best running/training books of all time

Running with Lydiard, by Lydiard/Gilmour

Of all time? Once a Runner. Not really a training book, but does wonders for your motivation.

For a practical guide, especially for a chubby young "starter", you won't find much better than Daniel's Running Formula.

I recently read Matt Fitzgerald's "Brain Training", and "Racing Weight". "Brain Training" looks at factors that involve convincing your brain to let you run faster. "Racing Weight" takes a comprehensive look at how you should approach nutrition. For example, increased training requires more carbs for energy, and protein for muscle repair. And it's important to eat fairly soon after your workout.

I lived in LA, some 20 years ago, but wasn't running much when I lived there, and never with a group. I occasionally run with a group now called "Hash House Harriers". I know there are several (at least 5?) in LA. These groups are more social, than sport, if you're target is to find some drinking friends, or maybe a Mr. Right (or a lot of Mr. Wrongs).

This book has it all. It is a good compliment to Jack Daniel's.

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Marathoning-Peter-Pfitzinger/dp/0736034315

"The Conditioning of Distance Runners" by Tom Osler.

gorney wrote:

"The Conditioning of Distance Runners" by Tom Osler.

This.

gorney wrote:"The Conditioning of Distance Runners" by Tom Osler.

Just a little booklet but HUGE in information. I'd have to agree it doesn't get any better than this one.

Magazines- Running Times. Stay away from Runners World-occasionally there's a good article, but rarely.

"Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard." By Keith Livingstone.

Absolutely great book! The first part of the title made me a little cautious as it made me think it might not be for serious competitive runners, but it is actually directed mainly at competitive runners (although all runners would find it useful)

It is very readable and not boring, and uses the right amount of graphics and explanation to get the points across. Takes a scientific view but isn't wordy, and although based on Lydiard, it does give some information or advice beyond a book by Lydiard would give. It gives a little overview on nutrition and other stuff, but mainly focuses on workout part of training. It also draws some information from others like Daniels.

Also, although great for all runners, it actually focuses much more on middle distance.

lane 8 wrote:

gorney wrote:"The Conditioning of Distance Runners" by Tom Osler.

Just a little booklet but HUGE in information. I'd have to agree it doesn't get any better than this one.

Any idea where I can get a copy of this?

Here is Tom Osler's Web Page:

It has links to an old Runners World reprint of the Pamphlet.

http://www.rowan.edu/open/depts/math/osler/index.htm

How has nobody said "Daniels Running Formula" (by Jack Daniels) yet?

Because daniels is overrated.

About the conditioning for distance runners. I think a remember seeing that he said a weekly training plan of 2, 10, 2, 21, 2, 10, 7 miles in consecutive days was good. That doesnt seem right to me.

agree on osler, also serious runners handbook by osler.

once a runner is awful.

She already has it.

A great book is Ted Jaleta's "Never Give Up".

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=c5cf9653-9b25-46fa-a5e5-408f4b661725

All of George Sheehan's books are good, however, Running and Being combines the best of the physiological and psychological aspects of running. I am sure my friends and family are sick of hearing me quote from it.

"Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession"

http://www.amazon.com/Feet-Clouds-Tale-Fell-Running-Obsession/dp/1845130820/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293235551&sr=1-1

It inspired me to start running up and down mountains.

Liquori's Guide to the Elite Runner by Marty Liquori & John L Parker Jr. Unfortunately, it's kind of hard to come by...

For me, Running With the Buffaloes and A Cold Clear Day