The Self-Coached Runner

by Mark Scheid and Allan Lawrence

Book Overview

Written for the seasoned runner, this book provides day-to-day training schedules for different distances and different levels of ability, as well as presenting theories of coaching and self-coaching.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316516716
• ISBN13: 9780316516716
• Release Date: January 1984
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

One of the best

After trying several books on training, I always come back to this one. Not at all dated but I just wish Al could bring it back into print. This book took me to a 3:18 first marathon and a 29 minute PR a year later. The author is now one of the top prep coaches in Houston.

Tough Workouts That can make you faster

This is a book with a series of planned distance runner workoutsto get you in shape for the time you want to run. If you want to run a 40 minute 10K or a 34 minute 10K, the author has got the workouts for 7 days a week that run for months until you are ready to peak. Lots of track workouts, tempo and distance runs. I got in great shape following the workouts for my goal; however, the workouts are tough. I used to do the workouts for a goal a minute slower than my true goal because the workouts were a little too tough. I think the workouts set for specific times were really keyed to make you faster than the time you were training for. If you want to have a planed training program and run your optimum, this is it.

One of the Best I've Ever Read

I have used this book to enhance my training for 5k to the Marathon. It is easy to use and makes a lot of sense. I have also had the pleasure of getting additional help from Al in person. He is my idea of what a coach should be.

Most comprehensive, readable and directed manual for runners

No matter how much experience you have as a runner, this guide can help you achieve any goal. It is too bad it is out of print; my copy has swelled with rain water from sitting at trackside, been stepped on coming back from workouts, and generally seen more mileage than any of my shoes. Now, if only it would come back into print, I could replace it. The book outlines workout schedules, means to recover from injury, and nearly any other information you might need.

Well-written and concise; a "must-have" for marathoners

Although this book has been out of print for fifteen years, I managed to borrow a copy from a fellow runner. She recommended it to me because it was very down-to-earth and realistic. She was absolutely right. I have been toying with the idea of running a marathon for years, but every guide or book or program that I have tried has always resulted in a loss of interest in running or a nagging injury. This book is different. It is written by experienced runners who have won consecutive NCAA track championship races and worked with a variety of runners of all types. All the training techniques have been tested and proven to work with emphasis in all the key areas of a runner's life, not just running. This book is one of the best kept secrets in the running world. If anyone has a copy they want to give up, I would sure love to have it. The book lists specific running schedules leading up to specific target times for specific race lengths. It also shows how to adjust the running/training schedules to accomodate conflicts without compromising the goal. Happy reading and good luck!