Van Aaken Method: Finding the Endurance to Run Faster and Live Healthier

By Ernst van Aaken

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0890370702
• ISBN13: 9780890370704
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: World Publications
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.2" x 0.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Definition of "Classic."

I owned this book as soon as it came out, back in the early '70's. Being more of a fitness fanatic than a competitive runner (although I did compete in 5k's and 10k's)it was something of a Running Bible to me. Very well written and highly inspiring, I read it over and over again. Dr. Van Aaken is a true believer, and knows what he is writing about. He is encouraging and gives you knowledge that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, like great advice from a coach who knows you better than you know yourself. If you want a new reason to fall in love with running again, or just enjoy a great technical and inspiring read, pick it up. It will make you enthusiastic, no matter what shape you are in...

The Long Run

A classic exploration into aerobic training, Dr. Van Aaken's theory is oftentimes mistaken as a blueprint for world-class distance runners, but is actually rooted in holistic health for older people. This is truly LSD (long-slow-distance), which is a basis for many training programs, but not taken to the volume - and absence of anaerobic work - as outlined by Dr. Van Aaken. While his entire program may not be on track for most runners, there are elements which can be incorporated for the long run in life of maintaining fitness.

Not Just For Runners

The Van Aaken method is not just for hard core runners. It is really a prescription for health well into our old age. He gives one example of a 65 year old who retired and started running the Van Aaken way, to do something for his health, and 5 years later ran 39:45 10K and a 3:13 marathon. Wow! For older runners, like myself, I would modify his heart rate reccomendations down for age. I use Maffetone's formula and at 60 run in a target rate zone of 105-115. Very conservative but amazingly rewarding and pleasureable. Highly reccomended! Please take note that this is a very simple method for acheiving world class health or running ability and a very easy read but does not have a lot of studies quoted or astounding scientific facts etc. It's message is simply run daily, run long, don't ever get out of breath, (which leads to depletion of your reserves) and to do a daily tempo run of about 1/20th of your total distance at race pace.

Top notch book on running as part of a lifestyle

Ernst Van Aaken is best known for his "programmed for 100 years", published/written in German. Van Aaken was an M.D. who espoused running as part of a lifestyle toward longevity and health. Along the way he coached an olympian and several world class athletes including a world record holder in the marathon. Van Aaken's proudest moments, though, are around building general fitness and helping people "live to be 100 years old". This book, translated into English, gives his core philosophies which are maybe even more relevant 30+ years later. He focuses on running for health, eating right, and getting oxygen to the system - which is far more important than food and fluid. Highly recommended!

fanastic explanation of his methods

What can i say about this book, except is very good! The book goes into detail how Van Aaken methods of distance running. He explains how developing aerobic ability is the basis for improving. I thought this book is full of knowledge, even though it is out dated by today's newer books. I would recommed this book to any hardcore runner