The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jogging and Running

Although the book title may sound a little condescending, the text and all information in the book is well written, informative and helpful. Bill Rodgers comes across as friendly and funny and offers a no nonsense approach to great fitness techniques. If you are currently idle and want to start running or jogging (they are both virtually the same, by the way) or you are already at a certain fitness level, this book will help you in different ways. I had been running for about 2 years at 6 miles a week and thought I had a solid routine. I'd never read any books on fitness or working out or anything so I decided to pick up The Complete Idiots Guide to Jogging and Running to see what I'd been missing. After reading this book and employing some things I'd learned from it, I now run 15 miles a week and I might even add more distance to my daily running in the future. As far as beginning and distance running, the whole spectrum is covered in the book. It first shows a 4 week program that starts with walking and builds up to a climax of running non-stop for a 30 minute time period at the end of the 4 weeks. You can stop there or continue on to get information about racing too. There are chapters that will explain strength training and techniques used to prepare for 5k , 8k and 10k races (8 week training schedules), half-marathons (10 week training schedules), and marathons (12 week training schedules). Another great thing about the book is all the additional chapters that will enhance your total running experience. These include such topics as best times and places to run, how to select the best running shoes and running apparel, proper stretching methods along with cross-training ideas, dietary recommendations for your fitness program, and coping with injuries and recovery from them. And if that isn't enough, there is also a chapter dedicated exclusively to women pointing out differences between male and female running and also running effectively in different types of weather conditions. For what is offered and for such a nice price, The Complete Idiots Guide to Jogging and Running is an excellent choice for people of all ages and types who just want to be healthy and have fun doing it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I could not run (very slowly, more a jog) for one minute then got this book. It has a four week programme designed to get you running for 30 minutes in that time span and it works. Now I'm doing the programme again to encourage my husband and I'm running even faster this time. Buy it and try it. It works.

It's the first REAL running book for REAL beginners. They don't expect you to eventually run a marathon or race like the wind, but just run for the sheer heck of it. (What a unique perspective among running books!) The authors address many issues such as the idea you'll ruin your knees, or working out a lower heart rate to burn more fat, and the book is loaded with sound, easy-to-follow advice, information, and motivation. And they know what a TRUE "beginner" is. I hate books that think 'starting out' means 'run for 30 minutes and work your way up' or that say to walk for a couple of months first. (If I wanted that, I'd buy a book on walking, not running.) The authors offer a realistic, progressive plan for running. Probably the only thing is that the suggested progession plan might be too fast for some, depending on your current fitness level.The book is practical and sensible, and well-worth the investment.

This was the first book i purchased shortly after i started running. I didn't know squat. It should be mandatory reading for beginners and intermediate runners, as it is extremely well written, and a great great motivator. It is fun to read, the concepts are right there plain as day. Without this book, i would not have had the guts to start racing. Get this book.

I made the mistake of buying a few books about running when I got started. Actually, this one is hte only one I needed or ever use. It has great sections about training for every kind of race (when you're ready). His beginner schedule was a little unrealistic (I couldn't jog 3 mi straight from beginner to four weeks -- it took me about 10 weeks to run 3 mi straight). However, the writing is very straight forward and simple to understand. It's also extremely motivating.