Runner's World The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster

by Ross Tucker, Jonathan Dugas, Matt Fitzgerald

Every day scientists learn more about how the body adapts to the stress of running—and how various body systems contribute to running performance. Leading the charge is a fresh generation of brilliant young exercise physiologists including Ross Tucker and Jonathan Dugas, whose work has demolished many long-standing beliefs about running. Now Tucker and Dugas, whose blog, Science of Sport, has already created a devoted readership, join with esteemed fitness author Matt Fitzgerald to provide a captivating tour of the human body from the runner's perspective.

Focusing on how runners at all levels can improve their health and performance, Runner's World The Runner's Body offers in a friendly, accessible tone, the newest, most surprising, and most helpful scientific discoveries about every aspect of the sport—from how best to nourish the runner's body to safe and legal ways to increase oxygen delivery to the muscles. Full of surprising facts, practical sidebars, and graphical elements, The Runner's Body is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to become a better—and healthier—runner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Fitness, Science, Health, Food

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2009

Reviews

[E. C. Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kait dug this up for me at a yard sale up the street because she thought I would like it, and I have to say that I very much did. This isn’t quite a textbook in terms of the depth of the science it reports, and it isn’t quite an exercise book in the sense that it means to coach the reader on techniques for improving as a runner, but is, rather, somewhere in between. So, they describe major aspects of running – e.g., hydration, nutrition, musculature, recovery – in a scientific (but not academic) way so as to explain what happens to the body under the influence of running. What I happened to find most interesting about this approach is how much myth-busting they accomplished, especially with respect to electrolyte consumption and heat training. I would have liked to have read something on the benefits (if any) to using certain gear or shoes, but still and all I enjoyed reading through this.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I run.

This was a great book to learn how to run better, longer, and more often - using a backing of science for how to do it.

I quite enjoyed this book, and got a lot out of it to improve my runs.

Would recommend for runners.

4.1/5

[Jill Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful if learning to run or if you already run.

[VBergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was really nice even if it had things that I would not consider at all, like Fat-Loading Diet, or drink alcohol or caffeine (not even "in moderation" like the authors say is good).

It has few mistakes like "those shaded green (...) those shaded red..." when the book is not in colors.

It misses images and/or pictures to describe exercises proposed.

Nice quotes:
- "Factors such as the feeling of accomplishment that comes with progressing through a workout and the pleasure of running in a beautiful natural environment on a sunny day are very likely to augment the purely physical brain changes that cause us to smile inwardly as we run".

- "A consistent running habit actually produces a general increase in happiness".

- "Exercise has also been shown to increase dopamine storage in the brain and to stimulate the develompent of new dopamine receptors in the brain's modd centers. And, not least of all, exercise boosts serotonin, the best-known modd related neurotransmitter, which is also targeted by the best-known antidepressant medication, Prozac. Like norepihephrine, serotonin not only lifts mood and self-esteem but plays a role in learning as well. Specifically, it strengthens neural connections in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, helping with memory formation".

- "Apart from its effects on neurotrasmitters, exercise stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, which is another phenomenon that elevates mood and improves learning capacity".

- "The brain is never sharper than it is after a run. After you run, your brain has elevated levels of chemicals, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, that enhance your ability to learn, remember, analyze and compute".

[Eduardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know your biology and physiology then a great deal of this book will serve as a nice reminder but the interesting information is sporadically spread throughout the rest of the book.

One point that the authors drive home (and they admit that they will do so in the introduction) is the concept of adaptation to training. There are many different ways in which the body adapts to regular exercise and it is interesting to read about some of those adaptations in slightly more technical language.

Because this book is designed as an overview, its scope is wide so its depth in any one area is lacking. This is to be expected from an overview but that only blunts the disappointment a bit. What makes the disappointment last is that the authors bring excellent perspective and it would be entertaining to read more of their thoughts. (If you want to do that, read their blog: http://www.sportsscientists.com/. That's how I discovered the book in the first place.)

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best review I have read on the phenomena of severe overtraining is in the last chapter of the 2009 book: The Runner's Body by Ross Tucker, Ph.D, and Jonathan Dugas, Ph.D.. The section is "Intolerance to Endurance Exercise: A Common Path or a Rare Pathology?" And before that "When Adaptation Fails: Premature Aging or a More Serious Condition", and before that "Too Much of a Good Thing? Can Long-Term Running Cause Long-Term Damage?" The way they presented it was enough to scare me. Then I got over it as I gradually realized that my level of exercise is far from what they are talking about.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors are great writers and do a good job of bringing it down to a level that is easy to understand. The lack of references to the literature is disconcerting---I think that is the style of Runner's World. They seem to want to be the authoritative source for all things running, even if it means taking undue credit. Anyway, I like this book because it gives practical advice about important issues related to running and attempts to back it up with science or at least logic.

[Andreas Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's title says it all. It actually delivers on its promise. After I read this book, I got stronger and I did start to go longer running sessions.
I learned a lot about running physiology and its one of the books I always consult when I want to device a new training program or new endurance or weight lifting exercises, knowing your body is the secret to success and this book really helped me to better understand it and optimise it.

[Julie Feher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it to be essential reading for anyone who runs. It gives easy-to-understand explanations for the processes that control the body during running from the cellular to the systemic and also the psychological.

I especially liked the nutritional rating system the authors recommend to track your diet. Very useful.

[Melyni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a really great informative book. The only reason I gave it three stars is because I skimmed through some but read most of it. It definitely answered questions I had about running and also learned a lot. Definitely a must read if you are an intermediate runner that's looking to up their performance.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book collects the latest in running science. It's a nice change from books that continue to spout information that's 15-20 years old. It's also nice to read a running book that doesn't have a training schedule recipe in the back. If you want to learn how to train to run fast, this is a solid book. I feel like most of the book is worth quoting, so I won't quote any. Read it!

[Jake Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job of explaining the inner-workings of the human body whilst running. It does suffer in parts due to the technical nature of the material but overall this does not impact what can be taken away from it. It is one of the better books on running I have read and will eventually purchase a permanent copy to add to my book collection.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved all the science and myth busting. Well written indeed. But, i realized i've read most of that stuff on Ross blog (i know, its not his fault it took me 5 yrs to buy the book), and i was shocked to reach the end of the book at 78%| and everything else is bibliography. But surely I'll have to check training capters again for more insignts

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read. I learned so much about the physiological aspects of proper running and a better technique that improved my pace & seems to have lessened some hip & joint pain. It's definitely not a fun beach read, but for serious runners i'd say this is essential.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book to better understand the physiological adaptations that occur when you run. It's written in a way that you don't have to be a doctor or a scientist to fully understand it. I heavily recommend it for anyone serious about running or serious about getting better at running.

[Paco Gorina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must Read book if you are interested in your own physiology and running.

Many running books are religious with the authors beliefs. This one presents the actual knowledge and shows you when evidence is not determinant.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book, has some new and interesting things.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't get to finish but what I read was helpful. If you'd like an intellectual understanding of the physiology behind running, pick this one up.

[cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

it "literally" seems like this, but the evidence isn't yet conclusive and so it might be that.

[Tim Mcjunkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

so far so good.

[Tiare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super detailed information on the physiology that goes into running/exercising.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went beyond my understanding with its scientific explanations at times but still interesting and useful

[Dwane Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for those who really want to understand how their bodies work and unlock the mysteries of training, eating and recovery.

[Frances Krumholtz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely awful writing and editing but generally good overview of biological and training mechanics.

[Valia · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but far more simplistic than I expected.

[Sekharsandeep Sekhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best beginners guide to understanding your body, in preparation for running.

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zajimave tipy, ale prilis dlouhe. Ke konci jsem se uz nudil.

[Savannah (forest_reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information on the Physiology of the human body in relation to running.

[Synful]

Inspirational reading..?

[Jemal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!