Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training by Hal, Higdon
Published by Human Kinetics on April 1st 2016
Genres: Running & Jogging, Sports & Recreation
Pages: 208
Goodreads
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.
As most everyone knows, because a doctor told me I’d never run again, I ran 14 half marathons in 2014 (bringing my then total of half marathons to 28). So that being said, I have to say that basically everyone who runs knows who Hal Higdon is and further, I’d bet that most runners actually know his methods. When I saw he had a book available, I was pretty excited to get a copy.
The book, Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training is actually geared toward people who have never completed a half marathon before, or for people who aren’t regular runners. In fact, as I read the book I noticed that the first few of chapters deal with buying gear, getting your motivation together and the different kinds of runs. Those first chapters also discuss why and how to run, which are questions an avid runner clearly knows.
The training plans are awesome – I have used them in the past and was familiar with the novice and intermediate plans. I knew the advanced plan exists, although I’ve never accepted that challenge myself. Because the book is perfect for newbies, I knew just after the first few chapters that I would be gifting this book to a dear friend of mine who has decided to join me next May for the Cleveland Rite Aid Half Marathon. She read the book and applied the tools. According to recent posts, she’s rocking 10 miles on long runs already! Proof that Hal Higdon’s plans really work!!
I love that Mr. Higdon offers a variety of 15 customizable training plans and I also love how he explains adapting them or starting your own. He also explains a little of the science behind the options and further, he explains the “why” and “what” you should be doing. The lesson of the book is very clear too – consistency is the number one priority when it comes to training for a half marathon, regardless of your experience level.
I would recommend this to somebody who has never run a half marathon before who needs some clear direction, motivation and inspiration on how to achieve their goal! It also serves as a great “refresher course” to seasoned runners, reminding them to keep their focus on motivation and training.
HAL HIGDON has contributed to Runner’s World for longer than any other writer. An article by Hal appeared in that publication’s second issue in 1966. Author of more than 36 books, including the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Rodale, 2011), 4:09:43: Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners (Human Kinetics, 2014), and RunFast (Rodale, 2000). Higdon has also written books on many subjects and for various age groups.
Higdon continues to run and bike with his wife, Rose, from their winter and summer homes in Florida and Indiana. They have three children and nine grandchildren. For more, visit his popular Web site: halhigdon.com.
I received a complimentary paperback copy of this awesome book from the publisher without cost in exchange for my honest review.
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