While some of what Fitzgerald says makes sense, he is too cavalier with how he picks some advice from papers and other advice from anecdotes. At times, it becomes impossible to tell which is which. (Even the advice from papers is suspect as he is obviously choosing between papers.)

He is similarly confusing when he fails (at times) to distinguish between advice for marathoners vs half marathoners and beginners vs experienced runners. Lastly, the writing style is much too uneven. For example, he flips between grams and calories seemingly at random. Similarly between lbs and kgs, only rarely giving equivalents. (Makes me wonder where his editor was. An editor should catch this. But Fitzgerald has written many books and articles - he should know better.)

On the other hand, he did give some solid advice (but most of it is well known). Some advice was new to me, quite intriguing, and which I have incorporated such as his idea about using supplements every other long run.

In total, I found the book rather maddening to read and I have trouble recommending it for anyone else. ( )

As much as I love books that are designed to make me a better anything my eyes glaze over when the information becomes too out-of-my-league. Take, for example Fitzgerald's recommendation that runners should know "basic" information: body weight and V02 max. I can jump on a scale and figure out BMI, weight, fat % and bone density... but V02 max? I'm a middle-aged housewife just looking for a little more information on nutrition for runners. Obviously, The New Rules of Marathon and Half-Marathon Nutrition is for consumers who are much more hardcore about running than I am! But having said all that, there was a plethora of take-away information that I could (and probably will) use. Pre-race nutrition was especially helpful, as was the nutrition training plans and the chart of diet quality guidelines. ( )