Lore of Running, 4th Edition

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.

I like the author because he thinks out of the box. This was a little dry but all good info,

At just under 1000 pages, I'm probably one of the relative few to have made it all the way through this, which was dubbed something other than "Lore" of Running by my wife, watching me drag it around for weeks. And it was a trek about as dry as a Badwater 100. There are a few exceptions, but this tends to be sterile and obsessive overall almost to the point of morbidity. While it does contain at least points for consideration, much of it, in areas where the writer does not consider himself an expert, often repeats dogma on general topics which is no longer considered valid in the years since the publication date (2001). It is overwhelmingly concerned with the pure ego involvement of competitive running, referring constantly to "elite" runners, as opposed to the rest of us. The few subjective moments come along like awkward flat notes in an otherwise merely lifeless performance. On the plus side, the writer cannot be considered less than objective and is unlikely to be promoting commercial interests under the cloak of "science". And as readers of my books can attest, I do not place science on quite so high a pedestal. It does contain information useful to be aware of, but is primarily for techies who must have every aspect of something submitted to minute scientific scrutiny before they will acknowledge knowing anything. His other book on running, Waterlogged, was much more relevant.

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.

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.

How to review Tim Noakes' classic? A scientist above all, backed by his medical and sporting education, this makes his superbly-organized and wonderfully researched tome invaluable. It is the research-supported findings, mostly clearly presented, which hold the real value of this dense book. The physiology of running, the detail of all the bodily functions made clear and placed in the context of the history of the sport, makes for a really interesting read. Superb science, objective and thoroughly documented, this volume should be on the shelf of anyone who jogs, runs or sprints on track or trail.

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.

THIS IS NOT A TRAINING MANUAL! I just said what is most important about this book. It will not tell you straight away and in a few words how to train. It will tell you in excruciating detail EVERYTHING about the LORE of running. A lot of pages are devoted to things that only vaguely have to do with training, like biographies of well know runners and their training schedules, some from the beginning of the 20th century or before (hence the title: LORE of running!). You will see a lot of pages the Kenyans, clothing, shoes, famous marathons etc.Now, if you love running AND reading, this is the book for you! If you spend a lot of your time reading about running in magazines and over the internet, you are in the right place. The book is well written, informative, somber and scientific. It is a reference textbook for runners. The best of its kind!

I bought this as a gift for a seasoned runnner who was very pleased with it. Highly recommend

All you need to know .... in one place

The bible for each runner. Lots of information, science, and incredible job done by Tim Noakes.When you need refresh your knowledge, always keep this book on hand and browse.Perfect timing to read is before start running as I did it as well.Prompt delivery and packaging was in excellent condition.

Think of this book more like a reference guide for runners ... really good for dipping in and out of or looking up specific issues. It's not the kind of book that I'd sit down and read cover to cover as it's quite heavy going, but really excellent material and useful for a quick consultation.