Run Fast: How to Beat Your Best Time Every Time

I was very pleased with Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, so I thought I would see what else Hal Higdon had available. Having no clue how to incorporate speedwork into my training, I decided that Run Fast would be a good choice. (I'm hoping for a serious PR at my second-ever marathon.) This book is exactly what I needed! I decided to read from cover-to-cover, rather than skipping around. This is the kind of book that you read slowly - I often find myself underling things, flagging tables or paragraphs, taking notes, and re-reading various sections. Hal's advice is legit - he backs up his statements with direct input from exercise physiologists (interviews, quotes, research data, etc). In fact, I would almost say that various researchers contributed as much scientific data as Hal contributed his personal and coaching expertise! To me, having that expert input is extremely important; other books on speedwork are little more than one elite runner sharing what worked for him/herself, because he/she is a successful runner and is assumed to be an expert on training others. I haven't "officially" started training for my next marathon, as I still have about 8 months to go. However, I'm using the info from Run Fast to get myself organized in advance. I'm making notations on my training plan (from Hal's website) so that I can make one low mileage run a speed workout each week. I'm paying attention to my heart rate zones, to be sure I'm running at the appropriate level of effort. And, most importantly, I've revised my thinking about what a "run" really is (hint: it's not just Point A to Point B).

First, some introductory information to put my review into perspective. I've been running for about 14 months consistently. During that time, I've completed two 10K's, two half marathons, and one full marathon. I followed training plans for each half and full marathon that I completed. I'm about half way through this book at the time of writing this review. Given my running experience, I've still found this book to be very insightful. Most basic training schedules you'll find online just dictate distances, or times, and don't provide any information about intensity or other training variables and and methodologies such as interval training, fartlek, and junk miles. Hal Higdon goes into detail about the importance of V02 Max, Lactate Threshold, Max BPM, and other training metrics that, once understood and observed, can make a good runner a great runner. He specifically discusses how to train to enhance each of these measures to make you a better runner overall. I've recently started to study "Periodization Training," and this is the same concept. I also like how Hal discusses common conceptions in the running world, and gives his opinion about them. The truth is, most cliche's are applicable in some situations, but not others. Hal put's a lot of those things into context. Again, I'm not finished with the book, but it's helped me to understand the many variables that contribute to becoming a better runner, given my intermediate understanding of running.

Great version of the book, lots of usefull info. Training plans and heart rate explained. Has helped me decrease my time.

Good comprehensive read and covers most aspects of running on a base level. Not a very technical book, which may be a plus for some runners. He offers a lifetime of experience and personal stories. In summary, good starter book for runners with many helpful tips how to approach running faster. I enjoyed it and will refer back to it from time to time.

Very good book a enjoyed reading it and I learned much from it, it gives you a schedule for all level runners from 5k to 15k, this book gives you all the basic knowledge you need to progress your running, the writer have the ability to make you enjoy reading the book and ease the information to you, I highly recommend this book.

I am a novice runner and lack the time commitment to become an athlete. This book showed me how to make the most out of my training time. Before reading this book at my 1st 1/2 marathon I felt like there was cinder blocks tied to my legs. Now when I run it's more enjoyable. Two weeks after reading this book I've been able to take 5 minutes off my usual route.

Very informative and actually not to hard to read, which is surprising for a book on running. The author is an expert on the subject.

Great easy to read book, gives real life examples and clear instructions on how to run the plans. I've been running for 25 years, and still find bits of info in books like this. Never stop learning!

This book draws on a vast variety of Athletes & Coaches to ensure you get the most for this book

It is a great book. Covering everything from 5 km to the marathon and not over doing it. Looking forward to implementing speed into my training plan.

I recomend this book for both novice and intermediate level runners. It explains the the scope of various training sessions in detail and the correct way to train, which helped me change the way I trained to the better (i.e. do interval training almost reaching exhaustion, which I now know is wrong). Another strong point is that Hidgon makes many references to other coaches and scientist to support his views.

Very thorough look at various factors that go into becoming a better/faster runner. A lot of accumulated wisdom on form, technique, workouts, strategies etc.

Product is bit old and bit damaged.