Reviews (11)

Motivation
This book is one of the best books I have read in along time. Each chapter is another ultrarunner's personal story with a memorable race for them. There are famous runners and unknown runners alike in the book. The best part is, a lot of them talk about the ultra I am training for now, so I am definitly motivated and encouraged. Highly recommend this book for any runner, or anyone who enjoys good stories of personal triumph and journey.
Good info but boring
I would have to say that this book contained small tid-bits of information on running Ultras, but was largely boring.
Equal opportunity book...
This book is great because it includes chapters written by people ranging all the way from the back of the pack to world class ultrarunners and adventure racers.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (2)

Inspiration for runners
This is a fun book that details briefly the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy and focuses on the runners body. The author had first hand experience of running throughout her pregnancy. The factual data is supported by 2 page case studies of women runners who had children. Some of them ran all the way through, some switched to cross training and some had to stop. There is a whole spectrum of experiences.
A good reference
I found this book to be easy to read and full of advice based on the latest studies. I enjoyed the book because it is the most comprehensive reference on current information about running and pregnancy I have found. Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise for pregnant women    4. Pregnancy & Childbirth    5. Running & Jogging    6. Running for women    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track & field sports, athletics    10. Women's health   

Reviews (1)

Good presentation and detail for any runner
I am basing this review on simply reading the book for about 15 minutes while killing some time at one of the big chain bookstores. From what I see, this book is wonderfully written and broken down perfectly, even for "older" novices like me (over 50, run a 9-10 minute mile, have run in about a half-dozen 5Ks' and looking to do more).
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Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (1)

Must-Have for Marathon Runners of All Levels/Experience
As a recreational but devoted marathoner, (currently training for #9), this was an obvious must-have for me.Most books published under the Rodale title are generally just rehashes of old RUNNERS WORLD magazine articles, but this is definitely not the case here.
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Subjects:  1. Running & Jogging    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (9)

Awesome book for the experienced runner and novice walker
As I read this book (I am beginning a walking program), I became very honored to read about all the blood, sweat, and tears Ms. Switzer went through during her career as a runner.She makes you feel you are with her during those times.Her advice is sound, professional, and in your best interest.If you listen to what she tells you, i.e., how your shoes and clothes should fit; how you should start out on your program; and the wonderful advice to "get you out the door," you willhave a very long and rewarding running/walking program, that can and will enhance your life.This book has really changed my outlook, my exercise capacity, and pretty much my overall health!Thanks for writing this book, Ms. Switzer. I owe you big time!Sandy, in Florida.

Errors
This book comes across as poorly edited and researched.Contains mispelled words and incorrect statements such as "air is 80% oxygen".It is also hard for a beginning runner to relate to a marathoner who has run for almost her entire life.

INSPIRING AND SENSIBLE! BRAVO!
I hadn't run for 17 years and never ran more than 3.5 miles. (I'm 40.)With the help of this book, I am up to 5 miles (and counting!).The book is easy to read.The program is easy to follow.However, this book is for people who are basically in good health and who like to exercise.The book will not GIVE you motivation, it will simply help you if you are already somewhat motivated and want to get in better shape.I have followed her advice, gotten great results and enjoyed the process. This book has been worth a million to me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Exercise    3. Fitness walking    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Middle aged women    7. Middle-aged women    8. Running    9. Running & Jogging    10. Running for women    11. Walking    12. Women's Health - General    13. Exercise & workout books    14. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (19)

Good info for marathon newbie
Learned a lot of new things about the marathon and strategies for completing it.With my first marathon coming up in a few months, I ordered several books.I definitely would recommend this one to others getting ready for their first.

Great book, lots of realistic advice for novices and intermediate runners
Picked up this book after running my first half-marathon and getting ready for my first marathon. It was great because it puts your fears at ease and doesn't talk down to the slower runner (I'm a 4-hour marathon runner).Good training charts.
Then Ultimate Un-Motivating Guide
I bought this book to prepare for running my third marathon and found it to be extremely confusing, condescending and un-motivating. I have been running for years and have run many races somehow this book still managed to make me fill as if I was not worthy of running. There are great marathon training guides out there but this is not one of them. If you are looking for something that is clear and inspirational try checking out The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. ... Read more

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

Reviews (41)

week 6 and doing great
I bought this book after returning from a long trip hiking abroad. I was in love with my new muscular legs and wanted to keep it up.I decided I was finally gonna learn how to run, I have always wanted to but didn't know how to start.I tried many times before and had injured myself within the first week.I am also young and relatively athletic.I saw this book and decided to give it a try.I will say that I had to start over once at week two or so because I had gotten off schedule and it was I wasn't keeping up with it well.I started over and that was 6 weeks ago.I don't know if I have lost any weight but I will tell you my endurance has sky-rocketed.I can run easily for 8 minutes when before I couldn't last more than 1-2 without panting to death.This book is so great because it plans it all out for you.The sessions aren't that strenuous and honestly if I am really stressed out I go out and run and I come back all relaxed, it is my therapy.I felt the beginning chapters of the book are a bit much, but may be necessary for someone who hasn't been physically active in a while.I just keep the 13-week program page bookmarked and see what I have to do each day.It is a really great book if you want to learn how to run and build up your endurance all by yourself.

Beware - Completely Revised Program
A lot of the reviews here apply to a different edition of this book that prescribes a significantly different program.
I thought I was a hopless case!
If you are even thinking about starting a running program you must start with this book.When I bought this book in April of 2006 I was hoplessly out of shape, and I couldn't run more than 20 seconds at a time.Last Saturday I ran my first 5k, and though I wasn't all that fast, I ran the entire distance and I felt great afterward.The beauty of this book for me is that it allowed me to set goals, build strength, and run without injuring myself.The key is to be patient, get some good shoes, and follow the program.I have another 5k in two weeks, and I'm signed up for a 10k at the end of September.If you're really serious about taking up running this book is a great investment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness walking    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports medicine    8. Training    9. Exercise & workout books    10. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Reviews (19)

Amazing, Inspiring
This book is written in a very humorous, conversational tone.I read straight through, not wanting to put it down, and passed it immediately along to a friend.
Great book
As an out of shape 40 something, I decided to try a sprint triathalon. I registered for a Labor Day sprint in February to allow myself plenty of training time. I looked at a few triathalon books and was almost frightened off the idea. As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew it was for me. It was full of very helpful information and is laugh out loud funny. I felt the author was having a conversation with me. I have attended a womens triathalon training seminar and recommended this book to the group, it's that good.

A beginner's Bible
She's funny, she's devoted and she's fat. And she's not young, either. So if you're a woman, no longer a teenager or a 30-something, you will find this book funny (sometimes hilarious) and refreshing. It will answer all the questions you'd be afraid to ask a seriously competitive athlete. (Not Ms Williams is not competitive, but she sees it from the light of a person who's happy she can move, much less win.)
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Cycling    3. Cycling - General    4. Exercise    5. Healthy Living    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Swimming    10. Swimming And Diving    11. Triathlon   

Reviews (10)

Run Tall and Stay Strong
This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!

A wonderful read!
I started running ~ 2 yrs ago.My wife got me the book, but I hadn't heard of Dick so the book sat.One evening I picked it up to see what it was all about and I was instantly and uncontrollably sucked in.Dick's story starts in HS where he went out for the football team, which lasted a few minutes.Then a friend suggested XC, and Dick fell in love with what turned out to be his calling -- running. Great fast read,but missing some points.
This book is an entertaining fast read.However, certain details in Beardsley's life are strangely glossed over: Alcoholic parents/meeting his wife.The first hand account of the (famous) 82'Boston Marathon is so stunning and awsome, it leaves the rest of the book dangling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Motivational & Inspirational    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Biography: sport    7. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (38)

Great place to start!
I was recommended John's other book, "No need for speed" and stumbled across this book.I decided to start with this book (OCD about publish dates!).I am so glad I did!I had tried to begin running before and never understood why I failed.John presented an easy and manageable way to begin a lifelong journey of becoming a runner.I am happy to say, I am now running and can run farther than I ever imagined!I am so thankful to John for writing this book for those of us who want to run but have no clue where to begin.

A must read for all, not just runners
This book is really about living your life to fullest of YOUR potential; not worring about past and not worring about 'the Jones'.
LOVED IT
I read this book in about 2 days. I bought it to see how a 43 year old, overweight, unhealthy person could change their life around like John Bingham did.Because if he could do it, I figured I could too.It was a great book...had me laughing a lot! :o)
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Psychological aspects    7. Running    8. Running & Jogging    9. Track & Field    10. Health & Fitness / Exercise    11. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (2)

Very interesting summary of the physiology of running
This book really ought to be called "The Distance Runner" because its focus is entirely on that topic;sprinting is only discussed when it provides an illuminating contrast to the distance sport.Also, there are an annoying amount of typos and grammatical errors in the book.They don't interfere with information transfer, but they brought me up mentally every time I crossed one and they come across as unprofessional.Those nits aside, this is an excellent discussion of past and current research on the effects of running on the human body and methods to maximize training and race performance.Costill and Trappe discuss the physiology of elite runners vs. the untrained, safe and effective training methods, differences between male and female runners, and the effects on aging on performance.An educational resource for runners at all levels.

For the cardiovascular fitness enthusiast
Running The Athlete Within by David Costill (John and Janice Fisher Chair in Exercise Science, Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University) and Scott Trappe (Director, Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University) is a straightforward and "user friendly" guide to understanding how men and women can best balance training, rest, and nutrition into a healthy and competitive running/exercise regimen. Firmly grounded in solid scientific backing, Running The Athlete Within covers the effects of aging on one's ability to run and enjoy it, optimizing one's performance, special considerations for female and pregnant runners, and much more. Running The Athlete Within is very highly recommended reading for the long distance runner and the cardiovascular fitness enthusiast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    5. Sports & Recreation / Training    6. Athletic Training And Conditioning    7. Exercise    8. Nutrition    9. Physical fitness   

Reviews (44)

Undestand training and goals, if you really read the book
This book is not a running schedule "take one and call me in the morning".In fact, he takes a very flexible approach.E.g., in the weekly planners which are geared towards racing, he merely indicates the "quality" days one should and may do, to fit in with the current phase of the chosen training program.It is important to read through the book to gain an understanding of the different aspects of the training, and how it achieves what you want to do [even if you gloss over the numbers during the aerobic profile section].With most people's schedules, it is good to know how to chose priorities.And for people who are just trying to achieve a fitness level, he has chapters devoted to that.
Running is king
This was great.So good to get back to the basics of true athletic performance.Daniels does a great job at taking this as far as many professional even care to go.He spells out all the physical and mental preparations necessary for a great outcome.The areas of science are good to understand why it is necessary to do more than just run constantly and he makes that very evident.
A true reference for the amateur or professional
Jack Daniel's writes a good book.Good to read, even better to use ongoing as a reference.Technical enough but still readable by the novice.
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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   

Reviews (4)

Get Ready To Run Faster
This is a great book that was easy to read, with ideas and workouts that were easy to incorporate into my training, racing and nutrition.Before I had this book, I was frequently injured and I had run a half-marathon in two hours.In the nine months since I got the book, I have run a 1:37:51, and then a 1:24:48 and I believe I'll go faster in the future.If you want to run faster and healthier, you should get this book.

Useful Information - Easy to Read
This book provided great information that I could actually apply to my own training and nutrition.It is easy to read and easy to use to plan my workouts.I'm seeing improvement in my running and training is more fun.I'd recommend it for anyone starting out or stuck at a running pace on which they know they can improve.

Same old stuff
I would not recommend this book, even for beginners.There is no "new" information in there.You could read all of it in one issue of Runner's World.It was a disappointment and a waste of my time and money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Fitness walking    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Track & Field    9. Training    10. Health & Fitness / Exercise    11. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (8)

If you love running, this book will help you keep running without injuries forever
This more like a user's manual. A truly useful reference to everything related to being healthy before, during and after your running session. You will even find tips on how to choose the right shoes for you. Learn how to diagnose any discomfort before it becomes a potential injury.
Runners' Repairs
All those little things that are happening either to myself, or to my cross country runners now have some good solid information on treatment and remediation.It is a great help to pinpoint problems for self treatment first rather than see a physician for nagging injuries that will respond to self treatment.It is an easy read but full of information.For example, the neoprene wrap on shoes for runners that have chronic problems with sprained ankles appears to be a clever solution.Good resource, down to earth, practical!

Timeless Advice That Everyone Can Use
A classic.Much better than any gimmicky "Idiots Guide", this Author provides sound advice along with stretching excercises and other tips that will never go out of style.I wish I had this book BEFORE I started running.Since it was published 25 years ago, it could use a couple of MINOR revisions.This would make a great gift for a new runner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accidents    2. Consumer Health    3. Foot    4. Podiatry    5. Running & Jogging    6. Running injuries    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track athletics    10. Wounds and injuries    11. Popular medicine    12. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    13. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (3)

New Edition is Way Better
I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out.These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.

Very useful
After i finished reading this book, i put it in the front of my collection of running books.This is the most functional and practical book i have ever seen on strength training for runners.the tips on how to weight train for muscular endurance are priceless as i'm beginning to see with my longer distances and lower times.this book has earned my recommendation.

Exactly what I needed
After reading through this book, it is clear that it is just what I needed.While running, I usually begin to experience fatigue in my muscles as opposed to my lungs.This book has very good strategies and tips on how to improve muscular endurance- which is exactly what runners need.My leg muscles as well as my upper body muscles have become more durable and I'm able to last much longer without getting tired.The programs in the front of the book provide a tremendous starting point for my weight training.This is a guide, that I recommend to all runners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training    6. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    7. Sports & Recreation / Training    8. Training    9. Athletic Training And Conditioning    10. Exercise    11. Health & Fitness    12. Physical education and training   

Reviews (53)

A Year Of Triumph, Tragedy and Learning
Running with the Buffaloes is an outstanding diary of a year in the life of a coach and his harriers, with a focus on - and it is a pair of shoes that has yet to be filled - the "next Pre," Adam Goucher, then a 2000 Olympic hopeful.
Interesting for what it reveals
The writing could be better, but Lear does provide a fairly unvarnished look at CU's nominally successful runners--a scrappy program with comparatively little scholarship money to pull in nationwide high school talent. And while many reviewers below have (gushingly) noted how inspirational this book is, I found it had some curious gaps.
Exciting Day to Day, Race by Race Account of a Team Building for the NCAAs
Virtually a day by day training diary forColorado's cross-country team, Lear gives you a runner's perspective of the athletes' minds and bodies as they endure a long aerobic climb of training, building not for big races but for the ultimate end of season race, the NCAA cross-country championship race. Under Wetmore, the team runs long quality runs at altitude with initially aerobic intervals saving anaerobic training for the latter part of the season trying to peak for the great race. The training is individualized based on a runner's fitness and abilities. You get a day to day feel on how the workouts effect and apply to each runner, from Goucher's aggressive training to the more paced training virtually for every one else. As other reviewers note, there is not much detail on scholastic studies, the book is pretty much focused on training and racing. The racing detail is a treat worthy of Track and Field News. The high number of injuries is disconcerting and mars the season and the reasons for the injuries are not completely resolved by books end. There is personal loss with the sudden death of one of their leading runners, Chris Severy and it is pretty amazing that they were able to finish the season with such a loss. Lear also gives you an inside look at recruitment at the minor sports level a more complex challenge due to the balance between woman's sports. Up to the last chapter, you are kept in suspense as to whether CU will pull off the team national championship challenge for a team national championship along with Goucher's quest for the individual title, that's a mystery you have to solve by reading the book. Incidentally, Goucher and Slattery are still top runners at the national level today, including both their CU alum wives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boulder    2. Colorado    3. Colorado Buffaloes (Cross coun    4. Colorado Buffaloes (Cross country team)    5. Cross-country running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track & Field    10. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (15)

BEST RUNNING MOTIVATOR
Of all the running books out there, from by-the-numbers training plans to dense physiology tomes, none provide the uplift and motivation needed by average "non-athletic" mortals better than the two written by John Bingham. In his newest, Bingham, long associated with his "Penguin" philosophy through Runner's World Magazine, inspires with his personal story. Only this isn't an Olympic athlete's heroic quest, but an average, vice-ridden everyman's transformation from overweight couch potato to athlete. In a conversational, non-preachy tone, Bingham writes for the majority of runners and fitness walkers-- the back two-thirds of every road race.
Wise introduction to running
This is the first work of John Bingham's that I have read, and it was absolutely amazing.He gave me a very realistic, very wise introduction to the sport of running.I tend to overdo things when I get excited about them and burn out after three or four weeks, and thankfully I have a companion with Bingham.His advice has given me the strength and courage to persevere and enjoy the sport of running.A must-read for those beginning to run.

More Than I Expected
Bingham's book is much more than I expected.I am a 32 year old who has run off and on since high school.Over the last few years I have been prone to injury and decided that I needed to rethink my running habits.What I expected from Bingham was a brief book with some good motivational passages and some practical tips for adult runners.
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Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (5)

Women Who Run
What a great, lively read, especially as we enter the summer months and want to spend more time exercising outside!I found Shanti's book to be engaging, informative and inspiring.I gave up running a couple of years ago, and this book has reminded me why I should take it up again.

Older Men Who Walk
I'm not a woman and I don't run.I'm 64 and recovering from a recent cancer procedure.This extremely well-written and thoroughly engaging book has inspired my wife and me to double our walking effort.Not to mention how much fun it was to read.

Great gift for your wife, girlfriend or other...
My fiance just loved this book. Great gift idea for the runner in your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Women runners    7. Women's Health - General    8. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (3)

Sports Medicine PH D told me I wouldn't be able to run again
A sports medicine PH D told me I wouldn't be able to run again ...but I proved him wrong!! Due to bad calcium deposits, the doctor told me that the pain would grow and grow until I wouldn't be able to run again. I Improved Significantly After the First Chapter
The book applies the Feldenkrais method to running in a very logical way.It begins with the big picture, and then focuses on the details.The exercises in this book are well thought out, and WILL make a difference in your running.I noticed a significant improvement after only the first chapter, and I just kept improving with each subsequent chapter.You begin by studying the relationship between the upper and lower body while walking.The shoulders should move in a direction opposite the hips.Most people, myself included, do not do this properly and it affects breathing and everything else involved in running.I spent an evening working on this, and immediately noticed a huge improvement in my running.Breathing suddenly became easier, and my stride became less jarring.Through each chapter, the improvements continued.This book is a must for every runner.It will make all the difference.

Finally free your body
This book takes you through a thorough series of Feldenkrais exercises to open up your movement in your running.He not only shows and tells you how to find a healthy, easy running style, he gets you to feel it.Using theexercises in this book I eliminated knee pain I've had for years andfinally got rid of the pain from an upper back injury no specialist seemedable to fix.I have to say thanks to Jack Heggie for writing this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feldenkrais method    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Fitness training    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (1)

Not only great running tips, but excellent diet advice too
As a triathlete going on my 15th season, I have seen most of the stuff out there. This book is great in that it starts by teaching running technique, which most people ignore. Sure we all know technique is crucial in swimming, but it is in running as well. The author also has a video on his "Evolution" run technique which I have on order.
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Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Triathlon