Runner's Handbook

The Running Book That Has It All

Runner's Handbook — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:57:19 +0000

The Runners Handbook has all the average runner will need to train effectively for fitness, shorter races or Marathons. I have been a causal but steady runner for many years and this book, which I picked up at age 38, took my running to the next level, including my first marathon two years later. Bob Glover covers how to train, how to avoid and handle injuries, and gives valuable tips about evertything from hills, cold weather and planning for races. There are specific programs to get in shape for short and long distance races and a great section on marathon running.

A Great Place to Start

Runner's Handbook — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:09:15 +0000

When I started running about a year ago, this book was my only guide. The book is loaded with valuable information that helped make my running program much, much easier. The most helpful information for me included common mistakes beginners make, injury prevention, and the mental side of running. Some reviewers complain that Runner’s World magazine is better, which may be true, but what first-time runner wants to subscribe to a year’s worth of magazines that arrive once a month and may or may not contain what you need at the beginner level? Burfoot’s book is a great place for any beginning runner to start.

An excellent guide for the new runner

Runner's Handbook — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:37:52 +0000

When a friend persuaded me to try a sprint-distance triathlon, I knew I could complete the swimming and cycling legs. However, I doubted my ability to complete the 5k run, as I have NEVER been able to run for more than a few minutes — not when I was 15, and not now when I’m 35.

The Beginning Runner’s Handbook appears to be changing that. I’m now in the fifth week of the program, and I’m finding that it’s working. This week, I’ll be running 13 three-minutes segments, for a total of 39 minutes running. This is a major accomplishment for me.

The book begins with a concise overview of running, including its appeal, the importance of gradual training, and some common-sense tips. The discussion is helpful since the authors have really worked to refine their program and, overall, they have a very positive, encouraging approach.

The real value of the book, though, is the program itself. It begins with very short running segments and gently builds up to longer runs. Each increase is just enough to challenge you, and then subsequent runs ensure that your body has time to adjust to the new routine.

All in all, this book has been the perfect tool for getting me going and feeling good about my progress. I am sure it would be helpful to anyone for whom running just doesn’t come easily.

Lace up you shoes and let’s go!

Runner's Handbook — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:51:24 +0000

This is the best and most complete book on running since Jim Fixx’s mammothly successful book 25 years ago. What I like best about the Glover’s book is that it has something in it for every runner, from the casual jogger to an elite marathoner. Each chapter focuses on a special area of the sport: injuries, mileage, women’s running, seniors, masters runners, even children developing into competitive athletes.

The title is instructive: there is an emphasis on competitive running, with the focus primarily in 10K road races to the marathon. Several of the elite and most popular marathons are discussed at length, incuding Boston, L.A., New York and Chicago. There are some useful tips on how to increase your weekly mileage, avoid injury, carbo loading before the race and recovery afterwards. Having completed marathons, I can tell you that it’s easy to do than you think and once you start completing the 26.2 mile courses, you’ll be hooked for as long as your body will hold out.

Running is a joyous activity and one which brings many individual rewards. If you’re a serious, addicted runner, you’ll love this book, but the beginners will also reap great rewards. It’s well-written, fun to read and instructive. Highly recommended.

A Good Book On Running For Beginners

Runner's Handbook — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:53:26 +0000

I think the best way to learn about marathons is to train with the official trainers of that marathon. I have learned many things from this book and there is a lot of crucial information in this fantastic book.

Great, Informative Book On Running

Runner's Handbook — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:03:08 +0000

This is a very useful book for beginners or for people that have been running for a while. There is a lot of information on every aspect of running…and more! I like how it is organized into sections and select information is easy to find. There is a helpful table of contents and index. All of my questions about running or that I’ve had while training have been answer in this book. Worth the money.

Absolutely amazed!!

Runner's Handbook — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:07:50 +0000

I can’t believe it. I’ve always been athletic, but never a runner. I could play an entire soccer game without coming out, 2 tennis matches, etc., but when it came to telling me to go run 1 mile or 30 minutes, I thought I was going to die. Not only did I dread it, I knew I couldn’t physically and mentally do it. I have 4 runs left before I finish the 13 week program, I’m completely amazed. I ran for 65 minutes last night!!!! I’m running around 6 miles, I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve never been more than 5 pounds overweight, but this is the flattest my stomach has ever been. As you start out, its sometimes frustrating, you’ll have a great run and then the next day you won’t be able to do half of what you did before. It can be very discouraging, but this program works. Stick to it, eat right, keep your chin up. I can’t believe I can actually call myself a runner. I’m even running my first 10K in 2 months.

All questions answered!

Runner's Handbook — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:48:17 +0000

This book leaves nothing to the imagination! What I also really liked is that it doesn’t assume anything about you – if it’s advice that is more directed to one type of athlete vs. another, it lets you know which, so you’re not being led astray by advice better suited for someone else. It’s perfectly organized, so that it’s easy to quickly find information that you want now, has a chart that ranks your present performance so you know how you fare against other runners in your age, and gives advice based on where YOU are at specifically, not anyone else! This will be my first race ever (I’ve been a runner for a while now, but have never competed) and in reading this book, I feel that I have all of the knowledge I need (except experience) to do my best!

Really good advice for anyone who runs

Runner's Handbook — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:52:22 +0000

Bob Glover presents a fairly common-sense approach to running in his “Handbook.” Although its probably a little advanced for those completely new to exercise, its perfect for those who started “jogging” and now want to move on to running. The nutrition information may be a little dated, but could be helpful, but some of the best aspects of the “Handbook” are the training suggestions for racing, the stretching exercises, and the injury information. Every runner probably will have some type of injury at some point, and Glover’s section on diagnosing and taking care of injuries is really helpful.

“The” book for new runners

Runner's Handbook — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:51:15 +0000

If you are considering taking up running, I strongly recommend this book. An absolute necessity to introduce new runners to the sport that continues to serve as an excellent reference book as your running improves.