Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running

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.

As soon I start to read this book I had more confident to cotinue my running program. I start to running 3 months ago and this book is now helping me to organize and be self confident to do not stop running, no more. This book is a great point of departure to each one that want or is planning to run. Good running with this book orientation.

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.

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.