Running For Dummies is for everyone with a desire to run. If you’re a reforming couch potato, it helps ease you into a healthier lifestyle. If you have Olympic aspirations, take a look at different ways to improve your training. This easy-to-understand guide is also for those who want to:
Find dependable guidance for buying running shoes. Explore ways to maximize your training program. Discover the races you’ll enjoy running. Coauthored by the “World’s Fastest Woman” and World Record holder Florence (Flo-Jo) Griffith Joyner, Running For Dummies has world-class advice on these topics and many more:
Fabled runner Griffith Joyner ("Flo-Jo") died in September 1998, in the midst of this book project, co-written with Hanc (The Essential Runner, LJ 3/1/94). In the familiar, attractive "...for Dummies" format, the usual subjects are covered: benefits, mechanics, motivation, shoes, nutrition, stretches, hill training, safety, weather, regimen, races (leading up to a marathon), injuries, cross-training, and weights. Photos of Flo-Jo enhance the section on techniques, stretches, and weights. Although the book is geared toward both sexes, one chapter addresses special concerns for women, children, and seniors. Overall, the authors have provided the tools beginning runners need while giving more advanced runners sound advice, too. The book is not gadget-happy, except for one superfluous section on cross-training equipment like stationary bicycles. An excellent purchase for both public and academic libraries. (Index and 16-page color photo tribute to Griffith Joyner not seen.)--Kathryn Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, BC Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
More Reviews and RecommendationsFlorence Griffith Joyner, the "World's Fastest Woman," won three gold and one silver medal in track and field at the '88 summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, in addition to a silver medal at the '84 Games in Los Angeles. In 1989, she was voted "Most Outstanding Amateur Athlete in America" and was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995.
John Hanc is a running and fitness columnist for Newday and contributes frequently to Runner's World magazine. He is the author of The Essential Runner and The Essential Marathoner.
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March 19, 2005: This book points out everything you need to get started. It's fun, practical, easy to read and, full of great tips and advice. It's a wonderfull starters book...I've progressed from a 5K, to a 15K, to my first Half Marathon and still refer to this book.
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December 08, 1999: I used to be fat and overweight, my doctor told me to run so I got this book. Now I am on the track to fitness with the help of this book.