Daniels' Running Formula - 2nd Edition
by Jack Daniels
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Book Reviews of Daniels' Running Formula - 2nd Edition
Book Review: Best running book I've read
Summary: 5 Stars
I've run two marathon's in the past, but I'm certainly no expert on running. I've started to read quite a few books on running recently, because as I get older I find that I need more "help". I need to train a lot smarter. I found this book to be absolutely the single most useful book that I have read so far. It explains pace zones and VO2max very well, and explains when and why and how much you need to train in those various zones. In addition, the training tables I find quite useful for setting paces on workouts that I am not familiar with. Beyond those topics, the book is really set up for a high school or college runner, with training programs oriented around a single season. As an older runner, I found those sections quite informative but not particularly applicable in the end. There are better books out there that are more 10k and marathon and year round training specific. But, those books in no way take away from this book. In fact, I think this book is an excellent primer for understanding why other training programs are set up the way they are. If I had to have only one running book, it would be this one.Book Review: A solid guide
Summary: 4 Stars
Daniels does a good job explaining all of his different ideas: the 4 (sometimes 5) phases in a training cycle, his different intensities (easy, moderate/marathon pace, interval, rep, f pace), and includes some very detailed training programs. He has general training programs, as well as programs for the 800, 800/1500, 1500/3000, cross, 5k-15k, and three marathon programs. Throughout the book he does a good job explaining everything and though at some points it can be "scientific", nothing is over the top and can be understood by probably just about anyone. He also includes helpful sections on topics such as overtraining, supplemental training, what to do during unplanned and planned breaks from running, and race preparation. Overall this is a very thoughtful, well laid out book. However, as Daniels himself says, this is just one approach to training and while he does include detailed programs, it is best to pull ideas out of the book that work for you- you cant just superimpose all of his training ideas onto your own running plan.Book Review: The Next Step
Summary: 5 Stars
I would recommend this book to those who are ready to take the next step in training and get more serious about running. As noted in other reviews, this is not the book for a beginner or those seeking motivation. The good news is that you don't have to be a fast runner, just someone who is willing to improve and work hard at it. The book teaches you how to design a training program taylored to your ability and also gives you some scientific background to suport the author's formula. It is not an easy read, particularly the discussions on the science, but it is structured in a very logical and concise manner. It is meant to provide the blue print for a runner to design his or her own running program. I think it is well settled in the running community that JD's training methods work. Go to any running website, and discussions of JD's formula or similar formulas abound. Of course, JD's running formula may not be the best training method for you, but the principles discussed in the book are a must read for any serious runner.Book Review: Excellent book but for the novice or beginner
Summary: 4 Stars
I think Dr. Daniels does a fine job of explaining the purpose of each of the exercises. His explanations of the physiological and metabolic changes that each specific run and intensity is trying to accomplish is helpful for people without a medical backround. However, he definitely slants the book towards collegiate and elite level athletes. As a novice runner, I found a lot of this irrelevant. I won't be running 6-7 days a week with a wife, two small children, and a busy career. I think for the bulk of Americans who run, we run for health and fun rather than to win titles and prizes. I think there are probably 300-500 people in the USA who can really follow his top training plan. For a book with less science explanation and a more realistic training schedule, try Run Less, Run Faster by Pierce , Murr and Moss. It does touch on some of the science but nearly as in depth but I found that it was more applicable to the average American's schedule.Book Review: Great training advice
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book for runners who are serious about their training. Daniels' training principles are based on solid research, and his presentation of them makes them easy to apply for runners of practically any level and ability. He answers one of the most common questions about training, namely "how fast should I run for this session?" Based on your own race performances, you can use the VDOT tables to find the proper pace for intervals, treshold/tempo runs, long runs etc. Training at the proper intensity is important to get maximum benefits from your efforts. For instance, running intervals too hard (as some runners tend to do) is detrimental to recovery and heightens the risk of injuries.
No running book is perfect, but Daniels' Running Formula is the best in this genre that I've read so far.