A sensible, balanced, low-stress approach to running In ALBERTO SALAZAR’S GUIDE TO RUNNING, the three-time New York City marathon winner and former marathon world-record-holder draws on the latest research to show you that a twenty-minute, two-to three-mile run can be just as beneficial as a longer, harder run. He offers a complete year-long program designed to build beginning runners’ weekly distance to a relatively short fifteen to twenty miles. Salazar also points out the many advantages of helping your running program with aerobic and strength-building activities. Interspersed throughout the book you’ll find fascinating and instructive anecdotal sidebars in which Salazar shares the hard-won lessons he’s learned about running, fitness, avoiding injuries, and more. There’s also valuable advice for more experienced runners on trail running, winter training, cross training, and increasing distance.
Alberto Salazar was the premier American marathoner of the early- to mid-80s. After a top-flight career as a distance runner at the University of Oregon, winning 1978 NCAA cross-country race, Salazar made his marathon début at the 1980 New York Marathon. He won the race again in 1981-82, and in 1981 his time of 2-08:13 was thought to be a world marathon record, but after re-measurement, the course was found to be slightly short. Salazar also won the 1982 Boston Marathon in a dramatic duel with Dick Beardsley, called the "Duel in the Sun". On the track he was TAC 10K champion in 1981 and 1983, and on the roads, he won numerous races short of the marathon distance. His attempt at Olympic honors in 1984 was hampered by injury, which also likely prevented him from making the 1988 Olympic Team. In the early 90s, Salazar began running some ultra-distance events and won the 1994 Comrades Marathon in South Africa, over 90 km, (56 miles). Salazar has worked as a consultant to Nike and a personal coach to many distance runners.
A bit outdated when it comes to discussing technology and training methods, considering it was written more than two decades ago, but a good book on running for beginners nevertheless. 3.5 stars!