The Competitive Runner's Handbook

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Customer Reviews:

• 
  2001-11-23
  Covers most aspects of running to satisfy both the beginner and the serious club athlete. All chapters are relevant and easy to read but the most useful I find are the concepts behind speed training, the schedules which cover a variety of distances, psychological tips and the nutrition sections. I run all distances from 5k to ultras (sometimes for fun, sometimes competitively), I am self coached and I own 5 other running books but I always refer back to this book. It was useful to me when I was a beginner (the first edition) and it is still useful to me now after 18 years of running.
  
  
• 
  2004-06-23
  By ,
  This is the one. Being a naturally cautious boy, I initially bought the Runner's Handbook. This one is a considerable improvement - it repeats much that is in the original; however, unless you're the kind of runner who can't manage more than a run down the end of the road, you should ditch the first book in favour of the Competitive ... It has all the useful information contained in the previous version, and then a lot more that will help you move up a level, whether you're low or mid-intermediate. Any higher than that (ie if you're looking at sub-40 minute 10kms, etc.) and I suspect you already know what you're doing and you're not looking to buy a book like this, although you may find some useful tips. Stretching, injury, different programs for different distances and different types of runners; ideas on how to run on various types of terrain; in different weather conditions. It's all there, and not only are the sub-chapters there to answer any question you might have but, most importantly, it's well written and intelligently done. There is very little filler in this book. There are very few annoying Americanisms and little wasted space - every chapter serves a purpose, is well constructed and leaves you with a bit idea of what you're trying to achieve. A great buy amidst the wealth of running books available.
  
  
• 
  2006-11-16
  By Tina Dickinson, Leeds UK
  I have been running for 3 1/2 years now and this is still my favorite book. I have purchased and sold many on the way but I still go back to this book and would like a hardbacked version as mine is getting a bit tatty.
  Covers everything.
  
  
• 
  2007-10-03
  By Dr. R. J. Swindells, Warwickshire, UK
  This book goes into lots of detail on all aspects of running, but always remains readable and interesting. I've recently qualified as a Personal Trainer and find a lot of running books are too basic, but I'm learning lots from this, particularly on what actually works at a practical level. At the same time, jargon is minimal, things are explained clearly and the many questions I've had about my own running potential are answered. This is so useful to be able to set myself realistic challenges when I've really had no idea before what I'm capable of. There's just so much covered and so much useful information that I've struggled to find anywhere else.
  
  
• 
  2008-01-31
  By G. Battison, UK
  I guess it depends what you like in a running book, but I find Glover's style verbose. The tips & techniques are in here, but they tend to be buried in a wealth of guff. If you want a book that says "Here's what you do - get on with it!" then try Beck's Run Strong. But if you like a long, meandering fireside chat, liberally interspersed with anecdotes and tangents, but the odd useful tip every now and again, then go for this one.
  This book would suit those comparatively new to running in organised events. Like a previous reviewer, I think that if you are already an experienced competitive runner then there is little this book can tell you. Do you really need to be reminded to pack your race number ... ?
  The lack of photos or drawings to illustrate stretches is just plain stupid. Also, Glover advises changing your footstrike to improve running economy which, apart from being a sure-fire recipe for injury, research has shown makes no real difference to race times.
  Finally, it's written in 'American', which is not necessarily a bad thing in itself, but you'll need to understand feet, yards, pints & quarts to get the most out of it. And the tediously repetitive references to Central Park ...