Running book recommendations?

[Heidi]

I have had my eye on the Runner's World book about Women's running, but would like to look through it before I buy it, and can't find it in any of the local stores. Can anyone recommend it or any other running books?

I would classify myself as a beginning runner, and am looking for something that will give me advice on how to get started correctly. I'm really not into the idea of racing; right now I just want to build my endurance. I get Runner's World magazine, but sometimes the stuff in there seems so geared towards racing and increasing your speed, so I don't find it all that helpful.

[Natasha]

Hmmm...can't think of a beginning runner book offhand, or recommend that one, but there are two sites you might find helpful on their own (both are done by the good folk at Runner's World):

http://www.newrunner.com

and

http://www.womens-running.com

Good luck!

Natasha

[RunnerKim]

I haven't seen the Women's book, but I do have the Runner's World Complete Book of Running and found it to be useful. Mostly though it's the regular magazine that I find the most helpful and motivational for general running.

Kim

[rolling pin]

Heidi, if you have your old CL issues, look back to July 2000, pg. 32. There is a brief review of a book entitled On the Run . I'm a beginning runner, too, and have found this book helpful, especially the training program for increasing the time you run (vs. speed).:cool:

[Gina O]

Hi Heidi-

I have the RW Complete Book of Running which I consistantly use and refer to. I have found it extremely helpful. I also have the book on women's running which I am not as crazy about. It seems to focus more on motivation, and why it is important to run rather than the technical aspects of running. I had requested the book as a xmas gift and was not impressed with it at all. Gina

[emilycat]

I believe Joan Benoit Samuelson wrote a book on women's running that's gotten great reviews; you might want to check that one out, too.

[SusanMac]

I have the "Running for women" by Joan Samuelson and really like it. It does address racing, but it's really for any type of runner. Talks about dealing with issues such as running during PMS cramps, etc. Also, she's had lots of injuries during her career, and she shares what she's learned about it.

Plus, I just find sports from a women's perspective inspiring.

And welcome to running! I hope you love and and are able to stick with it. I find it very 'freeing' (is that a word??)

[Heidi]

Thank you for your suggestions, everyone! Several good ways to use the Barnes & Noble gift card I got for my birthday....

[jd]

I just finished The Beginning Runner's Handbook by Ian MacNeill and The Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia. I found it very interesting and it has a 13 week program (sounds similar to the others mentioned).