Lifelong Running: Overcome the 11 Myths About Running and Live a Healthier Life

by Ruth E. Heidrich, Martin Rowe

A cancer survivor, an Ironman Triathlete, and widely decorated marathoner, Ruth Heidrich has long been been a role model to athletes of all ages. But over the years even Ruth herself has encountered the various, commonly held misbeliefs about running, from "women shouldn't run" to "you need to change your diet to run," that prevent people from lacing up their shoes and getting off the couch. In this user-friendly guide, Ruth Heidrich debunks those myths and many more while providing the motivation, inspiration, and resources to start or maintain an activity whose benefits will last a lifetime. Along the way, Martin Rowe offers up practical advice as well as a look into running's storied history. You'll find out why there's no perfect body type for a runner, how to measure your fitness level relative to your age, and how the modern marathon came to be. Accessible and informative, Lifelong Running shows that it's possible to run well in your seventiesand beyond.

Genres: Sports, Health, Nonfiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2013

Reviews

[Martin Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give a shout out to this book, which I both published and co-wrote. I'll let others determine whether it's any good or not, but I'd like to let readers know that Ruth was the first person we published at Lantern (A RACE FOR LIFE, way back in 2000) and that she is in several ways the mother of this press. In her unfailingly positive outlook on life—even in the face of health challenges that would have brought many others down—she represents a can-do spirit and a commitment to living life fully that I'm in awe of, and that has inspired me not merely to do as much as I can with the time I have left, but to take up running with a vengeance in my middle age. I've always felt that she's not been given her due, which I'm sure is partly due to the fact that she's a woman, partly because she's not an egomaniac, partly because she's someone of mature years, and partly—let's face it—because she's a vegan. In publishing three of her works, I've tried to play a small part in bringing this remarkable woman some attention. I commend LIFELONG RUNNING to yours.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Book!

Thoroughly enjoyed the book! I loved the enthusiasm and practical guidance found on every page. To be sure, we all can live life to the full by doing what Ruth is doing in her life. I was so inspired and am so eager to run every day! So very well written!

[S23cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational. She is one of a kind. I'm glad she shared her information.

[Katie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Dr. Heidrich earlier this year in Hawaii; her energy and enthusiasm was amazing. So I was eager to read her most recent book. The target audience for this easy to read book is an older person - only in that she's clearly not writing for high school or college age folks; the information would be just as applicable. Dr. Heidrich is trying to build enough interest in exercise that even the most sedentary of us might climb off the sofa and take a walk outside; she expects that to become a run, and a habit.

If you've thought you should get some exercise but had a bunch of good excuses to not go running, this book will help you break through the myths and get yourself on the road. It is a fast, informative and fun read.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived Wednesday and I finished it Thursday morning, then re-read it Thursday afternoon. She is truly my inspiration, both in workouts and nutrition. You rock, Dr. Ruth!!! If you are surrounded by people telling you that you should not be running, you have to read this book!