The Rough Guide to Running (Rough Guides Reference Titles) by Lloyd Bradley (25-Oct-2007) Paperback

by Lloyd Bradley

The Rough Guide to Running will propel you ahead of the pack with a power brew of reliable guidance and inspirational tips. The guide includes the basics from good running technique, goal setting and motivation to schedules, preparation and how to deal with injuries and strains. You’ll find the low-down from our team of professional runners, coaches, health experts, including a nutritionist and an osteopath as well as the best advise on running shoes, clothes, accessories and gadgets, and where to buy them. They’re all covered, from fun runs and charity runs to clubs, competitive racing, marathons and best running events around the world. Whether you have already notched up many miles or are a beginner taking your first steps in this addictive pastime, you need this book.Stay ahead of the pack with The Rough Guide to Running!

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

Paperback

First published November 19, 2007

Reviews

[Andre Hermanto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an introductory book to running. It is informative for beginners although it pales in comparison to "Running Science" by Owen Anderson for serious running reference and instruction.

[Anthony Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff - clear and informative. And relevant to running in the UK. Not much to say really - a useful book with some clear facts and figures and lots of hints and tips....

[Tasha Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall book, great for a newbie like me

[Jenny Karraker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four different authors of various ages and experiences contributed to the writing of this book, 2 men and 2 women, all of whom are well known and accomplished runners. Their different viewpoints, insights, and experiences made the book fuller and richer in every way. I loved the many pictures of runners trudging through the snow, out in the countryside in the summertime, or along many of England's famous landmarks. I found their sense of humor hilarious-- one fellow suggested the men run shirtless as an added motivation! They seemed to write the book not with the elite, professional runner In mind, but with an eye toward you or your next door neighbor who needs to get moving. They were realistic in assessing their audience and giving a witty response--"Will I look stupid? Not unless you're running a marathon dressed like a carrot, and then it will probably be deliberate." This humor seemed to break down the barrier of taking ourselves too seriously or giving up before we even get started. However, it is a serious book on running with chapters on gear, diet, proper shoes, gadgets, stretching before and after, running technique and poses, training schedules, injuries, event trainings, etc. I found the layout helpful-- blue high-lighted boxes at the edge of the page that gave additional info about the topic, fact and tip boxes (also in the margins), drawings of the cardio cycle, charts, bold-faced graphics depicting important summary statements, diagrams of body parts (the foot, the knee, muscles, etc), training schedules for specific events, and a glossary with all the running terms explained. There was a whole chapter devoted to women and their special needs as well as a chapter for the older runner. At the end, they list their favorite top marathon runs, which set me dreaming. The one at the North Pole sounds amazing; however,the $20,000 entry fee will probably eliminate all but the most elite and wealthiest runners. Other runs that made me want to train and go there included the Great Wall of China run, a safari marathon in Kenya, one on Easter island, San Francisco, Sydney, Australia, one that goes through the vineyards of Medoc, France, Athens, and one along the riviera that crosses through 3 countries. These are probably out of my reach and price range, but they listed smaller races that sounded like great fun. The 10K Santa Run in Cardiff, Wales where they give you a Santa suit to run in sounded like great fun. The authors encouraged you to run local events and not to feel like you have to travel to exotic places to find a good race. But these descriptions gave me ideas to fantasize about while pounding the pavement!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips and strategies. Was written by a UK author so it had some funny comments and referrals.

I enjoyed this book. It was written by an English author and referred to many things in the UK which was kind of interesting. It had some great running tips and strategies. Dave just bought me a GPS watch for running (yes, he is the best) and I can't wait for it to be delivered. I'm planning on running a marathon this Spring if all goes well.

Top 10 Marathons:

1. North Pole - Entry fee $20k!
2. Boston - Must qualify to get in.
3. Great Wall of China - Tough with 3700 steps!
4. Safaricom (Lewa Wildlive Conserve, Kenya) - Race with giraffes or wildebeest.
5. Easter Island - World's most remote marathon.
6. San Francisco - See all the sights.
7. Sydney Australia - See all the sights again.
8. Le Marathon des Chateaux du Medoc - Passes through 59 vineyards; wine offered at aid stations.
9. Athens - The route that Phidippides ran (as well as the 2004 Olympic route).
10. Monte Carlo - Run through 3 different countries including France, Italy and Monaco.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from a British perspective. Contains a list of interesting marathons at the end of the book.

[Nancy Dardarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and funny.