Think Like a Runner: Understanding Why We Run and How to Do It Better

by Jeff Horowitz

Discover exactly what it is that makes you a runner and improve your running technique with this practical guide packed with friendly advice, anecdotes, tips, and more.We all decide to run for different reasons, whether it’s to lose weight, improve health, or deal with stress in everyday life. But what is it that keeps you motivated to run, train, and race day after day? Professional runner and running coach Jeff Horowitz aims to answer this question in Think Like a Runner. When you’re just past mile 22 of a marathon and looking down the barrel of four more miserable miles of running until you can finally cross the finish line, it’s not the science that keeps you going; it’s something mental. Alongside insights into the mental journey all runners take in starting and sticking with this sport, you’ll discover practical tips to help improve your running, Establishing your running tribe Finding the running gear every runner needs Setting training and racing goals Recognizing the onset of injuries Preparing you mind to get in the game Adjusting your relationship with running as you age And so much more With Think Like a Runner, you’ll realize that understanding the complexities of why we run will simply help you run better.

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and helpful book giving a lot of helpful tips on running. Easy to read, yet informative. I’m very glad I read this!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful to me, as someone who is considering my first half-marathon. I like how the author emphasizes the community aspect of running, how we are all in this together and helping each other. I also like his tips on what to think about when we run. And finally, how we and our bodies need to be partners. I'm 65 so that's a good message.

There was something wrong with the chart pages in this book, which was unfortunate. A printing error I guess. Evidently the final proofreader dropped the ball. But still a good book worth my time.

[Verena · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I picked up this book from the library I expected to broaden my knowledge about running to help elevate myself from beginner to intermediate. However, the book is aimed at the very novice runner, the type who hasn’t really thought about running that much, yet could be persuaded to buy a pair of running shoes. Nonetheless, a fast and sometimes humorous read. Fast, because it feels like the author tried to hit a mandatory 250 pages stipulation for publishing: large font with big spacing and unusually wide margins.

[Lucien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some very (very) basic information about running that could help a number of new/potential runners... but beyond that, unless you are a cisgender, heterosexual, white man, this is not your book.

Little/no mention of equipment/clothing needs for people beyond cis men, total brushoff of folks' (legitimate) worries about safety while running (it rarely happens, he says; just get a dog, he says), and a pervasive machismo toward "conquering" and "dominating" that gets very old very fast.

[Ryan Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are already a runner, there isn't much new information here. It is clear that running is a really big part of the author's life. I was hoping for a more approachable and relatable book to a slower long distance runner like me--I mostly run for fitness/health and will take any tips or tricks to improve a little bit. I didn't find many new tips or tricks in this book.

[Holly Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Like a Runner by Jeff Horowitz is a good read for someone who wants to improve their fitness. He describes running as a way to achieve fitness. The book explains the importance of planning a workout to prevent stress and increase overall activity. The book was enjoyable, easy to read and helpful.

[tisasday · Rating 1 out of 5]

No Ned information.

[Kaitlin Goltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been an on and off runner my whole life, but a consistent one for the last year. This book was an easy read, yet informative. I feel like I’ve learned a lot and I can’t wait to try it out!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is inspirational and informative. I look forward to reading more books by Jeff Horowitz.

[Heidi Calderon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, great for new runners or those with a casual relationship with running that might want to take it to the next level.