Rating: 
Summary: I went from 0 km to a Half-Marathon with this book
Review: Just one year ago, I was one of those persons that just couldn't run. If I ran for more than 3 minutes I would be out of breath so fast that you wouldn't believe it. Then, one day I decided that it wasn't normal to just run out of breath after a short run. Looking to learn from someone who would know what they were talking about, I searched Amazon for books on running, and ended up selecting this one. The book is very good, well written, and straight forward. To make a long story short, on March the 28th I ran my fist Half-marathon in 2:20:07. For me it is an absolute milestone in my life. All I can do is give credit to this book for it helped a lot. Thanks Bob Glover.
Rating:
Summary: Helps any runner run smarter, better
Review: My husband ordered this book for me and honestly, I was quite put off at first. I mean any real runner like myself, and we're talking darn-good *marathon* runner here, doesn't need any book telling them how to be a better, more successful runner. Sheez, you're born with it or you're not -Right? Wrong! The Runner's Handbook really spells out great advice for advanced runners or those just starting to run road races. The Runner's Handbook is packed with lots of great general information on running, injuries, diet and more. I came to rely on the comprehensive training schedules and benchmark times for every commonly raced distance from the mile to the marathon that Bob Glover included in his book. This is how I came to learn why I wasn't as good (proportionally) at the 5k as I was at a marathon. It's a different training regimen, a different mind-set, and after reading this book it's easy to understand and correct. When I really want to get motivated, I flip back to the Race Predictor appendix, calculate how fast I should be running, and set new goals for myself. Any runner of any ability who wants wants to set new goals (and what runner doesn't)should look to this book as *the* tool.
Rating: 
Summary: Third edition of 1978 best-seller is a complete rewrite.
Review: The long-term health of THE RUNNER'S HANDBOOK is certainly gratifying. In April 1978 the first edition quickly became a #1 trade paperback bestseller (Publisher's Weekly) for all categories. It was revised in 1985 and in 1996 it was completely rewritten. The 3d edition included imput from my wife who is an exercise physiologist. The goal was to create a total fitness and health manual with running as the centerpiece. It is a fun, motivational book--just like our running classes. After all, if running isn't fun, why would you stay with it! To date almost 400,000 copies of the three editions of this book have been sold. Thanks! Enjoy your running and reading!
Rating:
Summary: The Running Book that has it all
Review: The Runners Handbook has all the average runner will need to train effectively for fitness, shorter races or Marathons. I have been a causal but steady runner for many years and this book, which I picked up at age 38, took my running to the next level, including my first marathon two years later. Bob Glover covers how to train, how to avoid and handle injuries, and gives valuable tips about evertything from hills, cold weather and planning for races. There are specific programs to get in shape for short and long distance races and a great section on marathon running.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book for runners new and seasoned
Review: This book contains all the information a beginning runner needs, and is a good reference for intermediate ones such as myself. Glover's writing style is friendly and inspirational, and the chapter layout makes it easy to find the information you are interested in. Each page is crammed with good advice, and important points are discussed in a concise manner. As noted by another reviewer, some illustrations would be a welcome addition. I'll be ordering Glover's "Competitive Runner's Handbook" as soon as I've worked my way through this one.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference Guide for runners of all abilities!
Review: This book covers everything with regards to training,
equipment, nutrition, and crosstraining for everything
from running the 5K race to the marathon. The language
is very simple to understand, and provides useful
charts with regards to times in age-class groups, and
how they would rank in a field of runners, from your
back of the pack runners to your elite runner. It also
accounts for clothing, warming up, cooling down,
and everything imaginable related to running. If you
don't have a coach, or can't afford one, this is
probably your best alternative in terms of learning
how to train effectively and properly. Bob and
Shelley-Lynn really know what they are talking about,
and even the seasoned veterans might find it useful.
I have been running off and on since 1983, but I
didn't have any real ideas of how to train and eat
right until I read this book with regards to
competitive running. This book is highly recommended
if you intend to race competively in the 5K, 10K,
1/2 marathon and/or marathon. This should be your
Running Bible. If you haven't ran in a while, I
suggest consult your family physician before you
begin training, especially if you're really out
of shape, overweight, and a smoker or drinker.
It's probably best to use it as a reference guide
if you don't have the time to read through all
the book at once. This book is
broken down into sections and chapters as follows: Introduction: Challenge of Competitive Running
PART I: Basic Training
1. Categories of Basic Runners
2. Key Ingredients to Succesful Racing
3. Basic Training Principles
4. The Warm-Up and Cool-Down
5. Training Pace
6. Training Mileage
7. The Runner's Training Diary PART II: Speed Training
8. Introduction to Speed Training
9. A Simplified 12-Week Speed Training Program
10. Interval Training
11. Hill Training
12. Fartlek Training
13. Tempo Training PART III: Planning Your Training
14. The Training Schedule
15. How To Write Your Own Training Schedule PART IV: Specific Training for Racing
16. The Novice Competitor
17. 5K Training and Racing
18. 10K Training and Racing
19. Half-Marathon Training and Racing Part V: Marathon Training and Racing
20. The First-Time Marathoner
21. Marathon Build-Up Training
22. Marathon Countdown
23. Marathon Strategy
24. The Aftermarathon Part VI: Mental Aspects of Competitive Running
25. Goal Setting and Race Time Prediction
26. Motivation
27. Mental Training
28. Prerace Logistics and Day-of-Race Routine
29. Race Strategy
30. Race Tactics Part VII: Running Form and Shoes
31. Running Form and Economy
32. Running Shoes Part VIII: Food and Drink for Health and Performance
33. Fuel and Nutrition for Running
34. Hydration and Running
35. Performance Weight Part IX: The Running Environment
36. Hot Weather Running
37. Cold Weather Running Part X: Specific Competitors
38. The Masters Competitor
39. The Female Competitor 40. The Young Competitor Part XI: Illness and Injury
41. Illness
42. Injury Part XII: Special Training
43. Strength Training
44. Stretching
45. Cross-Training
46. Treadmill Training
47. Heart-Rate Monitor Training Part XIII:
48. Balancing Running With Life Appendix
Index
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding resource for novice and high-mileage runners!
Review: This book is a keeper! Filled with the nuts and bolts of how to run for a lifetime, I can't be without it. Twice I have given away my personal copy to a new "recruit," and twice I have proceeded to purchase myself a replacement copy! In fact, my first copy was a personal copy hand-me-down from a committed runner. Well-written, with a flair for humorous anecedotes that have an important point, this handbook will take you through the best and worst running has to offer. Information on clothing, on shoes, on route choices, racing tips, injury prevention, strength training, healthy eating, when to run, when not to run . . . all are included in this masterfully written guide. And did I mention inspirational! This book will have you running in the worst conditions you can imagine and will have you feeling good about it. What's more, the index is the best, most comprehensive, and logical one I have ever seen! The index makes The Runner's Handbook an easy and rewarding resource to return to over and over again. And that makes it a book I can't run without.
Rating:
Summary: The Runner's Handbook by Glover
Review: This book is excellent for the beginning and intermediate level
runner. Running can be difficult for sedentary people. This work
teachers you that walking is an important prelude to running.
The authors develop a methodology for running and goal-setting.
They cover some important dietary changes; such as, eliminating
junk food and drinking large quantities of water during lengthy
exercise sessions. The work teaches how to purchase a good
running shoe. In addition, the authors provide comparative
blood pressure monitoring statistics for each age group.
The book even contains a chapter on running for the disabled.
Finally, the work develops a list of a dozen or so concerns
for all runners i.e. flexibility, weakness in postural muscles,
structural weaknesses in the musculoskeletal system, uneven
footstrike, impact strike, poor sleeping habits, sciatica,
tension and disc problems-just to mention a few. In addition,
the work covers basic stretching exercises to enhance flexibility during " the run" . The book is a worthy
investment for anyone planning a long-term running program.
This work will ensure that your efforts are incrementally
paced to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference material
Review: This book is full of excellent information. I had a hard time putting it down, it is very easy to read and understand. I have used it as reference material several times. Bob Glover has made running easier for me, without this book I don't believe I would still be at it. Excellent source of information for the new runner.
Rating:
Summary: Just an excellent comprehensive book about running
Review: This book is just excellent both for totally beginners from intermediate runners. The approach is very educational, always taking into account that the commom reader do not want to become like Rambo. If you have not exercised for years, this book is for you. If you want to loose weight, this book is for you. If you already exercise and want to have a personal coach as regards running, this book is for you.
May be the only litle observations that could be made are that is just a bit long, although it is a necessity as it covers some specific aspects (such as special chapters about women and children running), and that stretching and strenghtning routines do not have pictures. However, pictures would increase substancially the cost of the book.
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