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is a memoir written by a novelist who was also a marathon runner and it is a delightful read about process and all. Not really a performance guide, but a great read no doubt.
The public library probably has a foot and a half or two feet of shelf space on this exact subject. Take that library card out and give it some exercise!
The public library probably has a foot and a half or two feet of shelf space on this exact subject. Take that library card out and give it some exercise!
Have you actually gone to a library and looked for books on running or are you assuming that a library would have "a foot and a half or two feet of shelf space on this exact subject?"
My experience with subjects like running and weightlifting is I probably won't find good reference books at a library or bookstore. I suggest doing a search on Amazon.
Have you actually gone to a library and looked for books on running or are you assuming that a library would have "a foot and a half or two feet of shelf space on this exact subject?"
My experience with subjects like running and weightlifting is I probably won't find good reference books at a library or bookstore. I suggest doing a search on Amazon.
I am familiar with the collections of three local public libraries. Since I'm interested in bicycling, I see the running books because they're basically right next to the cycling books. Yes, each of those three libraries I frequent has about that many books on running.
The books in question might be twenty years old, but guess what, humans have been running the exact same way for a lot longer than that.
I am in a public library something like two times a week, so I think I have a pretty good idea what they've got. Your local libraries may be different, of course.
I'm retired from it, but former triathlete and marathon runner. In my experience, the key to improving performance (times) -- assuming your are talking about improving your 10K time, half or full marathon time, is speedwork. A regimen of 3-4 days running a week should be worthwhile, and if you have the time, riding your bike on the non-running days, or swimming, will help your recovery.
The basics are a long run on the weekends -- the distance depending on what specifically you are training for. This should be moderate pace, or sometimes a "tempo finish" run, where the 2nd half is tempo pace. The other 2 days consist of 1 tempo run and 1 track workout. If you are running a 4th day, make that an easy run. About every 4th week, take an "off" week, and do easy runs. This is a recovery week.
For the track workout, again depending on what you are training for, work up to either 800's or mile repeats, with jogging a 200 in between.
I always liked Joe Friel's programs. This write-up is a bit dated, but still relevant in my opinion. I think a lot of runners today are looking for gimicks to improve things -- I see fitbits, compression socks, hyped up shoes, etc. Nothing will get you gains like speedwork.
Write out your plan in advance -- e.g. for track workout start with 2x800's, and then add an 800 each week for 3 weeks, then back off on week 4, then week 5 start with 4x800, etc. If you are more experienced, start with 2x1 mile repeats, and build from there.
The books in question might be twenty years old, but guess what, humans have been running the exact same way for a lot longer than that.
But there has been lots of advances in those years.
For example, in 1989 the Texas HS 3200m champion ran 9:15.9. The 2019 champion ran a 8:52.73.
Humans haven't changed much in the 30 years between (except getting fatter), what has changed is training and nutrition knowledge. Stuff that wouldn't be in those old books.
The Lore of Running by Tim Noakes. It's like taking a class in physiology, which is what you need to improve performance and avoid injury.
It's one of those books that you should buy rather than check out from the library. You wouldn't check out the Holy Bible from the library, you'd buy a copy. Same w/ 'Lore of Running.'
Too bad Running Times mag went belly up, or I would have recommended getting a subscription to it.
The public library probably has a foot and a half or two feet of shelf space on this exact subject. Take that library card out and give it some exercise!
Correct, the library has lots of books on the subject. That is why I asked for recommendations to decide which one to pick.
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