Product Description
The Marathon des Sables is billed as the toughest footrace on Earth. It consists of around 150 miles of running across scorching desert plains and peaks, in temperatures soaring above 40 degrees C. As if the distance, the heat and the terrain were not enough, the whole race must be completed carrying all the food and kit required for the seven days of the event. In this book, exercise scientist Mark Hines takes us through both his two years of training and the competition itself, as he goes from non-running optimist to ultra-endurance athlete. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An amazing journey that takes you for the ride
The author Mark Hines brings a whole new light on this serious event.
Anyone interested in fitness or a truly inspiring journey of ones mans approach to the toughest footrace on earth...this is for you.

I had no idea about the details ofthis event nor much on the marathon side of life, having never come close to completing one. This book does not miss a beat. Anything that you need to know about the Marathon Des Sables or how to prepare for it...this author covers it.

I loved the way the book is real. This is about one man who starts off hating running but wants to complete the toughest footrace on earth! Funny in itself. Mark brings his knowledge of the body and nutrition along with his humor and utter determination together to give us an amazing journey of self discovery and a want to succeed.

The detail that he goes into regarding what his body is feeling, to why he is doing it the way he is, leaves no question marks.

Truly a fantastic read.

Losing the will to live
Frustratingly longwinded account seemingly detailing every second of this man's preparation for the Marathon des Sables. Although the author has some experience in the field of exercise physiology he spends very little time discussing the nitty gritty of his training program or strategies to cope with the gruelling desert conditions. I expected this book to be a help to someone preparing for this event but found much of this book superfluous. Contains some outlandish claims, for example that running does not cause injuries. Would have benefitted from some judicious editing. ... Read more

Product Description

More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- for stress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women's bodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard and with the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns. Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women who experience the pure joy of running, or want to.

It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn:

Product Description

Do You Run to Live . . . or Live to Run?

Whether you are a casual weekend warrior in running shoes, a seasoned ultra marathoner, or something in between, you recognize the heart and passion of runners who are just like you. Serious, competitive athletes and those who just want to shed a few pounds will find common ground in The Ultimate Runner, a celebration of every type of runner in heartfelt narratives, spectacular photos, and expert advice.

The magic of a run is shared in these chronicles of fitness breakthroughs, gritty races, and golden friendships forged in predawn sojourns. Great moments in running take place every day, and The Ultimate Runner is filled with more than thirty stunning photos that give voice to those extraordinary experiences shared by ordinary runners. Experts in the fields of nutrition, exercise physiology, and training weigh in with advice that will ramp up any running program.

Some run for the fitness value, some for a charitable cause, and some just to enjoy nature in a different way, but every runner is changed by the experience. Share some of those transformative moments with others who love the feel of the road beneath their feet.

Customer Reviews (3)

Funny and Inspiring, Easy Read
I bought a copy of this book based on a recommendation from a running website.I didn't expect it to be a collection of short stories from runners.I guess the title "Ultimate Runner" threw me off.I expected it to be a guide for ultramarathoners.I know... I know... I should have read the preface or something but I sometimes don't like doing that because I don't really want to know much about what I'm about to read.

Even though my expectation was different, I very much enjoyed reading this book, and it was indeed an easy read.There were times when I couldn't stop laughing and there were times I had to shed some tears.There's also a section of miscellaneous tips about running in general which is a great help particularly if you're a newbie in the running world.

Easy and Inspiring Read
This is a very easy to read book of short stories organized into seven sections. The first six sections are stories written by common/regular people, with the seventh section composed of advice articles by experts. Most of the stories in the first six sections are 3-5 pages of large font type, so they are quick reads.

I found the first section "Why We Run: Physical Transformation" to be the most difficult to read as it was not capturing my attention. I'm not sure if was because the stories seemed to be similar or they dealt with challenging circumstances - overcoming drug addition, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Once I got into the second and later sections though, it became an easy and enjoyable read that I readily reached for when I had a few moments.

If you know someone who is just taking up running, consider giving them this book as a gift. Likewise, I would recommend to anyone who has been running for sometime and is getting a bit burned out. It is impossible not to be inspired by the stories in this book and one of the reasons that it took me so long to read it is that I could only make it through a story or two before I wanted to go for a run.

My only complaint about the book is that some of the stories were too short. There were several stories where I cried "no" at the end because I wanted more. These were real people, I had become invested in their story, and was not ready to give up. In the end, this marks it as a good book - the fact that I still recall specific stories and think about the people and what happened to them after the story ended.

The articles in section seven "Must-Know Info" may not contain any new information for regular readers of Runners World or those who visit sites such as [...] on a regular basis, but is a concise set of "Must Know" information in one place. This information is very beneficial for the experienced as well as the new runner. I recently pulled my calf muscle and if I had paid more attention to the Must Know articles, this most likely would not have happened.

Fun, easy read
Have you heard of Runners' Lounge? It's a pretty cool place where you can interact with runners from all over the place. In addition, the creators, Amy and Tom, are all about getting to know your runners of all types. From the person who does run/walk 5Ks to the person who runs super-fast marathons.

Together Amy and Tom decided they wanted to create a book to celebrate all these runners that were sharing there stories in the Runners' Lounge. So they teamed up with a publisher and The Ultimate Runner was born!

I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book from Amy and Tom and they asked me to share my review with all my readers. I started it last week and even though I'm an admittedly fast reader I can tell you that it would be a quick and fun read for anyone who likes running. Especially those of you out there that like to read blogs.

Imagine if someone combined your favorite blog posts about why someone runs or her most memorable race and put them into book form. And then, just to top it all off, added helpful information about cross-training, nutrition, stretching, and injuries. What a great idea, right?

Well, that's what The Ultimate Runner does. The first part of the book is divided into sections talking about the emotional, the physical, the social, the memorable and all the other aspects of running that inspire us to get out there. The second part is devoted to advice from fitness and running experts.

I truly believe that any runner, aspiring runner, or family of a runner would find at least one story in this book that he or she could relate to. Whether it's the story about the woman who tried running only to decide she makes a better support team for her running family or the story about the woman who does Ironman triathlons. Or the story about the people who run after a cancer diagnosis or just because they need something to make them feel alive even when they're healthy. There really is something in there for everyone.

Some of the expert advice might be repetitive for anyone whose read more than one issue of Runners' World or hung around any online running forum so I admit that I sort of skimmed that part. But, you never know what you don't know so there's always a chance you'll learn something new.

I think my only criticism is that I wanted more stories of runners! Also, since I'm sure that Amy and Tom found many of these stories via blog submissions I would have liked to see some acknowledgment of whether or not the authors had blogs I could go check out. Thankfully they are doing some of that over in the Lounge and I can understand why, editorially, they didn't include links to blogs that might not be there permanently. But, still, would have been nice.

Regardless, it was a nice, easy read that left me with a few gems to think about the next time I'm in need of some inspiration. ... Read more

Product Description
'I'd love to do a marathon, but I don't have six days a week to train''I'm too old/unfit/overweight to run 26 miles, aren't I?''Omigod! I've got a place in the marathon - what next?' If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then this book is for you. You want to run a marathon (or half marathon), but you don't know where to start, how to train, what to eat and drink, how to dress, how to prepare for the race or, perhaps, even which race to do. We will guide you through the entire process: from your very first steps to beyond the finish line, ensuring that you not only complete your marathon but enjoy it, too!There's advice on everything from how to fit training into your busy life to improving your running technique and avoiding injury. There are mental tricks to employ when the going gets tough, along with nutritional strategies to maximise your performance, gear and gadgets to improve your running and race tactics to help you get through the big day. This second edition includes advice on running a half marathon, and all the training schedules, nutritional advice and coaching tips have been updated. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Great book for first-timers
I used this book in preparation for the 2001 Detroit Marathon. The book guides you through the steps required in order to finish your first marathon. I felt confident throughout my training that I was preparing safely based on the material covered. I kept referring to the book at various points throughout the training period. The recommended training program works. I finished in 3:57 (chip) and am now looking for a program to improve my time.

a good book for someone new to running
If you are new to running and your goal is finishing a marathon, this book is your choice. Like the name says, it gives you the essential information you need to know to train for a marathon and to finish one. It doesn'tcover anything more than you need to know, so if you are not interested inreading that many books and just want to finish the marathon, this is thebook for you.

The title says it all.
Gives all the secrets needed to run your first marathon. Includes anecdotal evidence to support the information given. ... Read more

Product Description
The book, aimed at walkers and fell runners, includes detailed information on the challenging Lakeland Three Thousands; the Old County Tops; the Roman Road between Windermere and Penrith; the Eight Great Horseshoes; and Penrith to the Sea routes. Roy Clayton guides walkers through the routes, while experienced fell runner, Ronald Turnbull, gives the necessary advice for runners, and for walkers who wish to step up the pace in the tradition of the greats like Joss Naylor, Eric Beard and Colin Donnelly. ... Read more

Product Description
One of a series of ELT readers, this story is aimed at those who have been studying English for three or four years, and contains sentences which are short and easy to understand. The winner of the cross-country race will fly to Kenya. Kenna wants to win, but he's not the best runner in the school. ... Read more

Product Description
Running is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in Asia. With the number of competitive running events on the rise and the number of participants growing steadily, it seems that more and more people are taking to pounding the asphalt on a regular basis and more of them have their sights set on the Mount Everest of endurance running events the marathon. The marathon is a challenging event, taxing not only the body but also the mind, and not training properly could be detrimental to the runner. Allow Dr Ben Tan, Singapore s 3-time Sportsperson of the Year and one of Singapore s fastest runners, show you the inner workings of prepare yourself for a marathon. Learn what it takes to get your fitter, faster and running the best you can. Get advice from top trainers, sports doctors and scientists and learn how to avoid injury and how to properly care for your body. Take advantage of Dr Ben Tan s personal experience and the advice and experience of Singapore s top endurance athletes. ... Read more

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A science fiction story with a sporting twist. Jake doesn't stand a chance in the cross-country championships - until he finds a pair of trainers in the rubbish. They're brand new, they're his size - and they have a mind of their own. ... Read more

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Ever wondered what makes runners run? And in particular, why they run marathons?In this honest, good-humoured and informative collection of thoughts and anecdotes we are drawn into the marathon runner's world of pain, euphoria and self-discovery.Appealing to runners and non-runners alike, this compendium of anecdotes, analyses, short stories and "funnies" draws the reader into another world, where physical striving meets dogged determination, tinged with not a little eccentricity!Accounts of 10 great British marathons are here, London of course, Isle of Wight, Seven Sisters, city of Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1, to name but a few, detailing the emotional highs and lows, the terrain, the conditions and in many, the breathtaking views that conspire to urge the runner on, time and again.Providing inspiration, practical guidance and many a chuckle en route, "Living makes You Run Longer" is a must-have for anyone with an interest in marathons, how to run them and the personal reward to be gained from them.. ... Read more

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This is the 2010, 2nd edition of the full-colour handbook for walkers and runners in the Welsh 3000s traverse, the Paddy Buckley Round, The Snowdon Horseshoe, Snowdon Ascents and the Welsh 1000 metres race. Roy Clayton guides walkers through the route, while experienced fell runner, Ronald Turnbull, gives the necessary advice for runners, and for walkers who wish to step up the pace in the tradition of the greats like Joss Naylor, Eric Beard and Colin Donnelly. The original "Welsh Three Thousand Foot Challenges" book has already been a success, with several reprints. This new edition includes up-to-date information with colour photographs and maps bringing the stunning mountain scenery to life. If you want to do the Welsh Three Thousands and you want to know how to train to do a fast time, or you just want to make sure you have a good chance of a successful completion, this book is the only choice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Indespensable book for any person interested in the marathon
Who was second in the Olympic marathon of 1972? Who won the first New York marathon?A must for anyone interested in the statistics of the marathon (42 km/26 miles) distance. But not only for it's lists of race results of all the major marathons, but also some great anecdotes of races run over this challenging distance.This is a book to page through and relive the great races of the past again and again.This book misses a "10" rating only because it is time-bound to 1996, but an invaluable reference to marathon races and race results up to 1996. ... Read more

Product Description
You do not fail when you fall, you fail when you fall and do not try to get back up. 'When Anthony Whatley was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998 his world fell apart, but inspirational words of encouragement from Tony Verdie, a Belgrave Harrier and pen friend of twenty years and the support of the Angel of Hope, appearing in many different guises, helped Anthony to reflect on some of the past and finally create the book Cries on the Wind. Cries on the Wind evocatively describes Anthony's passion for the challenge the marathon presents, the friendships forged on the road and the spiritual elevation that comes from facing failure head-on and overcoming adversity to emerge triumphant. ... Read more

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This manual for beginners covers all aspects of the training required to train for a marathon. ... Read more

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Hogan came late to athletics but his career thereafter was a brilliant series of victories. Self-trained for many years, He reached the peak of his athletic career after moving to England in 1960. Under the most bizarre of circumstances, Hogan won a gold medal in the marathon of the 1966 European Championships running in an English vest. Why the best Irish long-distance runner of his generation was obliged to declare for England is an extraordinary story. That he was successful under these circumstances only adds to the legend of the `Mad Irishman'. Combative, outspoken, colorful and driven to succeed, he battled a cruel bureaucracy in Irish athletics. This is one man's inspiring story of overcoming the odds and realizing his dream. ... Read more