Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
94th out of 100 books
—
3 voters
The Complete Book of Running
by
Jim Fixx
Discusses not only the physical benefits of running, but its psychological benefits as well: increasing self-esteem, acquiring a "high" from running, and being able to cope better with pressure and tension. Yep, it still sells.
Hardcover, 314 pages
Published
September 12th 1977
by Random House
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
317)
I love this book! It sounds like it may be boring (because running is boring), but if anyone is interested in starting a running program or competing in a race, it's full of great information and fascinating facts.
Like, for example, women may have an advantage to men in running long distance. Men don't have as much body fat, which you can pull on for fuel during a marathon.
There's a story about a woman who had diarreah during a marathon but kept running because she was going to win. She did wi...more
Like, for example, women may have an advantage to men in running long distance. Men don't have as much body fat, which you can pull on for fuel during a marathon.
There's a story about a woman who had diarreah during a marathon but kept running because she was going to win. She did wi...more
It's funny reading this, 35 years after being published. References to East German athletic training, and advice on how to measure route distances before Google Maps and GPS (guesstimate by pace/time, use a car odometer, or a special tool attached to a bicycle). It's also probably wise to ignore any scientific or medical discussion, though I was amused to hear about Dr. J. E. Schmidt's Playboy article, "Jogging Can Kill You" (unfortunately, I can't find the original, but he appears in many newsp...more
Some of the topics in this book are laughable due to the passage of years (it was published in 1977). For example, did you know that the author tried wearing negative-heel shoes once upon a time to help stretch his calves? Apparently, they were popular in their own right and he had the idea they would be helpful...but he couldn't walk well in them and gave them up.
Another tidbit he gleaned from women runners: It is optional to wear a bra while running. Some like to wear one, some don't, and only...more
Another tidbit he gleaned from women runners: It is optional to wear a bra while running. Some like to wear one, some don't, and only...more
An oldie but a goodie, I think. I was never a runner, and this is probably not the recommended order to do things, but it worked for me. I (1) signed up for a 5k 3 weeks before it, (2) started practicing my running every other day, (3) started reading this book about a week before the race. I found the book to be very encouraging for a beginning runner and would definitely recommend it. It was very motivational in terms of the benefits that regular running can give you. It had a lot of practical...more
The manifesto that started it all! A great inspiration for any beginning runner. Fixx's iconic guide details all the physical and psychological benefits of running. Though it will come across as a bit of a dated read today, running is such a basic sport that Fixx's advice holds up against more modern approaches to running.
My only criticism of Fixx's doctrine is the notion that a good runner ought to be noticeably skinny. I've known extreme runners who run themselves absolutely frail. But I've a...more
My only criticism of Fixx's doctrine is the notion that a good runner ought to be noticeably skinny. I've known extreme runners who run themselves absolutely frail. But I've a...more
This has to be one of the most informative and motivating books about running on the market. I ran distance track in high school, and when I tried to get back into it a couple of years ago I found myself with absolutely no motivation. I happened upon this book at the library, and it quickly became one of my favorite running books. I eventually got back into running, and I think about this book on most of my runs. It is a complete guide that covers everything from what type of shoes to buy, to ho...more
Read this one back in the early eighties along with plenty of others. Inspiring--perhaps the most inspiring book about running out there. Still a fine read, but read with caution; much of our understanding about calisthenics, stretching, and physiology has evolved and changed since this book. Many of the exercises can hurt you--we now know--so proceed with care and consult a trainer before you try any of Fixx's ideas.
Read this when I was a kid (age 12 approx). At the time I was a competitive athlete and would read anything I could lay my hands on to do with running. This book was absolutely brilliant and I finished it in a couple of days.
Particularly remember the chapter on how to cope with Dogs and the one about Bill Rogers.
Particularly remember the chapter on how to cope with Dogs and the one about Bill Rogers.
This book has everything anyone needs to know about running. It talks about what to wear, different weather, where to run, how to train, etc. It is a very good motivator to start running! Every time I read it, I'd want to go out and run. Maybe it'll persuade me to run a marathon! :)
A deliciously outdated book. Fixx wrote The Complete Book of Running in the seventies and therefore a lot of what he has to say is no longer accurate, which is a little amusing and sometimes even cute. His passion for running withstands the test of time though. And so does his ability to make his reader share in his excitement.
It is a wee bit ironic that Fixx adopted running as part of a healthy life style that would hopefully provide him with a longer and healthier life - his family had a histo...more
It is a wee bit ironic that Fixx adopted running as part of a healthy life style that would hopefully provide him with a longer and healthier life - his family had a histo...more
I read this years ago, and while the information hasn't aged well, it is still an infectious read. Fixx's love of running, and his unwavering belief that running would cure all evils, comes through on every page. Worth the read just for that...
This book may be 35 years old, but most of the advice still stands... though it's amusing (read: heartbreaking) to see how the price of running shoes has changed!
Some of this information is dated. And the author having died at 52 of a heart attack doesn't fill me with confidence. But I enjoyed it, and learned a lot.
Oh, what a damn masterpiece. He wrote the book and years later died of a heart attack. Thanks for all the advice, Jim. Keep it to yourself next time.
Awesome to read something written in 1977. I can't believe there was ever a time when women were not ALLOWED to run in a marathon.
This book is very helpful, but also very funny. Since it was written in the 70s, a LOT has changed since then. So some of the things he goes off about are humorous nowadays. But he has some good pointers for anyone who's trying to start a lifetime habit of running- and even some pointers for those wanting to race [marathons, etc.]
Some of the information is outdated, but it's still worth reading if you're interested in running.
I'm sure it was they book when it came out. I read it because of that and enjoyed it.
I ran through the 1980's with this book...And then as did Forrest Gump, I stopped.
An excellent guide to all things regarding runningl. I loved his advice and would follow every step with one small issue: the book is only marred by the knowledge that this man died running at the age of 52. That kind of blows the whole thing apart unless you take into consideration his medical history, even though we don't really know his medical history or how long he would have lived without the joy of running in his life. Eliminate his unhealthy lifestyle before his advocacy of running and o...more
Old school tips, but still pretty great for getting psyched about running.
I read it because it was in my house. Turned out to be really good.
Great book. For those who don't, this could get you hooked!
Surprisingly pertinent, considering it was written in the 1970s. Just proves that the pastime of running is timeless! Worth reading if you are a runner.
This book definitely needs to go through a reprint, because it's a fantastic (and humorous) definitive book about running. While some of the material in the book is outdated, the majority of it is interesting and applicable. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for running, or who wants to understand why people run recreationally.
Jim Fixx was a courageous man by showing people to just go out and do it. His family history was rampant with heart disease and when he found himself unfit and overweight he decided to change and change he did. Unfortunately, his history caught up with him and he died of a heart attack at age 52 but not before he blazed the path.
Fixx was considered the guru of distances runners until his death due to a heart attack. He explains his ideas of running and fitness.
I clearly date myself by stating that this book is responsible for the enthusiasm that I felt for running in the late '70's.
A classic book in the world of running. The chapter on Boston Marathon alone is worth the purchase price.
I liked Galloway's better, but this is a wonderful introduction.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
James Fuller Fixx was the author of the 1977 best-selling book, The Complete Book of Running. Best known as Jim Fixx, he is credited with helping start America's fitness revolution, popularizing the sport of running and demonstrating the health benefits of regular jogging.
More about Jim Fixx...
Share This Book
1 trivia question
More quizzes & trivia...
