Slow Running: Running for fun: without going too far, too fast, too soon

by Chris Bore

This book is about Slow Running.

This is a short book with a simple that running should be fun.

Slow Running is about running for enjoyably, sustainably and without taking the time to enjoy being there and letting yourself feel what you are doing. Along the way you will learn to run more lightly, to feel better as you run, to listen to your body, to pace yourself naturally, and to vary your style and pace and stride to suit the day, the path, and how you feel.

Slow Running lets you on what you are doing, where you are, how you feel. It lets you be there, in the moment, being active, out in the world, being part of it. It also helps you avoid injury, build a firm base of running miles, and develop a lighter, stronger running but these benefits are secondary to the main Slow Running is fun.

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2014

Reviews

[Chris Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to this short-and-sweet little book, runners do three things wrong: they run too far, they run too fast, and they run too far and too fast too soon. The premise of this entire book is that running needn't be sprinting and that running shouldn't demand full exertion. While running can include wind-sprints and suicides, it shouldn't because 70% of runners injure themselves every year and very few runners who add running to their new year's resolution normalize running into their daily habits. Running shouldn't be a punishment, it should be a gift. It should be doing something someone looks forward to—and not just to enable them to eat more donuts. It should be a relaxing way to "spend time in a nice way." Here's how you do it (spoiler): "run as slowly as you can while still looking as if you are running." And that's what I love about this book. Because this is what I have always been about. I don't mind if I ever come away from running huffing and puffing, full stop.

[Becky Fitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed to read

Having started to jog again after 12 years, now aged 70, I needed to read these words of running wisdom. I think all beginner runners should read this or a similar book as we need to find our own pace and not be told how fast we should be going. Just enjoy the process of putting one foot in front of the other and don't be put off by the initial twinges or the people sprinting past you!

[John Ghent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly how I feel!

I have done the 5k PB's and had several.painful runs searching for goals and specific time but it is not enjoyable at all. I've only been running a short period of time really but have come to the same realisation that this short book recommends. Just enjoy it!! Slow down, take in your surroundings and have a fun time. This book reminds us to do just that and by back to enjoying running.

[Mr Nicholas Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow is the Way to go

I got back into running after a break of oh almost 40 years and got straight back into split times, running apps and getting frustrated / enthused in the standard 80/20 ratio. I'm in my 50's and although I do have some running goals breaking records doesn't feature so Slow Running and enjoying it will be 80% of my efforts going forwards. Chris Bores philosophy makes a lot of sense if you run for fun.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed, returned to running recently after Covid infection to settle spiking heart rate, just slowly increasing pace and distance as fitness improves but not as targets. As a former fixed wheel cyclist I particular enjoyed the reference.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing special

I didn’t learn anything except to enjoy running.
There are quite a few typos in this book as well.

The high cadence shuffle sounds interesting. But if you do not lift your feet, doesn’t it make it more likely to trip and fall.

[Bernard Shuford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome advice

Most people regard running completely wrong, mostly because we actually think that we're supposed to suffer while running. Guess what. We're not. Running should be fun. Read this book. Seriously.

[Heather Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last

At last I no longer have to feel inferior at park runs! PB? Who cares, I’m out there doing it my way, feeling pretty smug. Thanks for the boost to my confidence.

[Emma Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on

It's about time I read something I believe in . A great read and explained well. I hate the term no pain no gain and will be sharing with my clients.

[CherylR · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick book

This is a fund, quick book to read. Not really a running manual, but enjoyable. Short., quick paragraphs and then it is done.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read slow running

Slow running is a quick read: a short book that’s easy to follow when reading but probably harder to put into practice

[Betina Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Reminds you to listen to your body, slow when you need to & just enjoy your run
Great advice for beginners & runners of all stages & ages

[Mark McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, short book to run if you just want to move. Not necessarily motivational if you want to push yourself to be a stronger, faster runner.