How to Race Strong for the Rest of Your Life - Fast After 50

Interesting book, nice supplement for Masters athletes. If you are new to training or "Friel-speak" you should pick up one of Joe's Training Bibles in your discipline, as many of topics he discusses assume you are familiar with his system.

Finally a comprehensive and easy to understand book for the over 50 intermediate athlete. If you don't know the difference between anaerobic and aerobic capacity there is a wee bit of a learning curve. With that said the author explains the what, why and when and covers what I see has the biggest snafu of older age group runners; lack of intensity. The beginner may feel deja vu ... freshman health classes but the author lays out the information that easily turns on the light bulb. I also purchased 'Build Your Running Body' but it felt like a constant advanced science class and written for the 18-29 year old athletes. 'Fast After 50' lets the reader know from the beginning that it is for us older athletes and is written for us not the 25 year old stud.
I emptied my bookcase of outdated runner material, books from the 1980-90's (sorry Hal) and replaced them with 'Fast After 50' , 'Swim Workouts for Triathletes' and 'Hanson's Half Marathon Method'. I feel with these three books I can reference reliable information with my fellow club members. If you are in the 50+ age groups this book deserves a space on you shelf.

Joe Friel has essential instruction for the older cyclist (or other athlete) on dealing with the physical changes we face with age. He bases his work on both scientific studies and his long experience as an athlete and coach. Included is an understanding of just what changes happen as we age, and then how to deal with them to remain active and strong. Then he moves to practical training advice. I appreciate the fact that he includes both his basic principles (train consistently, get adequate rest, maintain intensity, etc) and specific training plans to follow. What he says rings true and (based on experience with his earlier books) it works.

Lots of great information (and lots of sources listed). I appreciate the data driven approach and clearly identifying what is data backed and what is opinion/theory. I've already started modifying my training and I am seeing positive results.
I only wish the book had a slightly different title. I didn't realize that was was self conscious about my age, but initially I would not take this book out of the house because the title makes it very obvious how old you are. Maybe Roman numerals or 'Fast after you start receiving invitations to join AAPR' or a plan brown book jacket.

Good book to motivate anyone in their "senior" racing years. Freil is right on about intensity and strength training being so critical to keeping your times low. I also like his "building block" approach to an A race based on months out or time of year. Recommend!

The explanations may get a bit technical at times. However, keep going over it and a lot of good information on slowing the affects of aging are there. For younger athletes, the insight into metabolism may help stave off some of the ravages of poor diet and poor exercise that many of us were taught from the 60s and beyond. If you want to exercise to lose weight or to go faster or just enjoy your sport more, there is really good information you can glean out of this book.

The book seems written for the serious athlete, but although I've been running for 35 years, I didn't feel serious enough to be the intended audience. I'm 54, 6'3" and 260 lbs. My purpose for reading the book was to find a way to run a sub-4hr marathon in 2016. Whenever I've tried adding high-intensity training to my routine in the past, I've become injured, but Joe makes a case that high intensity is the key, so I'll give it one more shot. The average rating is largely due to the lack of truly new insight from the book, and because I don't feel especially motivated to implement Joe's plan after finishing.

Great book for understanding recovery and how it relates to intensity workouts. I have put these workouts into my routine and there is definitely a difference. I used to do more Long Slow Duration workouts and didn't see any performance improvement. The high intensity routine is much better but heed Joe's warnings on injuries. I heard that a lot of Friel's books repeat the same information so beware. If you haven't read any of his books though, this one is good.

As a former athlete, intense training was normal for me in my 20's and 30's. This book accurately describes my sporting life since I stopped competitive racing. Now I am retiring, and I was really pleased to have my future sporting ideas presented in such detail. Nothing related to training has been left out. I feel that I can pursue a more intense sporting regime, on my bicycle, with confidence.

Well written and fairly concise. As I actually haven't had a chance to use it in this year's off-season training, I didn't give it the highest rating pending that outcome. However, using current substantiated studies from reputable organizations leads me to believe this will probably help in achieving greater levels of fitness.

Great food for thought for the aging athlete! Over-training has been a more frequent problem for me as I am approaching the age of 60.
The information presented here seem sound and hopefully will help me to avoid over-training.
This book is written for the serious athlete who is willing to monitor, critique and customize their training schedule.
Though not overly technical, it is not written for someone who just beginning a fitness regime.

Awesome book. Friel has a rare talent. He can transmit practical scientific knowledge in everyday terms.
He confirms what many of us north of 50 know- you can still race fast but you have to be ready to dial up the intensity in workouts. The book transends any one sport but certainly applies to triathlon and endurance events. Some good real life sample workouts and nuitrition tips included.