12 replies to this topic

[adr1an]

I'm now a solid 48hrs post-first marathon and am thinking about what I can do to improve the next one.

I ran Sydney in 3:32 following a program from "Brain Training for Runners" by Matt Fitzgerald. I ran a fairly low volume unfortunately. For example I only hit one 300km month. I'd love to be able to get to a 100+k a week level, I have had a tendency to break after big (for me) consecutive weeks.

So far I've narrowed the list down to the following: Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger, Daniels' Running Formula and Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard by Keith Livingstone based on what I've heard/read here and around the place.

I'm 32 and been running seriously for about 12 months, before that I was more gym fit I guess. I enjoy the physiology aspects of training, but also like being told what to do and when. The marathon is my main goal because I don't have a great amount of natural speed, but I'd like to hit the track sometime anyway - which draws me more towards Livingstone and Daniels.

I am wanting to pick one so I don't confuse the hell out of myself (and because I'm a bit tight with money), so if you have recommend one of these which would it be?

thanks!

Adrian

[BlueZed]

Hi Adrian,
Why not stick to Brain Training for Runners?  Perhaps you can increase your TPL?
Congratulations on the 3:32.

[adr1an]

BlueZed, on 20 September 2011 - 06:14 PM, said:

Hi Adrian,
Why not stick to Brain Training for Runners?  Perhaps you can increase your TPL?
Congratulations on the 3:32.

Cheers BlueZed!

I think I'm looking for something different to do, add to the library and I also want to have a look at some of the 'big name' training books.

I moved up the TPL through the year, look forward to hearing more.

Edited by adr1an, 21 September 2011 - 08:11 PM.

[BlueZed]

Well not as technically advanced as Brain Training but I really find "The Competitive Runner's Handbook" by Bob Glover very useful. I have only been running for 2.5 years and this Handbook has all the hints and advice in a handy guide.   Performance Nutrition for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald is great.   I have ordered Mastering the Marathon ... but it is yet to arrive.  Cheers for now,  Craig

[Biscuitman]

As a resource to guide marathon training specifically I don't think you can go past Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas.  Daniels Running Formula is a great book for all distances.

I have used Advanced Marathoning as the cornerstone of my training for all my marathons (5) and have gone from 3.11 in my first three years ago to 2.49 in my most recent.

I strongly recommend it - make sure you get the 2nd edition as ths schedules are slightly tweaked with more marathon pace segments in long runs for specific endurance.

Good luck.

[lactatehead]

adr1an, on 20 September 2011 - 06:03 PM, said:

I ran a fairly low volume unfortunately. For example I only hit one 300km month. I'd love to be able to get to a 100+k a week level, I have had a tendency to break after big (for me) consecutive weeks.

If you are interested in significantly upping your mileage and training off a higher base of volume you should read one of Arthur Lydiard`s books. The build up to a marathon takes much longer because he advocates months of just aerobic running before you begin your marathon build up. I have seen people make massive gains from following his type of training so it is worth a read.

[Action]

Biscuitman, on 21 September 2011 - 03:56 PM, said:

As a resource to guide marathon training specifically I don't think you can go past Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger and Douglas. ...

+1. Great resource and it caters for various weekly kms.

[Bellthorpe]

lactatehead, on 21 September 2011 - 04:44 PM, said:

If you are interested in significantly upping your mileage and training off a higher base of volume you should read one of Arthur Lydiard`s books. The build up to a marathon takes much longer because he advocates months of just aerobic running before you begin your marathon build up. I have seen people make massive gains from following his type of training so it is worth a read.

So from his shortlist, that would make it 'Healthy Intelligent Training', which is an excellent exposition of Lydiard's methods.

[adr1an]

Would that be your recommendation too Bellthorpe?

[Bellthorpe]

If you had to buy one book, it would indeed.

Don't forget, you can always get others, such as Noakes, from the library, extend them a few times, and take notes.

[adr1an]

Thanks for the reminder about the good old library system Bellthorpe. As a uni student I remembered I had access to every uni library in australia.

Just searched for all three books and ordered them in. Problem solved - if I like one in particular then I'll purchase later.

[Jimboy]

lactatehead, on 21 September 2011 - 04:44 PM, said:

If you are interested in significantly upping your mileage and training off a higher base of volume you should read one of Arthur Lydiard`s books. The build up to a marathon takes much longer because he advocates months of just aerobic running before you begin your marathon build up. I have seen people make massive gains from following his type of training so it is worth a read.

I agree.Having read them all and many more I would say that you can't get better than following Lydiard principles.A lot of peoples'problem with his teachings is that they lack the PATIENCE to follow them properly.I know that I did,much to my now misgiving.
I did,as a coach,follow them fairly closely for m/d and l/d athletes,certainly in the use of his periodisation methods.
Keith Livingstone's book is a good read,wanders a bit off track bit off track now and then
but easy to follow.If you want another read of Lydiard type 'principles' for marathon,get onto the Glenhuntly A.C website and read the writings of Chris Wardlaw,Monners coach.
Daniels book is useful if you have trouble doing simple arithmetic tables.I notice that Keith L. uses a version of his tables in one book section.
Incidentally,if you are breaking down stringing together a few weeks of increased kms then you are possibly doing it too hard.Rest is the most under-rated and misused part of training of some runners,its use can pay great dividends.

[FitzCameron]

if eBooks count, then Marius Bakkens 100 day marathon is good- not too technical, unfortunately it is a dodgy looking website but, that aside, as a former middle distance at World Champ level and qualified doctor he brings an interesting twist using Kenyan and Italian training methods.

You can also pose him questions and he gets back to you in a day or two.  I'm using it for my 3rd marathon and I have to say it's really good.  I'm no speed machine, but he does have plans that go down to 2.45 hours.

FC