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The first section of the book, "Starting," provides a brief history of running, then moves into five stages of running development (Beginner, Jogger, Competitor, Athlete, Runner).
The second section, "Training," considers the physiology of running, planning a training program (including "running slow in order to run fast"), and keeping a log. This section concludes with an discussion about the need for rest and training programs.
The third section, "Racing," talks about how to run faster, how to adjust your pace on the race day, how to handle different lengths of races (these include specific training programs), and how to prepare for a marathon. A final chapter considers issues for the advanced competititve runner.
Section four, "Tuning," presents augmentations to a strong running program, including form, stretching & strengthening, running drills, will power, and a chapter on women' running, written by the author's wife.
The book continues with shorter sections, on injuries, nutrition and diet, shoes, and age issues. An appendix contains references, a reading list, and race pace charts. The book has an adequate index.
If you read Runner's World for a few years, you'll encounter much of this information. But it's more handy in one place. Don't pass on this book, your knees will never forgive you....
It's main stregnth is its well-rounded nature, containing everything from historical anecdotes to nutrition and tips for older runners.
Galloway's voice is humane and humble. At least in this book, he practices what he preaches: an oversized ego is an obstacle and running is done for the joy it brings.
After reading sections of this book, I did some late-night running at the campus track and I could see where a lot of runners were going wrong. They were trying so hard to run that after a few minutes they were exhausted.
Galloway's book is more well suited to people who want to take the long and slow road, built on slow and long runs, to greater speed and eventual marathon competition.
It might also be a bizarre, yet inspired, gift to your favorite couch potato (Just make sure he or she's not the type to get pissed at such a suggestive gift).
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