Lore of Running, 4th Edition Paperback – December 3, 2002

I bought this for my grandson after having had a copy for years during my marathon training years. Loved the science parts, very understandable and thorough. Everything you need to know for a good training program.

I started training for a half marathon a few months ago and like everything that I do I totally immerse myself into it. So after buying some books on the various training aspects of running I came across this one. After reading the reviews on Amazon I had to buy it and it did not disappoint. I like how the book starts out with the science and biological aspects of running, for example types of muscle fibers, oxygen transport, running economy, etc. and then moves into more practical aspects of how that will affect your training. I really enjoy reading this book and it has helped me to understand the reasons behind the training modalities. I am now training for a marathon and along with my tempo runs, speed work and long runs, I have included this book in my training regimen as required reading. It's as enjoyable as those easy runs and if you could only own one book on running this would be it.

It's a great book as a reference - or as a read. The other posts have said it all regarding content, of this superb book, so simply: if you are new to running and are interested in a thorough read on running this is the book for sure. If you are experienced this may also be a welcome review, but it may get into unfamiliar and interesting areas if you are keen to understand more of the physiology and cell biology (assuming some advanced runners may lack this knowledge). The training schedules are always fun to flip through as they allow us to add variation, based on sound logic, into our running programs. It's a well composed readable book at a bargain price with a fantastic reputation.Steve Pellerine

For beginning marathoners, this is by NO means a book for you to find your answer to the perfect training (unless you are a marathon runner with an exercise science background). I don't believe Noakes intended this book to be read by a novice runner. The information is simply too overwhelming. Enjoy following a simple training plan and getting nutirition information from your local run specialty store (and let the coaches and running store do all of the reading between the lines)!For coaches and experienced marathoners, this is a great book that summarizes research. At the same time, Noakes doesn't leave out the details of training that are too often thought to be common knowledge such as training apparel.As a college coach, I enjoyed reading this book for the scientific side of running that Noakes can contribute because of his background in exercise science. I simply do not have time to read through individual research publications, as Noakes has done, and then compile the information by subject matter.This book should remain on the shelf for those times when you need a source of reference. The science of running is constantly evolving (and certainly has since the publication of this book). Coaching runners is about trial and error. Coaches must understand that every athlete is going to react to a stimulus differently. Thus, this is a great resource but should NOT be treated as the only source of training for runners in the 10k and up.

Talk about a read and a half. This book has everything you ever wanted to know about running from how to go slow to how to go fast and how to eat while going slow or fast. It also covers going short, long and how to make a workout plan. Ever wondered why muscles cramp? Or how muscles stretch or contract or the effect going down hill has on your quads? Read this book. Be prepared though because this is ALLOT of book, don't expect to knock this thing out in a weekend. It's the source of sources and has all of the information that websites and other books have been parroting for years now.

VERY detailed and explains WHY certain training recommendations are made. I'm a physician and was surprised how technical this book was. If you are not scientifically minded, this is still a great reference, but do not plan to read this cover to cover unless you took a lot of biology in college. I have used this book for help with an injury and the recommendations and explanations seem very sound. If you are merely looking for training schedules, there are other places to find them, but this book has a wide variety of "formulas" for race preparation. For serious runners, this book is a bargain. Probably cheaper and more useful than any running shoes or other equipment you are putting on your wish list.

When I decided to take up long distance running I asked my Ultra Marathon friend for direction. He told me three things: 1) Hire a coach (at least the first 3-6 months), 2) Buy this book and 3) Find a great pair of shoes. I followed his advice to a T and look forward to hitting my first marathon next month. I'll admit the transition period was rough. This book has been my nightly reference tool for guiding me out of common injuries (knees, quad pain, you name it) to translating the information provided to me by my coach. I am still referencing this book (nearly everyday) and place a deep value on its presence on my book shelf.

As a recent graduate from an Exercise Science Master's program, I found this book to be a wonderful table reference and resource for my own training for endurance running. The depth and clarity of the writing make this a consumable read for anyone, though it may be difficult to understand without some exercise science background. It contains structured programing suggestions from everything between a 10 km to ultra marathon race goal. a must have for running coaches and athletes alike.