Rating: 
Summary: The only book for serious marathoners
Review: Advanced Marathoning (AM) by Olympian Pete Pfitzinger and former Running Times editor Scott Douglas is packed with high-value training advice that should benefit every serious runner. AM is not without its problems, but none are serious enough to detract from a work that is well written and philosophically sound.
From the beginning Pfitzinger and Douglas make clear the basis of their views: "Advanced marathoning has to be based on more than common sense and running folklore. Advanced Marathoning, therefore, is based on exercise science." This declaration puts Pfitzinger and Douglas in the camp of exercise physiology, and, quite obviously, separates them from mainstream running authors. It's also a mild reproof of the mainstream and their penchant for ignoring the rapidly expanding world of exercise science.
Squarely on the side of science, AM begins by listing lactate threshold (LT), maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), running economy, glycogen storage, recovery time, and muscle fiber composition as the key physiological variables that govern performance. The authors' claim, quite correctly, that "lactate threshold (LT) is the most important physiological variable for endurance athletes." They go on to say that "Contrary to many runner' beliefs, high levels of lactate (lactic acid) in your muscles aren't what make you sore for several days after a hard effort." Indeed, lactate, once considered metabolic waste, is "...produced by your muscles and is used by your muscles, heart, liver, and kidneys." Since the marathon is run at a speed slightly below LT, marathoners have a vested interest in raising LT. AM tells us how: "The most effective way to improve lactate threshold is to run at your current lactate threshold pace or a few seconds per mile faster, either as one continuous run (tempo run) or as a long interval session at your lactate threshold pace...." It's here that I have to quibble. Tempo runs are good LT workouts, however, recent research (Rusko, Billat, Anderson, and others) indicates that intervals at 3-K to 10-K speed with fairly long recoveries are better. Tempo runs definitely have their place, but not to the exclusion of faster LT sessions.
As for the other key variables, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), not as important as LT and only a rough predictor of performance, is also worth some attention. Pfitzinger and Douglas are right on the money again when they report "The most effective running intensity to improve VO2max is 95% to 100% of VO2max." This speed is normally close to 5-K pace. They wisely recommend work intervals of two to six minutes with rest intervals of equal length or slightly less. This is the standard, scientifically sound VO2max workout. However, it's interesting that velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) is not mentioned as another critical training intensity. Daniels, widely quoted in AM, has much to say about vVO2max, yet AM is silent on the subject. If recent work by Billat is correct, vVO2max could be a training intensity equal in importance to LT. This omission could be due to the long lead-time (sometimes 18 months) in getting a book published. AM may have gone to press before Billat's research was available.
In addition to physiological variables, Pfitzinger and Douglas have plenty to say about shoes, tapering, fluid replacement, nutrition, pre-race activities, post-race recovery, heart rate, periodization and a bevy other topics. They also present three very reasonable training schedules based on low, medium, and high mileage. Their only serious error regards altitude training. AM tells us that "Other than by training at altitude...the hemoglobin concentration of your blood won't increase with training." It should be well understood by now that living at altitude, not training at altitude, confers the benefit--hence the live high/train low protocol. Scores of endurance athletes are training at or near sea level by day and sleeping in hypoxic tents at night. Rusko (1998) has even constructed an altitude house. (See Gamow, Snell, Stine, Poronnet, Rusko, and Levine.)
All things considered, AM is well written, fairly well researched, and aside from an obvious typo in the first sentence of the third paragraph on page 18, also well edited. AM's puny bibliography was slightly disappointing. One would expect several pages of references in a work of this size. Nevertheless, AM is a worthy treatise, unfettered by the "folklore" so popular with the commercial running establishment. I give it a solid four stars and recommend it to every serious marathoner.
Rating: 
Summary: Recommeded Reading for Serious Marathoners
Review: Advanced Marathoning (AM) by Olympian Pete Pfitzinger and former Running Times editor Scott Douglas is packed with high-value training advice that should benefit every serious runner. AM is not without its problems, but none are serious enough to detract from a work that is well written and philosophically sound.From the beginning Pfitzinger and Douglas make clear the basis of their views: "Advanced marathoning has to be based on more than common sense and running folklore. Advanced Marathoning, therefore, is based on exercise science." This declaration puts Pfitzinger and Douglas in the camp of exercise physiology, and, quite obviously, separates them from mainstream running authors. It's also a mild reproof of the mainstream and their penchant for ignoring the rapidly expanding world of exercise science. Squarely on the side of science, AM begins by listing lactate threshold (LT), maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), running economy, glycogen storage, recovery time, and muscle fiber composition as the key physiological variables that govern performance. The authors' claim, quite correctly, that "lactate threshold (LT) is the most important physiological variable for endurance athletes." They go on to say that "Contrary to many runner' beliefs, high levels of lactate (lactic acid) in your muscles aren't what make you sore for several days after a hard effort." Indeed, lactate, once considered metabolic waste, is "...produced by your muscles and is used by your muscles, heart, liver, and kidneys." Since the marathon is run at a speed slightly below LT, marathoners have a vested interest in raising LT. AM tells us how: "The most effective way to improve lactate threshold is to run at your current lactate threshold pace or a few seconds per mile faster, either as one continuous run (tempo run) or as a long interval session at your lactate threshold pace...." It's here that I have to quibble. Tempo runs are good LT workouts, however, recent research (Rusko, Billat, Anderson, and others) indicates that intervals at 3-K to 10-K speed with fairly long recoveries are better. Tempo runs definitely have their place, but not to the exclusion of faster LT sessions. As for the other key variables, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), not as important as LT and only a rough predictor of performance, is also worth some attention. Pfitzinger and Douglas are right on the money again when they report "The most effective running intensity to improve VO2max is 95% to 100% of VO2max." This speed is normally close to 5-K pace. They wisely recommend work intervals of two to six minutes with rest intervals of equal length or slightly less. This is the standard, scientifically sound VO2max workout. However, it's interesting that velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) is not mentioned as another critical training intensity. Daniels, widely quoted in AM, has much to say about vVO2max, yet AM is silent on the subject. If recent work by Billat is correct, vVO2max could be a training intensity equal in importance to LT. This omission could be due to the long lead-time (sometimes 18 months) in getting a book published. AM may have gone to press before Billat's research was available. In addition to physiological variables, Pfitzinger and Douglas have plenty to say about shoes, tapering, fluid replacement, nutrition, pre-race activities, post-race recovery, heart rate, periodization and a bevy other topics. They also present three very reasonable training schedules based on low, medium, and high mileage. Their only serious error regards altitude training. AM tells us that "Other than by training at altitude...the hemoglobin concentration of your blood won't increase with training." It should be well understood by now that living at altitude, not training at altitude, confers the benefit--hence the live high/train low protocol. Scores of endurance athletes are training at or near sea level by day and sleeping in hypoxic tents at night. Rusko (1998) has even constructed an altitude house. (See Gamow, Snell, Stine, Poronnet, Rusko, and Levine.) All things considered, AM is well written, fairly well researched, and aside from an obvious typo in the first sentence of the third paragraph on page 18, also well edited. AM's puny bibliography was slightly disappointing. One would expect several pages of references in a scholarly work of this size. Nevertheless, AM is a worthy treatise, unfettered by the "folklore" so popular with the commercial running establishment. I give it a solid four stars and recommend it to every serious marathoner.
Rating:
Summary: Best Gift From a Friend
Review: Before reading this book, I was able to get my marathon time to the 3:10 range. A friend of mine gave me this book and I took the time to really read through it. It was easy to understand and it gave an excellent breakdown of the training cycles, nutrition, and physiology. If nothing else, the training programs are easy to follow, and they work. You can easily finda program that will meet your time and work demands. I've followed a couple of different programs religiously, and I have taken my time down to 2:48, not bad for a 40 year old. Bottom line is this really works!
Rating:
Summary: From 3:14 to 2:54, now looking for sub 2:50
Review: From an "off the couch" 3:14 in 2000 to a dnf in 2001 that marked both my inexperience and my enthusiasm (heat exhaustion in mi. 26) to a 2:54 this year, this book has made the difference. I bought it after the dnf and decided to train not only diligently, but also intelligently. Following the schedules will nearly allow you to predict your time or, better said, to set realistic goals. What makes them easier to follow is the fact that they give you the logic behind the logging of these many, many miles of training. This book is not magic. No book should claim that. There is no secret beyond consistent, hard work. But, gee whiz, it's good to have the help of these guys who has done so much homework for you. Can't say enough. So, I'll stop.
Rating:
Summary: On my way to Boston
Review: I had one goal when I purchased this book...to qualify for the Boston marathon. Before purchasing this book I had no running schedule, no plan, and no benchmarks to measure my progress. I relied mostly on input from well-meaning fellow runners. Every training run felt like a race and I always felt tired and without confidence. Subsequently my first two marathons were both failures. I bought this book in September of 2003 with the plan of running Dallas White Rock in December for another attempt to qualify. I can not compare the book to others since it is my only book, but I thought it was a well organized, informative and even motivating. I read it from cover to cover and then referred back frequently during my training. I did not follow the included running schedules to a tee, but instead used them as a basis and followed the spirit of them. For the first time I actually had confidence in my training and felt like I was making progress. The most important thing I learned was the importance of the long SLOW run. This concept as well as the importance of recovery were critical to the success of my training. I just finished running White Rock and I am extremely happy to say that I qualified for Boston. It wasn't easy, but without the balanced training I learned from this book it would never have happened.
Rating:
Summary: On my way to Boston
Review: I had one goal when I purchased this book...to qualify for the Boston marathon. Before purchasing this book I had no running schedule, no plan, and no benchmarks to measure my progress. I relied mostly on input from well-meaning fellow runners. Every training run felt like a race and I always felt tired and without confidence. Subsequently my first two marathons were both failures. I bought this book in September of 2003 with the plan of running Dallas White Rock in December for another attempt to qualify. I can not compare the book to others since it is my only book, but I thought it was a well organized, informative and even motivating. I read it from cover to cover and then referred back frequently during my training. I did not follow the included running schedules to a tee, but instead used them as a basis and followed the spirit of them. For the first time I actually had confidence in my training and felt like I was making progress. The most important thing I learned was the importance of the long SLOW run. This concept as well as the importance of recovery were critical to the success of my training. I just finished running White Rock and I am extremely happy to say that I qualified for Boston. It wasn't easy, but without the balanced training I learned from this book it would never have happened.
Rating:
Summary: Exceeded My Expectations In Every Way
Review: I have done three marathons over the last 15 years. I'm not what I would call a "marathoner", but I've always enjoyed the challenge and reward of the distance. Unfortunately, I've never enjoyed much success at the distance. I've never felt like I was properly prepared and my marathons showed it. My finishes have always been weak and my times, in the 3:40 to 4:10 range, have been disappointing. With a 4th attempt at a marathon coming up this June, I purchased this book in the hopes that I could finally turn in a good marathon and qualify for the Boston Marathon. This book has exceeded my expectations in every way. Every chapter is full of information and examples of things I've either failed to do in the past, done that I shouldn't have, or done at the wrong level of intensity. Exercise physiology, rather than running lore or other worthless information, packs each chapter. The authors do a wonderful job of explaining what happens to your body when you do things right and when you do things wrong. You come away not only understanding what you should do, but why you should do it. You learn why various types of running help and why those same types can take away from your goals if done improperly or at the wrong time/level. You also get an entire book that focuses on running 26.2 miles, meaning that you don't have to skim through chapters on the 5K, 10K, or other distances to pick out the information that is meaningful to you. Along these same lines, the authors talk about why certain types of training that are very useful for runners in other distances really shouldn't be a focus in your marathon preparation (and, of course, why they shouldn't). The book covers various types of running workouts, nutrition, hydration, recovery, race tactics, running economy, and training schedules. For the various workouts, it does a wonderful job of explaining each type of workout, what it does to aid you in achieving your goal marathon, and why. I actually considered waiting until after my marathon in June, just so I could expound the virtues of this book with concrete evidence that what it has to say works, but I just couldn't wait. If you're at all interested in going from an average marathoner to an advanced marathoner, this is the book you need. I've read the entire thing in about a week (which is saying something for me) and plan to begin reading it again today, just to make myself a "cheat sheet" this time of the many things in the book that loudly spoke to me. Of the 5 books I've owned on preparing for the marathon, this is the best one by far!
Rating:
Summary: complete training for serious marathoners
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious about improving his/her marathon times. I liked the detailed physiological information and the varied training programs. I have used two of his training schedules (the 50-70 miles/wk 24-week, and the over70miles/week 24-week program) and PRed in the marathon after each. They are not easy or for beginners, so if you haven't run at least one marathon yet this isn't for you. If your only goal is to finish, these training schedules aren't for you either. My only criticism would be an overabundance of long runs in the 70+ schedule, but you have to tailor the schedules to what your body can handle. Great resource.
Rating:
Summary: Great personal trainer
Review: My job makes running at a club impossible, so I had been looking for other ways to train. Earlier this year, I found this book and after reading it, I was very confident in its methods. I finished my first marathon in 3.12, then went to 2.57, 249 and 2.43. I just finished my 6th marathon yesterday (Berlin), which was the first I ran with this book as my personal trainer, and I shaved another 5 and a half minutes off my personal best: 2.38. I have reached this progress in the last 3 months (my fastest half marathon was 1.21 in may!), and broke my personal best on the 10K a few weeks ago, and almost my personal best for the half marathon on my way to the marathon yesterday! During it all, I felt great, confident, and in control: I perfectly knew my possibilities thanks to the schedules in this book. They not only make you train hard, they also give you a lot of feedback of how capable you are, and which goals are realistic. Thus, even though I was running very fast during the first half, I always rested assured that I would be able to maintain that pace. I am going to give the book as a gift to a friend who wants to improve her results, and I can recommend it to anyone wanting serious improvements, and also wanting to know WHY he/she is doing WHAT while training.
Rating:
Summary: A good technical book
Review: One of the better marathon books I have read. It has detailed schedules for low milage to high milage runners. The sidebar stories about famous runners make a good read. It gets kind of technical when it talks about how to compute VO2 max, maximum heart rate, Lactate Threshold, and the different training zones you should run in. This book pretty much covers it all
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