The Complete Book of Running for Women (Paperback)

by Claire Kowalchik (Author) "WHY TAKE UP RUNNING?..." (more)
Key Phrases: pace workouts, hilly run, hill repeats, New York, United States, Boston Marathon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- for stress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women's bodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard and with the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns. Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women who experience the pure joy of running, or want to.

It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn:

How to get started and stay motivated

What to eat for optimal nutrition

How to run during pregnancy and after menopause

Why running is the most effective form of exercise

How to prevent and treat injury

What to wear -- from sports bras to running shoes

How to prepare for everything from a 5K to a marathon

Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.

About the Author
Claire Kowalchik is the former managing editor at Runner's World. She has also been a book editor at Rodale Press, and written for numerous sports and fitness publications. She has run eight marathons and countless races, and is an assistant instructor for a women's running group. Claire currently resides in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671017039
• ISBN-13: 978-0671017033
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,769 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Women in Sports
  #7 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons
  #19 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Running & Jogging

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A complete and wonderful book about running!, February 3, 2004

By	Erin (Auburn, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This book is amazing! I am a beginning runner and read this book from cover to cover. It is EXTREMELY helpful! There are chapters that cover everything from selecting running shoes, evaluating running surfaces, running while pregnant, running during menopause, etc. My favorite item is a 10 week beginner's running schedule that lays out a very easy run/walk plan that culminates in the ability to run for 30 min (about a 5K). For you advanced runners, there are also schedules with much higher mileage, i.e. marathons or half-marathons.

Kowalchik covers issues for all runners as well as issues specific to women. She also addresses topics such as nutrition, cross-training, and injury prevention.

This book is ideal for the beginning to advanced runner. This book definitely helped and motivated me. Give it a try.

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and motivating!!, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

After 2 kids and a "not-so-active" lifestyle, I was looking for information on starting a running and training program to run my first 5K. This was EXACTLY what I was hoping to find in a beginners guide! And when I'm feeling a little sluggish or lazy about my training- I just read a few pages and I'm ready to tie on my running shoes! This book even told me where to buy an excellent sports bra! I would recommend this book to anyone looking to begin an active lifestyle- no matter how active (or inactive) you may have been!

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A permanent fixture on my nightstand!, November 23, 1999

By	erica "epraedin" (PA) - See all my reviews

This is a great book for runners of every level! Not only does Claire take you through shopping for shoes, bras and treadmills, she explains how running is affected by menapause, pregnancy.. she talks about eating disorders and proper nutrition.. What i like the best is all the training information. How to do pace workouts, speed drills, strides, how to breathe and how do weighlift.. A great book overall!