Comments (4)

By bethany (dreadlock girl), March 10, 2010 21:30

I have been reading books about running, that is what you do when you are a reader and a runner I guess. So since I have read a couple so far I figured I’d share my thoughts about them with you. I have more on hold from the library that I just haven’t gotten over to grab yet, I’ll review those next time. I’ve also chosen a couple flicks to tell you about and some training programs to get you started in the running process.

Running Books I’ve Read: Mini Reviews

Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance

This is the first book I read about running as I started training again, while it is somewhat helpful it is not for the intermediate to advanced runner at all. This book would be perfect for the woman who is just starting out and is wanting to know what she is getting herself into. While there is valuable info, and I did learn a couple of things, much of it was pretty obvious since I ran my little legs off in high school for 4 years. Still it has its merit and I did learn that I should always look every oncoming person in the eye with confidence so as to be able to identify him in a line up. I’d say that is valuable info for sure!! It also contains helpful information on how to start out, how to stretch, how to loose weight and so on. A good book for anyone thinking of running, the beginner who needs some tips.

The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer This is an excellent book, filled with information on how to keep in the run, stay motivated, which shoes to buy, how to train, when to run, how to stretch, how to eat, when to drink….on and on. This book is the best one I have read so far on training for the marathon (thanks Becky!!!!!). It pretty much takes you from day one of being completely out of shape and gets you into decent enough shape to complete a marathon in 16 weeks. How is that not the coolest ever!?!

Even after having run a lot in my previous life (High school!) I find this read to have so much information that I either forgot or just never knew. It is helpfully detailed, easy to understand and as long as you  are willing to follow it-you should have no problem completing the goal of a marathon that you are set out to run.Even though this book was written for training for a marathon, there is so much other valuable information,that any runner could glean from it.  That being said, it is very specific to long (very long)distance training. Intended for the beginner (or not so beginner) planning on running for the long haul. I love this book!!!

Run Your First Marathon: Everything You Need to Know to Make It to the Finish Live
I checked this one out from the library as well and it did have a lot of useful information,however it seemed a little general in its approach. I liked the format of the Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer (above) better. This is a quality book though packed with photos, tips and hints to training and running your first marathon, but if you have been a runner for a while much of the information will be obvious to you already. It is always good to brush up on the basics though.

I felt it to be lacking in depth, but as a first time runner you may appreciate the facts and details that are covered in Run Your First Marathon. If a broad picture of the training and racing is what you are looking for this is your book!

To Get You Up of the Couch: Running Movies

Spirit of the Marathon This movie is very entertaining, it follows a group of elite marathoners and a group of your average joe  people turning into marathon runners. For some it is their first time, others have run several and find themselves addicted to the race. Real life gets in the way at times of meeting goals or satisfying personal dreams- and it is neat to watch each individual learn to overcome or work through the hurdles of reality. They run on their time off, late at night, after taking care of their family.

Men and women of all ages are running for one common goal, and that is to complete their race. The elite runners have all the gear, and spend their lives running.  They dream of getting first at a prestigious American marathon and the viewer gets to follow the training and the finish of each runner.

This is a great flick if you are trying to motivate yourself to get out and exercise, there is so much value in it. I thought it was an interesting approach-kinda a la reality tv or something for runners. I watched it at Netflix in the play now.

Chariots of Fire

This is the best running movie of all time, yep of all time. I watched this I don’t even know when and fell in love with it instantly. I think I need to go grab it and watch it right now actually, it is about courage, about two men running for very different reasons. Chariots of Fire isn’t just about the races and the running, that is a part of it but it is also full of the lives that surround these two runners and the people who influence them and those whom they have influence on. The only downside (for me at least) is that Chariots of Fire is not about distance runners-I’ll let that slide.

Each time I watch it I want to get right up out of my chair and run, maybe even go for a good barefoot running experience on the beach!! Better pick this one up the next time you are at the video store it is much more than a running flick- it is a classic! Enjoy!!

To Get You Started: Free on-line Training Programs

5K Training

Couch to 5k this one looks great! For all those out there who are really at the beginning of the running thing, this is a good way to get up and at it. Your local sports equipment stores will be excellent resources for finding out when you can run a 5k in your town. Up and at ‘em!!
5K Race Training: Run Your First 5K
6 Weeks to a 5K: Beginner Training Plan BY Fitness Magazine
Running Times Magazine: 12 Week Training Program for Beginners
The Ultimate 5K Plan by Runner’s World With information for all types of runners, from beginners to advanced and what to do  with training and tons more good information.

10K Training

Your Ultimate 10K Training Plan by Runner’s World
Hal Higdon 10 K Training head on over and click on beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to find the perfect match for you!
Jeff Galloway’s 10K (or 5k) Training Injury Free
Running Planet’s 10K Training Program and Advice for Recreational Runners

Half Marathon Training

Half Marathon with Hal Higdon you can select beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to adapt this workout to you.
The Runner’s World Half Marathon Training Plan complete with speed workouts and race day tips (and much more).
Rookie Half Marathon Training
Jeff Galloway’s Half Marathon Training
Basic Half Marathon for Beginners
Running Planet’s Half Marathon Training Program

Comments (11)

By bethany (dreadlock girl), February 8, 2010 23:00

I just registered to run the  2010 Eugene Half Marathon. Uh-Huh! Oh Yeah! The weird thing is that it doesn’t seem that crazy to me. And it probably should. When you consider putting yourself through what you have always dreaded, always feared, and aren’t shivering…then beware, right!?! I guess so.

You see my friends, I was a runner in high school and I kicked and fought my coaches the whole way through, really I don’t know why they put up with me. We did well, we won state in Cross Country, and in track my relay team broke records- still I was such a lazy runner. Our claim to fame was running up to get ice cream instead of going for the miles we were supposed to. Goodness, when you are young that statement of “Youth is wasted on the young” just doesn’t make sense, now I wonder what we could have done if we cared enough to train. So yes  I have feared actual real training, dreaded the thought of it all, but now I have peace.

My running time has lately been time I get to spend alone with God, it is a sweet thing and I catch myself tearing up or smiling at Him while I run. Yesterday He spoke to me several times and he just loved on me. I tried to explain to Brad what He told me while I was running, but it was more a hug from God than anything I have ever experienced before. God is so sweet to love us with that gentle loving. I came away from the hug with a sense of purpose and drive. Maybe that is why this whole thing doesn’t scare me, I know it is just running, just exercise, but I know that He has my back in this. Sort of like those trust tests where you have to let yourself fall into the other persons arms, just like that.

Don’t get too weirded out when I tell you later on, that I could be working up to a full Marathon, that is just a warning as I want to see how the half marathon goes first.  I will TRY to run with my friend Becky (who is my latest inspiration). She is running a full marathon, but the half and the full run the first 11 miles together.

I guess what I would like to say is that ‘God willing, I will run the Eugene Half Marathon in May’!! Right!? Yep. Wish me luck!

PS. I do need a local running buddy, anyone interested in running 6 miles tomorrow??