Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Trust this book and complete your first marathon, 15 Nov 2008
I had never run a marathon before buying this book, I'd never even run a 10km race before and, perhaps more importantly, I hadn't done any serious running (as opposed to a jog once in a while) for 20 years.
I followed the training program in this book to the letter as the things I was reading chapter by chapter, which corresponds to the week-by-week training program in the book, seemed to make perfect sense and I felt myself growing in confidence and ability as I went through the 16-week program. I had achievable goals to complete each week, as well as dietary and recovery advice. The book was also full of little tips that really helped me along the way, things one might never have considered on one's own and it was also full of tales of the experiences of others who had completed the training. I took great comfort in knowing that the things I was experiencing were commonplace and I didn't feel so alone.
On race day, I felt amazingly calm and relaxed, absolutely tranquil in the knowledge that I was ready to run the marathon and that I would, indeed, complete it and so I did. I ran and completed the 2008 Venice Marathon on a beautiful, sunny October day that I will never, ever forget.
I won't even tell you my time, although I never would have believed that I could complete it in the time I did, specifically because perhaps the most valuable tip that gets drummed into you throughout this book is not to think about a time objective for completing the marathon but to simply aim to complete it. Think complete, not compete! It takes so much pressure off you and, thus, the possible performance anxiety that a time objective may cause are no longer an issue. Do that and you've already shattered the first obstacle to your successfully completing your first marathon.
If I can do it, you can too. Trust this book.

Focussed and inspiring for a beginner, 08 Nov 2008
I have just completed the NY Marathon after using this training guide. I originally bought it to aid my mental training but soon became sold to the whole package and followed it fairly carefully. I was a bit sceptical about the potential 'american' stance it might have but must say that I very rarely felt this whilst using the book and only winced once!! You move through it week by week with new objectives and tips. What I really like about it was its accessibilty to a non-runner, it explained all the science in lay-mans terms and allowed me to begin to understand and appreciate the mental and physical impact marathon training would have on my body. The training plan was totally manageable for a working person, and I enjoyed every step. Fully recommended, inspiring and ....it works!!!

does exactly what it says on the tin!, 31 Oct 2008
Ran a marathon - the whole thing! Didn't hit the wall, am planning another one and only used this book. It delivers exactly what it says. Found the diary bits great to fill in training and found that it really prepares you for the marathon. Higly reccomended.

Got 16 Weeks?, 26 Sep 2008
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

You can run that marathon., 15 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me train for my first London Marathon at the age of 51. I was a regular but minor runner putting in only 5 to 6 miles per week with my longest run at 3 miles. Overall I was fairly fit, but overweight.

The book is well laid out and easy to follow including a detailed training programme with explanations of exactly what to do and why. It adopts an overall approach to marathon training, explaining how and why you must think as a marathon runner.

I followed the programme religiously, lost significant weight and completed the 26.2 miles at first attempt. No course record, but still a personal best! This book does exactly what the authors claim.

Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Trust this book and complete your first marathon, 15 Nov 2008
I had never run a marathon before buying this book, I'd never even run a 10km race before and, perhaps more importantly, I hadn't done any serious running (as opposed to a jog once in a while) for 20 years.
I followed the training program in this book to the letter as the things I was reading chapter by chapter, which corresponds to the week-by-week training program in the book, seemed to make perfect sense and I felt myself growing in confidence and ability as I went through the 16-week program. I had achievable goals to complete each week, as well as dietary and recovery advice. The book was also full of little tips that really helped me along the way, things one might never have considered on one's own and it was also full of tales of the experiences of others who had completed the training. I took great comfort in knowing that the things I was experiencing were commonplace and I didn't feel so alone.
On race day, I felt amazingly calm and relaxed, absolutely tranquil in the knowledge that I was ready to run the marathon and that I would, indeed, complete it and so I did. I ran and completed the 2008 Venice Marathon on a beautiful, sunny October day that I will never, ever forget.
I won't even tell you my time, although I never would have believed that I could complete it in the time I did, specifically because perhaps the most valuable tip that gets drummed into you throughout this book is not to think about a time objective for completing the marathon but to simply aim to complete it. Think complete, not compete! It takes so much pressure off you and, thus, the possible performance anxiety that a time objective may cause are no longer an issue. Do that and you've already shattered the first obstacle to your successfully completing your first marathon.
If I can do it, you can too. Trust this book.

Focussed and inspiring for a beginner, 08 Nov 2008
I have just completed the NY Marathon after using this training guide. I originally bought it to aid my mental training but soon became sold to the whole package and followed it fairly carefully. I was a bit sceptical about the potential 'american' stance it might have but must say that I very rarely felt this whilst using the book and only winced once!! You move through it week by week with new objectives and tips. What I really like about it was its accessibilty to a non-runner, it explained all the science in lay-mans terms and allowed me to begin to understand and appreciate the mental and physical impact marathon training would have on my body. The training plan was totally manageable for a working person, and I enjoyed every step. Fully recommended, inspiring and ....it works!!!

does exactly what it says on the tin!, 31 Oct 2008
Ran a marathon - the whole thing! Didn't hit the wall, am planning another one and only used this book. It delivers exactly what it says. Found the diary bits great to fill in training and found that it really prepares you for the marathon. Higly reccomended.

Got 16 Weeks?, 26 Sep 2008
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

You can run that marathon., 15 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me train for my first London Marathon at the age of 51. I was a regular but minor runner putting in only 5 to 6 miles per week with my longest run at 3 miles. Overall I was fairly fit, but overweight.

The book is well laid out and easy to follow including a detailed training programme with explanations of exactly what to do and why. It adopts an overall approach to marathon training, explaining how and why you must think as a marathon runner.

I followed the programme religiously, lost significant weight and completed the 26.2 miles at first attempt. No course record, but still a personal best! This book does exactly what the authors claim.

The best. Period., 18 Sep 2008
In my opinion, the goal of this book is to give people who want to compete in triathalons a scientific, self-coached training plan. Does it deliver? Absolutely. The book accomplishes this through six, cleanly divided parts.

Part one, "The self-trained triathlete" is concerned with the "philosophical" basis for methodical training. It deals with things such as attitide and commitment, which are as important to me as the physical training.

Part two, "From lab to real world" talks about the scientific foundation of training and goes into the science and priciples of training (i.e. progressive resistance, periodization, etc.).

Part three, "Training with a purpose" seems to pull together parts one and two in which a system of purposeful training is described. This part will help the reader to determine exactly what their training needs are and the best ways to address them.

Part four, simply titled "Planning" is really the heart of the book. Here the book helps you design your own training plan for a season, week by week.

Part five, "Racing and recovering" takes you through the many details of preparing to race and recovering after. In other words, it gives you info on what to do before and after the actual race. This information is essential as many athletes neglect to recover properly before starting training again for the next race.

Part six, "The competative edge" talks about other supplemental aspects of training that can contribute to peak performance. Here the book covers things such as swimming tips, weight training ex's, eating tips, keeping a training diary, etc. I like to think of this chapter as a kind of "tie up the loose ends" section.

Truly a book that lives up to its name, I can't see many readers coming away from this book without picking up much useful information- from the beginner to the experienced. Athletes with foot pain that interferes with their training might also find The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution helpful too. Happy training!

Excellent book that deserves the title bible! , 02 Sep 2008
I have no experience in the sport but after reading the book and creating my training programme i am already quietly confident about my first years results.
I can only reccomend this from a novice point of view however my reccomendation is to read it cover to cover its a great book and well wort the money.

Great information, great presentation, 13 May 2008
My only regret is not having bought this book earlier.

I've been running for a year and now I want to train for triathlon. I bought this book hoping to find some guidance, and I found much more. This book:

-Focuses on every aspect of training, or as the author says "eating, living, and sleeping triathlon"
-Exposes and explains rigorous yet simple training methods and plans for complete novices or experienced competitors
-Gives tips on running/biking/swimming technique
-Gives specific details regarding ironman triathlon (e.g. specific pre-race nutrition)
-ALWAYS backs arguments up with studies and other forms of evidence
-Has appendices with workout plans, workout journals, yearly workout planning sheets, and more


Furthermore, I found the presentation of the book very enjoyable (easygoing style of writing, many charts/graphics to aid comprehension).


Triathletes Training Bible, 04 Jul 2007
The Triathletes Training Bible 2nd Edition: Joe Friel

Blurb

Coach Joe Friel touts the benefits of creating a scientific, self coached training plan to refine your skills and improve your triathlon performance. You will learn how to train smarter, not harder, and apply proven techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Friel equips you with the know-how to build a personal training plan based on your individual needs and goals for the next racing season. In addition to the physical aspect of training, Friel addresses the importance of mental preparation and training, from attitude to zealousness.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, or training for your first triathlon event, you will find comprehensive information to help you achieve your goals and reach your maximum potential.

My Review

When I first bought this book I had only been in the sport of triathlon for a couple of months. During those months I had been swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, running twice a week and weight training twice a week. My sessions were just endurance based spending say an hour swimming or running or cycling for a couple of hours with the club.
The first thing this book taught me was to make my sessions specific, why I needed speed and endurance sessions and how to tailor them to my goals and needs. I don't do a lot of club training and so being able to turn up at the pool during a public swim session, get in the fast lane and have a challenging and rewarding swim was essential. Before tailoring these sessions training could become boring and monotonous. The inclusion of specific drills and workouts for each sport made a welcome change and my style, especially my stroke in swimming has advanced noticeably.
I always trained with a training plan or diary but I never really knew how to create one properly. The step by step guide in this book has helped me no end and even now I still refer to it at the end of each season to plan the next! Templates are given so the correct format can be obtained for tracking weekly hours, different phases in training, events etc.
Periodization was something I had never employed with my training and again Friel has provided step by step instruction from base to race periods going into detail for each phase as to what workouts should be performed and for how long. Appropriate testing techniques are included to ensure you are always working to your peak potential.
Another section that I found rewarding was that of supplementation and nutrition. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein supplements etc are all discussed in detail explaining why you need them and what they do, not just `You need them!'. The periodisation of a triathletes diet is also discussed detailing fat, carbohydrate and protein intake throughout the season.

Of course there is no equivalent to one on one coaching from a qualified professional. However this book ensures that you understand your sport and why a coach preaches what he/she does. Understanding how to train and prepare yourself to race is essential if you wish to succeed in multisport. The Training Bible will ensure you reach your race at optimum performance. A book I will never throw away!



The Triathletes Training Bible, 23 Jul 2002
This book is excellent for the novice triathlete willing to learn a bit more technical information. The book is well segmented into easily digestible sections. The writer is an experienced coach and world triathlete so gives confidence in his work.

Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Trust this book and complete your first marathon, 15 Nov 2008
I had never run a marathon before buying this book, I'd never even run a 10km race before and, perhaps more importantly, I hadn't done any serious running (as opposed to a jog once in a while) for 20 years.
I followed the training program in this book to the letter as the things I was reading chapter by chapter, which corresponds to the week-by-week training program in the book, seemed to make perfect sense and I felt myself growing in confidence and ability as I went through the 16-week program. I had achievable goals to complete each week, as well as dietary and recovery advice. The book was also full of little tips that really helped me along the way, things one might never have considered on one's own and it was also full of tales of the experiences of others who had completed the training. I took great comfort in knowing that the things I was experiencing were commonplace and I didn't feel so alone.
On race day, I felt amazingly calm and relaxed, absolutely tranquil in the knowledge that I was ready to run the marathon and that I would, indeed, complete it and so I did. I ran and completed the 2008 Venice Marathon on a beautiful, sunny October day that I will never, ever forget.
I won't even tell you my time, although I never would have believed that I could complete it in the time I did, specifically because perhaps the most valuable tip that gets drummed into you throughout this book is not to think about a time objective for completing the marathon but to simply aim to complete it. Think complete, not compete! It takes so much pressure off you and, thus, the possible performance anxiety that a time objective may cause are no longer an issue. Do that and you've already shattered the first obstacle to your successfully completing your first marathon.
If I can do it, you can too. Trust this book.

Focussed and inspiring for a beginner, 08 Nov 2008
I have just completed the NY Marathon after using this training guide. I originally bought it to aid my mental training but soon became sold to the whole package and followed it fairly carefully. I was a bit sceptical about the potential 'american' stance it might have but must say that I very rarely felt this whilst using the book and only winced once!! You move through it week by week with new objectives and tips. What I really like about it was its accessibilty to a non-runner, it explained all the science in lay-mans terms and allowed me to begin to understand and appreciate the mental and physical impact marathon training would have on my body. The training plan was totally manageable for a working person, and I enjoyed every step. Fully recommended, inspiring and ....it works!!!

does exactly what it says on the tin!, 31 Oct 2008
Ran a marathon - the whole thing! Didn't hit the wall, am planning another one and only used this book. It delivers exactly what it says. Found the diary bits great to fill in training and found that it really prepares you for the marathon. Higly reccomended.

Got 16 Weeks?, 26 Sep 2008
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

You can run that marathon., 15 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me train for my first London Marathon at the age of 51. I was a regular but minor runner putting in only 5 to 6 miles per week with my longest run at 3 miles. Overall I was fairly fit, but overweight.

The book is well laid out and easy to follow including a detailed training programme with explanations of exactly what to do and why. It adopts an overall approach to marathon training, explaining how and why you must think as a marathon runner.

I followed the programme religiously, lost significant weight and completed the 26.2 miles at first attempt. No course record, but still a personal best! This book does exactly what the authors claim.

The best. Period., 18 Sep 2008
In my opinion, the goal of this book is to give people who want to compete in triathalons a scientific, self-coached training plan. Does it deliver? Absolutely. The book accomplishes this through six, cleanly divided parts.

Part one, "The self-trained triathlete" is concerned with the "philosophical" basis for methodical training. It deals with things such as attitide and commitment, which are as important to me as the physical training.

Part two, "From lab to real world" talks about the scientific foundation of training and goes into the science and priciples of training (i.e. progressive resistance, periodization, etc.).

Part three, "Training with a purpose" seems to pull together parts one and two in which a system of purposeful training is described. This part will help the reader to determine exactly what their training needs are and the best ways to address them.

Part four, simply titled "Planning" is really the heart of the book. Here the book helps you design your own training plan for a season, week by week.

Part five, "Racing and recovering" takes you through the many details of preparing to race and recovering after. In other words, it gives you info on what to do before and after the actual race. This information is essential as many athletes neglect to recover properly before starting training again for the next race.

Part six, "The competative edge" talks about other supplemental aspects of training that can contribute to peak performance. Here the book covers things such as swimming tips, weight training ex's, eating tips, keeping a training diary, etc. I like to think of this chapter as a kind of "tie up the loose ends" section.

Truly a book that lives up to its name, I can't see many readers coming away from this book without picking up much useful information- from the beginner to the experienced. Athletes with foot pain that interferes with their training might also find The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution helpful too. Happy training!

Excellent book that deserves the title bible! , 02 Sep 2008
I have no experience in the sport but after reading the book and creating my training programme i am already quietly confident about my first years results.
I can only reccomend this from a novice point of view however my reccomendation is to read it cover to cover its a great book and well wort the money.

Great information, great presentation, 13 May 2008
My only regret is not having bought this book earlier.

I've been running for a year and now I want to train for triathlon. I bought this book hoping to find some guidance, and I found much more. This book:

-Focuses on every aspect of training, or as the author says "eating, living, and sleeping triathlon"
-Exposes and explains rigorous yet simple training methods and plans for complete novices or experienced competitors
-Gives tips on running/biking/swimming technique
-Gives specific details regarding ironman triathlon (e.g. specific pre-race nutrition)
-ALWAYS backs arguments up with studies and other forms of evidence
-Has appendices with workout plans, workout journals, yearly workout planning sheets, and more


Furthermore, I found the presentation of the book very enjoyable (easygoing style of writing, many charts/graphics to aid comprehension).


Triathletes Training Bible, 04 Jul 2007
The Triathletes Training Bible 2nd Edition: Joe Friel

Blurb

Coach Joe Friel touts the benefits of creating a scientific, self coached training plan to refine your skills and improve your triathlon performance. You will learn how to train smarter, not harder, and apply proven techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Friel equips you with the know-how to build a personal training plan based on your individual needs and goals for the next racing season. In addition to the physical aspect of training, Friel addresses the importance of mental preparation and training, from attitude to zealousness.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, or training for your first triathlon event, you will find comprehensive information to help you achieve your goals and reach your maximum potential.

My Review

When I first bought this book I had only been in the sport of triathlon for a couple of months. During those months I had been swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, running twice a week and weight training twice a week. My sessions were just endurance based spending say an hour swimming or running or cycling for a couple of hours with the club.
The first thing this book taught me was to make my sessions specific, why I needed speed and endurance sessions and how to tailor them to my goals and needs. I don't do a lot of club training and so being able to turn up at the pool during a public swim session, get in the fast lane and have a challenging and rewarding swim was essential. Before tailoring these sessions training could become boring and monotonous. The inclusion of specific drills and workouts for each sport made a welcome change and my style, especially my stroke in swimming has advanced noticeably.
I always trained with a training plan or diary but I never really knew how to create one properly. The step by step guide in this book has helped me no end and even now I still refer to it at the end of each season to plan the next! Templates are given so the correct format can be obtained for tracking weekly hours, different phases in training, events etc.
Periodization was something I had never employed with my training and again Friel has provided step by step instruction from base to race periods going into detail for each phase as to what workouts should be performed and for how long. Appropriate testing techniques are included to ensure you are always working to your peak potential.
Another section that I found rewarding was that of supplementation and nutrition. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein supplements etc are all discussed in detail explaining why you need them and what they do, not just `You need them!'. The periodisation of a triathletes diet is also discussed detailing fat, carbohydrate and protein intake throughout the season.

Of course there is no equivalent to one on one coaching from a qualified professional. However this book ensures that you understand your sport and why a coach preaches what he/she does. Understanding how to train and prepare yourself to race is essential if you wish to succeed in multisport. The Training Bible will ensure you reach your race at optimum performance. A book I will never throw away!



The Triathletes Training Bible, 23 Jul 2002
This book is excellent for the novice triathlete willing to learn a bit more technical information. The book is well segmented into easily digestible sections. The writer is an experienced coach and world triathlete so gives confidence in his work.

The Runners Handbook, 24 May 2008
'The Runners Handbook' is a comprehensive book covering nearly all aspects of running. It stretches to just over 700 pages, which is a lot of information about this sport. The topics it covers are extremely varied and include, reasons to exercise, getting started and maintaining motivation, training diaries, beginner and intermediate programs, racing, equipment, nutrition, altering your running to suit different environments, fitting your training in with everyday life, women runners, aging runners, kids and disabled runners, illness and injury, cross training and supplemental training and overall wellness. Glover writes extremely well and informally, making for an interesting and engaging read. This book has plenty of tables, but no diagrams that would have added to the overall aesthetic and made clear some of the points raised. This book is written mainly for the American market, but the information enclosed can easily be applied anywhere. It doesn't have much information on various training techniques, such as fartlek and intervals and although these are mentioned briefly, not to any great degree. This is an in-depth and comprehensive book, but for a more attractive package that provides much of the same information I recommend the runners world complete book of running by Amby Burfoot.

Run Baby Run, 04 May 2008
If you're training for your first marathon, a 5k 'Race for Life' or just trying to get fit then this book will help with your motivation.

It's a thick book full of information about how to run, when to run and what will compliment your training. It's a US book so some of the info is US-orientated but still valid on this side of the so called 'pond'. I've skipped many chapters and cherry-picked the information I felt applicable to my needs. It's a good book which I find to be more of a motivational tool rather than a book which defines my running.

It's aimed at the serious runner, a competitor. That's not me - I run to keep fit, I don't run in competitions. However, the book is still a worthwhile purchase and it does help you run, and as I said, it's quite motivational.

Very extensive but not one picture or diagram, 19 Dec 2007
It was painful having to read a page of explanation on a stretch when a simple diagram would have explained easily. This man is clearly allergic to graphics. Other than this it is pretty faultless. I was cheered that the author, an accomplished runner, also needed orthotics to not be crippled. It makes me motivated to be better even though my biomechanics are not perfect for running, having double joints.

This book changed my life, 06 Oct 2007
It seriously did change my life which for this price isn't bad at all.

Six months ago I couldn't run but signed up for a 5k Race For Life. I bought this book and its been my running bible ever since. I followed the beginner's running programme and 2 months later ran the 5k in 29 minutes. There are programmes for 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon races. Advice on diet, trainers, injury, race preperation and anything else you could need to know. If you want to get into running, improve your time or distance or start racing then I'd totally recommend this book.

A wealth of knowledge, 26 Sep 2007
Extremely easy to read providing a wealth of down to earth advice. Indexed to help you to get that advice you are looking for.

Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Trust this book and complete your first marathon, 15 Nov 2008
I had never run a marathon before buying this book, I'd never even run a 10km race before and, perhaps more importantly, I hadn't done any serious running (as opposed to a jog once in a while) for 20 years.
I followed the training program in this book to the letter as the things I was reading chapter by chapter, which corresponds to the week-by-week training program in the book, seemed to make perfect sense and I felt myself growing in confidence and ability as I went through the 16-week program. I had achievable goals to complete each week, as well as dietary and recovery advice. The book was also full of little tips that really helped me along the way, things one might never have considered on one's own and it was also full of tales of the experiences of others who had completed the training. I took great comfort in knowing that the things I was experiencing were commonplace and I didn't feel so alone.
On race day, I felt amazingly calm and relaxed, absolutely tranquil in the knowledge that I was ready to run the marathon and that I would, indeed, complete it and so I did. I ran and completed the 2008 Venice Marathon on a beautiful, sunny October day that I will never, ever forget.
I won't even tell you my time, although I never would have believed that I could complete it in the time I did, specifically because perhaps the most valuable tip that gets drummed into you throughout this book is not to think about a time objective for completing the marathon but to simply aim to complete it. Think complete, not compete! It takes so much pressure off you and, thus, the possible performance anxiety that a time objective may cause are no longer an issue. Do that and you've already shattered the first obstacle to your successfully completing your first marathon.
If I can do it, you can too. Trust this book.

Focussed and inspiring for a beginner, 08 Nov 2008
I have just completed the NY Marathon after using this training guide. I originally bought it to aid my mental training but soon became sold to the whole package and followed it fairly carefully. I was a bit sceptical about the potential 'american' stance it might have but must say that I very rarely felt this whilst using the book and only winced once!! You move through it week by week with new objectives and tips. What I really like about it was its accessibilty to a non-runner, it explained all the science in lay-mans terms and allowed me to begin to understand and appreciate the mental and physical impact marathon training would have on my body. The training plan was totally manageable for a working person, and I enjoyed every step. Fully recommended, inspiring and ....it works!!!

does exactly what it says on the tin!, 31 Oct 2008
Ran a marathon - the whole thing! Didn't hit the wall, am planning another one and only used this book. It delivers exactly what it says. Found the diary bits great to fill in training and found that it really prepares you for the marathon. Higly reccomended.

Got 16 Weeks?, 26 Sep 2008
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

You can run that marathon., 15 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me train for my first London Marathon at the age of 51. I was a regular but minor runner putting in only 5 to 6 miles per week with my longest run at 3 miles. Overall I was fairly fit, but overweight.

The book is well laid out and easy to follow including a detailed training programme with explanations of exactly what to do and why. It adopts an overall approach to marathon training, explaining how and why you must think as a marathon runner.

I followed the programme religiously, lost significant weight and completed the 26.2 miles at first attempt. No course record, but still a personal best! This book does exactly what the authors claim.

The best. Period., 18 Sep 2008
In my opinion, the goal of this book is to give people who want to compete in triathalons a scientific, self-coached training plan. Does it deliver? Absolutely. The book accomplishes this through six, cleanly divided parts.

Part one, "The self-trained triathlete" is concerned with the "philosophical" basis for methodical training. It deals with things such as attitide and commitment, which are as important to me as the physical training.

Part two, "From lab to real world" talks about the scientific foundation of training and goes into the science and priciples of training (i.e. progressive resistance, periodization, etc.).

Part three, "Training with a purpose" seems to pull together parts one and two in which a system of purposeful training is described. This part will help the reader to determine exactly what their training needs are and the best ways to address them.

Part four, simply titled "Planning" is really the heart of the book. Here the book helps you design your own training plan for a season, week by week.

Part five, "Racing and recovering" takes you through the many details of preparing to race and recovering after. In other words, it gives you info on what to do before and after the actual race. This information is essential as many athletes neglect to recover properly before starting training again for the next race.

Part six, "The competative edge" talks about other supplemental aspects of training that can contribute to peak performance. Here the book covers things such as swimming tips, weight training ex's, eating tips, keeping a training diary, etc. I like to think of this chapter as a kind of "tie up the loose ends" section.

Truly a book that lives up to its name, I can't see many readers coming away from this book without picking up much useful information- from the beginner to the experienced. Athletes with foot pain that interferes with their training might also find The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution helpful too. Happy training!

Excellent book that deserves the title bible! , 02 Sep 2008
I have no experience in the sport but after reading the book and creating my training programme i am already quietly confident about my first years results.
I can only reccomend this from a novice point of view however my reccomendation is to read it cover to cover its a great book and well wort the money.

Great information, great presentation, 13 May 2008
My only regret is not having bought this book earlier.

I've been running for a year and now I want to train for triathlon. I bought this book hoping to find some guidance, and I found much more. This book:

-Focuses on every aspect of training, or as the author says "eating, living, and sleeping triathlon"
-Exposes and explains rigorous yet simple training methods and plans for complete novices or experienced competitors
-Gives tips on running/biking/swimming technique
-Gives specific details regarding ironman triathlon (e.g. specific pre-race nutrition)
-ALWAYS backs arguments up with studies and other forms of evidence
-Has appendices with workout plans, workout journals, yearly workout planning sheets, and more


Furthermore, I found the presentation of the book very enjoyable (easygoing style of writing, many charts/graphics to aid comprehension).


Triathletes Training Bible, 04 Jul 2007
The Triathletes Training Bible 2nd Edition: Joe Friel

Blurb

Coach Joe Friel touts the benefits of creating a scientific, self coached training plan to refine your skills and improve your triathlon performance. You will learn how to train smarter, not harder, and apply proven techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Friel equips you with the know-how to build a personal training plan based on your individual needs and goals for the next racing season. In addition to the physical aspect of training, Friel addresses the importance of mental preparation and training, from attitude to zealousness.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, or training for your first triathlon event, you will find comprehensive information to help you achieve your goals and reach your maximum potential.

My Review

When I first bought this book I had only been in the sport of triathlon for a couple of months. During those months I had been swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, running twice a week and weight training twice a week. My sessions were just endurance based spending say an hour swimming or running or cycling for a couple of hours with the club.
The first thing this book taught me was to make my sessions specific, why I needed speed and endurance sessions and how to tailor them to my goals and needs. I don't do a lot of club training and so being able to turn up at the pool during a public swim session, get in the fast lane and have a challenging and rewarding swim was essential. Before tailoring these sessions training could become boring and monotonous. The inclusion of specific drills and workouts for each sport made a welcome change and my style, especially my stroke in swimming has advanced noticeably.
I always trained with a training plan or diary but I never really knew how to create one properly. The step by step guide in this book has helped me no end and even now I still refer to it at the end of each season to plan the next! Templates are given so the correct format can be obtained for tracking weekly hours, different phases in training, events etc.
Periodization was something I had never employed with my training and again Friel has provided step by step instruction from base to race periods going into detail for each phase as to what workouts should be performed and for how long. Appropriate testing techniques are included to ensure you are always working to your peak potential.
Another section that I found rewarding was that of supplementation and nutrition. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein supplements etc are all discussed in detail explaining why you need them and what they do, not just `You need them!'. The periodisation of a triathletes diet is also discussed detailing fat, carbohydrate and protein intake throughout the season.

Of course there is no equivalent to one on one coaching from a qualified professional. However this book ensures that you understand your sport and why a coach preaches what he/she does. Understanding how to train and prepare yourself to race is essential if you wish to succeed in multisport. The Training Bible will ensure you reach your race at optimum performance. A book I will never throw away!



The Triathletes Training Bible, 23 Jul 2002
This book is excellent for the novice triathlete willing to learn a bit more technical information. The book is well segmented into easily digestible sections. The writer is an experienced coach and world triathlete so gives confidence in his work.

The Runners Handbook, 24 May 2008
'The Runners Handbook' is a comprehensive book covering nearly all aspects of running. It stretches to just over 700 pages, which is a lot of information about this sport. The topics it covers are extremely varied and include, reasons to exercise, getting started and maintaining motivation, training diaries, beginner and intermediate programs, racing, equipment, nutrition, altering your running to suit different environments, fitting your training in with everyday life, women runners, aging runners, kids and disabled runners, illness and injury, cross training and supplemental training and overall wellness. Glover writes extremely well and informally, making for an interesting and engaging read. This book has plenty of tables, but no diagrams that would have added to the overall aesthetic and made clear some of the points raised. This book is written mainly for the American market, but the information enclosed can easily be applied anywhere. It doesn't have much information on various training techniques, such as fartlek and intervals and although these are mentioned briefly, not to any great degree. This is an in-depth and comprehensive book, but for a more attractive package that provides much of the same information I recommend the runners world complete book of running by Amby Burfoot.

Run Baby Run, 04 May 2008
If you're training for your first marathon, a 5k 'Race for Life' or just trying to get fit then this book will help with your motivation.

It's a thick book full of information about how to run, when to run and what will compliment your training. It's a US book so some of the info is US-orientated but still valid on this side of the so called 'pond'. I've skipped many chapters and cherry-picked the information I felt applicable to my needs. It's a good book which I find to be more of a motivational tool rather than a book which defines my running.

It's aimed at the serious runner, a competitor. That's not me - I run to keep fit, I don't run in competitions. However, the book is still a worthwhile purchase and it does help you run, and as I said, it's quite motivational.

Very extensive but not one picture or diagram, 19 Dec 2007
It was painful having to read a page of explanation on a stretch when a simple diagram would have explained easily. This man is clearly allergic to graphics. Other than this it is pretty faultless. I was cheered that the author, an accomplished runner, also needed orthotics to not be crippled. It makes me motivated to be better even though my biomechanics are not perfect for running, having double joints.

This book changed my life, 06 Oct 2007
It seriously did change my life which for this price isn't bad at all.

Six months ago I couldn't run but signed up for a 5k Race For Life. I bought this book and its been my running bible ever since. I followed the beginner's running programme and 2 months later ran the 5k in 29 minutes. There are programmes for 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon races. Advice on diet, trainers, injury, race preperation and anything else you could need to know. If you want to get into running, improve your time or distance or start racing then I'd totally recommend this book.

A wealth of knowledge, 26 Sep 2007
Extremely easy to read providing a wealth of down to earth advice. Indexed to help you to get that advice you are looking for.

Not good value for money!, 27 Nov 2008
The first problem I had with the Runner's World Training diary is that it is shoddily made. The cover is very thin card: this, coupled with the spiral binding, makes for a book that is going to fall apart quite soon. Spiral binding is useful, but it needs a tougher cover.

The second problem is that all the information in the back is taken from books written in the seventies. Yes, I know that the essentials don't really change, but given the vast amounts of research that has happened over the last 30 years, I expected something a little more up-to-date! I do not expect to be told that I should only attempt a half marathon race if I'm running 35 miles a week, or (on another page) 40 mins a day - crazy! I've just run a half marathon on a lot less than that, and got my training schedule from the Runner's World website.

The stretching section lists a few stretches and exercises for injury prevention. Like the rest of the book, it's a bit shonky, with grainy black and white photos of some bloke in 70s nylon slacks doing the stretches. Some of the stretches and exercises are not in line with current advice on preventing back strain.

The dateless format is obviously a good thing as you can start it whenever you like.

It's just really poor value for money. You could easily print off the diary format on the computer or just write it in a more durable notebook. If it's advice you want, stick to using the Runner's World website and magazine. I'm disappointed because I expected something better from Runner's World.

Brilliant, 11 Oct 2008
I am newish to running and although I enjoy it, I have issues with migranes etc. By keeping this training log, I am hoping to see an improvement in my condition and maybe find triggers which I can eventually avoid.

I like this diary because its simple and you can be as complex or as simple as you like (I prefer the latter).

This is a good buy for any runner at any level and I have recommended it on my WW site.

back to basics, 29 Sep 2007
This diary or running log is the sort of "tool" which we have lately lost thanks to such things as computer logs etc. The diary/log is packed with information and enough space to record everthing about your running, training and races. No need to switch on a computer and waste precious time looking at a screen, you can read and re-read what you've done and how you've run while eating your after run snack instead of finding yourself needlessly checking e mails and the like. The sitting down and writing up is almost a cool down in itself with the chance to be as poetic or creative as you want to be; it becomes a journal to hold, to keep and to mull over as the days and years go by; comparing it to computer logs is like comparing running on a treadmill and running outside in the elements, with the sun shining or the rain cooling.. this diary keeps you in touch with the runner you become.

Very good log for tracking your progress, 23 Aug 1999
This is a non-dated (it has no months or dates) spiral-bound notebook with enough space for recording 1 year's worth of entries for tracking your runs. All runners should keep a log of their runs and record such things as weather, distance, pace, day, clothing, route, and general comments with a weekly summary. This book allows you to do that, and also provides you with inspirational phrases and quotes and tips for improving your run and avoiding injuries. Because it's spiral-bound, you can lay it flat on a desk and write with one hand while the other hand holds a banana or sports drink. I've only see one other log that's as good as this one - John Cronin's log book which contains more photos, which aid in positive imaging for those who know sports psychology.

This is my first log and I've been running consistently for 9 months, but only started keeping a log last month. Already I can look back at last month's times and routes and see an improvement. If I didn't have a log, I'd never have picked up on some of the smaller details of my old runs.

Simple, motivating and a fun read!, 05 Jan 2009
A straightforward, simple and motivating book; which really is great fun to read. I have never run in my life although now both my teenage daughter and I have started (after having both looked at the book). We are charting our progress in the charts provided in the book and I am having a huge amount of fun doing something that for 40 years I have avoided like the plague!

Not a great read for serious technical or marathon runners I suspect (as they may probably know a lot of the techniques already); however for the beginner or fairly novice runner I think it is FANTASTIC! Thank you to the authors for their inspiration..I would never have believed it of myself :)

I want to give it SIX stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 20 Dec 2008
I have run a 5k race and have been running for almost a year, however, a dog attack whilst out on a run has shattered my confidence and I havent run for over a month. I have the "Beginner Runners" book which is excellant but being a member of Weight Watchers online, loads of members were recommending this book so I decided to buy it to see if it would help rebuild my confidence.

This book arrived yesterday and I can honestly say that if you want to start running then THIS is the book to buy - the ONLY book!

The format is incredibly friendly and if you dont like huge amounts of text then this is excellant. It is full of true life stories, hints and tips from real people just like me and includes a plan for beginning running and for going on from there.

I have printed my name on the front cover already and have signed the agreement to "get fit" and will be starting now despite the fact that it is Christmas week!

I am also going to purchase copies of this book for friends who want to run but dont have the confidence. I just wished I had ordered this book before so that I could have got more copies as Christmas presents.

If you want to run - BUY THIS BOOK!

Made me breath a sigh of relief. Fantastic book!!, 01 Sep 2008
I've been running for a couple of months now and even tho I was told that running was a case of...well, just running, I always felt a bit out of my depth. Being a very competitive person I thought the best thing was to run till I thought I would die, then try and run harder the next day. In the end, total burnout for me.
As running is a such a natural thing, I didn't think there would be any books on how to do it, but I was amazed at how many there were. Out of all the ones I could have picked, this was by far the best choice. I started reading it and realised that I didn't have to feel bad if I couldn't run a 5 minute mile, and the relief was immense.
This book told me all the basics, clothing, shoes (which I already knew about) and it took me right back to the beginning with an easy to follow programme which even a complete beginner could do. It gave great advice about everything I needed to know without pics of stick thin runners on every page, (guaranteed to make you feel inadequate). Great stories from 'real people' who even started running into there 50's, totally inspirational.
The 60 minute 'run/walk' plan is fantastic, and after my burn out and feeling thorougly awful about my prior poor performance, I was able to run better, stronger and for longer than ever before, the runners rush hit me hard and it was great.
It has progress charts for you to fill in which are great for you to see how your doing and tips and articles which make you want to get your runners on!
A fantastic book, worth every penny.

Buy this! You won't regret it!, 12 Aug 2008
I've been trying to motivate myself to get out and jog in order to get healthier and fitter but haven't been able to. I received this book yesterday and hadn't even got through the first chapter before I was out jogging! It's so user friendly and is really aimed at those - like me - who have very little, or no running experience or those who have had a long break.

The book includes tables/graphs to fill out in order to track your weight loss progress alongside a fill-in plan which allows you to track your progress in terms of sticking to the running schedule and the distance you are running. It really is motivational and fun - I definitely recommend it.

I love this book!, 05 Jun 2008
I bought this on recommendation and have been 100% happy with it - it's full of incredibly useful information both for runners just starting out and for those who've been running for longer - my husband even likes to read bits and he's a hardcore 42 minute 10K runner of a few years now! For me, I am looking to lose weight and get fit and even I can manage to do the programme - it's so easy and I'm actually at the point where I look forward to going out. Really can't praise it enough!

Trust this book and complete your first marathon, 15 Nov 2008
I had never run a marathon before buying this book, I'd never even run a 10km race before and, perhaps more importantly, I hadn't done any serious running (as opposed to a jog once in a while) for 20 years.
I followed the training program in this book to the letter as the things I was reading chapter by chapter, which corresponds to the week-by-week training program in the book, seemed to make perfect sense and I felt myself growing in confidence and ability as I went through the 16-week program. I had achievable goals to complete each week, as well as dietary and recovery advice. The book was also full of little tips that really helped me along the way, things one might never have considered on one's own and it was also full of tales of the experiences of others who had completed the training. I took great comfort in knowing that the things I was experiencing were commonplace and I didn't feel so alone.
On race day, I felt amazingly calm and relaxed, absolutely tranquil in the knowledge that I was ready to run the marathon and that I would, indeed, complete it and so I did. I ran and completed the 2008 Venice Marathon on a beautiful, sunny October day that I will never, ever forget.
I won't even tell you my time, although I never would have believed that I could complete it in the time I did, specifically because perhaps the most valuable tip that gets drummed into you throughout this book is not to think about a time objective for completing the marathon but to simply aim to complete it. Think complete, not compete! It takes so much pressure off you and, thus, the possible performance anxiety that a time objective may cause are no longer an issue. Do that and you've already shattered the first obstacle to your successfully completing your first marathon.
If I can do it, you can too. Trust this book.

Focussed and inspiring for a beginner, 08 Nov 2008
I have just completed the NY Marathon after using this training guide. I originally bought it to aid my mental training but soon became sold to the whole package and followed it fairly carefully. I was a bit sceptical about the potential 'american' stance it might have but must say that I very rarely felt this whilst using the book and only winced once!! You move through it week by week with new objectives and tips. What I really like about it was its accessibilty to a non-runner, it explained all the science in lay-mans terms and allowed me to begin to understand and appreciate the mental and physical impact marathon training would have on my body. The training plan was totally manageable for a working person, and I enjoyed every step. Fully recommended, inspiring and ....it works!!!

does exactly what it says on the tin!, 31 Oct 2008
Ran a marathon - the whole thing! Didn't hit the wall, am planning another one and only used this book. It delivers exactly what it says. Found the diary bits great to fill in training and found that it really prepares you for the marathon. Higly reccomended.

Got 16 Weeks?, 26 Sep 2008
Originally published in 1998, this book has been around awhile and stood the test of time. Who's it for? NORMAL people who have the desire to run and complete a marathon BUT also have other commitments that take up their time such as a family, job, etc. Don't have tons of time to train? This is your book. Need to get together a plan of attack? Keep reading.

The promise of the book is to that you'll be able to run 26.2 miles training just 4 days a week with no runs over 18 miles. It is based on a marathon class offered over the years at the University of Northern Iowa that touts a high success rate for 1st time marathoners. The book accomplishes this goal in sixteen chapters, one for every week of training.

Each chapter is cleanly divided up into 3 parts. Part one deals with the mental aspects of marathon training (which in my opinion is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to marathons), part two lays out the actual training program for the week, and the third part of each chapter contains advice and suggestions from people who have done the course and the program.

The book has a final 17th chapter which gives advice such as what to do after the marathon to make sure you recover well. Finally, the book ends with three appendices- one is a list of marathons to help you pick from, another on research that has been done on the program, and the last one a list of references and resources (always good to have those at hand).

All-in-all its a very COMPLETE book covering everything you can imagine about training for a marathon such as stretches, weight training exercises, nutritional advice, how to dress, and what shoes to wear.

Some practical bits: the 16 week training program does start you out running three miles, so in reality, you can tack on about another month or so of training to the 16 weeks in order to build up to the 3-mile starting point of the program. Along the same lines, pick a marathon that will be held no less than five months from the time you expect to start getting ready. And finally, runners suffering from plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution. Good luck :)

You can run that marathon., 15 Sep 2008
I bought this book to help me train for my first London Marathon at the age of 51. I was a regular but minor runner putting in only 5 to 6 miles per week with my longest run at 3 miles. Overall I was fairly fit, but overweight.

The book is well laid out and easy to follow including a detailed training programme with explanations of exactly what to do and why. It adopts an overall approach to marathon training, explaining how and why you must think as a marathon runner.

I followed the programme religiously, lost significant weight and completed the 26.2 miles at first attempt. No course record, but still a personal best! This book does exactly what the authors claim.

The best. Period., 18 Sep 2008
In my opinion, the goal of this book is to give people who want to compete in triathalons a scientific, self-coached training plan. Does it deliver? Absolutely. The book accomplishes this through six, cleanly divided parts.

Part one, "The self-trained triathlete" is concerned with the "philosophical" basis for methodical training. It deals with things such as attitide and commitment, which are as important to me as the physical training.

Part two, "From lab to real world" talks about the scientific foundation of training and goes into the science and priciples of training (i.e. progressive resistance, periodization, etc.).

Part three, "Training with a purpose" seems to pull together parts one and two in which a system of purposeful training is described. This part will help the reader to determine exactly what their training needs are and the best ways to address them.

Part four, simply titled "Planning" is really the heart of the book. Here the book helps you design your own training plan for a season, week by week.

Part five, "Racing and recovering" takes you through the many details of preparing to race and recovering after. In other words, it gives you info on what to do before and after the actual race. This information is essential as many athletes neglect to recover properly before starting training again for the next race.

Part six, "The competative edge" talks about other supplemental aspects of training that can contribute to peak performance. Here the book covers things such as swimming tips, weight training ex's, eating tips, keeping a training diary, etc. I like to think of this chapter as a kind of "tie up the loose ends" section.

Truly a book that lives up to its name, I can't see many readers coming away from this book without picking up much useful information- from the beginner to the experienced. Athletes with foot pain that interferes with their training might also find The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution helpful too. Happy training!

Excellent book that deserves the title bible! , 02 Sep 2008
I have no experience in the sport but after reading the book and creating my training programme i am already quietly confident about my first years results.
I can only reccomend this from a novice point of view however my reccomendation is to read it cover to cover its a great book and well wort the money.

Great information, great presentation, 13 May 2008
My only regret is not having bought this book earlier.

I've been running for a year and now I want to train for triathlon. I bought this book hoping to find some guidance, and I found much more. This book:

-Focuses on every aspect of training, or as the author says "eating, living, and sleeping triathlon"
-Exposes and explains rigorous yet simple training methods and plans for complete novices or experienced competitors
-Gives tips on running/biking/swimming technique
-Gives specific details regarding ironman triathlon (e.g. specific pre-race nutrition)
-ALWAYS backs arguments up with studies and other forms of evidence
-Has appendices with workout plans, workout journals, yearly workout planning sheets, and more


Furthermore, I found the presentation of the book very enjoyable (easygoing style of writing, many charts/graphics to aid comprehension).


Triathletes Training Bible, 04 Jul 2007
The Triathletes Training Bible 2nd Edition: Joe Friel

Blurb

Coach Joe Friel touts the benefits of creating a scientific, self coached training plan to refine your skills and improve your triathlon performance. You will learn how to train smarter, not harder, and apply proven techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Friel equips you with the know-how to build a personal training plan based on your individual needs and goals for the next racing season. In addition to the physical aspect of training, Friel addresses the importance of mental preparation and training, from attitude to zealousness.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, or training for your first triathlon event, you will find comprehensive information to help you achieve your goals and reach your maximum potential.

My Review

When I first bought this book I had only been in the sport of triathlon for a couple of months. During those months I had been swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, running twice a week and weight training twice a week. My sessions were just endurance based spending say an hour swimming or running or cycling for a couple of hours with the club.
The first thing this book taught me was to make my sessions specific, why I needed speed and endurance sessions and how to tailor them to my goals and needs. I don't do a lot of club training and so being able to turn up at the pool during a public swim session, get in the fast lane and have a challenging and rewarding swim was essential. Before tailoring these sessions training could become boring and monotonous. The inclusion of specific drills and workouts for each sport made a welcome change and my style, especially my stroke in swimming has advanced noticeably.
I always trained with a training plan or diary but I never really knew how to create one properly. The step by step guide in this book has helped me no end and even now I still refer to it at the end of each season to plan the next! Templates are given so the correct format can be obtained for tracking weekly hours, different phases in training, events etc.
Periodization was something I had never employed with my training and again Friel has provided step by step instruction from base to race periods going into detail for each phase as to what workouts should be performed and for how long. Appropriate testing techniques are included to ensure you are always working to your peak potential.
Another section that I found rewarding was that of supplementation and nutrition. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein supplements etc are all discussed in detail explaining why you need them and what they do, not just `You need them!'. The periodisation of a triathletes diet is also discussed detailing fat, carbohydrate and protein intake throughout the season.

Of course there is no equivalent to one on one coaching from a qualified professional. However this book ensures that you understand your sport and why a coach preaches what he/she does. Understanding how to train and prepare yourself to race is essential if you wish to succeed in multisport. The Training Bible will ensure you reach your race at optimum performance. A book I will never throw away!



The Triathletes Training Bible, 23 Jul 2002
This book is excellent for the novice triathlete willing to learn a bit more technical information. The book is well segmented into easily digestible sections. The writer is an experienced coach and world triathlete so gives confidence in his work.

The Runners Handbook, 24 May 2008
'The Runners Handbook' is a comp