Brain Training for Runners - reviews?

HardyEustace

Has anyone read brain training for runners? is it any good?

TFBubendorfer

I bought it last year and used it to train for DCM 2008.

I initially liked it, but eventually felt burnt out from the speedwork and decided not to do the same program again. However, since I managed a still standing personal best at DCM that year as well as a string of PBs at lower distances, I'm now wavering.

The training plans are solid, but I'm a bit weary about the author's assertion of training your brain. I got the impression that you end up doing the same workouts as in a "traditional" program but for a different stated reason (e.g the tempo runs aren't there to raise your threshold but to train your brain to accept that level of effort).

I really liked the chapters about supplementary training, though (core strengthening, mostly). He doesn't use weights and the photos and descriptions are very clear. I think the book is worth its price for that chapter alone.

robinph

It's not for the Nintendo DS then?

HardyEustace

robinph wrote: »

It's not for the Nintendo DS then?

LOL, no. Though maybe we could integrate it in with the Wii Fit or something?

I don't know about you but my ability to calculate goes out the window after about 12 miles.

There have been times where between about half a mile I've calculated that I'll run a 4 hour marathon, a 3:27 marathon (yes, I know, delirious at that stage obviously), a 6 hour marathon and a 4:15 marathon.

We could make it an endurance/mental strength game. You know, run for an hour and try doing maths based upon splits, time spent at virtual water stations and wind speed!

TFBubendorfer

HardyEustace wrote: »

I don't know about you but my ability to calculate goes out the window after about 12 miles.

Tell me about it. I remember during the Connemara Ultra, after passing the 16 mile sign, I spent at least 5 minutes trying to figure out how much was left.

39 - 16 = ????

By the time I managed to solve that particular example of higher maths the result was already well outdated.

Raighne

I consider it a ground-breaking work from an academic perspective and I think many years from now it may well be remembered as the first attempt a reconstructing existing training wisdom around new physiology.

As Bubendorfer points out, however, the "how" has not actually changed that much, the book spends a lot of time explaining the "why". This is important but there are other good sources on this (Lydiard being my favourite) and the programmes, while nicely done, are not fundamentally different from Lydiard, Bideau, Cerruty and similar schools of thought that are proven to work. Our understanding of why these systems work has changed a bit.

The value lies more in teaching an intelligent approach to training (running by feel, tips on how to adjust sessions depending on your condition on the day etc.). Ken Livingstone's "Healthy Intelligent Training" does an even better job of this, however, without directly referencing the new scientific paradigm. Personally, I see a slight overreliance on race-pace training in the programmes and not enough volume in the base phases. Running at 5k, 10k pace etc. seems much more intuitive than "threshold pace" etc., however, and works better for me personally (especially since these threshold do not exist, I recommend Tim Noakes' "Lore of Running" as an appetizer for this one in case you are really interested in the physiology).

The pace tables (his TPL system) is very good, however, and I use it extensively for my training. I don't run blindly to hit the targets (again "run by feel") but I find the system is remarkably accurate at predicting both training and racing performance.

The stretches, strength exercises and recovery tips are very sound, however, and also very original. Matt does a great job debunking silly and dangerous myths such as the oft-heard advice on drinking "this and this many ml per hour etc.". Incidentally, the book "A Runner's Body" which Matt helped edit, does a more comprehensive job of this, so if that's what you are looking for that book may be the better choice.