Daniels' Running Formula - 2nd Edition

love it
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!

kindle edition is worthless
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.

Kindle version missing Table 20.1, Program A training Plan
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.

good for competative runners
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.

BEST running book
This is the best running book out there. It has really helped improve my times, after a decade of running. The pace tables and workouts are great!