Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels is the real deal (the running program)

Ok I was skeptical. I thought this training was only for the fast folks. But, after giving it a try for five weeks I’m convinced, it works. The great thing is the workouts are tailored to your current fitness level. The book has pages of schedules for different levels and for different distances.

I picked up the program five weeks from the end. I’d already been training for a trail marathon that I wasn’t able to run. So, instead of continuing the marathon training I switched focus for a fast five miler at the Boulevard Bolt. One difference from other speed workouts was doing them twice a week. Unlike other workouts, where you are given 10 x 400 meters at a prescribed pace, but can’t hold that pace through the last few repeats, these workouts were doable. Yes, they were tough but doable.

Race day was perfect. Ran a good race; no regrets. It almost seemed easy. Bonus was that I shaved 18 seconds off of my previous last year. I've placed 3rd in my age group in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, I finally was able to shed seven pounds that I didn’t ever think would disappear and my resting pulse dropped to 46.

I’m almost tempted to try this program for a fast marathon--maybe next fall.