While my favourite 'beginning to end' books on running are still those written by Jeff Galloway, 'Smart Running' is a great addition to any runner's bookshelf, whether they're a beginner or a veteran. Unlike more plan or training oriented problems, 'Smart Running' eschews a linear start to finish approach for a more specialized 'question and answer' format. These are the questions that perhaps are left out of other books. The ones you'll ask yourself even when you're following a great training regimen. Stuff like, 'Does it *really* matter what fabric I wear running?' or 'Can I safely lose weight without depriving my body of the nutrients it needs?' Higdon covers all of these topics and more- you can tell he both knows his stuff, and is used to answering questions for all experience levels. He writes with a light touch and a sense of humour- just the sort of thing you want if you've just come in from a sixteen mile run and want to know if your body is supposed to be on fire or if you've permanently damaged something.

A fantastic quick reference guide for anyone who sometimes has a burning question they need answered right away.