Galloway's Book on Running

I was never a runner, I'm in my mid-30's, mom of kids, and I realized that I needed to get in shape, like zillions of other moms out there. My friend does 5k's every chance she gets, and I just got overwhelmed by her athleticism and what she could do, because I *knew* I couldn't do it. But then, my neighbor who lost 100 lbs, in 1 year, from training for the marathon by using this book, gave us this book. I was so surprised at how Galloway tells you how to pace yourself! He gives this schedule that allows you to see your improvements but not feel like you must exercise EVERY DAY to achieve it. I learned so much about running, and ran my first 5k last fall!! I still don't like running, but I *love* what it does for me - I'm in great shape, stronger, and I have tons more energy to deal with my kids!

Terrific, but I would advise people to read the whole thing. I have a buddy who went straight to the running schedule. 3 months later he got hurt and never really recovered. It was only after that, that he went back and found that the stuff he skipped would have prevented his injuries. He was pretty bummed....

This book is perfect for those who have just discovered running and would like a primer on how and how not to train.It's main stregnth is its well-rounded nature, containing everything from historical anecdotes to nutrition and tips for older runners.Galloway's voice is humane and humble. At least in this book, he practices what he preaches: an oversized ego is an obstacle and running is done for the joy it brings.After reading sections of this book, I did some late-night running at the campus track and I could see where a lot of runners were going wrong. They were trying so hard to run that after a few minutes they were exhausted.Galloway's book is more well suited to people who want to take the long and slow road, built on slow and long runs, to greater speed and eventual marathon competition.It might also be a bizarre, yet inspired, gift to your favorite couch potato (Just make sure he or she's not the type to get pissed at such a suggestive gift).

I am buying another copy of this book as I've lent mine out and can't locate its whereabouts. I cannot tell you how many people have borrowed this book from me and have gone on to either run marathons or just become better runners. I received it as a birthday gift from a runner friend more than 10 years ago and went from 2-mile occasional runs to running a marathon just six months later. Galloway's love for the sport is contagious, and the book very informative in terms of how to maintain form, avoid injuries, plus fool-proof schedules for building up to a marathon.

I wish I'd read this book BEFORE my knee injury. Galloway writes as an experienced runner and coach. He provides training programs for most levels of fitness and experience. If you want to run, or continue running without injury, take the time to read this book. The first section of the book, "Starting," provides a brief history of running, then moves into five stages of running development (Beginner, Jogger, Competitor, Athlete, Runner). The second section, "Training," considers the physiology of running, planning a training program (including "running slow in order to run fast"), and keeping a log. This section concludes with an discussion about the need for rest and training programs.The third section, "Racing," talks about how to run faster, how to adjust your pace on the race day, how to handle different lengths of races (these include specific training programs), and how to prepare for a marathon. A final chapter considers issues for the advanced competititve runner.Section four, "Tuning," presents augmentations to a strong running program, including form, stretching & strengthening, running drills, will power, and a chapter on women' running, written by the author's wife.The book continues with shorter sections, on injuries, nutrition and diet, shoes, and age issues. An appendix contains references, a reading list, and race pace charts. The book has an adequate index.If you read Runner's World for a few years, you'll encounter much of this information. But it's more handy in one place. Don't pass on this book, your knees will never forgive you....