Best guide???

[Weezer]

I've been a "middle-of-the-packer" for too long. I have only been running for two years aor so, but I have competed at very high levels in sports (even representing the country) and I have a hard time seeing other runners in my group flying past me . I am going to attribute it to the fact that running is an individual sport where there is no coach to tell you how to train, what to eat, etc. which I am used to.

I am hoping some of you maniacs can point me to a good source (book, website) that is complete.

[dgrant]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll get the definitive answer you're looking for, as there really isn't a broadly agreed upon "How To Be Fastest" handbook out there.

Which isn't to say there's not a coach/book/website that can help you, but to choose the best one you may need to evaluate what's holding you back.

Do you have poor running form?
Are you carrying extra weight?
Do you run too few miles?
Do you run at the wrong paces?
Are you doing everything right, but you just need more time for your body to adapt?

What are your mileage and paces like now?

You can identify your problem with broader sources of information, then seek out a more specific person or resource to solve that problem. I think the cure-all Bible Of Running has yet to be written.

You might want to pick up Tim Noakes' Lore Of Running. It's a great book that discusses and explains the general principles of training for a distance runner.

[Kristen]

I was a swimmer in a previous life, and was used to having coaches as well. I'm also an A-Type runner, with some focused goals. This is my second year of dedicated running, and I'll share a few things that have helped me (in no particular order):

1. Books. I second the book Dave recommended and would like to suggest two more that were suggested to me. The first is Advanced Marathoning by Pfitzinger & Douglas. The second is Daniels' Running Formula. Discovering the world of VDOT and in-the-present training has made a world of difference for me (as opposed to training to a target time goal).

2. A log. Keep a running log if you don't have one already. I use ItsMyRun. I've found that it has been really helpful to keep track of stuff and reflect on progress. What's more, I learn a lot from seeing what works for others.

3. Experience. Since you have competitive experience, you know what you're capable of. Try to focus on transferable skills around discipline, focus, and body sensing (as opposed to placing, hitting certain times, qualifying, etc.). Last year, I knew I was capable of a lot more with my running and I ended up a little disappointed with a couple of results. However, looking back, I realize that running fitness takes time to develop. But don't let that phase you! Aim high and persevere with it.

4. Coaching. Obviously, this is a path you may wish to pursue since it has worked well with you in the past. If you can connect with someone experienced, either formally or informally, this might serve you well.

[La]

I just want to comment on a few things in your post:

1) Lots of people have running coaches to help them train. I think as adults who compete recreationally (i.e., not making our living at it), it's tougher to justify having a coach. But if you want to improve, that's one way to go. You can have as formal or informal a relationship with your coach as you want. If you want him/her to dictate all your workouts, paces, nutrition, sleep, strength workouts, etc., I'm sure you can find someone who is willing to be paid (by you) to do that!

2) You've only been running for two years or so. With the other sport in which you competed at the national level, how long had you been doing that before you reached that level? How old were you at the time? What other commitments did you have in your life (outside your sport) at the time? Just be sure to put your MOP running into perspective with all of those things. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to improve, but also be realistic in your expectations, too.

[Jwolf]

Excellent answer from La. It is hard to expect to compete with people who have run and trained for a long time if you have really just started but are used to competing at a high level in other sports. Even though running is not a team sport, there are various track clubs and groups that provide the personalized coaching that you might be interested in. And there are lots of people that will provide personalized coaching and/or personal training if you want it. We have lots of members on this site who are training with a coach, some of whom are also members here.

As for a book that shows you how to train, I think the best one is Daniels' Running Formula that Kristen mentioned (for everything from track races to long road races like marathons).