Run with the Champions: Training Programs and Secrets of America's 50 Greatest Runners

by Marc Bloom

Book Overview

In "Run with the Champions," award-winning running writer Marc Bloom feeds the voracious appetite of America's growing running population in two ways: by creating a unique system to objectively rank... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579542905
• ISBN13: 9781579542900
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: Harmony/Rodale
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Look at Best US Distance Runners: Bio/Workouts

This book surpassed my expecations because it not only masses the best all time U.S. distance runners of both sexes but Bloom does not just give you the workouts but includes compact and effective biographies on each runner that I found the most interesting of all. The fact that Frank Shorter was fair runner in his private HS years but later won the NCAA 10,000 meters is quite amazing and of course so are his marathon medals as well. Bill Rogers virtually borrow gear to get appropriately outfitted for a race (Pre sent him a pair of shoes he still has) and then runs his first 2:09 while stopping to tie his shoe (Bloom didn't mention that Rogers often stopped to drink water). Everyone remembers Jim Ryun but what about Billy Mills the great cinderella story gold medalist of the 64 Olymmpics and asthmatic Bob Schull who also wins in 64 in the 5000. Well both are covered extremely well and Schul wonders like Bloom where the top runners are of today (soccer suggests Bloom). Great personal nuggets of information plus a bit of where are they now in four pages on each athlete. The women are well represented with Doris Brown, the great miler and 800 runner Jan Merrill, Francie Laraeu, Pattie Catalano (2:27 marathon), Joan Bennoit and Mary Slaney. What's great about this book is that Bloom gives you a career look in the few pages he has on each athelete with their PR's and dates and locations along with their greatest acheivements, times, records and victories and touches of ther personal life (Schul's wife was his workout timer). For example both Slaney and Laraeu were well known milers and 1500 specialists but late in their careers both Francie Laraeu and Mary Decker Slaney ran excellent 10ks both qualifying for the Olympics late in their careers. Listed at the end of each chapter is a week out of one of their workouts during their peak period such as Frank Shorter doing intervals on the track with only 50 yards of rest just before the Olympics. Bill Rogers running almost 30 miles a day for over 200 miles a week. Mary Slaney and her impressive track workouts and Pre running 30 second 220s with a 40 second 220 (jog?) for two miles at an overall 9:20 pace. The book also includes recent stars like Bob Kennedy, Suzie Hamilton and Regina Jacobs (now shrouded in controversy). The hardest part of the book is the rating system, outside the top 30, Bloom lists an honorable mention section but a few deserving folk seem to be missing. Bloom graciously invites you to submit anyone missed on email such as where is Rick Wolhoter the mid 70's dominate 800 meter specialist and later 1500 runner? He's the other guy that fell down in the heats at Munich. And can you believe that Rogers and Shorter still put in over 50 miles a week? If you follow U.S. distance running this is the book. Bloom also has an intro that sounds like "Where have all the U. S. distance runners gone?" He'll give you his best answer.

The Inside Training Techniqes Of 50 Top Runners

One of the best books on the training methods of runners I have ever read. The author gives the training methods of 50 great runners. This book is to the point and very informative. One of the best books (if not the best) book on training routines for runners that I have found. Buy it, you won't be disapointed.

This one is a must-have

One thing stands out as you review each featured runner's favorite training program. No two are alike - something to keep in mind as you develop your own program. What works for one person is not necessarily going to work for someone else. You'll also find that a few of the training routines show a great deal of creativity. This is one book you'll refer back to often, if for nothing else the inspiration it provides.

Great book for runners and track fans

I've read many running books and this is quite possibly my favorite one. Reading all of the tidbits about these great runners of the past is still great fun months after I first bought the book. I urge you, don't read the book cover to cover when you first get it. Instead, just flip through it. That way, you can enjoy reading interesting tidbits months after you originally buy it. There are still runners whose bios I haven't read yet, which makes it much more fun to read.If you are a serious runner or a serious track fan, you definitely want to get this book. It's truly excellent.