Unbreakable Runner: Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong

I have been running for four years and I've been doing Crossfit for about two years, and I will be the first to admit that I am totally mediocre at both. I regularly come in at the bottom 20% of all races that I run, and my attempts to become a better, faster runner have been disorganized and largely unsuccessful. Enter CrossFit Endurance. A friend recommended CrossFit Endurance programming to help me build speed, and he referred me to the CFE website. Even though I was familiar with CrossFit and its endless acronyms, I could not wrap my head around the CFE programming on the website. Even so, I soldiered on, doing the CFE drills that I could understand several times a week. And I saw immediate improvement. Over the course of about five weeks I beat my 5K personal best by a full minute and a half. I didn't see that much improvement in my first FOUR YEARS of running. But I still felt like I wasn't getting everything I could out of CFE because I didn't understand the programming fully. That's where Unbreakable Runner shines. It explains the methodology of CFE, the what, why and how of the workouts, and it talks in plain terms about how to implement the program. And the best part of Unbreakable Runner, to me, are the invaluable training plans. The book covers everything from the 5K to ultra distances, laying out reasonable training plans using CFE methodology. Critics often point to CFE's lack of the sacred "LSD," or long, slow distance run in the programming for longer races, but the book acknowledges that there's room for the long run if the runner wants to do it (and some of us do love our Saturday mornings of 20 mile solitude). So that's no reason to turn away from the book. In all, I'm glad to have purchased the book. I just started a training plan out of the book and I'm excited to see how I progress using this methodology in the coming weeks.

Good book with training guidelines on being a better runner. My running has improved after following T.J. Murphy and Brian Mackenzie's precepts and training plans. Exercises are illustrated with black and white photos and if one goes to their CrossFit Endurance website, there are videos that are very helpful in learning how to properly perform the drills and exercises. To all the Crossfit haters, don't knock it until you try it. I have incorporated CrossFit (or HIIT, if you'd rather) into my training, and truly believe it has made me into a better, faster runner and elevated my fitness level. This is a good supplement to one's fitness regimen. I would recommend it to anyone who's willing to do the work and practice the form drills, use one of the training plans and see it through. Do the work, results will follow.

Awesome book. It makes sense to me and I've seen the impact this focus on strengthening the core has on distance running. I also know from scientific studies that this focus on less duration but greater intensity has benefits that go beyond running longer and faster. High Intensity Intermittent Exercise (HIIE) is one of the best fat burners there is and it releases Human Growth hormone and brain derived neurotrophic factor. So, it is good for the body and the brain. That said, be advised: Crossfit exercise is a diagnostic at first. It will show you where you are weak. But I look upon that as a benefit. It has shown me areas I'd forgotten about that need exercising. Finally, I've trained for six marathons and finished four of them. The last two were cut short by repetitive stress injuries that accompanied the three to four 20-mile training runs. Those training runs are boring and unnecessary when you do other things to strengthen the undercarriage for the stress of a marathon. I like that aspect of the training most of all.

This book is not bad. There's decent plans in it and the book has been very helpful to me, but I have my frustrations with it. Murphy and Mckenzie waste too much in trying to convince us that while Long Slow Distance running works, it isn't best, that CFE is better - which is fine, just get on with. About half the book is devoted to overturning LSD in favor of CE. I'm not a "Runner," I could care less about runner culture, and what's socially acceptable in elite running circles. Their argument might have been necessary five or eight years ago, but I think American athletes are over all that. Instead, I would have like to have read more about run specific Crosfit routines. That's essentially what these men are talking about. Alternating, strict interval run days with run-oriented Crossfit while using a pose running style. Doesn't seem that revolutionary when you break it down. Nor does he really get in depth with the running drills. Mackenzie proscribes 20-30 of drill work on run days but only explains what amounts to 5-10 minute's worth of drills. I found the book frustratingly vague in other areas as well. After six months of trying to make this the running bible that so many others seem to think it is, I've come to see it as being pretty thin.

This book has what was missing from MacKenzie's "Power Speed Endurance", namely training plans. "Unbreakable Runner" has training plans for beginner, intermediate, and advanced for 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon. Previously, I could only find a 6-week beginner program and an advanced program and neither specified distance; I needed something at an intermediate level for a half marathon and I finally have it in this book. The other thing I like about this book is that it's shorter and more focused. "Power Speed Endurance" has great information but it was a bit of an overload for me. For instance, this book has 4 drills to focus on for good running form, whereas "Power Speed Endurance" had an overwhelming number to choose from. If you are a beginner to the CrossFit Endurance approach to run training, this is a great introduction. If you're already familiar with CFE, buy this book for the training plans in the back.

Would have liked a little more insight into what the "Cross fit" workouts are like when that is stated on the training plan. But I guess that would get you to join a gym. Otherwise this is an interesting concept. I like the strength and form emphasis. I'm going to give this a try this year for my upcoming marathons and Ultras this 2015 year.

This book is easy to read and loaded full of great concepts that are easy to adopt. I'll admit I've had reservations about Crossfit's application to sports in the past. Having read and adopted the core concepts of Becoming a Supple Leopard, Free+Style, and now Unbreakable Runner I can say forget what you've heard (if negative) and start reading these great books on mobility, movement, and running. My only knock against this book is that Mackenzie doesn't dive into his wealth of knowledge on breath work and cold therapy applications. (See- Wim Hof)

Book was amazing!! I am a CFE coach and I believe in the methods which are broken down in this book. I am so grateful to Brian and TJ for putting this info out to the masses. First off this book is basically a life style change for most runners. I along with many others have trained with many miles and become injured wandering what the problem was. As I became more in tune with CFE I learned more is not always better. As you read the book you will see the two authors have been there also. Most amazing thing is the fact they both have found a promise land and capitalized on it. Please buy this book for anyone that is or is trying to become a runner. Would be an amazing stocking stuffer.

Best book on injury free running written! And kudos to Amazon for the fast delivery.

Very well laid out/explained, can’t wait to begin (want to read it a second time)

Es un libro necesario para cualquier corredor, para ver qué hay enfoques diferentes. Cualquier persona que disfrute de ponerse en forma, verá que este concepto es integral y posiblemente más sano. Ahora hay que ponerlo a prueba...

Le livre est structuré en 6 chapitres. Les auteurs commencent par décrire les fondations de leur méthode d'entraînement : courir, s'entraîner et participer à des compétitions en limitant le risque de blessure. L'accent est mis sur le travail technique, la mobilité et l'entraînement intense constitué de séances d'intervalles en course à pied et des séances courtes de CrossFit. S'ensuivent quelques recommandations générales sur la nutrition. Les exercices de CrossFit sont détaillés avec des images pour faire correctement les mouvements. Des plans d'entraînement en fonction des objectifs (5 km, 10km, semi-marathon, marathon, trail) sont ensuite proposés. Cet ouvrage peut ne pas plaire à certains adeptes de la méthode d'entraînement traditionnelle ;)

Not a bad book but it felt like something written by a cult at times. Some food for though for sure, but a bit too much personal promotion aimed at highlighting Brian MacKenzie as the running messiah. Personally like MacKenzie's ideas, but the book got redundant and felt repetitive and predictable half way through.