Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Welcome to the Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running, a book that I hope will change your life..." (more)
Key Phrases: new alternative remedy, cruise intervals, beginning runners, Tuesday Walk, Runner's World, Thursday Walk (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Finally the first Runner's World book for beginning runners! The newest addition to the heralded Runner's World series focuses exclusively on the concerns of the tens of thousands of new runners who take up the sport every year.

Recognizing that newcomers to a sport need all the help they can get, Runner's World now devotes an entire book to guiding the beginning runner through those challenging first days, weeks, and months. Peppered throughout with motivating tips and advice from those who have been there, this much-needed volume presents a can't-fail program that is sure to help new runners feel and look better and have more energy and less stress. Inside you'll find:

o Information on nutrition and how to adjust your diet to fit your new running lifestyle
o Training advice, including how to use cross-training, stretching, and strength exercises to keep enthusiasm up, weight down, and fitness at an optimum level
o A special section for women runners

Written by the executive editor of Runner's World magazine and covering every problem the new runner may encounter-from choosing the right shoes to preventing injury to preparing for a race-this authoritative volume provides all the information and inspiration any novice requires to turn running into a healthy, lifetime pursuit.

About the Author

AMBY BURFOOT is the author of Runner's World Complete Book of Running. A former Boston Marathon winner and a member of the Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame, he is also the recipient of several journalism awards. He lives in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (February 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159486022X
• ISBN-13: 978-1594860225
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,654 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are a beginner buy it, February 26, 2007

By	Anar "Anar" (USA) - See all my reviews

If you are one of those people who always see these runners and envy them but are afraid to start because the very few times you tried you almost felt your heart coming out of your ears then this is the book for you.

The book is exactly what it claims to be, for beginners. It is full of motivational facts and answers a lot of your questions as you progress. I started browsing it in Spring after my doctor told me that I am in a pre-diabetic stage ( I am insulin resistant and have PCOS) and have to do something about it. In summer I finished a 5k, walked most of it, and got my insulin level back to normal and now I go out for a run almost every day for 30 to 60 minutes, no walking! And I have started training for half marathon. I am now combining this running skill with sensible diet, also described in book, and the 30lbs I had to lose are melting down.

The 24 week walk/run plan is a realistic one. The quality of pictures is really good and it does a great job in keeping you motivated. I recommend it to anyone who wants to start running but doesn't know where to start.

P.S. I am completing this review. I ran my very first half-marathon on April 29th, 2007 and I have this book to thank for most of it. I am a runner now.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very helpful and motivating book!!, May 22, 2005

By	Jennifer Lackey - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is one chapter in this book that contains motivating quotes from experienced runners that reflect upon what they wish they knew when they began running. I found that to be extremely inspirational (but it was only 1 of the 40 chapters)!! The rest of the book consists of important facts about the health benefits of running, help with time managment, a section on getting started, nutrition, training and more. Amby Burfoot gives great advice about the importance of training your mind along with your body, which helps those who may get discouraged at the beginning as well as those who need an extra push now and then. In the back there are effective training plans for the already active person as well as the beginner. I would strongly recommend this book to those who are interested in running for any reason because the book covers everything you need to know.

I picked up this book five months ago when I started running as an out of shape beginner. Amby Burfoot's knowledge and advice gave me the base that I needed to accomplish many of my goals and I am now in much better shape, running daily and loving every minute of it.

19 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great for motivation, but lacking in real content, April 5, 2005

By	K "nterview" - See all my reviews

The first 6 chapters of this book are made up of mostly quotes from runners. These are not always particularly insightful or helpful. I found it to have far, far too many of those, "well, DUH!" kind of comments. Not much detail or specifics at least in the first part of the book. I finally found something worth reading in the seventh chapter but by that point I was so annoyed that I didn't care. Needed editing. Others are better.