Running & Walking For Women Over 40

As I read this book (I am beginning a walking program), I became very honored to read about all the blood, sweat, and tears Ms. Switzer went through during her career as a runner. She makes you feel you are with her during those times. Her advice is sound, professional, and in your best interest. If you listen to what she tells you, i.e., how your shoes and clothes should fit; how you should start out on your program; and the wonderful advice to "get you out the door," you will have a very long and rewarding running/walking program, that can and will enhance your life. This book has really changed my outlook, my exercise capacity, and pretty much my overall health! Thanks for writing this book, Ms. Switzer. I owe you big time! Sandy, in Florida.

I hadn't run for 17 years and never ran more than 3.5 miles. (I'm 40.) With the help of this book, I am up to 5 miles (and counting!). The book is easy to read. The program is easy to follow. However, this book is for people who are basically in good health and who like to exercise. The book will not GIVE you motivation, it will simply help you if you are already somewhat motivated and want to get in better shape. I have followed her advice, gotten great results and enjoyed the process. This book has been worth a million to me!

I picked up this book after making a decision to get in better shape (even though I'm only 34). I've always hated running, so I'm not sure what prompted me to consider it. Her system for becoming a 30-minute runner definitely works. Both my partner and I made it to 30 minutes (although it took a little longer than ten weeks). I am now running 54 minutes, my partner 45 minutes. I'd recommend this book to anyone (not only women), even if you only use the time charts for becoming a 30 minute walker/runner and not the rest of the book.

I had been walking and not noticing much in the way of results. I picked up this book and saw her plan for becoming a 30-minute runner. Me running seemed completely absurd, but for some reason I gave it a try anyway. Her plan broke it out into simple steps so that you only had to face running a few minutes at a time to begin with. It actually worked. Using her plan, I worked up to running 5K, and recently finished my first 5K race. You get a great sense of accomplishment, and weight is gradually coming off (with reduced eating too, of course). This really isn't a diet book, but if you want to walk or run, it will tell you what you need to get going. Her plans are simple, easy to understand, and they work.If you've ever thought of running, but can barely even imagine yourself doing it, get this book and get started. (And then order "The Courage to Start" by John Bingham, a terrific motivational book for the beginning runner.)

Ok ok I admit I saw her on OPRAH and bought the book. ONLY book I bought that I saw on OPRAH, but this is an AWESOME book. I am happy to finally have found a book written by and for a woman over age 40. So many books I have purchased dealing with walking and running were by younger women/men and until you hit age 40 and beyond you just do not know the challenges that ones body goes thru. I also appreciated learning what it is like for a woman to be a rebel (She was the FIRST woman in the Boston Marathon).I have discovered women over age 40 and 50 become rebels as they discover things about themselves they never knew. Like we CAN indeed become avid walkers and then runners and we CAN finish marathons. I am still in the walking phase and looking forward to the time when my body can handle a run. This book covers these fears and challenges and issues like knee pain. This is something I am dealing with since I was obese and the extra weight damaged my knees some. But her advise about doing leg lifts to give strength to ones thighs was GREAT advise. The author gives good sound advise based on years of wisdom.Of course she encourages the reader to see their own doctor and get needed personal help from someone locally well versed in sports medicine etc.I am buying extra copies to give as Mothers Day gifts to my friends.