Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I'm a serious athlete and train people professionlly (as a career) and this book does what it claims... it takes the latest and greatest information on running and endurance training in general and puts it all under one title in an easy to digest format. Train smarter, not harder. Buy this book!

I've been an on again, off again, casual runner for years. This book really presented a lot of information on nutrition, training regimens, and really boils down a lot of research into a compelling read. Some of the other reviewers found it too technical. I'm in a technical field, though not biomechanics, kinesiology or sports medicine, and I thought it was quite approachable.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their running performance, but I would also recommend it to anyone who is interested in better understanding what's going on in the body during a run.

It's tough to find a running book that isn't just a rehash of the same old stuff. This excellent guide is very technical in places, but full of new information that you haven't heard a hundred times. Recommended.

I just finished reading The Cutting-Edge Runner. This is one of the few running books that I read from cover to cover. Many of the books out there fill half the pages with running plans, this book focuses on providing great useful content. I'm training for the Richmond Marathon, and have already incorporated a few of Matt's suggestions into my program. The book is truely on the cutting edge, Matt provides the latest concepts on how to run faster, longer and healthier.

I found this book extremely insightful on the methods and practices to become a better runner. The information is largely based on science rather than anectodal evidence. It was very easy to read and I honestly couldn't put it down. Agreeing with a couple of other reviewers, I too thought it was quite approachable. In fact, one of the cons is that I wish it was setup as more of technical, reference type book as well as a reader. I will definately refer back to it for some of the tips and the progammes laid out, especially the strength / xtraining for runners by phase.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their running performance based on modern day information.

This book is a very good resource but due to the recent shifts in exercise physiology it isn't quite cutting edge anymore but is still a worthwhile resource.