Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner: How to Use the Latest Science and Technology to Run Longer, Stronger, and Faster [Paperback]

Matt Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Series: Runners World | Publication Date: May 26, 2005

A state-of-the-science resource for runners--with the latest information on training, nutrition, injury prevention, and gear and gadgets that improve performance.

The science and technology of running have evolved dramatically in the past 20 years. This all-inclusive resource--based on the author's own high-level running and coaching experience and his interviews with dozens of other top runners and coaches--is an indispensable tool for runners who hope to perform at the very best of their ability.

The Cutting-Edge Runner provides:
o A comprehensive overview of how the best competitive runners train today--covering such topics as periodization, physiological testing, group training, technique work, cross-training, recovery techniques, and individual customization
o In-depth discussions of equipment and other technologies that can benefit the runner, including shoes, orthotics, heart rate monitors, altitude tents, training software, and more
o A complete "menu" of workouts for milers to marathoners
Whether he is explaining how to use hypoxic conditioning to increase oxygen consumption capacity, telling how to prepare for the mental challenge of racing, or detailing what the latest science has to say about the pros, cons, and proper usage of more than 15 nutritional supplements and drugs, Matt Fitzgerald goes straight to the most authoritative sources and provides practical ways for the average runner to adapt methods and tools used by top runners to their own running programs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MATT FITZGERALD, runner, triathlete, and coach, is a former editor and current contributor for Triathlete magazine. He writes articles for such national publications as Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Outside, Fitness Runner, and the Runner's World Web site, and serves as managing editor of the sports nutrition Web site, Pioneering Muscles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (May 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594860912
• ISBN-13: 978-1594860911
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #521,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Matt Fitzgerald is a prolific endurance sports journalist and author or coauthor of more than 15 published and forthcoming books on running, triathlon, fitness, nutrition, and weight loss, including Brain Training for Runners and Racing Weight. Fitzgerald also writes for Competitor, Triathlete, Inside Triathlon and Competitor.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, with a SERIOUS CAVEAT, July 27, 2006

By 

GJ "GJ" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner: How to Use the Latest Science and Technology to Run Longer, Stronger, and Faster (Paperback)

This is an absolutely amazing, and probably most cutting-edge book on running you can find on today's book market (summer 2006), and a large part of its appeal is the fact that the content and the author's numerous recommendations are based on recent, serious, and carefully analyzed research.

This means, alas, that the book is VERY technical, and often assumes that the reader will understand without further need for explanations some fairly arcane terminology in the areas of sports medicine, biomechanics, and physiology. Admittedly, the author makes a good-faith effort to explain some of the more complex issues, but sometimes even that is not quite enough for this reader.

Although it will be a good, informative, and worthwhile read for all those interested in running, the recommendations and advice will be of use mostly to (and are almost exclusively directed at) serious, competitive, and very experienced runners.

I have to admit that since I focus on running as only a small part of a basic general fitness program, i.e., I have completely NO interest in running competitively, or in training for a marathon :) - most of this info. is not for me. Still, for those more focused on running competitively, it is probably a very valuable, cutting-edge read.

I hope that at some point the author will take the time and write a book based on the same well-informed sources, but directed at a more casual runner, and general reader without sports-medicine background like me.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book - just missing all the PEER-REVIEWED scientific references, July 28, 2008

By 

dmtorr (RI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner: How to Use the Latest Science and Technology to Run Longer, Stronger, and Faster (Paperback)

Mr. Fitzgerald is a very knowledgeable athlete and trainer, and indeed an excellent writer. The book is filled with the best running advice I have seen in a while. I am a former triathlete, now a daily exerciser who runs, does weight training, and yoga.

My only reason for not giving the book 5 stars is that as a scientist (Professor with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering), the statements throughout the book where the author says, "from the science ...", or "studies show...", the PEER-REVIEWED references for these studies should be cited in those locations, or at a minimum listed at the end of each chapter with reference numbers throughout the text. I have access to the best scientific reference databases and can look up the papers mentioned with a bit of time since no authors, dates, titles or journal names are mentioned, yet it is unlikely most readers have the same access, and therefore, such references should be included in subsequent revisions.

I do want to thank Mr. Fitzgerald for (again) sharing his training expertise with the lowly runner like myself. Anything new that I learn is one more step toward a healthier life, happier running, and less wear-and-tear on this 51 year old female's body. My husband is benefitting a great deal from this book as well. Many thanks for a well-written work.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great synthesis of recent research, an easy read, November 13, 2006

By 

Jeff in Baltimore (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner: How to Use the Latest Science and Technology to Run Longer, Stronger, and Faster (Paperback)

I used to do triathlons, but now I figure I'm primarily a runner. I just turned forty, and I am on a quest to get my 5k time from the 19 minute range down to 18 minutes. I figure if I can do that I'll start winning or placing in my new age category; that's my way of dealing with middle age and mid-life crises and so on.

I typically read a couple running books a month, looking for ways to improve, and this book really stands out. The author cites numerous studies and relates his personal experience in incorporating new discoveries into his training. If you subscribe to Runners World, you're probably familiar with most of these advances, but it's all thoughtfully considered here in a way that lends itself to reading cover to cover.