The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) [Paperback]

Ken Mierke (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ultrafit Multisport Training Series | Publication Date: February 10, 2005

Many multisport athletes employ traditional training methods, ignoring technique while relying on volume and intensity of workouts to improve results. Renowned coach Ken Mierke has coached nine national multisport champions and placed 28 multisport athletes on Team USA. His research proves that athletes who achieve optimal technique show a remarkable difference not just in performance, but also in endurance. In this book he shows runners how to use the body's natural shock-absorption system to dramatically reduce impact stress and keep their training injury-free. By maximizing both conditioning and technique, as detailed in this book, runners can become faster, stronger, and more efficient athletes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: VeloPress (February 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931382603
• ISBN-13: 978-1931382601
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Triathlon
  • #35 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Triathlons
  • #42 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Other Team Sports > Track & Field

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only great running tips, but excellent diet advice too, December 30, 2005

By 

Todd Kenyon (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

As a triathlete going on my 15th season, I have seen most of the stuff out there. This book is great in that it starts by teaching running technique, which most people ignore. Sure we all know technique is crucial in swimming, but it is in running as well. The author also has a video on his "Evolution" run technique which I have on order.

He claims to have achieved significant efficiency and hence speed improvements in even long-time elite runners, and I believe it. Look at it it this way - you can spend $1000 on race wheels and gain 30secs, or spend a few dollars on this book and/or video and gain more time through efficiency increases.

He also points out that most running injuries are caused by poor technique, and I agree completely. If you have a nagging injury, fix your technique. I have seen this work myself on many runners - try it.

A wonderful bonus is that this book contains one of the best summaries of eating to get and stay lean that I have seen. An entire chpater is devoted to this, and makes the book well worth it if you are just trying to figure out how to lose weight.

This is a worthy and high return on investment book for any triathlete.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands on Instructions for Efficient Running, September 4, 2007

By 

Per Hakansson (Stockholm, Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

Sometimes you're glad when you're asked by Amazon to review a book - in some cases due to the fact that they stink, in others because you've purchased something that you really feel that you can recommend to others. This book belongs in the second category.

The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training is simply the most comprehensive and well structured, easy-to-read, hands-on book about running that I've ever seen (and believe me, as a triathlete I've gone through everything from Posetech to ChiRunning in my quest for reduced run times).

The book will take you through Technique (the actual physics of running, i.e., where does all that energy go that you spend on the track?, how to reduce energy waste and maximize forward propulsion, etc.), Training (planning, bricks, etc.), Preparations, and finally, Racing. The way it's done makes you understand just how good Mierke must be as a coach: everything is short, crisp and to the point.

If you're training by yourself, there are plenty of drills in the book that will take you a long way towards better running efficiency. If you're a coach, there's a lot of stuff from basic to advanced that you can use in your coaching. If you're training with a coach, give him the book and ask him to use it when coaching you - I did and the result has been remarkable: not only do I run faster, I run almost effortlessly after hard biking, and - moreover - I enjoy my running even during races. The only thing that has made that much of a difference for my racing is Total Immersion Swimming (which, by the way, also focuses on efficiency rather than raw power).

In short: highly recommendable book for anyone who's interested in running faster and more efficient (is there anyone who doesn't?). Extra plus for the integration of running into biking specifically and triathlon in general.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Money Well Spent, June 23, 2010

By 

Canoeist (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

I first read the local Library's copy and practiced the drills on my treadmill. A week later my long run went way better than I expected. I came home and ordered my own copy along with the Evolution Running DVD. I have been practicing with the book/DVD combo for 3 weeks now and am happy with my purchase.