Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running [Paperback]

Amby Burfoot (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 10, 2005 | Series: Runner's World Complete Books

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.

Editorial Reviews

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: 10.6 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Amby Burfoot is the 1968 Boston Marathon winner, and a long-time editor (since 1978) at Runner's World magazine. Burfoot has run approximately 103,000 miles in his life, and has finished the Manchester (CT) Thanksgiving Day road race every year since 1963 (48 straight years through 2010). He also continues to run Boston on every fifth-year anniversary of his win, with his next scheduled Boston race in 2013, and has twice completed the 54-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa. These days, at age 64 and counting, Burfoot continues running about 25 miles a week for health and fitness, and races just a handful of times each year. He's married to Cristina, a fellow writer/editor, and has two grown children, Daniel, a Ph.D. in robotics, and Laura, a community organizer in New London, CT. He feels extremely lucky to be one of those fortunate few who have been able to combine their passion with their profession.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 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

This review is from: Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running (Paperback)

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.

11 of 11 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)   

This review is from: Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great organization and layout, November 28, 2007

By 

Jesse Roussel "Jay" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running (Paperback)

OK, I've actually bought 2 copies to give to friends who want to start running. I've read many "beginner" books (as a serial beginner runner myself)... This one is well laid out and organized. I highly recommend it. My only gripe is that I wish they had more pictures of people doing the stretches that they recommend... I would say 1/2 of the pictures are more motivational rather than instructional. But the layout and wording is excellent.