Describes twenty-four training programs designed for different sports, types of people, and goals

Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training offers prescriptive programming for all levels of runners. Not only will it help you learn how to get started with your training, but it will show you where to focus your attention, when to progress, and how to keep it simple.

Features instructions for runners of all ability levels on preparing for a marathon, including training schedules, advice on diet, defensive running strategies, and tips for staying motivated.

Hal Higdon shows runners of every calibre how to train and run short, popular 5, 8 and 10 kilometre races faster with added information on how to recuperate and stay focused when the going gets rough.

Achieve a personal best at any distance Are you looking for better race times, whether you run 5Ks or marathons? Searching for that ultimate, exhilarating moment when you're running faster than ever before? Or do you just want to have more fun when you run? You can run faster, and this book will show you how. Run Fast is a comprehensive guide for runners of all abilities to improve your speed and achieve a personal best at any distance. Hal Higdon is one of the most experienced and trusted experts in running, and this classic volume is completely revised and updated with new workouts, race distances, and advice for runners of every level. Run Fastspells out a complete program to help you increase your speed, build your endurance, improve your times, and motivate yourself to achieve your running goals. New training plans for novice runners make getting started easy. More experienced runners will discover refreshing workouts that both improve their speed and make training fun. And, if you've taken an exercise break, you'll see how to get back in shape while staying injury free. Packed with stories and tips from coaches, record-holders, and average runners alike, Run Fast is brimming with inspiration. Experience the thrill of better race times, the satisfaction of running strong, and the sheer joy that comes from running faster than ever before.

Finally, runners at all levels can improve their race times while training less, with the revolutionary Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) program. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal and featured twice in six months in cover stories in Runner's World magazine, FIRST's unique training philosophy makes running easier and more accessible, limits overtraining and burnout, and substantially cuts the risk of injury, while producing faster race times. The key feature is the "3 plus 2" program, which each week consists of: -3 quality runs, including track repeats, the tempo run, and the long run, which are designed to work together to improve endurance, lactate-threshold running pace, and leg speed -2 aerobic cross-training workouts, such as swimming, rowing, or pedaling a stationary bike, which are designed to improve endurance while helping to avoid burnout With detailed training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon, plus tips for goal-setting, rest, recovery, injury rehab and prevention, strength training, and nutrition, this program will change the way runners think about and train for competitive races. Amby Burfoot, Runner's World executive editor and Boston Marathon winner, calls the FIRST training program "the most detailed, well-organized, and scientific training program for runners that I have ever seen."