training

This book is excellent for the beginning and intermediate level
runner. Running can be difficult for sedentary people. This work
teachers you that walking is an important prelude to running.
The authors develop a methodology for running and goal-setting.
They cover some important dietary changes; such as, eliminating
junk food and drinking large quantities of water during lengthy
exercise sessions. The work teaches how to purchase a good
running shoe. In addition, the authors provide comparative
blood pressure monitoring statistics for each age group.
The book even contains a chapter on running for the disabled.
Finally, the work develops a list of a dozen or so concerns
for all runners i.e. flexibility, weakness in postural muscles,
structural weaknesses in the musculoskeletal system, uneven
footstrike, impact strike, poor sleeping habits, sciatica,
tension and disc problems-just to mention a few. In addition,
the work covers basic stretching exercises to enhance

flexibility during " the run" . The book is a worthy
investment for anyone planning a long-term running program.
This work will ensure that your efforts are incrementally
paced to avoid unnecessary injuries.

I bought this book several months ago, and even though I thought it was fabulous, inspiring, motivating etc, I didn't review it until I completed at least the beginner's program.

My father was a runner. When I was about 12, he took me on a run, and I gave up after about 3 minutes, never to don a running shoe again. Fast forward to when I'm 30, and my brother is training for the New York marathon. Well, I think, if he can run a marathon, then surely I can run a 5k. So I go out and run, and again, I don't survive more than a few minutes.

So I bought this book and my life changed.

The beginner's program begins with 1 minute of running, 2 minutes of walking, and builds up over 10 weeks until you're running 20 minutes. It's wonderful. You don't have an unreachable goal (running 20 minutes)all at once, but small, very attainable gooals each week. The fact that each week is an accomplishment helps keep the motivation going.

To those who recommend books specifically for women runners, I'm not sure what they can add to this. The Runner's Handbook covers topics such as menstruation, pregnancy, nursing, women's apparel etc.

The book covers information about nutrition, cross training, and a plethora of information related to beginer runners. Use as much of it as you want, and file the rest away in the recesses of your brain for later. The authors try their very best not to be judgemental, and not to expect more of you than is realistic.

My only criticism of this book is its cover. I don't like that the photograph shows the men running in front of the women.

All in all, thanks Coach Glover. I'm running 30 minutes 4-5 times per week for now. Who knows, one day I might even run a marathon!!!

This book contains all the information a beginning runner needs, and is a good reference for intermediate ones such as myself. Glover's writing style is friendly and inspirational, and the chapter layout makes it easy to find the information you are interested in. Each page is crammed with good advice, and important points are discussed in a concise manner. As noted by another reviewer, some illustrations would be a welcome addition. I'll be ordering Glover's "Competitive Runner's Handbook" as soon as I've worked my way through this one.