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

Ross Tucker (Author), Jonathan Dugas (Author), Matt Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 2009 | Series: Runners World

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, 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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ROSS TUCKER, PHD, serves as scientific editor of Runner’s World South Africa, a consultant technical expert with Adidas South Africa, and editor of Health 24, South Africa’s largest fitness- and health-related Web site. Tucker, a competitive runner himself, lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

JONATHAN DUGAS, PHD, holds a post-doctoral fellowship with the University of Chicago. He is the cocreator, with his colleague Ross Tucker, of the popular Science of Sport blog. A qualified USA Cycling coach, he lives in Chicago.

MATT FITZGERALD is a prolific health and fitness journalist. He writes regularly for such national publications as Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, and Triathlete. With nine books to his credit, he also creates interactive training programs for runners and triathletes and leads clinics at triathlon and running events throughout the U.S. He lives in Northern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (May 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1605298611
• ISBN-13: 978-1605298610
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Running & Jogging

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, but..., May 28, 2009

By 

bigdogtigdog (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Runner's World The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster (Paperback)

I think this book presents a lot of good information, but it shockingly lacks references or a bibliography. The whole premise of the book is that the authors - 2 of whom have PhD's - are reviewing current studies on running. But they don't cite the studies, many of which I would like to take a peek at. How can two guys with doctorates write something and not provide their references? In college we would be accused of academic misconduct for doing that.

Assuming the information is accurate, I think this is a good review. It's a little wordy and blathers on in some places, as if trying to add some meat. For the price, it's worth the read. There are a couple of annoying editorial mistakes, like missing graphics, but that's sort of forgivable.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, July 29, 2009

By 

J. Schneider (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Runner's World The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster (Paperback)

I think this is a good book for the athlete who is interested in the science behind the training. This book is not for someone looking for a basic training program. It is for the person who wants to know about all the physiological processes involved in running on the cellular level and why things work the way they do.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science Driven Training Theory and Practice, October 3, 2009

By 

J. Cagle "xClimber" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Runner's World The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster (Paperback)

A fantastic resource for the science-oriented runner. Lies strongly toward the left on the spectrum between peer-reviewed journal and popular press. No bibliography and no citations are a definite weakness. The material is presented in a logical fashion and is readable for someone who isn't accustomed to the peer-reviewed journal format (most people). Challenges many of our cherished beliefs regarding proper training, nutrition, recovery, etc. If you're looking for a day- by-day training guide this isn't it, but if you want to know what the current research shows about training principals, this is for you.