Running Made Easy

by Susie Whalley, Lisa Jackson

Rare book

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Fitness

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm entirely lacking in athletic prowess, but my even less athletic husband agreed to do a couch to 5k plan with me. After going on a couple of runs, I thought it might be a good idea to make sure I'm not doing anything blatantly wrong and/or slowly killing myself.

This book was high on motivation, low on the basic practicalities. For instance, a question I have asked myself is how I'm supposed to be breathing. I swear I remember something from middle school P.E. about breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth, or vice versa, or maybe something totally different. This isn't the book for that kind of information. There is a brief mention of some good stretches and and even shorter mention of some posture advice, but that's about it.

The best parts of this book are the motivational stories. How am I going to whine about running when a woman with one leg is out there running ultra marathons??

It's very, very British so be prepared to Google a kg to lbs converter and accept that you will be slogging through slang.

[Christina Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant! Colourful, fun and easy to read, it's a world away from the grim-faced aversion therapy meted out by jocks when I was at school.
I was resigned to staying unfit after the National Health Service "Couch to 5k" program nearly killed me* - I had to give up exhausted half way through Session One, Week One and didn't have the heart to try again. Then my DD got this book out of the local library, as she is hoping to run the local half-marathon. I started reading it over her shoulder, then pinched it to read it myself, and finally bought my own copy. I've worked all the way through the ten week program, which was a terrific boost to my self-esteem as well as my health and stamina.

Believe me, this book can work miracles - I'm now training for my first race!



*I think they are trying to drum up business O_O

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my running bible. It is fun to read, inspiring and very helpful. Right now I am on week 4 of its running program and I really enjoy it. It makes running very doable and fun. If you are interested in running but are nervous you couldn't do it, I recomend this book highly.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I have recently started running to get fit and lose weight. This book is full of interesting information to get me started, keep me going and hopefully become a runner (and I never thought that word would apply to me).

[Lindsey Burnett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage. Trash. This would only be useful if you: 1) have no access to Google, 2) want an eating disorder, 3) want to have negative motivation to run because you hate your body and need it to be smaller.

Every other page is about how running can make you SKINNY!! And THIN!!! And more BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL BE SMALLER!!!!!

I found it absolutely giving me flashbacks to 2010 when I thought I needed to be skinny at all costs. I learned absolutely nothing new about running. Most of the tips are common sense or outdated.

[Elizabeth-anne Syme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, and recently re-read it. While it has some really good advice about running, on re-readong it, it is quite surprising just how much of the language is focused on losing weight, or looking 'right' and less on being healthy & strong. None of that takes away from the main premise of the book, but it's interesting to see how attitudes (or mine at least) have changed since this book was first published.

[Kirsteen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently decided to start running properly (inspired by my friend who ran the London marathon last week) by sticking to a running programme and following my progress. I am very happy I read this book as it is very motivational and has some very inspiring real life stories to encourage you to get out and start pounding the pavement. It also has lots of good suggestions about different types of running gear to buy and tips about hoe to avoid blisters and bleeding nipples. All very useful. Although I don't really consider myself much of a runner I can quite easily run for half an hour. This almost makes me too advanced a runner for this book, as it really is aimed at people who have never run in their lives. Having said that, I still like the idea of charting my progress, adding mood-smileys to chart how I felt during each run, and writing down my personal goals and reasons for wanting to become a better runner. So no complaints on that front for me as I really liked that feature. I just wish there would have been an equally as detailed and fun running plan for SLIGHTLY more advanced runners - say, 5k'ers - but perhaps the next edition will have that. Either way, I really enjoyed this book for its tips, insights and interactive features and would recommend it for newbie runners.

[Kayce · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was some useful information in this book. I just had to skim through lots of other stuff to get it. I wasn't aware that the authors are sports writers, not running experts. So the book has a very "Cosmo" feel to it. I was just waiting for the "what kind of runner are you?" or "what shorts look best on your hiney?" quizes at the end of the chapters. Also, this book is definitely for people who are barely starting to run. While I don't consider myself a "runner" yet, this book would have been much more helpful to me 3 months ago.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

after reading this book I want to do it… I actually want to get those trainers on and go for it. it has a lot of inspirational stories and such which most DIY yourself books seem to have, but this one has charts! it has quick glance week by week guides and little things to fill out easily to keep you seeing progress and mood. so even when you can't see the pounds falling off, youare reminded how tood it is making you feel.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it's targeted at women/girls with all the cutesy fonts and colours, girly quotes and ideas like rewarding yourself with sports bras, my brother enjoyed it as much as I did and now he's an avid runner joining all sorts of races. We borrowed Triathlon Made Easy from the library after this but it wasn't as good, unfortunately.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute with inspiring stories, but could have used a stronger editor. Typos, dude! Typos! (My running career continues to be Brit-themed, with this book.)

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the beginning of me discovering my passion for running, it really did help me to get out there and run ... all attemps to run before reading this had failed! :)

[Sally Kilpatrick]

Neat little book on running. Some of the testimonials are a bit overwrought for me, but I like the charts, read some good tips, and found the whole book to be inspiring overall.

[Lucy J Jeynes]

Don't laugh.....