Anybody can learn to run, with the right approach. With the author as your guide, learn about getting started. Discover how to warm up and cool down, avoid injuries and deal with niggles as they strike. Find out how to breathe, avoid stitch, perfect your running technique and identify the right time to speed up. This complete programme covers everything you need to build your running confidence and stay motivated.
This is a great resource for those who either want to begin running (no matter the reasons) or for those like me who did so many years ago, but because of either lack of interest or injury want to get back into running. The interval programs, named for cats, is great - in the week 1 Bobcat program now. There are also tips on nutrition, stretching, and equipment among other topics. I wanted to get back into the sport and this book is a great one to use.
Good size chapters explaining aspects of running and the reasons behind running slow. Gives a good and different perspective of how to start running and what to concentrate on. Lots of references to refer for further learning. Has inspired me to start again, properly this time!
Great book if you are thinking of taking up running. Lots of good advice, hints and tips. You can also access George's blog and challenges. There is a printable Progress sheet and other helpful printables. I am hoping to try the running challenge soon.
I discovered this book because of a fellow reader (thanks, Lance!) who posted about it here on Goodreads. I had been wanting something to help get me in shape for the upcoming summer of hiking and backpacking, and I was ready to get outside and not strictly ride my Peloton for exercise.
This book covers all the basics about getting into running, including shoes and gear, stretches, motivation, and running technique. For those that advance through the program, Anderson includes some introductory information on running faster and trying a race.
The thing I like the best, though, is the running plan. It's all focused on how long (time) you run, not how far or how fast you go. The idea of the plan is that if you complete the 10 levels, you can comfortably run (jog) for an hour nonstop. I am currently nearing the end of the second level and have found it to be very doable so far. I would say that I was of average fitness when I began. I don't know if I care about being able to run for a solid hour, but I'd like to get to a fitness level of running for 30 -45 minutes straight through. The plan is set up to run three times a week, but it can be stretched out longer, which I've had to do because of some major winter weather during the past month.
I'm looking forward to continuing through the levels and watching my overall fitness improve.
I love that he is real..he covers everything in short, to the point sections that cover everything you need to get out and run. I LOVE that it is done at your own pace and you move on when you have accomplished the day or week you are on.. I am currently on week 1 (10 week program, again , at your own pace so could take longer) This book is for AnYONE who is run curious, or thinks they cannot due to size or age, and totally for someone who ran but been a while, this will get you back in. I look fiward to this journey and so happy I read this first..perfect foundation
I liked the running program overall as a very newbie runner. But the nutrition advice was appalling. “Stay away from sugar, stop eating processed foods, eat your vegetables raw, no one’s digestive system likes gluten.” Come on now buddy, where’s the links to these studies and science? Even going on to say it doesn’t matter if you eat after a run. What? The program itself is decent but other than that it’s a bit of a dud. And don’t waste your time looking up any of the resources in the back of the book, all of the links are broken.
Picked up some good advice. Already started a running programme so would have to determine where I started on this. Did feel like I was been told to spend money on more things, particularly compared to last book I read.
It was a short introduction to running. It discusses the very basics. So possibly helpful for the absolute beginner. I was looking for something more though. Links at the end don’t seem to work either.
This book had a lot of practical information and guidance and went straight to the point of what you need to know and what will make a difference to the running experience. As a beginner I found this very helpful and I really enjoyed it.
Meh. Started out well enough, with some useful info - if you've ever wondered why your running mates go loopy over compression socks and foam rollers, this is a handy read, and I will be following up a couple of book recommendations on the mental aspects of running. It fell down a bit on the nutrition section - a bit trendy low-carb/paleo tendency for me and light on the evidence for avoiding gluten. I already have a running plan so I can't speak for that area, but I couldn't be doing with the daft names for the weeks of training - which are still numbered, thus undermining the assertion that numbering causes too much pressure. Still, it may be the droid you are looking for.
As someone who has tried and given up on running many times before, I thought I'd try this book based on positive reviews. It has made me feel a new surge of motivation and confidence in my ability to run, and has an abundance of helpful tips for non-runners. I would really recommend it if you want to start running but have been easily deterred in the past.
Some interesting nuggets of information. I like that the author isn't trying to push gimmicky gadgets or diets. He covers these and always end with "but you don't need that to get started". I haven't started the programme yet so can't comment on its efficacy but I do think the idea of running very, very slowly (The Golden Key as he annoyingly calls it) will be helpful.
fantastic book to give a non runner the enthusiasm to want to run. as a runner I enjoyed learning heaps about how to treat running as a pleasurable 'me time'. want motivation... its a must read!