The Competitive Runner's Handbook

Part 1 Basic training: categories of competitive runners; key ingredients to successful racing; basic training principles; the warm-up and cool-down; training pace; training mileage; the runner's training diary. Part 2 Speed training: introduction to speed training; a simplified 12-week speed training programme; interval training; hill training; Fartlek training; tempo training. Part 3 Planning your training: the training schedule; how to write your own training schedule. Part 4 Specific training for racing: the novice competitor; 5K training and racing; 10K training and racing; half-marathon training and racing. Part 5 Marathon training and racing; the first-time marathoner; marathon build-up training; marathon countdown; marathon strategy; the aftermarathon. Part 6 Mental aspects of competitive running: goal-setting and race time prediction; motivation; mental training; prerace logistics and day-of-race routine; race strategy; race tactics. Part 7 Running form and shoes: running form and economy; running shoes. Part 8 Food and drink for health and performance: fuel and nutrition for running; hydration and running; performance weight. Part 9 The running environment: hot weather running; cold weather running. Part 10 Specific competitors: the masters competitor; the female competitor; the young competitor. Part 11 Illness and injury: illness; injury. Part 12 Special training: strength training; stretching; cross-training; treadmill training; heart rate monitor training. Part 13 Balance: balancing running with life.