Reviews (39)

Runners
This is a book primarily for competitive runners. It's well written and interesting. It will also help anyone involved in a serious exercise program which relies on exercising at a certain percentage of heart rate--but not as much. And if you're neither,then it's not for you at all.

A Primer on the Use of Heart Rate Monitors for Sports Performance Improvements and general fitness - I Lost 200 lbs with it !!

Senior Runners, Read this Book
Senior runners can add years to their running lives with the training schedules in Parkers book. I am 61 and have been a moderately serious recreational runner for about 30 years. In my late 50's I had some abdominal surgery and was ordered to stop running for six months. After my recovery, I found that I just could not train the way I had before. I simply was not recovering from my training runs. I would do a nice comfortable 6 miler, and be exhausted for days. I went from mid a 40's 10K to being embarrassed to enter a race. I moped around for about a year, and somebody recommended training with a heart rate monitor. I bought a Polar S120 and Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot. I struggled with some of the counter intuitive ideas in the book, but figured I did not have much to lose. I am now back up to 30 miles a week and feeling pretty good. I don't know yet if this stuff is going to help me set new PRs, but it has gotten me back out on the road. If you other old geezers are starting to cut back your mileage, or getting injured more, spend the 10 bucks and give this a try. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Human Exercise Physiology    3. Life Sciences - Human Anatomy & Physiology    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Family & Health    9. Swimming    10. Heart Rate Monitoring   

Reviews (7)

The marketeer's yoga book ?
Do not get fool by the title. There is absolutely nothing new on this book except the title which is aiming to take advantage of runners who may think this book can give us that extra edge in improving our skill. A Complete Introduction to Yoga Poses
an excellent introduction to yoga asanas... i always find myself going back to this book when i am trying a new pose and want to learn the basics of the pose... a must for anyone who has a yoga library...

athletic awareness through yoga
This book gave me the pragmatic and necessary anatomical reasoning behind yoga and its uses in training for; not only running, but other sports as well. As a yoga instructor, this is a great resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Hatha yoga    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Yoga    7. Track & field sports, athletics    8. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (3)

The only book!
This book was written several years ago when running was at its peak. When marathons were the only race worth doing. George Sheehan reached right inside the skull of the runner and was able to put into words the feelings that many of us felt at the time. He was merely describing the physiological effect of positive addiction. No-one else has managed to achieve this since. His clinics and lectures were unique and epitomised the man and his writing. This is the bible for the runner, it will never date. Regrettably someone stole my well thumbed dog eared and underlined copy. I hope that it is reprinted soon

Transcending; paradoxical
George is the man who runs through my mind in search of a kismet. I understand that he wrote all of this book after running. It has a beautiful endorphin-like quality to it. I have read hundreds of books about life and our existence, but George seems to sum of the paradoxical nature of goals and virtue and suffering and death as well as anyone. The extreme importance of knocking out a 5 minute mile and the utter insignificance of it all. George's passion has left an indelible impression on me for eternity - and I am forever grateful.

An excellent book for individuals who like running.
This is a book that describes Sheehan's love of running and belief that running is more than something done to stay fit.If you too feel that running is more that a sport (i.e, if you're a member of the Penguin Brigrade, for example) and that greater truths about life can be discovered while running, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Physical fitness    6. Running    7. Running & Jogging    8. Sheehan, George    9. Track and field athletes    10. United States    11. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (5)

title very misleading, more a series of reminisces...
I wanted facts and how-to's, but this book is 99% a series of looks back at Hal Higdon's past (many of which I've read in other publications). Other than a few charts for running/walking/all combos of for full and half marathons, there's nothing in here to help the over 40 (or under 40, for that matter) runner progress. Very, very disappointing book. If it weren't for the hassles of returning things from Canada, this puppy would have gone back to amazon.com immediately.

Read this book if you want to compete
Rather than offering advice to older real-people who would like to stay in shape, Higdon offers advice for those athletes who wish to remain competitive beyond their 40's. He does so by filling the book with anectodes on his own running career instead of translating that knowledge and experience into something most of can really use. This book reads more like Higdon's memoir, not the how-to book I was anticipating.

Run Past 40!
Masters Running shows runners and non runners how to run for longer then you thought possible with Hal Higdon training methods you can continue to run.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Physical fitness for older peo    5. Physical fitness for older people    6. Running & Jogging    7. Running for older people    8. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (1)

Running:Getting Started
This is the best book for beginning runners I have ever read.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Running & Jogging    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Training    5. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (1)

Wow! Now I want to run a marathon :)
I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the readability of this travel guide. There are inspirational stories in each chapter that make lies out of every excuse I've ever given for not running a marathon. As a cheering section member, this guide helps me show support while having a good time. I especially love the section 'Forget Sightseeing, Get me to a Spa'. Next time you want to run - I'll be at the spa waiting to hear your stories. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Special Interest - General    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel Guides - U.S.    7. United States - General    8. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    9. Track & field sports, athletics    10. Travel & holiday guides    11. USA   

Reviews (6)

Great Training Schedules
I've been looking for charts to help me with mileage and training for various races and this one has a ton to choose from.I'm training for my first marathon using his Novice marathon guide and it has been great.Finally, some concrete schedules to use for any distance!

An excellent compendium of training ideas
I am quite surprised by the negative reviews of this book.I have found it helpful for training for races ranging in length from 10 to 50 kilometers.Skim it, read it, study it, but at the least you'll never have to buy another series of training charts.

Not worth it, try again
I have purchased many of Hal's books and this is the only one I have ever been disappointed in. Not at all worth owning, the contents of this book is mainly training charts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. General    3. Health/Fitness    4. Marathon running    5. Physical fitness    6. Running    7. Running & Jogging    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track & Field    10. Training    11. Fitness training    12. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (4)

Some good advice but overall of limited usefulness
I bought this because used it cost 1 cent plus shipping!There is some useful advice about the race, but some of the training advice is not up to date.For example, he talks about the importance of drinking water, with no mention of the risks of hypnotremia.You will notice that the last review was over 3 years ago.A lot has been learned in that time...
Not only a running book but......
Found it a great guide for a runner in New York City - eateries, places, info - Very helpful, and the running advice is awesome.Many pages of training ideas/tips from famous runners.
Refreshing surprise
Pulled this book off the shelf expecting another book with scant info BUT I was spellbound at once!It had everything from schedules to advice from all the names I had seen run the damn thing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Marathon running    5. New York City Marathon    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Training    9. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (3)

It's not the size of the dog in the fight ...
..but rather the size of the fight in the dog.McGillavray has a lot of FIGHT in him.This is a motivating and inspiring story or true grit by an unpretentious guy.He is so disciplined, it almost comes off as being obsessiove/compulsive but there is no questioning the gu's work ethic and goal orientation.A blueprint for success!

Challenge yourself to think big!
This book was just what the doctor ordered as an antidote to a humdrum winter and a pudgy middle!I found the writing style endearing and Dave McGillivray's achievements to be inspiring.We may not all run across the country, but we can all have goals that challenge us.It's one of those books that you don't want to end...there's a magic to it that makes you feel ageless.I look at my aches and pains in a new way, and when I feel exhausted during a run I think "Well, at least I can stop before the next state...."

Inspiring and motivating
If you are in a mid-life funk, this is the book to read.Dave writes about many of his accompishments as if he were having a conversation with you and in all of his stories there is an important message:MOVE, BELIEVE, and SET GOALS no matter how lofty.I managed to finish one 5k race my entire life and I am just now realizing how important that race was. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Motivation (Psychology)    3. Runners (Sports)    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Success    8. United States    9. Biography: sport    10. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    11. Track & field sports, athletics    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (2)

very helpful and motivating book!!
There is one chapter in this book that contains motivating quotes from experienced runners that reflect upon what they wish they knew when they began running.I found that to be extremely inspirational (but it was only 1 of the 40 chapters)!! The rest of the book consists of important facts about the health benefits of running, help with time managment, a section on getting started, nutrition, training and more.Amby Burfoot gives great advice about the importance of training your mind along with your body, which helps those who may get discouraged at the beginning as well as those who need an extra push now and then.In the back there are effective training plans for the already active person as well as the beginner. I would strongly recommend this book to those who are interested in running for any reason because the book covers everything you need to know.
Great for motivation, but lacking in real content
The first 6 chapters of this book are made up of mostly quotes from runners.These are not always particularly insightful or helpful.I found it to have far, far too many of those, "well, DUH!" kind of comments.Not much detail or specifics at least in the first part of the book.I finally found something worth reading in the seventh chapter but by that point I was so annoyed that I didn't care.Needed editing. Others are better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Physical fitness    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (7)

Suberb training programs and running tips
Great tips on the physiology of training for beginners and running technigue and numerous tips for experienced runners. The programs are concise and easy to follow and allow runners to select the length of program by staying at each level until they are ready to move to the next type of training. Very Basic
This is a very bland book with little new to offer.The book is broken down into the most basic systems of training.If you like to keep things very simple you might like the book. Great advice
David helped me with everything from running form to the many types of training needed for running, let alone racing 5K and 10Ks. Included several things I'd never tried before such as bounding and downhill striders for relaxed speed running and stronger quods, butt muscles, hip flexors and calves. This book can take time off of your personal record. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Track & Field    5. Aerobics    6. Conditioning    7. Physical Fitness    8. Physical education    9. Physiological Aspects    10. Running    11. Training   

Reviews (5)

It really works!!
I started reading this book 2wks before the Chicago Marathon. The relaxation techniques and the different exercises for distraction during the race really worked.I have read dozens of books on training the body.This was the first I have read on training the mind.I plan to use these techniques with the children I coach. It really explains in basic and interesting format how important mental preparation is for competition. I highly recomend this book for anyone competing on any level.

Running Within
Many people start to run because they want to get in a better shape. This book teaches your mind to get in a better shape too. You learn to focus in a new way and you are able to concentrate much better. Your mind learns not to wander so much and stay within the race. I have used the exercises in the book for my preparation of the Boston Marathon which I finished, despite running with an injury, with a new personal best by more than two minutes. I recalled the learned exercises during my preparation in the race and was even able to float up heartbreak hill without considerably more effort. I wonder how I would have raced hadn�t I been hindered by a nagging hamstring injury.

If You Want to Run Faster-Read This Book
There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of books on the market about how to train smarter, better, harder, or what have you. Some of them are quite good, and some of them quite bad. However, these books often neglect one of the key aspects of running and that is its mental component. And that's where Running Within: A Guide to Mastering the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection to the Ultimate Training and Racing comes in. Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Training    7. Cross-country running   

Reviews (5)

Very reader-friendly, informative, and interesting!
I recently started running this year, and I'm very thankful that I picked up this particular book.The author is an experienced marathon runner and has his own personal marathon website online as well.This book was very informative and interesting!The topics range from beginning runners to marathon runners, cross-training to advanced running/training, extreme weather running to running shoes/equipment.The book is very reader-friendly and reads very quickly.This book is probably better suited for beginning/intermediate runners, as it provides more info about getting into running and starting a running regimen, along with motivation and training advice.Yet, it's one of my favorite running books so far, and is helping me train for my first 1/2 marathon!

Good all around running guide
Great resource for runners.IT covers all information needed to reach your goals in running.Thumbs-up.

Literally everything you need
I wanted to write a review to applaud this book and it's author.Of all of the running and fitness books I have experienced, this book is the one of the only books to achieve putting the entire picture together.It not only gives you the accurate and entire picture, Art Liberman does it in a way that is easy to read and follow.He is one of the only authors to communicate worth-while information in a manner that will keep you reading the book.I attribute its ease of reading and thouroughness to my success as a "budding" runner.This is a keeper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Running    4. Running & Jogging    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Fitness & diet    8. Jogging   

Reviews (2)

Useful Preparation Guide in Preparing for Running a Marathon
Richard Benyo is an experienced marathon runner and ultra marathon runner.His writing style is easy to follow and very helpful.He talks of the pitfalls of bad exercise habits and talks about nearly every imaginable aspect related to running a marathon.I say "nearly" only because I have yet to have a question that his book hasn't answered.
Excellent help for my first marathon
I was never a runner but I wanted to run a marathon so a friend recommended this book.It is an excellent "how-to" manual and I followed it word-for-word.Benyo gives advice from day one through the actual races (mile by mile) and post race recovery.I hope this book makes it back into print because it is an excellent guide to running a first marathon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Marathon running    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (6)

LOVED THIS BOOK AN STILL DO
I started running way, way before the "running craze" hit.This was in the late 1950 and very early 1960.Let me tell you it was pretty lonely out there.Little was known, shoes were very primitive and attitudes were even more primitive.All that changed and one of the primary movers of that change was this book and books like it.You have no idea how nice it was to know there were others out there.I purchased my first copy when it was first published and am still reading it to this day.Yes, some of the data my be a bit dated but to tell you the truth, not all that much.I stil run and what was true then is still pretty much the truth now.Cannot recommend this book highly enough.

A wonderful book about running and a way of life!
I grew up in the 'boom' time of running: I was a teenager coming into running during the late 70's and early eighties.I still remember a wonderful article in Runner's World magazine on Jim Fixx.I am still saddened by his death.He was the 'every man' of running: un-pretentious and soulful.His prose is precint, witty, and full of life.I recommend the book not only for its knowlege base, but for the sheer 'readability'!And yes...those are actually his legs on both of his book covers!We all miss you, Jim.
It Keeps Going, and Going, and Going
Decades after it's initial release, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF RUNNING has become a classic and remains what it was Fixx intended it to be: a great guide for beginners and a textural gathering place for multitudes of runners.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Jogging    3. Psychological aspects    4. Running    5. Running & Jogging    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (13)

Contemplating running a marathon as a lifetime achievement?
I bought this book for me and my sister-in-law in 2003 when she and I decided to run the Boston Marathon for the first time. Yes, we were bandits as were around 5000 others who wanted to experience running a marathon in the premier marathon of them all. Because most bandits are not hardcore runners, it's a lifetime achievement that brings a level of pride and emotion that most people rarely experience in their lifetime.
Warning: False Advertising, Insulting -- You'll Feel Cheated
The author ran the race as a "bandit", a fact that you don't discover until you buy the book (it is not stated anywhere on the book cover, reviews, etc.)In fact, Amazon states: "About the Author ...MICHAEL CONNELLY competed in the 1996 Boston marathon."This is simply a false statement.Legitimately qualifying for Boston is an integral part of competing, and the author did not do that.He did not "compete" in the Boston marathon any more than I "competed" in the U.S. Open by playing golf as a tourist at Pebble Beach (a frequent U.S. Open site).This taints the entire book and made me (as someone who has legitimately qualified for Boston) feel cheated (I am going to request a refund from Amazon on the basis of false advertising).
Runners Rejoice!
Never has a book captured the essence of not only running Boston, but mararthoning as 26 Miles to Boston has.The author's account of his run humanizes the event - and puts a face on the Boston Marathon like never before.In my mind any concerns with the runner's running status (non-qualified) are put to rest by the fact that the three greatest runners ever to run the Boston Marathon support the book with personal endorsements in the form of forewords.Also the Boston Athletic Association lends their own quote to the cover of the book further endorsing the author's account of the Boston Marathon.In my mind the Boston Marathon is the greatest race in the world. People come from all over the world to run in this event - some are qualified some are not.What makes it special is the fact that all are provided the opportunity to compete in the "Open" event.The Boston Marathon is not just for "elite" runners, but runners of all levels, nationalities and backgrounds.I love the way 26 Miles to Boston captured the special qualities of the race and intertwined the author's account and the champions' accounts of the race.I would recommend this book to all runners, marathoners and fans of the Boston Marathon, the elite and non-elite alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boston    2. Boston Marathon    3. Marathon running    4. Massachusetts    5. Running & Jogging    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Track & Field    9. Cross-country running    10. Sporting events & tours    11. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (2)

This is a journal, nothing more,
As the title of the book suggests, this is simply a journal for you to record your daily runs, some info about your races and times, and your shoe history.Each page lists space to record info for 3 days of running, and has a quote about running or a tip off to the side.While the tips are helpful for new runners, and the book might be a nice motivational fctor, there is really nothing here that you can't find off the Internet by typing in "running tips" in a search engine. Keep a log now, because you'll never remember later!
This is a great training journal! Not only does it have a space to record daily run info, but it has little tips and fun facts on every page.Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Will you like this book - depends on what you are looking for
The cover of this book, which says there are training plans for the marathon, half marathon, 5K and 10K is very misleading.There are NO training plans for most of these distances.The only training plans offered are a beginners plan that takes you to your first 5K, preps you for your first 10K.After that there is a sample running plan.If you are looking for detailed plans that will help you with mileage and pace on week by week basis leading up to the race of your choice, then skip this book because, despite what the cover says, these are not there.
No training plans included
I picked up this book after reading Higdon's training plan's online.
Terrific For Beginner or Intermediate Runner
This book touches on training techniques generally for all races under a half marathon.It includes advice to keep a runner injury-free while improving times in the shorter races. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Jogging   

Reviews (3)

An excellent guide for beginners and experienced runners
I have read this book over and over during marathon training and post training recovery.It has given me a lot of insight from many experienced trainers.This is the best book I have found for beginning runners (I amnow on to my 5th marathon) both short and long distance.There is not onechapter that did not provide helpful information.

A very efficient training guide
I bought this book to prepare my first marathon. (Indianapolis, 1997). I had a real pleasure reading it. The author covers all the aspect of marathon: History, training, personal advices, and many examples. He givesyou very efficient guide lines in order not to get injured and to reallyenjoy running. I red it few times, trying to study it. I still read part ofit to check informations. What I like a lot compared to the other books Ired is the clarity of the text. It's organised to be as simple as possibleand to really fit your needs. The author has also a good sense of humor.It's a great book, efficient, serious, easy to read, and fun!

Guides without Guidelines
The Marathon Guide of Hal Higdon misses what many books miss when trying to reach as many potential readers as possible: Focus. The book promises to suit everyone's needs, first time marathoners as well as experienced marathoners. Even though the book starts with chapters written especially for three different levels of marathon performance, the book looses this concentration in the following twelve chapters. The author mixes content for experienced runners with content for beginners. A confusing and weakly structured work is the consequence. Undoubtedly, the author is an experienced runner and coach. But this disposition leads more to a description on "how I did it" than to suggestions how runners should behave to train for and run a Marathon. You could expect more from a "ultimate training and racing guide". ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Good first book
I am a new runner... before I started training for a 1/2 marathon, I had only run 4-5 k on a treadmill, which I'd been doing on and off for about 2 years.
The most complete and practical source on running technique.
All of Miller's techniques and psychological self-talk have helped me run more lightly, smoother, and without injury. I no longer slog and gut my way through runs. I may not be as fast as the elite but I can run almost as efficiently and that helps me enjoy running more. I really like Miller's approach and attitude.

Lots to think about
The author through self exploration leads the reader to believe that it truly is mind over matter.I found the book to be well written, although at times a little too centred on the author's experiences.Overall a good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Cross-country running    8. Sports psychology