Lore of Running, 4th Edition
by Timothy Noakes
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Book Reviews of Lore of Running, 4th Edition
Book Review: For enthusiasts only
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading the 900-page Lore of Running, there is probably no need to read any other how-to books on running because you will have heard it before. Like a steep uphill at the beginning of your run, Noakes starts off with how muscles work, oxygen transport, energy systems. The chapters are lengthy with many charts and graphs. The prose is like a medical textbook.
I might have organized the book differently. Chapters on staying injury free and running & your health are near the end of the book. I would have put that near the beginning. But one does not have to read the book in sequence.
This is not a good introductory book to running, but as was mentioned by other reviewers, a great reference or read for coaches or anyone else with a more in-depth interest.
Like the late great Ed McMahon would say, "EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about running is in this book".
Book Review: Comprehensive Overview of Running, but with Noakes' specific views as well.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a broad, sweeping view of running, primarily from the marathon and up. Noakes covers history, physiology, current runners, ethnographic issues, and several other topics. It is very readable and each chapter is well edited, so that it can stand alone.
Noakes own views also comes through - over-training did in Bedford and Hill. My only comment is that over-training does in every runner, but perhaps this is the cost of burning brighter rahter than longer.
There are several other subjects that can be lumped into all the other various purveyors of training thought - Hadd, Lydiard, Daniels, Canova. They are all directly or indirectly addressed here.
This is the ONLY comprehensive text touching on virtually the entire spectrum of issues surrounding running which I have found. Noakes has his opinions, but this in no way detracts from this fine read.
Book Review: Finally...
Summary: 5 Stars
... A book that comprehensively covers the physiology and biochemistry of running. The volume is exceptionally well written, also a first for a book about the science and theory of running. There are some issues with redundancy and some parts of the book that seem a little out of place (training plans to Walk/Run a 5k?). I think if the reader is interested in this level of detail, that they have most likely been running for some time. Some reviewers complain about the long chapter on the history of great runners. The book is, however, called the "Lore" of running - not the 'science of running.' I found that particular chapter to be especially motivating, personally. As the tagline suggests, this book is a MUST for the serious runner or coach.Book Review: A great reference or a great read
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a great book as a reference - or as a read. The other posts have said it all regarding content, of this superb book, so simply: if you are new to running and are interested in a thorough read on running this is the book for sure. If you are experienced this may also be a welcome review, but it may get into unfamiliar and interesting areas if you are keen to understand more of the physiology and cell biology (assuming some advanced runners may lack this knowledge). The training schedules are always fun to flip through as they allow us to add variation, based on sound logic, into our running programs. It's a well composed readable book at a bargain price with a fantastic reputation.
Steve Pellerine
Book Review: Lore of Running
Summary: 5 Stars
VERY detailed and explains WHY certain training recommendations are made. I'm a physician and was surprised how technical this book was. If you are not scientifically minded, this is still a great reference, but do not plan to read this cover to cover unless you took a lot of biology in college. I have used this book for help with an injury and the recommendations and explanations seem very sound. If you are merely looking for training schedules, there are other places to find them, but this book has a wide variety of "formulas" for race preparation. For serious runners, this book is a bargain. Probably cheaper and more useful than any running shoes or other equipment you are putting on your wish list.