Runner's World Run Less, Run Faster- Become a Faster, Stronger

Intense and brief training for better running and less wear and tear
If more runners adopted the approach of the FIRST training program, there would be fewer of them breaking down from overuse injuries. This system flies in the face of the 6-days-a-week, ultra-high mileage programs so commonly promoted in recent years. I've used both methods over many years of running; the short, sprint-type running mixed with a longer tempo run here and there, as well as one day a week going long and slow, is far superior to the long slow miles approach day after day. Include one day a week of cross-training (like the book says, a hard session - the cross-training day is not a rest day) and some serious strength training, and you should experience better running with far fewer hours a week. And a lot less chance of repetitive strain injuries like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Great book, highly recommended.

Great Book, Great training
I love how easy this is to follow. The training workouts are fantastic. No complaints. I plan on doing my first marathon in April 2010. I have ran many half marathons but never a full and this books training plan is just what I needed to get there.

Great for a 3 day marathon program
I really liked the basis of this book where you need to do runs 3 times a week over 16 weeks to complete a marathon. Having done 8 marathons and used a lot of milage gets really tough on the body. I followed Hal Higgdon in the past and thats far too much running. I'm using this program to train for the Mumbai Marathon in Jan 2010. All the training in this book is time based and on quality miles. Thats whats critical and they give you a chart to figure out what your predicated finish time is. Happy training.

Good concept but they're trying to sell it too hard
I think the 3 quality run concept (distance,tempo, and speed) is brilliant. So as far as the training advice goes the book is great. I did however find the book annoying to read because the authors felt the need to constantly tell you how great their program is. This is done via a series of annoying testamonials from people who have used the training program with success. Maybe they just need to fill pages so buyers would think they are getting more for their moneys worth. Everytime I came to another section that thanks the authors for their great book, I wanted to put it down. I'm like: "I already bought the book, so stop with the sales pitch!". I also thought their coverage of cross-training (esp. cycling and swimming) was very mediocre. Overall, it is a usefull book but not very well written.

Excellent reading
An excellent guide for runners who wants to increase their performance without the risk of mayor injuries due to a big charge of running and for people recovering from previous injuries. The 3 + 2 program will let you enough time for the family too. If you like running and participating in races from time to time, but you have a tight agenda, this program will help you reach your goals. I started running from "0" on last February and was running 50 to 75 miles per month in order to run a half marathon on last June, where I got a 2:08:01 time at the race, but also got a knee tendinitis after the challenge. Now I'm running less and my speed has improved from 6.21 to 7.5 mile/hour with the 3+2 program. I think I will keep my trainning program for attending 2 or 3 half marathons per year and a few other short races and will do it with the FIRST program. Enjoy the book and happy running!