Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Three Running books for Women

This isn't a "I finished reading" post. Uh, maybe a little background is in order.

Like many of you, I read. A lot. I'm a stay-at-home mom of adult children who hates housework so I spend a lot of my time with a book.

I also like to think of myself as a runner. I don't go very fast or very far and I'm near the back of the pack in a race, if not dead last. But. I move forward and both feet leave the ground at the same time.

I run so I'd have something to talk about besides books. So, yeah, there are health benefits, especially now that I've been diagnosed as a diabetic. But I started running so I could race faster so I could have something to talk about besides books. Unless you want me to talk about my daughter's job? She's an embalmer so maybe not ;-)

Like many good readers, when I started this new project called "be a runner",  I went to the library. I also talked to family who run and checked out the internet. I've purchased a few but checked three woman runner books and someone said they'd be interested in my thoughts.

On to the books. . .

Women's Complete Guide to Running 
by Jeff and Barbara Galloway

Meyer & Meyer
978-1841263212
April 2011, 3rd edition
232 pages

website


Jeff Galloway, an US Olympian in 1972, has helped over 150,000 people make this journey while reducing or eliminating aches, pains, and injuries suffered during most training programs. Jeff developed the Run-Walk-Run method of training, and together with his wife Barbara he offers a step by step program specifically designed for the needs and concerns of women. Included are lots of tips on staying motivated, building endurance, shoes, stretching and strengthening, as well as smart nutrition choices, and much more. All of the described programs and exercises can be incorporated into the busiest lifestyle - to improve attitude, relieve stress, and enjoy a greater sense of vitality.

Thoughts: Women who run have discovered several issues that men don't seem to have. While it can be true that a male runner needs help choosing a stroller to run with, he doesn't need to worry about running while pregnant. Breast issues, leakage, anorexia, amenorrhea are just a few of the issues brought up. Post-partum depression is also brought up and has the shortest information. It basically says this is serious, see a doctor. 

Much of this information crosses genders but the book doesn't seem to read as a general runner book with female sections inserted. It reads like an instructor at a running club. The one who has been running the longest, heard all the stupid questions, ask him anything and if he doesn't know he can find out.

This one wasn't finished but I'm not counting it as DNF. I simply ran out of checkouts and will be requesting it again when I can concentrate more.

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Joan Samuelson's Running for Women
by Joan Benoit Samuelson and Gloria Averbuch

Rodale Press, Inc
9780875962399
April 1995 256 Pages

A guide for women runners by an Olympic champion includes tips from Joan Benoit, her coaches, and other pros, as well as training charts, workouts, nutritional advice, and advice on balancing running with job and family.

Thoughts: Joan Benoit Samuelson is an American marathon runner who won gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the year that the women's marathon was introduced. As a result, she was the first-ever women's Olympic marathon champion. Yes, this makes her a great resource but between the publication date and the attitude I couldn't finish it. Yes, she medaled in the Olympics. Yes it was Gold. Maybe if this was the first running book I'd read I'd be okay but as it is...I just couldn't finish it.

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The Complete Book of Running for Women
by Claire Kowalchik

Pocket Books
978-0671017033
March 1999
416 pages

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.

Thoughts: This book is only four years newer than Joan's book be feels much more recent. The "Why Run" chapter is almost worth buying the book for!

 The book feel more like a conversation with a friend but again, I didn't finish it because I ran out of checkouts.



There are a LOT of books out there about running. You don't need a "training for a marathon" book if you can't run around the block so first decide what kind of runner you are. If you're a super beginner, my favorite is Run Your Butt Off which is a very beginner's basic walk-run program. Then again there are many books out there doing the same thing. 

Of these three. . . my 1st choice would be the Galloway book but Claire's book will be checked out again. Joan's book isn't even on my "check out to finish" list.

For myself, I don't like shoes and purchased Natural Running by Danny Abshire and Brian Metzler


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

2 comments:

Petrea Burchard said...

No, really, your daughter's an embalmer? We can talk about that.

I love that you've been running. So much better than housework.

Book Dragon said...

She's got some great stories Petrea!

Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.