Running Periodization. Training Theories to Run Faster

by Jason R. Karp

How do you know the precise combination and best order of workouts that will enable you to run faster? How do you know the right time to do another workout after doing a workout on Tuesday? How do you individualize training for runners of different strengths, weaknesses, adaptive abilities, developmental ages, and time frames?

Sometimes, you need to break the rules.

In the groundbreaking book, Running Periodization: Training Theories to Run Faster, exercise physiologist, coach, and bestselling author Jason Karp, PhD, explains a variety of training theories using theoretical and historical frameworks, scientific research, and documented empirical evidence from the world's best runners to discover how to optimally train.

The book shows runners and coaches how to design training programs using several periodized approaches, including linear periodization, reverse linear periodization, block periodization, and undulating periodization, as well as how to periodize training for high school and college runners, strength training, and even a woman's menstrual cycle.

Running Periodization will make you a world-class training strategist and the best runner you can be.

Genres: Sports

214 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of technical information and analyzation of studies regarding running performance. Though in the end there are so many unknowns and variables making it so there are a lot of different ways to do things, especially when taking into account experience, age, sex, training goals, etc. I think the main takeaways were to make sure your recovery runs are not too fast to prevent recovery, and he seemed to think corrective exercises and lightweight high-rep weightlifting was useless, except in using it to build up to heavier lifting and to target specific weaknesses ;) I appreciated that it included info on women's menstrual cycles and how that affects training. The narratives at the end of each chapter where he reenacted a coaching session with a "wide eyed" female athlete are at best corny at worst borderline creepy.

[Nikole Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I wanted to learn more about program designs for runners. This book was very informative, and I gained more knowledge on periodization. Also, I’ve read books and heard conversation about how runners should be discussing the menstrual cycle in their training. This was the first book I have read that actually digs into how it affects running.

The only con I have with this book is his chapter on strength training. There is plenty of research out there that actually sheds light on the benefits of strength training for runners. Not only that, but Karp does contradit himself quite a bit in this chapter. Still read to learn, but do take his advice with a grain of salt.