Runner's World Guide to Road Racing: Run Your First (or Fastest) 5-K, 10-K, Half-Marathon, or Marathon

by Katie McDonald Neitz

Runner’s World senior editor Katie Neitz has compiled the best tips and techniques on training, pace, nutrition, injury rehabilitation and prevention, and every other detail that will lead to peak performance.

In sections devoted to each of the four races, the book lays out the insider secrets of the pros in concise, user-friendly format, including:

Distance-specific training programs

Eating plans

Tips for hydration

Race-day strategies

Pacing recommendations

Advice on achieving the optimal mental state for competition

Providing level-specific techniques and strategies for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners, both competitive and recreational, this is a no-nonsense, fluff-free guide that will quickly become the road racer’s bible.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2008

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book informative
I kind of wish the plan calendar could have been explained a bit better but all in all great read

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally fall prey to exercise and diet books, but I'm seriously thinking about buying this one. It's helped enormously with my training and I'm already seeing results in my speed and distance because of following their program. I don't know if I'd recommend this to a totally green runner, but if you've got a few miles under your belt and are wondering how to better yourself, this will give you some direction.

[Kasey Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great little beginner's guide. It's nothing world-shaking and you can find all of this information on the internet, but it's all good stuff. I like reference books and how-to guides, and this is a solid one.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been running for 5 months and have done roughly 5 races. The beginning of this book was OK but then had a lot of great information. Anyone just starting running/racing this is a great book. Some items made me sad like the Boston Marathon talk and lance Armstrong.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good guide. I refer to it often!

[Ajh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good section on nutrition.

[Michelle Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I followed a modified version of the 5K training plan and got my first PR in three years, so that's something! I'm modifying their marathon training plan for NYC this fall - we'll see!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info.. Glad I read it.

[Kim Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivate me! What a great book for a person who wants to tackle being a runner. I'm all over and are enjoying the training guide for the upcoming 5k I'm going to be running.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great training plans! And has good nutrition tips. I would recommend this book to any runner no matter your running level.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine resource for beginners, but I was disappointed that it didn't offer me much in the way of new knowledge.

[Denver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for runners who have competed in a small race and are ready to up the level of intensity. Great descriptions of training methods.

[Daniel haris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's motivated me!