Product Description

This is the only book a runner needs - it has advice for every step of a runner's development. Running is one of the most popular activities in the world - every day more and more people take it up. But how many runners, recreational or competitive, are doing it right? How many can say they take the right precautions to minimise injury? How many can weather the aches and pains that come with a new programme? How many will persevere, gaining strength and stamina until they reach peak performance? The Complete Book of Running provides advice on everthing the runner needs to know about: from shoes to energy drinks, from common injuries to marathon training, from breathing better to pushing past your plateau.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #222614 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 312 pages

From the Publisher
• Runner’s World is the world’s leading running magazine and brand, sponsoring virtually every road race in the UK.
• Essential reading for all runners – from beginners to winners
• Includes advice from Olympic champions and best-selling running authors
• Offers precise techniques, detailed instructions, and calendar countdowns for big events

About the Author
Amby Burfoot is Executive Editor, Runner's World magazine and winner of the 1968 Boston marathon.

Customer Reviews

Not suitable for beginners
The "blurb" about this book claims there's everything a runner needs to know. But if you're looking for a book that is to the point and motivating, don't bother with this one.

It starts off quite well, with step by step guides on buying shoes, do's and don'ts for beginners, and a recommended training program that starts off so easy you wouldn't break a sweat. Thats when the good stuff ends I'm afraid, and you've paid a decent amount of money for 10% of the book.

The rest of the book seems to be just a general chat about running with randomly placed hints and tips. It lacks distinct information on how to acheive specific goals and there are only a few training programmes, and they don't go into much detail. I reckon I could have pulled all this information off a few websites.

There are also many unnecessary photos, of posed permatanned people pouring water over their faces or guys running on beaches with the caption, "When the mind is clear and relaxed, you can visualise success".

On the good side, this book may have one thing or two in it for the experienced runner, but as a beginner I couldn't pick it up. There is also very little science behind any "hints or tips" given.

A brilliant reference for runners of all levels!
I bought this book prior to my first marathon in the fall of 1998 and it's been my companion ever since. The book's structure with different chapters (by different authors) focusing on a variety of issues makes it perfect as a reference work to return to over and over for tips and inspiration. Particularily good I find the chapter on 'the countdown to the marathon' that covers everything yo need to keep in mind as you get closer to marathon day.
Well ok, there are many books going deeper into most parts of running for the really serious runners, but if you're after one running book, let this one be it.

A useful resource for runners of all levels
The book consists a chapters written by different authors all writing in the style that we have come to expect in runners world. It is very readable and has plenty of advice to offer beginners and improvers. More experienced runners may feel that the book does not go into enough depth on some subjects, but the wealth of knowledge contained within make it a must for beginners or those in the early part on their running career.