Running for Dummies

Back when I was in high school, Florence Griffith-Joyner was a huge inspiration for me. Since I was also a sprinter on the track team, that makes sense. After high school, I fell out of the habits I had followed and eventually abandoned them. Now I am older, and wiser, and I would like to get back into the walking/jogging routine. This is an EXCELLENT book to use as a refresher or as a starter. Flo-Jo has really wonderful tips and leads you every step of the way. No matter what fitness level you are at, this is a must if you are considering walking/jogging and/or running.

I found this book extremely helpful when I first started exercising. If you have never run before, I believe you will find it helpful. It is a novice book, but we all have to start somewhere!

I feel that this book is full of useful information. Once I picked up the book i didn't set it down. It easy easy to understand and it reminds us intermediate runners about form, nutrition, and staying excited running. This book also has spots for new vocabulary, tips, warnings, and Flo-Jo's encouragement for new runners. This is an excellent book especially for the novice runner.

At the age of 47 I decided to start running. I will add that I have never been very atheletic. This book covered all the bases for a true beginner. I learn more from each book I read, but this was a great place to start. I have slowly progressed from walking 3 miles three times a week to running 2 1/2 miles three times a week. I love running and I am injury free!

I've always wanted to start a running program, but never really knew as to HOW. I would ask advice from others (clueless) and read mags like "runner's world" (a mag designated for running EXPERTS, not novices). And when I would actually start, I either pulled or cramped something or was disappointed because I unkowingly expected too much out of myself (for a beginner). I picked up this book (despite the slightly demeaning name and scoffs from friends) and it spelled it ALL out for me: I overtrain, I need to build myself up a walking program BEFORE I am fit to run and I..."underpronate"? And the tribute to Flo Jo was beautiful. It also underscores the hard fact that just because you may be super-healthy, have the body and fitness level of an Olympian, DOES NOT mean it's a guarantee of immortality or perfect health. Though it IS rather simplistic, having to wade through chapters of facts I already knew (hey it IS for dummies, right?) I recommend this book to anyone who would like to incorporate running into thier regular exercise program.