Runner's World Guide to Road Racing: Run Your First (or Fastest) 5-K, 10-K, Half-Marathon, or Marathon

I bought this book because I am preparing for a fall marathon (my third), and I have twice fallen short of my goal of breaking 5 hours. Runner's World magazine recently ran an article about how to reach your marathon time goal, and they profiled a runner very similar to myself. I contacted this runner and she told me that she was using the plan on page 63 of this book for her race this fall. I bought a copy and am planning to do the same thing myself. This book is loaded with great information for all distances from the 5K to the marathon. I feel, however, that it falls short in leaving some questions unanswered, particularly regarding training paces. For instance, in weeks 8 and 9 of the intermediate marathon plan, there are two runs marked "4 x 1 mile", but it gives no indication of what pace to use. On most other runs, the pace is clearly defined. Another place where I feel the book falls short is on defining the pace for the long run, but I finally found that information much further along in the book. It seems that the book has some information divided up by the type of race and level of runner, but other information is somewhat universal, and there isn't a clear distinction between the two. I think a person will have to refer to other resources in order to get a complete picture of the training plan, which is what I have done. Incidentally, I did try to contact the author at her [...] address, and she did not reply to my message. I will be trying again soon, as the runs with no pace are approaching in about two weeks.

After running one lengthy race following the schedule they put out, I decided to do something different for an upcoming half marathon I'd like to run. Received info on this book and decided to check reviews and then purchase. Very glad I did! It's been a great resource for me. I've referred back to it many times and I'm sure that will continue. Although I may have read some of the info formerly in Runner's World, I've found it very helpful to have it all compiled into one book.

Everything you need to get started or improve your running skills in one place. Includes helpful instructions, motivation, nutrition advice and beneficial cross training tips. Enjoyable read, especially for the beginner runner.

I just wanted to let you know that your book is awesome. It has so much information in it, in one place. Usually I have to one thing here and go to another website for something else. But this book has tons of information all in one place, so it is great and a time saver! Also some of the stuff I notice while browsing through the book I don't remember seeing in books before. I have ran other races (5K, 10K, and 5 milers), but this spring I am training for my first half marathon (LV Half Marathon & helping to put it together with the LVRR) this book will be a great resource for me and other races to come. Thank you so much!