5 comments about Daniels' Running Formula - 2nd Edition.

1. This is a really good resource for competative runners, especially if they are self coached. It really covers what you need to know with respect to training. It is not a book for beginning runners, and it does not cover gear, injurys etc. in detail. Some caveats. Some of the most important statements in the book are not emphasized adequately. Daniels is a first rate coach with years of experience. He makes statements to the effect that different runners respond differently to different types of training. To an extent, it seems obvious, but the book presents training regimens and times, without adequately pointing out that these are suggestions, and you may have to work out what works best for you. I found that I responded better to slightly longer and slower long intervals than he recommends in his book. I tried his recommendations, and found I was more tired and sore, and most importantly my racing times went up or were flat. He clearly points out both that training has to be individualized, and that the bottom line (race time/place) is the bottom line. But I think he overemphasizes the science, such as it is, and underemphasizes his own knowlege of coaching. (I also strongly agree with his recommendations concerning younger runners.) Also, the training theory he discusses is not as clearly proven as you might think: we are still discovering new issues with respect to lactic acid, for example. To a certain extent, it doesn't matter: the training principles work, even if the underlying theory is less certain. Overall it is one of the best guides out there to give an overview of training for competative runners. Some modest changes in organization and emphasis would make it a five start book. Buy it, use it, read and re read it anyway.



2. This is not a review as much as a warning for anyone thinking of buying the Kindle version instead of hard copy. I would avoid it.
   
   In the 2005 Edition of the book, Program A is the marathon training program for runners who want a typical approach. Probably covers 80% of target readers. The Table describing the entire 24 week training plan is simply missing from the ebook. The Elite Plan, Table 20.2, is there. But Table 20.1, referenced several times in the text, is not. I have a feeling that it is extremely unlikely this is the only thing missing. As a general rule, when I find one major mistake right off the bat, there are many others close behind. But I'm cutting my losses with this one omission.
   
   The Program A training schedule is the sole reason I purchased the Kindle edition, to supplement my older hard copy Edition 1 (where I followed Program C). So I give the Kindle Edition two stars. I would rate the hard copy book five stars but that's another story.



3. i have the kindle dx version. alot of charts have been left out that text refers to. print version is the way to go. kindle edition is worthless.



4. I am so excited about this second edition! I am not a really gifted runner, but I have lots of desire. Jack Daniels has taught me how to use my ability at its highest level. With his help I cut 15 minutes off my last marathon and now, after just having a baby I can't wait to start using it again.
   
   I am especially excited about this new edition and the new training plans that are just for increasing your speed and fitness level, not just training for a race. I can't wait to get back in shape and there is no one I trust to help me more than Jack!



5. If you want to take your running to a new higher level, this is the coach and the book you need to read and follow. Dr. Daniels' is one of the best running coaches in the world

5 comments about Runner's World Runner's Diet: The Ultimate Eating Plan That Will Make Every Runner (and Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter (Runners World).

1. I am only halfway through this book, it is easy to read, gives runners realistic goals, and how to go about it. I would recommend this book to any runner, skinny or overweight-because even the skinny ones are more than likely eating the wrong things for their body!



2. This is a "how to lose weight" book and not a book about what runners should eat for optimal performance. So I think that most people are buying this book expecting something else.
   
   Also, this book is overly simple. For example, she says that a mile always burns 100 calories not matter what. I know that a runner's speed does not significantly alter calories per mile burned. But I do not believe that a 200 pound man burns that same number of calories as a 100 pound woman. I think that the author ignored facts in favor of simplicity.
   
   If you are a walker or a novice runner interested in a weight loss book then you might get something out of this book. But if you are a runner looking for performance, this is not the book for you.



3. There are some good food suggestions, but what they ask you to do is unrealistic. There's no way to calculate the percentage of carbs, protein and fats accurately.



4. It was ok not that great. I expected something different, like a book to tell me what to eat not just another book on proteins, and carbs.



5. i agree with the other runners that say this book is not good for experienced runners. before i get started on my rant, let me tell you that if you are looking for a book on the best nutrition for runners, i highly recommend Nancy Clark's "Sports Nutrition Guidebook". It's the real deal...I wish I had just bought that in the first place instead of wasting my money on this crap. my biggest beef is not the 50/25/25 split of carbs to proteins to fat, but it does not mention anywhere in the book the best way to achieve this perfect split. the author says it's not important to count calories religiously, making it sound like her plan is so easy. but from what i can gather, it really is much more tedious. the only way i can assume you would figure out the 50/25/25 split(again, because the book does not mention this, so i'm having to figure it out on my own) is that not only do you need to count calories, but grams of carbs, proteins, and fats, then multiply those numbers by 4 (carbs and proteins) or 9 (fat) and then break them down in to percentages. yeah, it's not as easy as she would like it to be. did i miss something in the book? does she explain an easier way? OH! AND she also claims several times that carbohydrates are NOT biologically necessary for the body! What a load of crap. I am really disappointed that Runner's World selected this author to represent them for a book on nutrition. it's also really annoying that the book is titled "the runner's diet" when it's really for runners and walkers. i am not a walker and really do not want to be grouped with walkers. but everywhere in the book, anytime the word running is mentioned, it's followed by "or walking". the book is from runner's world magazine....not walker's world. anyway - this book is really nothing special at all. i do not recommend it, just get Nancy Clark's books instead.

5 comments about The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training.

1. I was excited to read this book but was disappointed when most of the book is about complaining. It was NOT motivational and as a beginner runner I was not eager to keep training. If you're looking for someone to complain with about running and training then this is a good book, otherwise I do not recommend it. It will leave you deflated and uninspired.



2. I am not an avid reader, with that being said, when I purchase a book I want it to capture my attention. Especially a book about training for running a marathon. Most books on this subject looked to be boring- not this one. I found this book to be informative while humorous. I can really relate to what she is writing. If you are looking for a bunch of technical terms and want to learn the science of your body and how to be a better runner, this book may not be for you. But if you are the ordinary person that thinks you are crazy enough to want to train for a marathon, but want to have fun doing it, then this is the book for you.



3. this book prepared me for the unexpected insecurities of running a marathon with the bonus of lots of laughter



4. This book was definitely funny and an easy read. Motivating, though? Not so much. After the 47th time hearing about her horrible, aching kneecaps and how much pain it was and how horrible training was and how much she hated it... Well, I wasn't so interested in a marathon (which should be the entire basis of the book, to motivate you to run a marathon!). It's a very good thing I was well on my way with my half marathon training when I read this book, otherwise I would've scrapped the whole thing altogether!
   
   There were _several_ points that made me laugh out loud, and a couple pages I marked because they were worth rereading! But the thing that really disappointed me was that she actually advocated looking up your symptoms/aches/pains/injuries on the internet and self-diagnosing/treating!! Now, I know we ALL do it, but I just found it completely irresponsible of her and her publisher to actually TELL you to do that, where they should have been saying "SAVE YOURSELF A POTENTIALLY GREATER INJURY: GO TO A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL!!!" The act of publishing the book immediately made her somewhat of an "expert" and NO expert should EVER suggest just looking it up on the internet!
   
   With that said, it was worth my reading as an already established runner. It was an enjoyable (for the most part) read, but definitely not something I would actually recommend to new runners or those that don't already have a solid support-group of other experienced runners around them that are willing to help motivate.



5. Another reviewer said this book was too full of whingeing to be motivational (paraphrased) but I've found exactly the opposite. Dawn's honest and frankly unbelievable journey, as well as her sardonic and humorous style conveying it, makes for an interesting and motivating read. You definitely get the key message loud and clear: if SHE can run a marathon, ANYONE can! (Sorry Dawn!)
   
   I find reading a few pages of this in the morning makes me want to get out there and run, although she does talk less about the actual *running* part (somehow she magically transforms from a complete beginner to talking about a 16 mile run - for anyone with limited experience I can imagine this is a wee bit intimidating).
   
   I would definitely advise getting a couple of other 'professional coach' style running books and ideally joining a local training group/course rather than following Dawn's book alone - but it's a great and much-needed lighter companion to what can be fairly dour and dense articles on the actual process.
   
   If, like me, you struggle a bit with motivation (especially before the sun rises on a rainy day), I recommend this book. Dawn also writes frankly about her personal motivation for the marathon, which has made me realise I need to find my own reasons for running one as well, and strengthen my convictions around them so I have no excuses!

5 comments about Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff.

1. I could have saved over $1500 in doctor and physical therapy bills had I read this book after the first Dr visit. If you have shoulder pain, please don't hesitate, buy this book! I now have an immense respect for Jim Johnson.
   
   After 5 months of little progress, I finally found this book and about 6 weeks later I'm back to all my normal sports, full tilt.
   
   The research on strength building and stretching in general was mind blowing! Wow, how could this information be so hidden? Unfortunately, too many people profit from non-health.
   
   JJ will show you the absolute fastest and most efficient way to fix your shoulder. By all means, get several opinions before getting surgery. Both doctors left surgery on the table when my tear was very minor.
   
   Yes, they do not want you to read this book!
   
   Jim, if you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are a great man.
   
   P.S. Even if you never had any back issues, buy his back book. After you build up core strength in your back (2 minutes, 3 times a week, yes, really) then you only need to do it once a week to maintain that strength. And no stretching needed. A small price to pay to avoid back pain.



2. Unlike another critical reviewer here, I think that there is great benefit to understanding how your rotator cuff works before detailing exercises for strengthening it. To this aim, Wikipedia can help greatly. If you can't seem to grasp the information on Wikipedia, maybe this book would be a good bet.
   
   However, I, for one, didn't care for having to sort through pages substance-anemic content to cherry-pick the useful bits; it took me a day to review what I should have been able to glean in one hour.
   
   For example, do I need, in my book on rotator cuffs, to read three pages about how a randomized controlled trial works? IF I don't already know, then I can look it up. Or put it in a glossary; that's what glossaries are for. Do I need to read wordy, precise details of each study? Cite the study, describe the outcome, and be done with it. _Maybe_ put the details in an appendix; either way, I can look it up later if I like. Do I need constant repetition, reminding, and teaching that appears to be geared toward a child? If you read each of these critiques thinking, "that's exactly what I need!" then you won't be disappointed.
   
   "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" is not a cheap book, and there honestly isn't a whole lot of content. It _does_ contain some useful information, but getting to this information with the limited table of contents, without section references, with no table of diagrams, with random pointless tangents, and with NO INDEX, can be frustrating.



3. I BOUGHT THIS TO HELP ME WITH SHOULDER PAIN FROM TOO MUCH SQUASH THE BOOK IS FULL OF GREAT EXERCISES AND I WAS ENCOUAGED TO USE IT MORE AND MORE WITH THE EXERCISES AND SOME MASSAGE THERAPY I WAS BACK ON THE SQUASH COURT WITHIN 8 WEEKS I FOUND IT EASY TO READ AND VERY HELPFUL I SUGGEST ANYONE WHO USES IT WITH MASSAGE THERAPY WILL HAVE POSITIVE RESULTS



4. This book gives great insight as to the working of the shoulder,as well as all of the connecting tissues. This is not written on such a level that you will not understand the text, it is clear cut with direct ideas, that will save you having to go to a rehab center and pay big bucks to learn. I would suggest buying this book if you ever had a shoulder injury.



5. A thousand thank yous to Mr. Johnson for being one of the very few self-help-book authors to base all of his recommendations on well-designed scientific studies. On this point alone, Mr. Johnson's book stands head-and-shoulders above nearly all others of its ilk. A job very-well done!
   The next reason that I really like this book is that it only takes a few minutes per day to do the exercises. Yes, folks, rehabilitating your shoulders can really be done without needing to place the rest of your life on hold to make time for endless physical-therapy visits and countless mind-numbingly-boring exercises. While the exercises are still mind-numbingly-boring, you can finish them up well before your favorite news program has finished its coverage of the war in Afghanistan and moved on to the war in Iraq!
   And are the exercises in the book effective? I have to admit that as soon as I realized that they were based on actual scientific evidence, my placebo response went into full swing, and my shoulders felt better before I had even started the exercises!
   However, I've now been doing the exercises for around three months, long-enough for the placebo response to wear off, and my shoulders have definitely improved. The trick for me is to be consistent and do the exercises as specified. I found that it helped to read the book a second time, because I had missed and forgotten important details.
   I highly recommend this book!

5 comments about Your First Triathlon.

1. This book was absolutely invaluable in getting myself ready for my first triathlon. The book went into every detail to expect in getting ready for and running in your first tri. I would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in challenging themselves to a great sport.



2. This is a perfect beginners guide to Triathlon and I am looking forward to seeing how the training tips and schedules are going to work for me as I begin training.
   
   I recommend this as a great beginners resource that can carry over to intermediate level as well.



3. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering training for a Triathlon. It has everything you need to know from the first step up to race day. Nutritition, training, equipment, check list for race day, etc.... You name it, this book has it.



4. I bought two books that were aimed at first-time Triathlon entrants, and while this book might have fewer diagrams or photos, it is by far the better of the two books. I would categorize this as more of a "how-to" book than a diary, and while you might want to read some other biographical accounts of first-timers, make sure you read this so you know what you should be doing to get ready! The author writes in very clear and precise language, and you feel that you are very well prepared to train using his advice. I particularly enjoyed the nutrition information which was much clearer than in the "other" book.



5. this is an outstanding book that i would recommened to anybody just started out in triathlons. lots of good info for newbies

5 comments about The Runner's Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know--And Then Some.

1. Mark Remy is hysterical. If you enjoy his columns, you will love this quick read. Good gift idea for any runner.



2. This was a gift for my father, who is a serious runner -- this book was a great, light-hearted book about running. It's a mix of guidebook/rules/humor/personal experience that any runner can relate to.



3. This book is worth the read for all runners. You'll chuckle here and there. It is mostly common sense and the rest are nonsense. Either way, it's a quick read. :)



4. I gave this book to my Aunt for Christmas, and she absolutely loved it. I saw her a week after I had given it to her and she had not only read the whole thing but sticky noted pages that she had to read to me because they were so funny, true, and just good. Earlier in the year my aunt and I had run a Half Marathon together (my first, her 3rd) so I thought this book would be a great way to remember our race together, and turns out it was the perfect gift. I recommend this book to every running enthusiast, it highlights the truths and greatnesses of all running experiences!



5. This book is an excellent book for any type of runner. The book has a great sense of humor. Every time I head out for a run I always connect to one of the author's rule. The book is an easy read and would provide for a great gift. Although the book doesn't really speak about techniques I would still recommend this book. The Runner's Rule Book is a witty yet practical guide to all the unspoken rules of running. The only con is I wish it was longer than 166 pages it was an entertaining read. Lastly, he just makes you feel good about being a runner.

5 comments about Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes.

1. Nice base information, i always find somthing new every time i get a chance to stop and read.



2. As a relative newcomer to endurance racing this has become my de-facto reference text. I've read the book cover to cover and highly recommend that you do so as well. Unlike the hundreds of training or nutrition fad books out there, Monique Ryan focuses on the fundamentals of nutrition, hydration, and the physiology of your body. For the first time, I can finally connect the dots between the nutrition discoveries I've made along the way while experimenting with my own diet, and even more importantly, I now understand why they worked. Likewise for hydration, supplements and recovery.
   
   A must read if you are serious about any endurance sport, and best of all, it is a very well written book that you can read from start to finish without any prior knowledge on the subject. Highly recommended.



3. I'm a distance a runner and I care about my nutrition, but what I don't care about is the inner science behind it. What I wanted was a reference guide to tell me what foods I should eat with maybe a BRIEF explanation why I should care to eat it. I don't want chapters and chapters of food sciences! Just tell me, eat X, Y, and Z, which will help you with A, B, and C with regards to distance running or any endurance sport. I don't want to know about lipids, amino acids, blah blah blah. If I was a food science expert, it would make sense to me but since I'm not, I feel like I'm reading through my college textbook.
   
   I did enjoy the tables in most of the chapters where certain foods were listed in order of how much of a particular ingredient they had (e.g. Omega-3, protein, carbs, etc). If the entire book was just a bunch of those tables along with one or two paragraphs of why those are good for you, I would've enjoyed reading this book much more. Instead, I had to put it down after about 1/3 of the way.



4. it was in great conditions and was quickly delivered. all I expect when buying a book. thanks!



5. Overall, a fairly useful book that a novice in the area like myself was able to learn from.

5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. This book includes many of the basic mental concepts discussed in sports: staying positive, etc. Although there were some helpful tips, it was a task to sort through the excessive name dropping. As an athlete, I don't need to know the names of everyone the author has ever helped. I assume, since I am buying and reading the book, that I will at least somewhat trust what is being said and that I will be willing to try it myself. If you need the 150/224 pages of professional athlete anecdotes, then this book is for you. If, like most athletes, you don't have time to sit and read fluff, find another book.



2. I am an 1,90 and 120kg marathon runner. When I announced that I intend to run a marathon the reactions varied from amusement to worry that I will not survive. That might have been the case if I wouldn't have had THIS book. It made all the difference in the world. Maybe half of the training time was "mind gym".
   The result? Not only I have finished alive but I made quite a good time (3h44). This performance changed not my weight (I am still 120kg) but my self-image. I know now that the only limits are in my head. I changed. A lot. From the introvertit obese to the cocky, confident obese :) I fired my boss. Actually, the company fired him for mobbing. I got a fat settlement. I switched careers. I took one sabbatical year and focused on learning trading. Here, again, the "Mind gym" made a huge difference. I become profitable and then ... very profitable. I don't own a Porsche but I am free (of worries, schedules, bosses)
   
   If you intend to buy only one book for the next year: BUY THIS ONE !!



3. Pretty good book if you need some general motivation... The author knows the topic and gives some good examples, but doesn't really get into specific actions to help resolve issues. Also, alot of baseball and golf examples, I found it hard to relate it to the sports I am involved in. Tons of great quotes, etc to get you amped.



4. This book is tough to review because people have different expectations with sport psychology books. If you are looking for a neatly organized system of beliefs, principles, and exercises to begin applying to your game tomorrow this might not be the book for you. Maybe you should check out With Winning In Mind or 10-Minute Mental Toughness? With that said, I loved this book. Once you start it you might not be able to put it down. Its a motivational book that weaves sports psychology principles into stories to illustrate the importance of each principle. This book inspired me to write down an effective system of beliefs and checklists I can go through before a game. The important part is the system and beliefs are mine.



5. This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a bit and I have beaten players that I have never beaten before. When things go wrong I use the techniques in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to take the next step. This is one of those books that you will read more than once and make notes of certain chapters.

5 comments about Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books).

1. I have been running for just over a year and am a "newbie" in many ways. I have read a few other books on running but liked this one because it is tailored to female runners. With an overview of running, from nutrition to running injury free, I have found this book to be an asset.



2. I was looking for a book written about running specially for women. I am just starting to pick up running and I wanted to be aware of anything as a woman I should look out for. This book reviews everything from training schedules, to food, to even what you should wear. I think as I grow in my training needs with book will also be a handy reference.



3. This book is ideal for beginning runners. It's broken up into easy-to-read sections, allowing you to pick though it at your own pace. There are chapters on everything from the history of women's running, to diet, stretching and training schedules for every length of race, at every level. There are even sections that break down how running will affect you at different ages, as well as when you are pregnant. Overall, a fun and informative book - I would definitely recommend it. Anyone who likes this, but is looking for something a little more light-hearted should try The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training.



4. This was a gift for my daughter. She read this and another book on women's running I gave her, in two days. She says both were excellent and both quite different. She loved both and rates this book very, highly for the experienced runner, which she is, as well as for serious beginers. She says this book will go on her shelf as a valued reference.



5. I became a runner later in life and started running because it is inexpensive and convenient. I have been an intermediate runner for the last 4 years and have completed 2 half-marathons. Last year I hit a rut and lost my motivation to run. I enjoy the feeling of running consistently and needed something to help me get back into running again. This book provides a good background on women and running, and has helped me understand that we all go through our peaks and valleys with our training. The chapters that cover walking to jogging and jogging to running has reminded me of the fundamentals that I need to get back into a consistent running schedule.

5 comments about The Triathlete's Training Bible.

1. This is a great book for anyone wanting to get serious with triathlons or multisport events. Very comprehensive and references the latest scientific research and links this to practical training advice. Very fact based.



2. This is a big textbook for triathlon. The author seems very knowledgeable and experienced and there is a lot of detail in the book. I found most of the book to be too technical for a recreational triathlete like myself.



3. I bought this book because I was completing my first triathlon (done) and heard that this was a great book for triathletes. Its a big text - almost like a phone book, and the content is similarly weighty. There were some bits here and there that I found accessible and useful (but struggled to find them again buried between reams of complicated schedules). The author is no doubt knowledgeable but I think that this is more for a coach or someone who really likes a lot of rules and structure - for example the general training plans are centered around periods broken into "Pre Base 1 2 3 Build 1 2 Prep Race Tran", each with variable mixes of "endurance force speed muscular-endurance anaerobic-endurance power testing" - do we really need this level of complexity? I'll stick with something a little more relaxed.



4. This book is great for beginner & coach alike. It's simple to follow, and is especially good at helping you create your program for the year. I use it to help coach others. Get this one!



5. This is a detailed and substantial guide, with a lot of information that you can use for training. There is also of examples of training programs.