Rating: 
Summary: You Deserve This Book
Review: I started tentatively, being 85 pounds overweight, a smoker, a couch potato, and an overeater (obviously), with bad knees and a bad back but I knew I had to do SOMETHING to start participating in my own life and destiny. If you're in a similar spot, and you've gotten as far as "What", this book is a tool that will give you the "Hows."Written economically and informally, it's packed with information beginning runners and walkers need, from stretching and shoe selection to injury prevention. The heart of the program is an easy-to-follow schedule that starts slow (run 30 seconds, then walk 4:30, and repeat seven times your first day) and builds every week. The plan is flexible, simple, and requires nothing more than a watch, a pair of shoes, and your commitment to yourself three times per week. If you're completely sedentary, you can start with the 13-week walk program to build your stamina before taking on running. And there's an intermediate program, when you're done with your first 13 weeks of running and looking for the "next cut." At the end of thirteen weeks, I was running 65 minutes without stopping, I had shed 35 pounds, I avoided injury and felt BETTER than when I started. I was having FUN! I realized that completing the program was about far more than running -- I had a grip on my destiny, and I was participating in life, not just watching everyone else. I realized, in my bones, that I can do ANYTHING, and breathing hard three times a week seemed a small price to pay for that. Now I look forward to my runs, and haven't missed a running day since I started over a year ago, and all 85 extra pounds are gone for good. If you're committed to yourself, this book is the tool you need.
Rating: 
Summary: A easy way to start running injury free
Review: I used Ian MacNeill's running program to train for my first 10k (6.2 miles). What a wonderful and easy way to get started! I had tried running before and always stopped for one reason or another. This book helped keep me motivated and focused with its easy to follow program that can be done outdoors or on a treadmill. No more worrying about how long, how far, how intensly I should run during training. The book spells it all out for you. I would just put on my sneakers, look up the workout I was scheduled for that day, and run! The focus of the book is running injury free, and the author stresses moderation and balance in training. I found his "back to basics" attitude refreshing. Another bonus about this book is the Walking and Intermediate running programs that are included. With these extra programs, other friends and family members can use it too, no matter their fitness level. I highly recommend this book. Good luck!
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Summary: Practical primer for anyone who wants to start running today
Review: I was in need of an excerise program that was simple and consistent. I knew that running fit the bill, but had tried a few times in the past to begin but years of inactivity -- I had been a runner 10 years prior -- made each attempt a frustrating one. I reached a point where I had to have a detailed step-by-step program to help re-establish a running routine. This led me to search the 'Running for Dummies' genere. This book is the best of the lot. It takes you from ground zero to a 10k in 13 weeks -- provided you are in good health. If you are not, the authors address that issue too. They are very keen on making running something you ease into as they contend this allows your body to adapt to a sport than can be a shock to the system when rushed -- don't I know it! :-( I used it to prepare for the Peachtree Road Race here in Atlanta. Its a wonderful program and there is even an additional 13 week 'intermediate' program to help you continue the process along with a lot of other fun tips and tricks! If you want to start a running program, get your hands on this book today!
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Summary: I would like the author to contact me.
Review: I'm interested in having the author contact me to talk about furture projects. If he would like to do so it's mvanieperen@home.com
Rating:
Summary: Becoming a runner isn't so tough...
Review: I'm on week 10 of his 13 week program and am amazed at my progress. I've gone from being barely able to run a block to running over four miles at a time. If you admire those folks bounding past you but never thought you could join them, this is the book to read. His program builds up so gradually that you barely notice the increases in duration until one day you suddenly realize you can run for miles! I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: The Right Stuff
Review: It seems odd that there should be so much mystique and misinformation surrounding an activity as fundamental as running...but there you have it. For years, I gave in to this hype and believed that I could not run: it was too high-impact, I had too many previous injuries, runners all get hurt and can't do other sports, et cetera. At the same time, I wanted to run, believing that if I could find a way to do it, it would enhance my fitness and participation in other sports. I feel fortunate that I happened on this book, which I believe has the recipe for success for people who are genuinely motivated to run, and who want to improve their health through running, not sacrifice it. This book outlines a well-structured thirteen-week program, but that's not its primary virtue. The self-help/fitness sections of bookstores are full of "program"-oriented books promising four weeks to this and eight steps to that, and while an approach like that might work better than some others in a society where thinking is primarily deductive, logical, and plan-oriented, it's no guarantee of success. The real value of this book is in the way it demystifies running, providing sound fundamental information that has somehow eluded common sense. I found the discussion on cardiovascular fitness vs. musculoskeletal adaptation in chapter 2 to be a real lightbulb; likewise, the section in chapter 4 titled, "Think of yourself as an athlete". Altogether, the mindset of this book could not be further from the simplistic/masochistic "no pain, no gain" mindset that urges you to just go out there and run, and suck up the consequences until your body simply falls apart. The book clearly and strongly articulates the notion that becoming more fit is a process of building up, not breaking down. "Just do it" -- but do it the right way. Don't purchase this book the day before you want to go out and run. You really need to read the book through first. Buy the book, read it, get your mind ready -- then get out there and run!
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Summary: Easy to read, Easy to understand, Easy to follow
Review: It usually takes me a few days to read a book, but I couldn't set this one down. I read half of it the evening I purchased it. The book is easy reading and easy to understand. I just started boxing. I need to drop some pounds and build my stamina to be able to compete. I knew that I needed to start a jogging program to assist me in reaching my goals. This book made it easy for me to be consistant and stay motivated. I also learned valuable information; allowing me to increase my distance and enjoy running at the same time. The program was easy to follow. This book made jogging easier for me. This is a must if you don't have the first clue about how to get started on a jogging program.
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Summary: Buy some good running shoes and this book!
Review: Okay - I'm in my 30s and I want to get fit. I'd tried running in my 20s and nearly killed myself by training the wrong way - just going out the door and running till I fell over. I concluded I couldn't run. But it just looked so much fun and people running look so much cooler than people on exercise bikes. So trawling the internet, I found this book and followed a 13-week training programme that starts off almost entirely walking and builds to a 60 minute training run or 10k race. I tell you - it works! The book gives the beginner all the info they need about shoes, stretching, avoiding injuries and the joys (and science) of running. I feel I'll outgrow this book pretty quickly - it's big type and isn't particularly in-depth - but I've already lent it to many other people and they're starting to run too. If you're a non-runner who wants to run, you can't go far wrong with this book - but get yourself to a specialist running store and buy some decent shoes first, because you'll want to dash off running after the first chapter.
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Summary: Reading this book was the best thing I ever did!
Review: One day last April, I went searching for a book to tell me how I could train for a marathon. I had never enjoyed running (I am 42) but was envious that my brother would be running a marathon on his 40th birthday and I got caught up in the excitement and said I wanted to do that too. (I am not a small, petite woman either who started off at a high activity level to begin this program. I had recently lost 45 pounds and was motivated to begin exercising.) By luck, I found this book. I started reading it, finding it informative, motivating and easy to read. The book touches on every aspect of running, such as the psychology of running, fueling the body, stretching, etch. Upon finishing the book, I figured I could do anything for 13 weeks, so I gave it a try. This book has changed my life. The program stated in the book starts you off slowly to increase your strength and stamina. I found it truly amazing how my body readily responded to the small increases that were asked of me each week. It was just enough to challenge me, but not enough to discourage me. I was able to run a 5k after 13 weeks as this book said I would and I have continued running. I plan to run a half marathon in May (a year after starting this program). Running has allowed me to keep the weight off as well as experience other positive physical payoffs such as no pre-menstrual symptoms-(mood swings, bloating, tenderness, short tempered)-all gone. I have recommended this book to many people who have also started this program and are also now runners. If you are searching for a way to easily incorporate an increase in your activity level into your everyday life, I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: An excellent guide for the new runner
Review: This book has changed my life! I've been pretty athletic and active my whole life, but still 5-10 lbs overweight. I've always hated running so when my friend suggested we try this, I was EXTREMELY skeptical. But this program was easy, and it didn't ever feel like I was pushing myself too hard. I highly recommend doing this with a friend or loved one--it's good for those days you could just skip a workout, helps you to motivate each other. I've lost 15 pounds and am going to be running a half marathon in 10 days! This book has converted me to running!!!
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