Runner's Handbook (2nd Revised Edn)

The best book for someone who have just started running or planning to..full of information..a virtual coach

I purchased my own copy of this book in the late 90's and although I began running as a hobby several years prior to that, this book gave me the inspiration and confidence to run half marathons and then full marathons. It's now 2021 and I still love running! Over the years I have ordered this book to give to friends who have decided to start running and the age ranges are from early 20's to late 50's and the book has been appreciated by all. It's the kind of book you can dip in and out of. There are so many running books available, I'm sure there are many just as good, more instensive, but I've stuck with this one, moving on to using my own instincts as to what is best for me, with regards to running shoes etc, using a Garmin, balancing running with pilates and walking. Choosing a running book is a personal choice but I certainly recommend this book, going by my own benefits from having it. My marathon pb is 3.23

... However, I laughed today when I saw the "sell this book" button on this page and thought to myself NEVER. This and the competitive runners guide (start with this one unless you are definitely ready to start racing and run regularly already) are books that I take everywhere with me. I hardly have time for novels anymore between my running and my rereading of these two books and I've never been happier ....I was until December a consummate couch potato and now I'm running in the New York City Marathon this coming November and I owe it all to Bob and Shelly-Lynne Glover and these books. I don't need to go further as all you have to do is read nigel's review from London and you have my experience with these books.Oh, I do want to say one thing although it was mentioned in another review as well. I think the reason most people try and give up running and say it isn't for them is that they go out and try to run 2 miles or 20 minutes or something that seems reasonable to them, but really isn't. Take it gradually as the book advices and you will love running and avoid the aches, pains, disappointments, and difficulties that others run into or you may have before in your life.Don't bother with any of the other running books. This is the one you want.

I purchased this book when 1st started running well over 10 years ago and read some favourite bits today. There is some really good advise about the obvious things, training programmes, stretching, strengthening, injury etc but on top of that the motivational pieces really do make sense and importantly, make you get out of the door and run.It doesnt lecture, it keeps it fun, it doesnt make running so serious like some literature and running sites do. It doesnt say there's a right way and everyone else is doing it wrong or, if you dont compete you're not a serious runner,.?I'd seriously recommend it to anyone who just enjoys running but hasnt brought this book yet.

If you are serious about getting into running or back into it, BUY this book. I was a runner in highschool and have been an on-again, off-again runner throughout college. I was missing something to help me stick to it. This book helped me tremedously with all of the tips and training programs provided. I love the book so much I recommended it to a friend and I am going to now buy the competitive runner's guide. I have owned the book since January and I have been running consistantly since then, probably my longest period of consistant running since highschool. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy and good luck running!

I took up running as a non-athletic 60 something a few months ago to get fit, and I wanted a book to answer all the questions about running that have been coming up. Googling was quite good but I wanted something comprehensive and - as so many other have found - The Runners Handbook is just what I hoped it would be. It is well organised and covers all the points I wanted advice on, plus those things I didn't realise I needed to know. I've found it easy to look up topics: how much running to do, how to deal with injury, assess my current level of fitness, combine other forms of exercise. All written in an easy good humoured style. Never dogmatic. Always sensible and balanced. It may be an update of a 35 year old book, but I can understand why it continues to sell. I value it enormously.