80/20 Running

Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower

By: Matt Fitzgerald, Robert Johnson

Narrated by: Rob Grgach

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

This revolutionary training method has been embraced by elite runners - with extraordinary results - and now you can do it, too. Respected running and fitness expert Matt Fitzgerald explains how the 80/20 running program - in which you do 80 percent of runs at a lower intensity and just 20 percent at a higher intensity - is the best change runners of all abilities can make to improve their performance. With a thorough examination of the science and research behind this training method, 80/20 Running is a hands-on guide for runners of all levels with training programs for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon distances. In 80/20 Running, you'll discover how to transform your workouts to avoid burnout.

• Runs will become more pleasant and less draining
• You'll carry less fatigue from one run to the next
• Your performance will improve in the few high-intensity runs
• Your fitness levels will reach new heights

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2014 Matt Fitzgerald; foreword copyright 2014 by Robert Johnson (P)2017 Tantor

If clickbait was one long audiobook...

I'm 4 hours into this audiobook and I'm pretty mad at myself about that, since all the information that the book actually covers is literally in the headline: "Run Stronger and Race Faster by Training Slower". I kept waiting and hoping that at some point, Matt Fitzgerald would explain why "80/20 running is superior to all other methods of training" (a line he repeats at least every 5-10 minutes, as if he's really trying to sell it to you. Pro tip: You don't have to sell it if it's really that great, bud.) And it is that great, don't get me wrong. I've heard of heart rate-based training before, it's pretty common among professional athletes, but Fitzgerald is hellbent on convincing us that 80/20 running is somehow different than HRT (it's not). He tries several times to get the listener to download the Pear app, which I already had, and then subscribe for in-ear coaching from him specifically for "80/20 running". I think it's a fine app, it's a decent product, but I'm confused as to who his target audience is here.

You see, the PDF that comes with the audiobook includes a number of charts and tables and equations for the listener or reader to utilize to create their own "zones" (heart rate based zones), and a lot of it is pretty heady if you're not someone who is very scientifically or mathematically inclined. Thankfully, I'm only good at running and math, so when I tried to give Pear a try, I was more annoyed than anything. Like, I know my charts, I know my zones, I know my target workout, I have a HR monitor, and I get free in-ear coaching through other apps. Anyone moderately competent with this subject matter wouldn't need this subscription, and anyone who would need it probably wouldn't understand this book or the content in its PDFs.

So back to my point -- The entire audiobook feels like one long clickbait, but it really could have (and should have) been so much more informative and instructional and valuable. The idea behind 80/20 and heart rate training is priceless to runners and even cyclists who have hit their peak and seen their performance decline for unknown reasons-- this training plan will almost certainly help you improve if done correctly. The issue is the execution of the book; it should feel more educational and less like an infomercial. Sorry, Matt.

Too much to chew at once.

I'm an avid runner and had hoped to learn and enjoy this book. much to my dismay it was just to much. I think a hard copy would be more enjoyable in order to soak up all the facts, figures and funding of such a book. I really wanted to like this but couldn't do it.

Very interesting but not for me in audio format.

audio format not recommended

got a good basic understanding from the audio book, but you need the paper copy. lots of technical details.

Fantastic resource

I learned tons of helpful things to improve my running through this book. Learned that I am constantly overtraining on my easy days which makes it impossible to have enough energy in the hard days. Helped me figure out why I’ve plateaued lately. Highly recommend to any runner.

It's making me faster...

The 80/20 training plan is sound, based on many athlete experiences and research studies, and works for me. I'm 41 and running longer and healthier than ever.

The reading performance was good if a bit stilted. I use the PDF nearly every day.

Fitzgerald's other books, Racing Weight and Racing Weight Quick Start, are also referenced almost daily. The weight strategies really, truly, healthily work!

Very Little Substance

The audio book is a recital of scientific studies with very little additional substance added. I'm all for backing up your beliefs with studies, but at least add some additional information. This audio book felt a lot like someone reading a few blog posts.

STOP BEATING THE HORSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy crap if you say run at 80 20 again....

Look he spouts it off but gives no benefit. I made it to chapter three but have to return this. He said someone running improved their mile time. great... well.. isn't that expected even if it wasn't optimal training? tell me a group of people who did your method and a group who didn't and then tell me how much better that group performed by percentage.

Also what the heck does slow mean?!!!! tell me heart rates.. should I be in zone 2??

worthless book. my garmin wants a ton of training in high and low aerobic. does that count for the 80% or is the high aerobic too high? should I trash my garmin? evidence people.

uninformative

there wasn't a lot of information that wasn't in the title.

A much better book is Endure, by Alex Hutchenson; it has a LOT more info in it and is much better written.

Not finished yet...

But I could not wait to write a review. I’m on Audible chapter 6 (chapter 3? In the regular text) and this is just mind blowing info that I LOVE. I am constantly rewinding 30 seconds here 1.5 minutes there just to try and gather it all. Don’t wait! Buy and listen now!!!!!

Fantastic information! Mediocre narration.

This book is a great resource for anyone getting into low heart rate training. If you’re on the fence about trying the 80/20 method or any other heart rate based running, I highly recommend that you give it a shot! It takes patience and humility but it’s totally worth every second. This style of training really changed the game for me. I used to spend more time injured than I did training for my longer races and I now know it was because I was running too hard way too often. Running slow really does make you run faster. For the first time in my life, I can run 5-7 days each week with fresh, not overworked legs. It feels amazing!

The book is fantastic but I found the narration to be a bit monotonous at times.