Reviews (13)

Wow!
I had heard of Bowerman from the Nike brand of shoes I've worn and from the Pre movie "Without Limits".I had no idea what an amazingly big life Dave Bowerman had.The major events in his family's and his own history make for a good read.Kenny Moore is an able writer and you can tell he's spent time with the familly and friends to come up with this history of the father of the modern day running shoe.But he shows him to be more than a shoemaker.His experiences during WWII, the various Olympics (including Munich), founding and running BRS/Nike, and his battles against the Bhagwan (!) were a surprise that filled out my knowledge of the man and the Men of Oregon.Worth reading esp. if you love anything about running and track and field competition.

Great read!
Kenny Moore writes as only Kenny Moore can in this wonderful account of Bill Bowerman and the history of running at Oregon. Great book!Thanks Kenny!

Comprehensive Portrait of a Coaching Legend
Well-written and researched, this biography paints virtually every facet of Bill Bowerman's life and character across a canvas as broad as the Western skyline.From Bill's adventurous ancestors' settlement in Oregon, to his fatherless upbringing, to his high school sports and military successes, to his coaching, and finally to his entrepreneurial undertakings as a Nike founder, the narrative progresses in a logical, well-organized fashion.Even knowing that Kenny Moore, as one of Bill's unwavering supporters over the years, must have skewed this character study a bit toward the positive, I turned the last page convinced that Bill Bowerman was a multi-talented man of high principle and inquisitive Promethean temperament, who left the sport much better than he found it.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Bowerman, William J    4. Business    5. Business History    6. Corporate & Business History - General    7. Running    8. Running & Jogging    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. Track and field    13. Track and field coaches    14. United States    15. University of Oregon    16. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (49)

Finally, Injury Free Running for the Masses
ChiRunning was the first running technique book I'd ever read. I found it because of a silly injury that wouldn't go away and the "injury free" on the cover dragged me in.
Interesting technique, but less the expected
A decent book with some interesting ideas, but little to do with anything "Chi," which was a little disappointing.
Truly Revolutionary Running
This book is easy to read and packed with lots of valuable information.I am training for my first marathon and have used this book to help me with this process.It has given me a new way of running without injury and helped improve my overall running efficiency.I am very thankful to have come across this book at this important time in my training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Martial Arts - Taichi    5. Prevention    6. Running    7. Running & Jogging    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports injuries    10. Tai chi    11. Training    12. Family & Health    13. Popular medicine    14. Sports & Recreation / General    15. Sports training & coaching    16. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (117)

Buy It
I finished the Honolulu Marathon in good enough condition to walk another couple of miles to the hotel immediately afterwards all thanks to this book. The book touched my life in the way only the best of books can. Your search for a really good first time marathon how-to book is over. Buy it!!!

Very Good!
They got it down. It's a sixteen week course, providing you are up to speed with the preliminary 11 week training program.(That's the ablility to jog 30 minutes - 4 times a week) I am on my last long run this weekend of week#13 at 18 miles (the first long run was 5 in week 1)and then the last 3 weeks before the marathon is all tapering back. I am confident, and have not a doubt that I am, by this time, a marathoner, and will finish. That is the goal emphasized by the book, and that will be fine by me ...(this time..)!!

I just finished about 2 hours ago!
I'm sitting here typing this with salt on my face and a medal around my neck.I have this book to thank for finishing my first marathon, and I couldn't be happier.
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Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Marathon running    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Track & Field    8. Training    9. Fitness training    10. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    11. Track & field sports, athletics   

Editorial Review

"Competitive running gives your running life a focus. Competition measures progress. You set a goal and accomplish it." Bob Glover and Shelly-lynn Florence Glover, authors of Read more

Reviews (34)

You need this book!!!!
As a 5k runner (25:00), I ordered this book to give me a little more info to train more efficiently.I had run a half marathon, and had no interest in doing a full marathon.I read the entire book, and began following Glover's recommendations. I saw almost immediate results.I then figured out (with Glover's help) that I, too, could do a marathon.I have dropped my 5k time to a new PR of 20:48 and will be running my first marathon in 2 weeks.I have followed his schedule very closely and have had no injuries and have improved dramatically.I even keep this book in my bathroom and reread a segment each morning!!!Every time I go back to it I learn a little more.When I did decide to do a whole marathon, I bought several books.This one far surpasses any other book out there.It is definitely worth the money!!!!

For the Winners
This is a very detailed book for anyone interested in competitive running. Geared toward both, the seasoned athlete who wants to go to a new level and the beginner with a serious desire to compete. Training specifity is broken down into strategies, explained with great detail, and scheduled accordingly. All aspects of training are covered to include nutrition, equipment, illness and injury. Cross-training is covered to also enhance your performance. Special concerns are addressed such as experience, gender, age, and weather.

Excellent
I am a college student who doesnt run competitively but I run around 3-5 times per week and have been for years. This book gives great information about how to train for races and improve speed. I have bought a few running books and this is by far the best, I have no need to buy any more running books. The only thing that turned me off a little when first recieving the book is its size, it has almost 50 chapters and is over 600 pages long. However you do not need to read all 600 pages, I would recomend it to get the most knowledge out of the book, but definately not necessary. Highly recomended for anyone who wants to improve their speed and learn how to the proper way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Running races    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Track & Field    8. Training    9. Cross-country running    10. Fitness training    11. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (37)

This will KEEP you running
If you are serious about getting into running or back into it, BUY this book.I was a runner in highschool and have been an on-again, off-again runner throughout college.I was missing something to help me stick to it.This book helped me tremedously with all of the tips and training programs provided.I love the book so much I recommended it to a friend and I am going to now buy the competitive runner's guide.I have owned the book since January and I have been running consistantly since then, probably my longest period of consistant running since highschool.I highly recommend this book.Enjoy and good luck running!

Beginner Runner
I am a begginer runner and I have really enjoyed this book.I can see why it's a best seller.It has been a great place to start on my way to getting into shape.The author is very thourough in the material he covers.He is very enthusiastic about running wich inspired me to get moving.

Excellent Resource for Runners
I found this book to be a great resource. As a beginning runner, it had a lot of information on the science and practice of running, both how it relates to the body and mentally. I thought the sections on nutrition and for special populations (children, the elderly, those with disabilities) were interesting and have a wide range of appeal. If you want to buy one book on running, this is it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Physiological aspects    2. Physiological effect    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Training    8. Fitness training    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (49)

Great book for beggining marathoners!
This book makes it easy for a runner who wants to jump to the marathon level.It gives you a step by step training guide along with nutrtional tips as well.

too short.
I am training for my first marathon and thought this book would be a good resource. It's got some good motivational stuff, but the book is just about basics; I didn't feel it had any "meat" so to speak. You can read it cover to cover in an hour or so, and I didn't come away with anymore information than I could find on marathon websites. Save your ten bucks and do the research on the net, buy a different book, or even better - join a marathon training group headed by a veteran marathoner.BTW, I did pick up Nancy Clark's marathon nutrition book - that is a great resource.

easy training guide!
I went from a 4:40 marathon to a 4:24 marathon (2nd marathon).Not bad!I'm using this training plan again and going for 4:15.I like this book because it cuts to the chase, it's easy to read and just gives the basics.There are training plans for longer times than 4 hours as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Marathon running    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Track & Field    8. Training    9. Fitness training    10. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Running & Jogging   

Reviews (3)

Not for experienced runners!
I was looking for a book to help me make better choices with my diet that would help me tone up and energize my runs. This book is geared toward people who used to run and would like to get back to it or people who want to run. I am currently pulling down 30+ miles per week and most of the examples were running 16 miles per week.
Still reading
I'm still reading the book but this seems to be a book suited for novice runners or even walkers. The "running" plans described in the book are really plans for walking and walking/running. When you have gotten to where you are running, she leaves you hanging.
Just what I was looking for
I wanted a simple plan to follow with simple tips to help me feel my strongest when running and this book was perfect for that.It's also great for anyone who runs and may want to lose a few pounds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletes    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diet/Nutrition    5. Diets - General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Nutrition    8. Nutrition And Diet    9. Runners (Sports)    10. Running & Jogging    11. Fitness & diet    12. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    13. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (52)

It was great
This is the best book that I have ever read.His life is just really interesting to me.It might be because im a runner too, but i dont care.All the things that he does.Like how he just starts to run becasue he cant play football with the other kids.Also how he says when he is in high school that he is going to go to the Olympics.He Is an insperation to many runners.With him dying so young just makes his story all the more tragic.His tenacity is what I most like about him.How he says that he doesn't go out to race to win the race, but to see who has the most guts.I always wished that i could be like Pre, but he was just a star beyond me.Every time I race I think of his famous quote, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." That just inspires me to work harder and run faster.It is just a great book to read.

Someday someone will write the Great Book
A good book and overview of Prefontaine's life and the one you will see in quality running stores. Very good capsule on his life and racing competition with a great set of pictures. However, Pre is such a fascinating subject whose rash and bold method of running also ocurred during the peak of the Amnerican running boom that there never seems to be enough information or pictures of him. I keep thinking someone will write another deeper book. Jordan's book is well worth reading and possibly the best book on Pre but the obvious problem was Pre's life was
PRE: story of america's greatest running legend
For five years, no American runner could beat him at any distance over a mile. But at the age of 24, with his best years still ahead, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine finally lost. Driving alone at night after a party, Prefontaine crashed his sports car, putting a tragic, chocking end to the life and career of one of the most influential, accomplished runners of our time. More than 20 years later, Pre continues to influence the running world. From his humble origins in Coos Bay, Oregon, Pre became the first person to win four NCAA titles in one event. Year after year, he was virtually unbeatable. Instead of becoming one of the new breeds of professional track athletes, Pre chose to stay amateur and fight for the adequate funding he felt American amateur athletes deserved. A man of incredible desire and energy, Pre trained relentlessly. In his drive to be the best, he spurred others to do their best. As one racer said, "He ran every race as if it were his last." But Pre not only touched runners, his exciting racing technique as well as his maverick lifestyle made him a favorite of the fans. A race with Prefontaine in it was automatically an event. His brief but brilliant life is the tale of a true American hero. I really enjoy running so that's why I liked this book a lot, it was very interesting too. It talks about his whole life from when he went to high school to when he went to the Olympics. It also has a lot of pictures of him too. I really recommend this book it's really good, if you want to learn about a person who became a legend you should read this book. If you really like running this is the perfect book to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Health, Exercise & Fitness    6. Prefontaine, Steve    7. Runners (Sports)    8. Running    9. Sports - General    10. Track athletics    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    14. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (8)

Add specifity to any running program
This book complete's any running book collection.It goes in depth into the biomechanics of running, specific weight training exersizes for breakthrough running, and specific stretching for runners.This book covers the information that most other books only breifly skim over.The knowledge that Michael Yessis shares in this book could be eaisily added to any running program, to make you a faster, and more efficient runner.I would reccommend this book to anyone who is serious about running and looking to add more specifity to their running program.If you want to run faster, and farther without getting injured this is a book for you.

How serious do you want to get about your running?
This book would be great for anyone who is serious about running and desires to find ways to increase performance.The sections that break down the actual mechanics of running are complicated, but I found them to be interesting.The sections on stretching and weightlifting exercises specifically for running are outstanding.The chapter on the effects shoes have on feet and the case for spending more time barefoot is also a highlight. Awesome!
This book is everything the title says it is . . .explosive. I noticed benefits in terms of my speed and endurance from the start of training.I was also gratified to read the authors endorsement of barefoot running!If you are a serious runner seeking to improve your speed, endurance and running economy. This is the book for you.Read more

Subjects:  1. Kinesiology    2. Kinesiology And Human Biomechanics    3. Life Sciences - Human Anatomy & Physiology    4. Medical    5. Physiological aspects    6. Running    7. Running & Jogging    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports Medicine    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    13. Sports training & coaching    14. Track & field sports, athletics   

Subjects:  1. Marathon running    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Editorial Review

As a young man, Jeff Galloway traveled the world and entered international running events, satiating his desire to compete and cultivating his love of the sport. He became the "running equivalent to a ski bum," and his book, Read more

Reviews (36)

Outstanding Training Book --- Here You Have It All!
Whatever you need to know about running, this is the book. There is some entertainment value but I found the tables for planning a 5K, 10K, and marathon very useful. The information on injury is extremely useful; Galloway even tells you when to give up on self-treatment and seek a doctor. This is the one book you absolutely need to train and compete.

A MUST-HAVE book for runners
I was advised to follow Jeff Galloway by my doctor after a running-related injury earlier this year. I borrowed the book from the local library, thinking I would browse thru it and return it. By the time I read the first 20-something pages, I was convinced I wanted to own this book.
Great for those who get overwhelmed by exercise
I was never a runner, I'm in my mid-30's, mom of kids, and I realized that I needed to get in shape, like zillions of other moms out there.My friend does 5k's every chance she gets, and I just got overwhelmed by her athleticism and what she could do, because I *knew* I couldn't do it.
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Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Track & field sports, athletics    8. SPORTS & RECREATION / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (6)

Sole Sisters
I read this book in one sitting! I purchased the book for two running friends of mine and they passed it on to other fellow runners. This book helped me to think less about the physical act of running, but more about why I run and the friendships I have established while running. Those relationships have been a wonderful source of support and inspiration, very much like the wonderful stories told in the book.

Gold coins
The vignettes within this book are poignant, touching, and downright real. One of my running friends handed this to me after a 12-mile Sunday morning trek, one (which like many others) allowed us to vent, analyze, and think about our lives. Reading this compilation truly drew me in, both as a runner and a woman. But don't let the chick peg fool you. My husband, who's been a runner for more than 25 years, picked it up and agreed: This is some solid, effective writing that rewards its readers with gold coins throughout.

Running is life.
The stories in "Sole Sisters" demonstrated a hidden dimension of life that is revealed through running- unshakable relationships formed with running buddies, self confidence discovered through training and kicking that 5K in the butt, and dissolving problems with each step along the trails.We can all learn from these stories. Everyone, not only runners, should read this gem of abook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Running for women    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Women runners    12. Women's Health - General    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (3)

Great read cover to cover
I just finished reading The Cutting-Edge Runner. This is one of the few running books that I read from cover to cover. Many of the books out there fill half the pages with running plans, this book focuses on providing great useful content. I'm training for the Richmond Marathon, and have already incorporated a few of Matt's suggestions into my program. The book is truely on the cutting edge, Matt provides the latest concepts on how to run faster, longer and healthier.
A great book, with a SERIOUS CAVEAT
This is an absolutely amazing, and probably most cutting-edge book on running you can find on today's book market (summer 2006), and a large part of its appeal is the fact that the content and the author's numerous recommendations are based on recent, serious, and carefully analyzed research.
Not the same old stuff
It's tough to find a running book that isn't just a rehash of the same old stuff. This excellent guide is very technical in places, but full of new information that you haven't heard a hundred times. Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Physiological aspects    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Training    7. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (10)

Great Book!
I thought this book was great!If you are thinking about training or starting to train, you definitely need to read this book.They give great advice and give you the confidence to do things you never thought you could.

Informative and inspirational
I love this book!After completing many marathons, I received this book as a gift, and it made me want to go right out and do another.As a coach for endurance athletes, I give this book to each of them during their training for marathons/half marathons.Full of good information for the first timer and inspiration for the multi-race finisher.

Very inspiring
This is a great book for anyone thinking of training for a long distance event. I ordered this as an extra copy for another first time race participant. It is very easy reading and lots of laughs. It is the bible of our walking group. Last year 6 of us completed our first ever half marathon at Disney. This year we'll have over 10 with some doing their first marathon. It truely helps the average Joe believe he can complete a long distance event. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Marathon running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Training    7. Walking   

Reviews (40)

Incredibly motivating!
This was an interesting and informative read. I quite enjoyed it. I never was the type to pick up a fitness book but i am glad I did. This book explains diet, it motivates and allows anyone to realize their goals for their bodies (ie. health, self-concept, and self-confidence, etc.). I would recommend it to anyone as I could not put it down at night and have carried it everywhere for the last two weeks.
Wonderful resource
I am starting a running program after a 15 year break, and I have read many books on the safest way to start (old bones you know).I found this book reassuring that I can start running again (in my 30's) and run injury free well into my life.I don't run fast, but I do it at least 4 times a week.The walk/run program is a great place to start and the author does include info on race training.I would definitely reccommend this to anyone interested in beginning a running program.

Excellent and motivating book!
After reading a variety of books on running, I like Kowalchik's work best as my guide and reference.She covers a wide variety of topics of interest to beginners and established runners (see the table of contents) and provides thorough explanations.She also includes a strength training program and a series of stretches similar to that used by my college cross country coach, and, training programs to attain particular goals and/or races.The book's tone is motivating and empowering.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Physical fitness    2. Physical fitness for women    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Running for women    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Women And Sports    9. Women's Health - General    10. Cross-country running    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Fitness training    13. Health & Fitness / General    14. Jogging   

Reviews (9)

Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again.
I had a wonderful experience buying this fabulous book from Amazon. It arrived as promised and is definately the best book geared towards women for running. I have looked at a couple other books like this and they didn't even compare!

There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!
Although I had been working out for years, my stamina for running was just not there.I researched several running books, and this was by far the best.If you are a beginner, and need the basics, get this book.Age should not be a factor, but as advised-have a physical before you embark on running.I am physically fit, I had never ran, and I did not start until I was 41.There are women who write that they did not even begin until they were in their 60's! The program instructs on how to incorporate running into your workout, starting with as little as 2 minutes!You can do that right?It covers how to choose the right running shoe, how to avoid injury, and what you need to eat in order to maintain stamina for the long haul.Carb's are important here, take note.Dagny covers it all, and speaks from experience.She even covers overcoming the initial "embarassement" of running for the first time, and how to enter your first 5K and finish.I love this book, and still refer to it.

Disappointed
Personally, I was quite disappointed in the content of this book.I was getting back into running after a several year hiatus and bought this book to inspire me to a new level of fitness.I found the information to be geared towards the beginner and quickly "outgrew" it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Running for women    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Women athletes    7. Fitness & diet    8. Jogging    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (7)

Racing Past The Finish Line
Like running a marathon, there are great highs and some steep lows in Duel in the Sun, but it is well worth the read.
duels in the crown
Great race, great story and very well told.
Duel In The Sun
I had previously read Beardsley's book "Staying The Course: A Runner's Toughest Race" so I knew most of the details about the 1984 Boston Marathon but "Duel in the Sun" is an excellent book due to the behind the scenes details of not only the race but the lives of Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley. You don't have to be a marathon runner to truely appreciate what these two men went through in their lives as well as in their running. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. Beardsley, Dick    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. History    6. Runners (Sports)    7. Running    8. Running & Jogging    9. Salazar, Alberto,    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - General    13. United States   

Subjects:  1. History    2. LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. United States - State & Local - Midwest    7. Illinois    8. Sporting events & tours    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Editorial Review

Ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes claims "There is magic in misery." While it would be easy to write off his habit of running for 100 miles at a time—or longer—as mere masochism, it's impossible to not admire his tenacity in pushing his body to reach one extreme goal after another. Sure, it's gory to read about how he lost one of his big toenails from shoe friction during the Western States Endurance Run. But what registers more is that here's a guy competing in an event that includes 38,000 feet of elevation change--the equivalent of scaling the Empire State Building 30 times.Read more

Reviews (94)

You'll be an all-night reader.
I picked this up on a whim while waiting in line and had finished it by the next evening. If you were ever a long-distance runner, you'll find yourself grinning and nodding because you can relate to everything. This book gave me such a strong desire to run ultras that I would have started training immediately if I wasn't grounded by my knees. As it was, I went out and did 12 miles, then remembered why I can't do that anymore. My marathoning friends are getting this for Christmas.

Ouch! It's gotta hurt!
...reading the book, I mean.At least if you care about things like quality of writing, insightfulness, and some semblance of a balanced view of an intriguing, punishing sport.
Inspirational and motivational
As somebody who is training for a marathon, I picked this book up for some needed motivation. Dean's book does not disappoint. While much of this memoir had me thinking "this guy's crazy!" I enjoyed the anecdotes about the things that he does or happen to him while he's on the run. And I truly do find his boundless willpower inspiring. I am pretty sure I won't keel over now if I do another mile, and eventually that nagging pain in my ------- (insert body part) will subside so I can finish up my scheduled long run.
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Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Karnazes, Dean,    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. Biography & Autobiography / Sports