Rating: 
Summary: I'm not alone!
Review: I loved this book. I had been waddling along for about two years, I thought something must be wrong with me. Almost everything that John went through in the book I had also, I can be seen waddling along all over town, and now I hold my head up with pride because I now know, "I AM A RUNNER!"
Rating:
Summary: Not just for new runners
Review: I reviewed all the reviews, and was shocked to see I hadn't added mine. After all, I've only bought 10 copies and distributed them to many friends and coworkers, and YES, I have my own.
As a fairly new runner (3 years now) with a marathon, half-marathon (Disney, just this past weekend), and a few other races behind me, I can vouch that this book puts things into perspective. After hearing John speak in Orlando this past weekend, I am even more convinced that his attitude is much needed in new, and seasoned runners.
Granted I don't boast my PR, or downplay it either, but John writes from the point of view of a person who has gained wisdom through his journey of becoming a runner. The mental mind set is very important, and I believe John provides a less "gotta shave those 3 minutes off my PR" approach. I don't mean that those who want to shave those extra minutes are not right, but to the mere average mortal who is not gifted with the speed of a gazelle, or the powerful legs of a cheetah, those three extra minutes may not be the "end all - do all". To each his/her own, and John brings a lofty goal of a 10k, 21k, marathon to those who may not have thought it possible. Isn't that the joy of running? To also inspire those who may think it beyond their grasp... and frankly, does anyone not find penguins cute and cuddly?
I can't wait to get his new book, and John, if you read this, I'll proudly keep on handing out your book!
Cheers, Sylvie (someone who has read just about every book on running/marathoning on the market!)
Rating:
Summary: 30 years of running and still struggling
Review: I started running nearly 30 years ago and used to be quite strong. The resonsibities of keeping a marriage healthy, raising two children and working full time in a demanding profession have taken their toll on my running life. I haven't stopped for any appreciable length of time in 30 years but, darn!, I have slowed down. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Penquin's " comments on running -- he helped me get a new grip on something that has always been important to me but, like so many other things these days, is not what it used to be. I appreciate his attitude, his perspective. I feel okay about running again and I plan to re-read this book occasionally just as a reminder of what running is really about.
Rating:
Summary: 30 years of running and still struggling
Review: I started running nearly 30 years ago and used to be quite strong. The responsibities of keeping a marriage healthy, raising two children and working full time in a demanding profession have taken their toll on my running life. I haven't stopped for any appreciable length of time in 30 years but, darn!, I have slowed down. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Penquin's " comments on running -- he helped me get a new grip on something that has always been important to me but, like so many other things these days, is not what it used to be. I appreciate his attitude, his perspective. I feel okay about running again and I plan to re-read this book occasionally just as a reminder of what running is really about.
Rating:
Summary: A "must read" for recreational and beginning runners
Review: I'm a big fan of John Bingham's through reading his "Penguin Chronicles" in Runner's World. Like his monthly column, this book serves to inspire, motivate and teach the fitness or recreational runner how to participate in this sport and eventually, to race. I wish this book were around when I started to run, because it would have saved me useless self-doubt. John's talent is that he "gets into the head" of the recreational runner, who may have much enthusiasm, but have more limitations talent-wise than, for example, Flo-Jo or Carl Lewis. Nonetheless, as he points out, we all belong to the running community. In his book, John teaches us that no matter what our respective place in a race, or age-group category, we all are winners.
Rating:
Summary: This is a book that inspired me many good things.
Review: Iam a bad-runner or may be I better say a footer, and a bad one, but this book has given me a hand to "encourage" and have sence about my oun health and life. I recommend it to every person, runner or not, any way we are all runner in the life, and this books makes it better ... and easier.
Rating:
Summary: Great book about change
Review: John Bingham writes an excellent and often funny book about how running can empower a person. He discusses his progression from overweight couch potato to slow but fit runner. His story is an inspiring one. As someone who lost 100 pounds through running and now frequently competes in road races, this book was like reliving my journey to fitness. It made me feel nostalgia. Bingham discusses what is the essence of running - pushing through discomfort to become more content. He is funny, eloquent, and willing to be proud of his accomplishments. The Courage to Start is a book that I wish everyone would read just once. There is something in it for everyone - from the 15 minute 5Kers to those who seek a more active and healthy lifestyle. The book conveys a message that so few people in America don't hear enough - go for your dreams and don't be afraid to fail. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A newbie runner must-have!
Review: John's talent is, as one of the other reviews mentioned, getting "into the head" of the beginning runner. Having been there, and having dealt with many of the issues that a new runner deals with (both psychologically and physically), John certainly speaks from experience. While I am currently training for my third marathon and have been running a few years, I still make use of John's advice. I am definitely contemplating buying a copy of this book for friends of mine who want to start running but need the extra psychological boost. John really knows how to tell a story. I laughed. I cried. Mostly, I *identified.* Nice to know that we as penguins are not alone in the universe.
Rating:
Summary: A newbie runner must-have!
Review: John's talent is, as one of the other reviews mentioned, getting "into the head" of the beginning runner. Having been there, and having dealt with many of the issues that a new runner deals with (both psychologically and physically), John certainly speaks from experience. While I am currently training for my third marathon and have been running a few years, I still make use of John's advice. I am definitely contemplating buying a copy of this book for friends of mine who want to start running but need the extra psychological boost. John really knows how to tell a story. I laughed. I cried. Mostly, I *identified.* Nice to know that we as penguins are not alone in the universe.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for any beginning runner!
Review: Like no other, this book will motivate you to get off your duff and run, waddle or just plain walk out the door...to the rest of your life. Inspirational, it's value is in highlighting the spiritual benefits of the sport. Frank, honest and joyful. Takes you inside the mind of the new runner: the agony, the doubt, the competition, the pride, the stumbles, the joy, and ultimately, the freedom that running can bring. Not heavy on technical training, not meant to be. For all the folks who don't wear singlets and running shoes with no socks. You will thank the Penguin for the rest of your life...he just might have saved it.
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