The Principles of Running: Practical Lessons from My First 100,000 Miles

by Amby Burfoot

A book of practical guidance and simple wisdom about running... and about life. From a key figure in the running world comes a unique little compendium of information and anecdotes about a life in motion. Champion marathoner Amby Burfoot has created a distinctive resource to help runners run better, faster, and farther. More than this, his succinct and sure-footed text will help runners rediscover and deepen their own joy in the sport. This is a celebration of running.

Training, racing, nutrition, injury prevention, issues for women, weather, mental preparation, and the marathon are discussed in detail with plenty of solid information. Each chapter ends with a list of relevant principles of running. Interwoven among the facts and fundamentals are enlightening personal notes from a learned lifelong runner. The Principles of Running is much more than a simple manual. It is a book that you will not be able to put down, although you are not sure whether you are reading it for the running tips or the life lessons. It is a book that you will keep on your nightstand, tuck in your briefcase, and give to your friends. It is a book that is certain to help you hit your stride--whether your running shoes are off or on.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Health, Fitness

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1999

Reviews

[Amanda Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone just beginning to run or thinking about running for the first time, this is a great simple book filled with basics. It is organized by topic and only covers two pages per topic. So it is a very simple read and easy to just flip back and forth through the book just to find a topic you are looking for more information on. Much of the information is pretty simple and straight-forward, especially if you are already reading articles in Runner's World, but the simplicity is nice. I am sure I will use it as a general reference in my running as I come across various situations.

[Crowsb18 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not his best book. Granted, this is through a lens of twenty years, but as a health professional, not only does he have no business providing medical advice, much of it is inaccurate. Typically I enjoy Burfoot’s writing quite a bit, but this just didn’t live up to his typical, humorous writings. Most of the time I felt I was being patronized.

[Ali Usman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read

[Eric T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would reccomend this book to someone who is new to running and wants good general information about the sport. You learn most of whats in the book over time as a runner, but if you read the book beforehand you will have a more enjoyable time doing. Simple to read and use its advice for any runner. Would not reccomend for an experienced or competetive runner as this book does not go too much into details.

[Gytha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to running, covers all topics pretty quickly and easily in an easy to understand format, covering shoes, training, diet, everything you immediately need or expect and some you didn't know to ask about. Bit of an Idiot's Guide to Running, but without the insulting title. ;) A bit redundant in parts, but that's to be expected for what it is, not a book you'll read and reread, but a good book for a library or club to have in its collection.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise handbook of issues pertaining to running, from starting to racing to the marathon. In the running community, Burfoot's credentials are impeccable: A former winner of the Boston Marathon. His writing credentials aren't bad either: editor of Runner's World. Not as detailed as Galloway's stuff, but valuable nonetheless.

[Maurice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very practical and informative book on all aspects of running. The chapters are short, two pages each, and you can easily find the specific information you want. So far it has helped me fine tune my stretching, pacing, and diet.

[Shaka Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fine book if you're especially new to running and have NEVER read an article on Runner's World. This book has good information in bite sized portions but nothing that you can't find on the Internet (if you're serious enough to look for it).

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for beginning runners with some interesting information that the veterans might not even be aware of.

[Mehul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a runner, get this. For the pro and the beginner.

[Gayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the book I needed right now to help me reach my fitness goals.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid introduction for the brand new runner who just wants the essentials.

[Kaumal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nifty little tricks for anyone who wants to begin running, is already running or anyone who just wants to read something about running!

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to running, covers many different subjects of the sport/lifestyle. Diet, gear, injuries, racing and more. Very easy and quick to read. A great reference book.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise manual for runners of all skills and distances.

[Savannah (forest_reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise - every page is helpful to a runner. An encyclopedia of running lessons.