What do you think?
Rate this book
The Born Again Runner: A Guide to Overcoming Excuses, Injuries, and Other Obstacles—for New and Returning Runners
From the lead author of Build Your Running Body (“the best running book ever”—Runner’s World founder Bob Anderson), a one-of-a-kind guide for everyone who wants to run but feels they can’t
As a drug-addled young man, Pete Magill once found himself in the ER, with his body telling him to give up. Taking up running seemed impossible—but he willed himself to do it anyway.
Magill went on to become one of the fastest masters runners ever, and a sought-after coach. Over a glowing (albeit hard-won) career, he has heard every excuse people use to stop running or never start—from achy knees and sore ankles, to advanced age and arthritis, to too many cigarettes or years on the couch.
In every case, Magill’s best advice is to do what he did: Run anyway—at a pace and mileage that work. Through inspiration, science, and anecdote, Magill gets runners out the door; through personal action plans, he sets them on the right path; and through the best exercises to protect and rehabilitate the body, he keeps them going—showing a way forward for new and sidelined runners who haven’t before realized how close they are to fun and pain-free
running!
As a drug-addled young man, Pete Magill once found himself in the ER, with his body telling him to give up. Taking up running seemed impossible—but he willed himself to do it anyway.
Magill went on to become one of the fastest masters runners ever, and a sought-after coach. Over a glowing (albeit hard-won) career, he has heard every excuse people use to stop running or never start—from achy knees and sore ankles, to advanced age and arthritis, to too many cigarettes or years on the couch.
In every case, Magill’s best advice is to do what he did: Run anyway—at a pace and mileage that work. Through inspiration, science, and anecdote, Magill gets runners out the door; through personal action plans, he sets them on the right path; and through the best exercises to protect and rehabilitate the body, he keeps them going—showing a way forward for new and sidelined runners who haven’t before realized how close they are to fun and pain-free
running!
- GenresNonfictionHealthFitness
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
94 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Pete Magill
10 books8 followersPete Magill has coached his running clubs to 19 masters national championships. He's a five-time USA Masters Cross Country Runner of the Year and the fastest-ever American distance runner over age 50 in the 5K and 10K. He is also the lead author of Build Your Running Body. He lives in South Pasadena, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 22, 2016
A good reference for beginning runners or those that want to improve.
August 19, 2016
"You won't live to see your son graduate from high school."
**REVIEW UPDATE**
At first, I only gave Pete's book 4-stars--Why? Because I didn't think it was as great as his first book. Well, that's a pretty peevish reason, isn't it! There are very few books that will ever meet the standard of Pete's first book. So, it's now 5 Stars.
Pete Magill explains the title of his second book: "This book is called the Born Again Runner because I truly believe that a successful running program can change your life." The author was indeed warned by an E.R. doctor that he would not be living long. With his lifestyle, the doctor explained, "You won't live to see your son graduate from high school." That stern warning did the trick. Pete Magill changed his life: "I conjured a practicing runner from the mess I'd made of my life." In THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER, Pete wants to encourage you to similarly drastically change your life for the better.
Of course, the author is a well-known, award-winning runner, as well as author of my favorite running book of all time, BUILD YOUR RUNNING BODY. I have used the author's prior book extensively. This book is quite different, however. It's really more of a motivational book, to help readers who are thinking of finally taking up the challenge to begin running.
I applaud the author for taking such care to ease the reader into running. Another great section is called "Injury Prevention 101." It discusses the common running injuries, and how best to avoid and treat them.
The author is well aware of injuries suffered by runners. He acknowledges the statistics showing that the majority (50-80%) of runners get injured each year. This is great preventable, he claims. Thus, he insists novices begin very slowly. In his plan, "First Workout," he has simple, gradual exercises just for the couch potatoes.
The author explains some of the oft-heard reasons to avoid running. For example, "running ruins your knees." (Myself, I had avoided running my whole life because of that myth.) Pete explains that runners are so fit that they need knee replacements at 7-fold less frequent than non-runners.
One of the best graphics is shown on page 56. It is entitled, "Heart Attacks per Year." There, Pete shows how runner have drastically better chances of avoiding heart attacks.
One feature I really like about this book is found at the end of each chapter. There is a final section called "Chapter Takeaway." For example, in an early chapter, Pete again cautions sedentary folks to start gradually: "It's counterproductive to start a running program by mapping out a challenging training schedule. Your body isn't ready for that. Your muscles, bones, and tendons are too weak."
The book is filled with numerous testimonials from runners, called "Becoming a Runner" explaining how they got started and how it helped them. Most of them are stories of transitioning from terrible health problems to a life of regular running and subsequent weight loss and health improvement.
My favorite part of this book is Chapter 9: "Create your Personal Action Plan." Here, he encourages the reader to set up goals related to exercise, diet, and lifestyle. For example, he suggests the use of a "running log" to help the beginner be disciplined in their new exercise.
This book also includes detailed plans for preparing for a race, as well as suggested exercises when faced with an injury.
All in all, I found THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER to be an encouraging--even an inspiring read. Realistically speaking, can this book really be as good as his early, fantastic work? Well, probably not. However, THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER is a good, practical book for beginning runners, as well as anyone reluctant to start running for fear of injury.
**REVIEW UPDATE**
At first, I only gave Pete's book 4-stars--Why? Because I didn't think it was as great as his first book. Well, that's a pretty peevish reason, isn't it! There are very few books that will ever meet the standard of Pete's first book. So, it's now 5 Stars.
Pete Magill explains the title of his second book: "This book is called the Born Again Runner because I truly believe that a successful running program can change your life." The author was indeed warned by an E.R. doctor that he would not be living long. With his lifestyle, the doctor explained, "You won't live to see your son graduate from high school." That stern warning did the trick. Pete Magill changed his life: "I conjured a practicing runner from the mess I'd made of my life." In THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER, Pete wants to encourage you to similarly drastically change your life for the better.
Of course, the author is a well-known, award-winning runner, as well as author of my favorite running book of all time, BUILD YOUR RUNNING BODY. I have used the author's prior book extensively. This book is quite different, however. It's really more of a motivational book, to help readers who are thinking of finally taking up the challenge to begin running.
I applaud the author for taking such care to ease the reader into running. Another great section is called "Injury Prevention 101." It discusses the common running injuries, and how best to avoid and treat them.
The author is well aware of injuries suffered by runners. He acknowledges the statistics showing that the majority (50-80%) of runners get injured each year. This is great preventable, he claims. Thus, he insists novices begin very slowly. In his plan, "First Workout," he has simple, gradual exercises just for the couch potatoes.
The author explains some of the oft-heard reasons to avoid running. For example, "running ruins your knees." (Myself, I had avoided running my whole life because of that myth.) Pete explains that runners are so fit that they need knee replacements at 7-fold less frequent than non-runners.
One of the best graphics is shown on page 56. It is entitled, "Heart Attacks per Year." There, Pete shows how runner have drastically better chances of avoiding heart attacks.
One feature I really like about this book is found at the end of each chapter. There is a final section called "Chapter Takeaway." For example, in an early chapter, Pete again cautions sedentary folks to start gradually: "It's counterproductive to start a running program by mapping out a challenging training schedule. Your body isn't ready for that. Your muscles, bones, and tendons are too weak."
The book is filled with numerous testimonials from runners, called "Becoming a Runner" explaining how they got started and how it helped them. Most of them are stories of transitioning from terrible health problems to a life of regular running and subsequent weight loss and health improvement.
My favorite part of this book is Chapter 9: "Create your Personal Action Plan." Here, he encourages the reader to set up goals related to exercise, diet, and lifestyle. For example, he suggests the use of a "running log" to help the beginner be disciplined in their new exercise.
This book also includes detailed plans for preparing for a race, as well as suggested exercises when faced with an injury.
All in all, I found THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER to be an encouraging--even an inspiring read. Realistically speaking, can this book really be as good as his early, fantastic work? Well, probably not. However, THE BORN AGAIN RUNNER is a good, practical book for beginning runners, as well as anyone reluctant to start running for fear of injury.
March 9, 2018
This book gives you a clear idea of what it takes to begin to run without bogging you down with specifics, which is helpful because beginning a running program can easily become overwhelming to the point you decide to stay home instead. I particularly liked the clear cut message of beginning slowly and building up slowly, as well as the gradual additions of resistance training and diet.
August 17, 2018
A good read. Lots of info for beginning runners like me.
February 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book. The format was easy to read and it was very informational.
October 8, 2021
A random browsing find at my local library, I hadn't expected to like it at all and at the outset was sure it would be less than...but I really think this is a practical motivation to read with very good ideas for stretch and strengthening exercises to do as one begins running as a return or to start with. Training for where you are as opposed to where you have been is often said but hard to adjust to and this helpfully broke that down more tangibly.
October 28, 2018
Probably 3 and a half stars, but it gets a bump for getting me motivated to start drinking again and helping me at up a reasonable plan of attack. I liked the first few chapters, and there is some nice references in the back. I didn't always love the tone, and sometimes the layout and progression of the book seemed awkward.
January 12, 2024
I liked the format of the book, insights of other runners in various scenarios were inspiring. I think the sections at the back were most useful for me, the running plans and the exercises I can see myself using a lot.
February 6, 2025
This was interesting and a great book for someone returning to the starting line.
Also useful for an adult who is starting fresh and hoping to get in shape with a pair of runing shoes.
Have recommended it to friends already and will do so again.
Also useful for an adult who is starting fresh and hoping to get in shape with a pair of runing shoes.
Have recommended it to friends already and will do so again.
September 20, 2018
love this. makes you want to get outside
February 28, 2020
This guide was pretty helpful and helped me vaguely plan out my half marathon prep. Now it’s time to implement the injury prevention and strengthening exercises in the back.
April 24, 2020
It's a great read to begin a running program. It's motivating too.
July 15, 2016
To be honest, I'm not really Magill's intended audience, as I'm already a runner. So I tried to evaluate it based both on my own experiences as a runner - does this provide the same type of advice I'd give a friend? - and on my observation of the sort of thing beginners post at the running forums I frequent.
I like the simple, clear structure of this book, with three sections which are essentially before/during/after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson, very basic, but good for hammering the lesson home. Probably my favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some of them are now record holders. Some of them are just people who like to run. They're all inspirations.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners don't realize. Magill's comment that most "biomechanical" issues are actually training mistakes rings absolutely true. On the other hand, I think that his programs beginning with three weeks of walking make a lot of sense for couch potatoes, but will be frustrating to active people who just want to get running. There's no reason a young active person can't start with more than 1-3 minute surges of jogging in a 10-20 minute walk.
Speaking of training schedules, I have mixed feelings about his programs. I think his focus on time rather than mileage makes sense for beginners, because bodies feel effort over time rather than distance. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints, two of my favorite types of informal speedwork. But I think splitting things out from the beginning into non-competitive and competitive tracks is unneeded and artificial for beginning runners: get them started, then let them decide if they want to run for fitness or competition. I also think that formal speedwork is introduced way too soon - that beginning, low-mileage runners should not be doing repeats, and that a schedule for noncompetitive runners seems too formal. (And the schedule itself is sort of silly, in that it's basically, "Your choice: run, crosstraining, or OFF" on most days. But be sure to get your 10k reps in on Monday!") Finally, I really don't like that only part of the information in his programs is in the book. For the actual distances/times and paces, you have to go to his website.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner doesn't know, but useful for the real beginner (though I would assume any beginner picking up this book has already advanced past "I can't run because..." since presumably they are interested in running!) The "action plan" section strikes me as a bit silly and overcomplicated. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received an E-ARC PDF of this book in exchange for a review.
I like the simple, clear structure of this book, with three sections which are essentially before/during/after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson, very basic, but good for hammering the lesson home. Probably my favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some of them are now record holders. Some of them are just people who like to run. They're all inspirations.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners don't realize. Magill's comment that most "biomechanical" issues are actually training mistakes rings absolutely true. On the other hand, I think that his programs beginning with three weeks of walking make a lot of sense for couch potatoes, but will be frustrating to active people who just want to get running. There's no reason a young active person can't start with more than 1-3 minute surges of jogging in a 10-20 minute walk.
Speaking of training schedules, I have mixed feelings about his programs. I think his focus on time rather than mileage makes sense for beginners, because bodies feel effort over time rather than distance. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints, two of my favorite types of informal speedwork. But I think splitting things out from the beginning into non-competitive and competitive tracks is unneeded and artificial for beginning runners: get them started, then let them decide if they want to run for fitness or competition. I also think that formal speedwork is introduced way too soon - that beginning, low-mileage runners should not be doing repeats, and that a schedule for noncompetitive runners seems too formal. (And the schedule itself is sort of silly, in that it's basically, "Your choice: run, crosstraining, or OFF" on most days. But be sure to get your 10k reps in on Monday!") Finally, I really don't like that only part of the information in his programs is in the book. For the actual distances/times and paces, you have to go to his website.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner doesn't know, but useful for the real beginner (though I would assume any beginner picking up this book has already advanced past "I can't run because..." since presumably they are interested in running!) The "action plan" section strikes me as a bit silly and overcomplicated. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received an E-ARC PDF of this book in exchange for a review.
Read
March 1, 2017Best book about starting or restarting running I have ever read. It looks at all aspects and obstacles. Concentrates on the whole person, not just the runner.
October 20, 2016
SoCal Pete is the best, and I'd probably enjoy anything he wrote (guide book for new opera fans? that would be a good test), but this one is terrific. Where else can you find a manual aimed at new runners that deals with the issue of how to act should you confront a coyote on the run?
The amazing story of Pete's rise in middle age from an extremely unhealthy lifestyle to being a record-setting national champion, successful coach, involved Dad, and terrific writer is embedded in this book but is far from the main focus. He uses profiles of other comeback runners, sound overviews of relevant research, and his own running and coaching experience to walk you through a sensible, moderate, gradually increasing program of activity. Great stuff on the most typical excuses for not running and how they are understandable but short-sighted -- in another career Pete could have invented Motivational Interviewing a la Bill Miller.
Not sure if it is because his own health habits went so far off track at one point, but for a meta-elite competitor, Pete retains a remarkable empathy for the couch potato, the chronically injured, and the time-strapped/overweight/discouraged/whatever among us.
Got this at just the right time -- as my marathon training program founders at a crucial point in the wake of shin pain, it's very easy to get frustrated. I'll try instead to keep in mind the image of Pete's having PF so bad that he slept with crutches by his bed for a couple years in order to ease the first few minutes of walking around each morning........followed by developing an injury prevention routine that helped him make that and other issues much more manageable/avoidable.
If you're thinking of starting running [or really any physical activity -- there's a good overall strengthening plan included, and much of the material would I believe translate well for someone taking up cycling, regular walking, etc. etc.] for the first time or of returning after a layoff, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Read it!
The amazing story of Pete's rise in middle age from an extremely unhealthy lifestyle to being a record-setting national champion, successful coach, involved Dad, and terrific writer is embedded in this book but is far from the main focus. He uses profiles of other comeback runners, sound overviews of relevant research, and his own running and coaching experience to walk you through a sensible, moderate, gradually increasing program of activity. Great stuff on the most typical excuses for not running and how they are understandable but short-sighted -- in another career Pete could have invented Motivational Interviewing a la Bill Miller.
Not sure if it is because his own health habits went so far off track at one point, but for a meta-elite competitor, Pete retains a remarkable empathy for the couch potato, the chronically injured, and the time-strapped/overweight/discouraged/whatever among us.
Got this at just the right time -- as my marathon training program founders at a crucial point in the wake of shin pain, it's very easy to get frustrated. I'll try instead to keep in mind the image of Pete's having PF so bad that he slept with crutches by his bed for a couple years in order to ease the first few minutes of walking around each morning........followed by developing an injury prevention routine that helped him make that and other issues much more manageable/avoidable.
If you're thinking of starting running [or really any physical activity -- there's a good overall strengthening plan included, and much of the material would I believe translate well for someone taking up cycling, regular walking, etc. etc.] for the first time or of returning after a layoff, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Read it!
August 22, 2016
Full Review
The Born Again Runner by Pete Magill is about motivating people to get out there and run. The book is simple, has a clear structure. It has three sections which are before, during, and after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson. My favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, which is a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some are now record holders, some are ordinary people who like to run. They are all inspirational.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners do not realize or simply forget. The biggest mistake for any runner is in the actual training itself. In the book Magill talks about how in the beginning programs people should spend the first three weeks walking. I think this makes sense for those who are "couch potatoes" and are just getting out and being active. This; however, will be extremely frustrating to active people who want to start running. The training schedules focuses on time rather than mileage. This makes sense for those who are beginning. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints for speed workouts.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner does not know, but useful for the real beginner. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received this book from The Experiment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Born Again Runner by Pete Magill is about motivating people to get out there and run. The book is simple, has a clear structure. It has three sections which are before, during, and after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson. My favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, which is a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some are now record holders, some are ordinary people who like to run. They are all inspirational.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners do not realize or simply forget. The biggest mistake for any runner is in the actual training itself. In the book Magill talks about how in the beginning programs people should spend the first three weeks walking. I think this makes sense for those who are "couch potatoes" and are just getting out and being active. This; however, will be extremely frustrating to active people who want to start running. The training schedules focuses on time rather than mileage. This makes sense for those who are beginning. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints for speed workouts.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner does not know, but useful for the real beginner. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received this book from The Experiment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2016
I was accepted to review The Born Again Runner at just the right time. It was seriously the day when I was 'woe-is-me-I'm-no-longer-motivated'. I used to run 6 miles a day in my late twenties to lose weight and now 10 years later I've stopped running (but got into lifting instead). I miss running and because of an injury, I stopped.
After reading Pete's story, I realize I have no excuse. I need to get back to where I was happiest (running) and just adding in my lifting routine, I should be back on track. I seriously lacked the motivation (doesn't help that my gym buddy is pregnant) but reading The Born Again Runner helped me gain the motivation I was lacking.
Hopefully, I'll keep (and meet!) the goals that I've put forward with this book's help.
After reading Pete's story, I realize I have no excuse. I need to get back to where I was happiest (running) and just adding in my lifting routine, I should be back on track. I seriously lacked the motivation (doesn't help that my gym buddy is pregnant) but reading The Born Again Runner helped me gain the motivation I was lacking.
Hopefully, I'll keep (and meet!) the goals that I've put forward with this book's help.
August 25, 2017
This is both a how-to-guide and a motivational read in one. It provides just enough nitty gritty such as some nutritional advice and injury prevention workouts, but it's more interspersed with motivational stories to get you going.
"You're already a runner, applying workouts with a steady hand, incrementally transforming your body to match an image that already exists in your mind."
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's even thinking about taking up the sport.
"You're already a runner, applying workouts with a steady hand, incrementally transforming your body to match an image that already exists in your mind."
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's even thinking about taking up the sport.
Read
October 24, 2016The title says it all: this book both motivates and instructs anyone who is in, or wants to be in to running.
Mr. Magill is an expert by experience in his field, and it's inspiring to read bits of his life story -- his setbacks and attitude adjustments -- that we all encounter. There's a little bit of everything you'd be curious about: advice on diets, choosing routes, and different types of running.
Mr. Magill is an expert by experience in his field, and it's inspiring to read bits of his life story -- his setbacks and attitude adjustments -- that we all encounter. There's a little bit of everything you'd be curious about: advice on diets, choosing routes, and different types of running.
January 19, 2017
A good book for those getting into running or returning to running. Lots of good advice, some even beneficial for more experienced runners.
May 15, 2017
Great training manual
I used run 30-40 miles a week. I got out of the habit it's 25 years. I want to start running. The workouts make me think I can do it.
I used run 30-40 miles a week. I got out of the habit it's 25 years. I want to start running. The workouts make me think I can do it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews