The Really Big Book on Running

"Lore of Running" by Tim Noakes - a professor of exercise and sports science.
Not sure how I missed this one - It was originally published in 1991. I must have had plenty of other reading material laying around...


With chapter headers like:

• Training the Mind
• Beware of the Selfish Runner's Syndrome
• Running Injuries are not an Act of God

How could I have overlooked it?
(Borrowed from the library - sorry Tim.)

It's like a Bible for runners.

Some of the material subject is outdated – like pages on shoes and apparel. But the physiology and training material is ageless. He gathers rich information from such running dignitaries as Lydiard and Sheehan.
(There is a 4th edition – “Now revised, expanded and updated.”)

I love how he provides a lot of information in lists. Using steps, laws or rules as the format. I'm able to sort through the material quickly.

I highly recommend this book to a beginner runner.

One of the motivating topics I read last night:

Rule #3 Train First for Distance

It stresses the importance of putting your time in and getting a base before you start interval work. He used a quote from Lydiard;

"...humans already have sufficient speed and what they lack is endurance."

So get out there now - slow down and increase that weekly mileage!

----