by
3.7 of 5 stars
"Listen to those millions of women runners. Listen to their quiet breaths as they talk in predawn pairs, before the rest of the family wakes-- the ... read full description

reviews

Feb 06, 2012
Jennifer rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I'm currently training for a couple of longer races, so I'm trying to get lots of information about race nutrition, training plans, etc. This was certainly a comprehensive book for women runners, and I learned a good amount. There seems to be a bit of a gap, though, in the plans they outline. It seems as though they think you're either a real, raw beginner -- completely new to running -- or else you're trying to run consistent 6- or 7-minute miles. So the training plans they give for, say, h More...
Jul 14, 2011
Sara rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Keeping in tune and studying something that you love to do so much definitely benefits your attitude about the subject. Occasionally, I get sour about going out and hitting the pavement, especially when it's raining and nasty outside. But after reading a few pages and nodding the entire time in agreement with what the author is saying about running just affirms your passion for it.

I would recommend this book for runners of ANY level, not just beginners.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 30, 2011
Hannah rated it: 4 of 5 stars
What I like about this book is that it is strangely comforting. I already have 8 books listed on my "Curently Reading" shelf, but always have a couple extra that I keep around and pick up at random without adhering to reading with a specified approach. This is one of those radom "floating" books. Once it became clear I was reaching for it more often than expected, I found it needed to be added to the online list.

I originally started skimming this book to get More...
Apr 11, 2011
Janet rated it: 3 of 5 stars
With my injury prone bod on the mend and the Texas sunshine bursting through my dreams in the morning, I’m off the treadmill, away from the elliptical, and back on the road looking for tips to keep the anti-running bugaboos away. The Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running, alas, is not the perfect book I need. Quite dry and impersonal, the basics will take you right on up to that marathon you’ve been eyeballing. Yet, very, very slowly, in the reading department I mean. I did glean 1 hel More...
Jul 26, 2010
Ashley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A great book - I've always wanted to be a runner, but never really knew how to start. I downloaded a C25k (couch to 5k) podcast which helped me get started gradually, but as far as the more technical aspects, I was clueless. What's the proper form? Does stretching really matter? Is running too high-impact? (Answers: it depends, yes, and not typically).

This was a great book for both beginners and even more advanced runners; the chapters were thorough yet concise, and were filled with More...
Jan 16, 2011
Suzie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Practical, sensible book about running. Covers stretching, drills, training, nutrition, pregnancy, how to raise and active child, what to wear, common injuries and irritations (and how to address them), motivation, setting goals, getting older, body image, safety, poor weather conditions, staying motivated, and how to approach marathon running. Best addressed to people who are beginning, or (like me) have no idea how to proceed beyond 5K training. The book has a focus towards women, but the vast More...
Jul 14, 2009
Tara rated it: 4 of 5 stars
As a beginning runner, I found this book to be incredibly informative, helpful, and motivating. Not having a background in running, I found that the language was easily to follow, concepts were well explained, and I took away many helpful tips to strengthen my future as a runner. In addition to this, the book is full of personal stories from women runners that provided inspiration and motivation for me along the way.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
May 12, 2009
Julie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Inspired by my cousin, Bev, I picked up this book to consider running. What I liked most about it is how practical it is. I loved the stories of women who describe their experiences, especially their beginnings, and also that so many started running later in life.

I'm still not sure if I'm ready to run yet but I have to say, I'm intrigued and think it just might be possible for me...
Aug 14, 2008
Macy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book. I actually read it last night and it was an easy, but informative and motivating read.

Not being new to running, I could absorb the information with ease, but also rediscovered some important elements that I'd forgotten since buying my first pair of proper running shoes and hitting the road.

I checked it out of the library, but this is a book that I would really like to own. My favorite aspect of the book is that it helped me remember why I *do* like ru More...
Sep 08, 2009
Frédérique rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A bit longer than it needed to be but overall a great read. Lots of good advice and personal anecdotes from the author. Good training schedules, too! I liked that she actually explained the point of all these crazy workouts people put themselves through: long run, tempo run, etc... etc... I recommend for people new to the run/jog scene, like I am.
Jul 16, 2009
Jill rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book taught me some very basics I had skipped over in practice, but now understand the reason for them (stretching, warming up, etc.). I'm implementing the elements and seeing results - I LOVED it! (the results AND the book!) From how to start to running when you're pregnant, this book has it all.
Oct 14, 2009
Elisabeth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent book for beginning runners like myself - it covered just about every running-related topic I could possibly want to read about, and it did so in a very practical, straightforward manner that was easy to read and not annoyingly over-enthusiastic. The book has served as great motivation for me as my excitement about running has begun to taper off since I've started grad school. Lots of great advice about training, stretching, nutrition, and running in different ages and stages of life More...
Oct 03, 2011
Tomoko rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book gives practical information, and I like it. If you are hurry to get information about running, this is a good resource. If you are not hurry, buying magazines for a few months gives you enough information eventually, in fact. probably, I won't buy this book, but I will read this again by getting from the library.
Jan 10, 2009
Heidi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Exactly what I need right now...

1/10 This book was fantastic. The only reason I'm not going to finish it (i.e. read it cover to cover) is because certain parts of women's running aren't applicable to me right now (e.g. I'm not pregnant, I'm not over 50, I'm not planning on training for a marathon...). But this book was absolutely perfect as I got back into running after an 11-year hiatus, and was training for my own little race. A very well written book. An easy read. I connected ver More...
May 01, 2009
Karrie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A bit simple in it's approach, but that it not always a bad thing. An easy read with a beginner and intermediate training schedule. Going to try them out! Great for the beginner, but would be disappointing for anyone already comfortable with running.
Jan 30, 2009
Jodi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very through book tailored to women's running issues. It has all the information someone needs to go from scratch all the way to marathons including training schedules and some very practical advice. It's goal is to make running practical and comfortable (if you can use that word) for anyone interested.
Sep 01, 2011
Shannon rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book and still refer to it frequently. Not only is it motivational but full of great information specific to a woman starting to run or already running. Highly recommend to anyone considering taking up the sport.
Jan 22, 2011
Krista rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I was given this book as a Christmas present. I like the format, writing style, and transitions between the chapters. As a new runner, I like that it is not preachy and has tips, tricks, and methods to help my running. The author seems to be talking to you and not at you which I think is important. I'd buy this as a gift for another new runner or even someone who has run for some time now.
Dec 13, 2009
Joshunda rated it: 4 of 5 stars
For whatever reason, I'm not a huge fan of reading running books. This book is a handy compliment to the Runner's World Complete Book of Running, though and it has some great, specific and easy to understand training schedules.
Jun 02, 2011
Kacie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Read this book in one night. I am a beginner runner and picked this book up as a resource to help with training. It is packed with useful information, training guides, stretches, body image, and motivational stories.
Nov 26, 2008
Rachelle rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book has a lot of great of advice for whatever stage of running you are in. I did choose to skip over the marathon and competitive running sections since I am not intereted in either route.
Apr 26, 2011
Jenny Sudweeks rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the idea of driving the race course before the race. This book focused sooo much on body issues and eating disorders. Luckily this doesn't apply to me. But I got tired of reading about it.
May 21, 2011
Jennifer rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I've read this book a couple times now, and every time it inspires me to get out there and just run. If you are interested in getting started this is a must read.
Oct 15, 2009
April rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Much like my work out videos...It motivated me just long enough to read. I am at least walking again though--I plan on my first 5K in Jan. (running)
:)
May 05, 2009
Stephanie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book quite a bit, and probably only gave it 3 stars because it had a lot of information that either already knew or didn't read.
Mar 01, 2011
Jessica rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A must read for any gal getting into running. Words of wisdom involving goal setting, how to progress without injury, etc.
Oct 22, 2011
Becky rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Helpful for a beginner/interm runner. Mix of information, stories and training plans. Easy to read and informative.
Jun 25, 2010
Darcy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very inspiring and well-written. I didn't know there could be so much to write on such a topic.
Apr 25, 2010
Zelda rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Well-written, informative, engaging and motivating. Not too "girl power" or Our Lady of Perpetual Suffering Under Patriarchal Oppression which always concerns me about books marketed to women.
Aug 13, 2011
Grumpylibrarian rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Really great info on pacing and training for beginner and novice runners (like me!)