which I pulled out to be 4 quality runs per week at 75-85% HR.

I FOUND THE BOOK LACKING IN BASIC INSTRUCTION FOR THE AVERAGE ,OR IN MY CASE BELOW AVERAGE RUNNER.MOST RUNNING TIMES ARE BASED ON PEOPLE WITH LEGS AND LUNGS.I PERSONALLY THINK I AM IN GOOD SHAPE.I RUN(AND ENJOY DOING SO)AND LIFT WEIGHTS ON A REGULAR BASIS.IM 5'11,200.SO MOST OF THE TIMES ARE OFF THE CHARTS FOR ME.I STILL THOUGHT THE BOOK HAD A FEW HELPFUL HINTS,AND I GUESS THAT IS WHAT THE AUTHOR INTENDED.THE CHAPTER ON INTERVALS IS BEST.BUT I STILL THINK THE AUTHOR IS THINKING TO MUCH LIKE THE WORLD CLASS RUNNER HE IS THAN BRINGING HIMSELF DOWN TO AVERAGE NICKS LEVEL.