Daniels' Running Formula

Over 55 years of running expertise underpin a refined training system for athletes of all ages. Built on the renowned VDOT concept, the method delivers tailored workouts, age-specific adaptations, and structured plans for events ranging from 800 meters to ultradistance races and triathlons.



Train for your next race with the man who has been called “the world’s best running coach.” With more than 55 years of experience, Jack Daniels is a legendary figure in the running community. Named the National Coach of the Year by the NCAA and honored as the Division III Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Century, Daniels has mentored some of the greatest names in running, including Jim Ryun, Ken Martin, Jerry Lawson, Alicia Shay, Peter Gilmore, Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, and Janet Cherobon-Bawcom. In Daniels’ Running Formula, he has shared training advice with hundreds of thousands of runners. Now in this updated-and definitive-fourth edition, he again refines his methods and strategies to help you run faster and stronger.

Building upon his revolutionary VDOT system, Daniels incorporates new insights gained from studying participants in his unique Run SMART Project. You’ll be guided through the components that make the training formula work and then learn different types of training-including treadmill training, fitness training, and training at altitude or in other challenging environments-along with age-related modifications for runners from ages 6 to 80.

Everything comes together with expert advice on event-specific training ranging-for runs ranging from 800 meters to ultradistance events and triathlons. You will find advice on setting up your own seasonal plan, or you can follow one of Daniels’ 31 proven training plans and workouts. You’ll even find four fitness running plans, from novice level to elite level, to get in shape or regain conditioning after injury.

Join the thousands of runners who have relied on Jack Daniels to help them reach their peak running performance. Using the programs outlined in Daniels’ Running Formula, you too can achieve the results you seek every time you train and race.