When runners want expert advice, they turn to Runner's World, the magazine that helped bring running culture into the mainstream--and has continued to dispense cutting-edge wisdom as running's popularity has soared. Now, runners can have all that expert wisdom at their fingertips with the Runner's World Best series. Each book in this series focuses on a particular aspect of running--from getting started to cross-training. Together, these authoritative, affordable, fully illustrated volumes form a accessible library that belongs in every runner's home. Runner's World Best: Competitive Running explains why competing in a race is beneficial for runners at every level, lays out basic training principles, and provides detailed training regimens for various types of races: 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon. Runners learn what to eat and drink before, during, and after a race, as well as how strength and flexibility training can help their performance.