Women's Complete Guide to Running

by Jeff Galloway

Offers a step-by-step running program specifically designed for the needs and concerns of women, and includes tips on staying motivated, building endurance, and strengthening muscles.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fitness, Health

232 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2007

Reviews

[Kaitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is for beginners who are primarily interested in losing weight through running. The bulk of the book is about the benefits of running and how to lose weight, not about running itself.

I don't think this guide is "complete" at all, and I didn't find anything in here that was useful that I didn't already know, and I've only been running for a few months. This also seemed dated, which surprised me because it's only a few years old. There are parts detailing why women shouldn't be ashamed of exercising, which for the most part probably hasn't been the case since the 50s. The author also pushes a lot of products he likes. The editing is poor and the book looks like it could've been made on PowerPoint and printed in someone's home.

If you are looking for tips about running, look elsewhere.

[Erin L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kind of disappointed in this book. I expected more information about running and less about weight loss. While I am running for weight loss, I've done my research on calorie deficits and all that from other sources.

I thought that form was completely glossed over. The included training plans were minimal with suggestions to read his other books. Great. Thanks. It simply indicates that the title of this book is not accurate at all. It is NOT a complete guide to running.

I'm glad I didn't actually BUY the book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide to running, my only criticism is the author's advice against Yoga and stretching. I think that Yoga is going to be a necessary part of my running, because my hips are not as young and flexible as they used to be ;)

[Teresa Ballantyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Out of date

Some good advice some very bad advice. Look for something more up to date. I do not recommend this book.

[Sarah Buckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid guide book to running! I already read a different book by Jeff galloway that covered a lot of the same content. It was nice/interesting to read how running differs for women compared to men! Also loved reading all the testimonials different women had in this book.

[Lindsay Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lays some good fundamental foundations for a beginner to follow. The schedule they lay out seems to be pretty self-explanatory and easy to follow (I did not use it as it seems really for people just starting with no experience). There was some repetition in the book, either they were really trying to highlight some points or were working to illuminate potential sponsors (such as a brand of fitness drink). A few times in the book they also copied information and while changing a few phrases, gave the same information (for example talking about some exercises).

Overall, it could be beneficial to a beginner and I did takeaway a few helpful hints, but if you already run, know the foundations or have a training plan, a different option may be for you.

[Sally Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't offer anything new that couldn't be found online. If you've joined some running groups you'll get more there than you will from this book. I was hoping for very specific tips, tricks, and techniques for female runners and the book offered very generalized anecdotes.

[Megan Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a quick read that talks about myths of running, a six-month run/walk plan, the importance of eating properly, and necessary equipment.

I haven't implemented anything yet as I read this book in about two hours and won't be exercising until tomorrow.

[Anjelik Iastremskaia · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason the context and description made me believe it was something more. Could be good for someone who never run in their life and think to start. Not if u ever did some running…

[Renee Garbe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Primary focus is on weight loss. A lot of research data citations are from the 1980s, including the ONE study included on perimenopause/menopause.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of information, but some of it should be taken with a grain of salt. There is some helpful things in here, but there are better books on running out there.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book if you are looking to start a running programme or still a nice at running. A great programme to follow (like C25K) with lots of advice, warnings about pitfalls and encouragement to continue. A really easy read, it took me a few days of light reading to get through it and it will be good to go back and refer to points as you progress.
In some cases this book would be like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs if you are already a skilled and seasoned runner but I feel that there will be points that anyone can pick up even if you are an old hand.

I am reading a lot about running, mostly to encourage my partner in his quest for a faster run but as a novice to running I am looking for hints and tips.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much more of a book geared to beginners than I was expecting. I liked the philosophy of developing a training regimen that you'll 1) want to do every day and 2) protects you from injury so that you can run into your senior years. I'm not sure how much I'll utilize the run-walk technique into my daily routine, but I just may give it a go!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great help. It was detailed but written in lamen's terms. Everything from diet before & after training & races, injuries (prevention & recovery) to clothing. I'll probably buy a copy to have as a reference.

[Erinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good advice, but outdated. Also made me paranoid about being abducted despite the fact that I usually run with a partner, or in daylight, and always in residential areas. I will probably just stick to Runner's World magazine and our friend, the internet.

[Kellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good information, but the suggested training program seems like it'd be more of a hindrance than help. By Week 20, you're still only running 20 seconds at a time, and that can hardly be good for building endurance.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good overall book; esp. for a beginner runner. Kind of below my level of running in some areas. I did learn some useful running/walking techniques though; esp for recovering from a current injury. Also the calorie chart was helpful.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended in a running podcast so I had high hopes. The interval training plan is of interest but the majority of the book was a major disappointment. The weight loss information was outdated and over simplified.

[Jehnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got what I needed out of this book. Run/walk is useful for me and this gives some useful insight as a woman over 45 who is a new runner.
It gets a 3 star review because some of the information is dated and some I actively disagree with.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book had a great beginners running program. I did not agree with all of his suggestions or information, but overall, its a useful book!

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you want to get into running (or back into it in my case). Great info and tips for anyone at any level!!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book best of the three Galloway books I've read. Although some of the information was redundant it was written for women thus pertaining to me!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good information in here, but some of it contradicts what I learned in ChiRunning and I flat out disagree with his advice about not stretching.

[Nanci · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was a horrible running book. Not interesting at all

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like having a book that outlines most of Jeff Galloway's theories, which I can always refer to later. Unfortunately, this book was full of typos, which distracted my reading.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elementry guide for beginner. Found the chapter on how we burn fat interesting. The book is a good foundation to know how to get started.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Information on how our body burns fat and why we need rest in between runs was interesting.

[saudarilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly informative. First book that discourages stretching which i'm still 50-50 on it. Understood why i have a black toenail suddenly.

[Charlie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a colossal waste of my time.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Just dated. Needs an update.