THE ZEN OF RUNNING

by Fred Rohe

Visually and poetically describes the communion with nature and self that can be achieved through the art of running

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Fitness

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Mark Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book back in 1976 and enjoyed it then. I just reread it and still enjoy it. It is a simple,encouraging,uplifting photo-essay about the positive effects of running.

I would recommend this book to any runner, but especially to those who may be struggling with pursing a hard training schedule for a desired end, like training to win races. This book tells the writer's personal experiences and is a reminder that running is a simple way to keep aligned with the smooth spiritual flow of nature. I particularly like it when he says "all runners do this beautiful dance, each stride a leap through space."

Sometimes we seem to want to complicate things and get them away from their simple yet beautiful nature. I would recommend that every runner keep a copy of this book and when they have a tough run or feel discouraged by their progress (or lack thereof) that they pull out this book to remind themselves of the simple, encouraging joy that running can bring.

[Pierre Fortier · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai reçu ce livre en cadeau en 1981 pendant que je m'entraînais pour mon 2ème marathon. Je trouvais ça zen, mais cela ne correspondait pas à mon état d'esprit de mes 23 ans. 35 ans plus tard, alors que la course et l'entraînement sont revenus dans ma vie depuis 7 ans, je constate que Rohe avait raison et était largement en avant de son temps. Rohe dit: ne cours pas après ton souffle. Ton souffle viendra. Ce que la majorité des ultra athlètes (Rich Roll, Scott Jurek, etc.) font aujourd'hui: courir en accord avec son souffle, la nature et son esprit. The Zen of running est le résumé avec une rare précision et économie de mots de "Running with the mind of meditation" de Sakyong Mipham. Bonne course.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book while waiting in line at Cafe Rio, it's that short. It has a nice enough sentiment if you're into running. If you're not, I don't think this book will convince you. I do absolutely agree with the author that running should be goal-free and unmeasured. Run for the sake of running. His words: Don't over do it, under do it. Run within your breath, not ahead of it.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gem of a book discovered after someone recommended it to me. The photography is faded, the words are dated and it’s completely charming. I can see myself pulling this off the shelf, dusting it off and contemplating it many times over the years. If you happen to love both photography and running as I do, then collect this book.

[Jenna Krichbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a hippie dippie sort of book I really enjoyed it. It was short and sweet and focused on all of the good that can come from running. If you are a runner I would I highly recommend it.

[Jeremy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic running book but it got the heel-striking wrong. Heel striking bad! Toe/forefoot striking while running much better! Love the idea of running as DANCE!

[Scott Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok in a sort of hokey way. Not a lot of practical information. Interesting read for the Zen Runner. Nice B+W photos.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is motivational and due to the great landscape photographs it is super inspirational. Fred is making clear, that running is a kind of dancing, you automatically will enjoy, if you will listen to the signs of your body. Running is a form of meditation, a way to find yourself and get to know you better. Your aim should not be to set too much attention of running a long distance within a specific time. This will usually end up in a hustle, and you will give up. So whenever you feel you’re not on track, take this book and you will be again!

[Asad Kanawat · Rating 3 out of 5]

كتاب قصير ، بسيط ، مع تعابير بالصورة.
يشرح الكاتب عنزتحربته مع الركض.
يحاول ان يقول انك يمكن انزتتكون تتامل بينما تركض ، وعن الفوائد الروخية للركض وكيف استغلالها عدا عن الفوائد الجسدية طبعا.
كتاب خفيف سلس ، يمكن ان تقرأه في نصف ساعة
وان يكون موحودا معك دائما لتحفيزك على الركض.

[Arminda Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this felt like its own meditation. Lovely and easy to read.

[Vladimir Garcia Melijov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running seen as self-discovery and awakening.

[Duc Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful simply written book about the experience of running. As a runner and a student of meditation, I could relate to the points that the author was making. Long distance running can seem like a curious phenomenon, as even once all ambitions and goals are removed from this activity, a runner may still find something else spurring her on. For me, it is only then that the long runs are truly filled with joy. Otherwise, they feel too much like hard work. Fred knew this and this short book was a nice attempt to poetise what he discovered.

[Curtis Penner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dated.

He is right; just run. Running is good; don't take baggage with you when you run. Run within your means, sense you are running for you, not anyone else.

There was to much "I". He does think a lot of himself. The photos are good, but that is not the point of the book, but helps sell the book.

He truly needs to improve the mechanics of his writing and decide if its prose or essay. This book wastes a lot of paper so maybe the intent is end-table book.

[Ernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little spacey, and degrades a little into indulgent self reference, but overall enjoyable and a good reminder of what running can be.