Best book for a hobby jogger?

Lore of Running, Noakes.

read it wrote:

Lore of Running, Noakes.

Interestingly enough, I was tempted to end my post with "Obviously the Lore of Running" by Noakes is a leading candidate..."

Justin91 wrote:

I'd love to see my friends get in a 60 to 75 minute long run once a week, do some hills to get stronger, and some strides and interval work to get faster (even if it's just "run fast for thirty seconds at the start of every song". I think that's pretty realistic on their schedule, but they need the structure.

And they'd like to see you shut your pie hole.

man behind the curtain wrote:

And they'd like to see you shut your pie hole.

That's a reasonable inference, but I've gained a (small) amount of wisdom over the years and don't lecture people about what to do to run faster. That's part of the reason why I'm looking for a book. Put the tools in their hands without the lecturing about the "real way" to run.

"The Self Coached Runner" by Al Lawrence gives specific 10 week training plans for 10k-10mile-marathon for every level from 2:30-3:30 for the marathon.

Very simple book. An older one, came out around 1985.

Run Strong, Kevin Beck.

Born to Run duh

"This Running Life" and/or "Personal Best" by Dr. George Sheehan

Both are great reads.

I always liked Better Runs by Joe Henderson.

Also, Running to Win by Dr. George Sheehan is excellent.

Bill Rodgers has a good one also, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running, 3rd edition by Bill Rodgers and Scott Douglas.

break it up wrote:

"The Self Coached Runner" by Al Lawrence gives specific 10 week training plans for 10k-10mile-marathon for every level from 2:30-3:30 for the marathon.

Very simple book. An older one, came out around 1985.

+1

There's a great paragraph in there about tactical racers and their, "chameleon like ways". Also, the ten mile training plans are rare.

Give them a copy of Daniels and see if you can get them to bite.

coach d wrote:

Give them a copy of Daniels and see if you can get them to bite.

That is the best probably. Whatever your level. If I was a novice I would love to have a guide like that based on a current fitness formula to give a specific workout every day.

I preferred the training in the Al Lawrence book personally. Most hobby runners probably don't have the discipline or motivation to strictly follow Daniels program.

I'm not saying most will have the discipline to strictly follow VDOT and such, at least not initially.

What I'm saying is to "go fishing." If you can pique their interest, maybe you get them hooked.

The worst thing that can happen is they don't take the bait.

start by googling Frank Shorter training, then get a subscription to Running Times magazine. You will learn something new every month.

Lore of Running is fine, but most people will quit around page 10 (discussion of troponin complex, actin, myosin, etc.

coach d wrote:

Give them a copy of Daniels and see if you can get them to bite.

Another vote for Daniels. It's written in an easy to understand language that's as palatable to the newbie as it is to the experienced.

chicken soup for the soul: runners

although this book does not address those topics directly....i think they would like the short stories in it.

Jon Ulm wrote:

Bill Rodgers has a good one also, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running, 3rd edition by Bill Rodgers and Scott Douglas.

+1

Born Baby wrote:

Born to Run duh

I know that was supposed to be a joke but really for people who don't want to run fast there can be a big motivation issue. I would honestly recommend more books focused on general running and inspiration like Dean Karnazes.

To answer your question..."Best book for a hobby jogger?"

" The Hobby Jogger" book?