George Sheehan on Running to Win: How to Achieve the Physical, Mental & Spiritual Victories of Running

by George Sheehan

Practical wisdom on training, racing, nutrition, and injury-free running from the Medical Editor of Runner's World magazine. Sheehan covers everything from basics like selecting the right shoe to personal "rules to run by". Training tips for novices and veterans alike include running form, duration, intensity, and frequency.ntions.

Genres: Nonfiction

230 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Dr. George A. Sheehan is best known for his books and writings about the sport of running. His book, Running & Being: The Total Experience, became a New York Times best seller. He was a track star in college, and later became a cardiologist like his father. He served as a doctor in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during World War II on the destroyer USS Daly (DD-519). He married Mary Jane Fleming and they raised twelve children. He continued to write while struggling with prostate cancer. His last book, Going the Distance, was published shortly after his death.

Reviews

[Laura]

I like to read. I like to run. But, I don't think I particularly like to read about running. This book came highly recommended on a fitness blog I like, but I just couldn't get into it. He had some nice thoughts about why he likes to run, but I found it a little self-indulgent and didn't get much out of it.

His nutritional advice is completely outdated - low fat/high carb is an idea that has come, failed, and needs to die already.

[Bob Klein]

Excellent book. Motivational, smart, and timeless. It was written by George Sheehan when he was running strong in his seventies. Sheehan combines the wisdom of medicine with that of Emerson, Thoreau, and William Carlos Williams ("The proper response to the world is applause."). Tips for life, for running, for smiling more. Moving in every sense.

[Mike]

Great book. Not just about running but life. Motion creates emotion. Live life to the max potential.

[Malin Friess]

This book was written in 1992...but maybe running (just like their shorty shorts) hasn't changed that much.

Sheehan covers alot of territory in his book (injuries, eating, training, mind games, weight) but my favorite part of the book was what makes runners run. Succintly put running does the following:

1) allows me to enjoy my surroundings (past the cactus, hopping rabits, red SW sunset with the glow of the city).
2) lets me think a bit (helps with clarity)
3) be alone for a hour a day (this recharges those that may be introverted).
4) gives a person a chance to be challenged..(we all want to know if we are a hero or a coward)


What do you love to do? In it you should find some elements of childhood play, artistry, sainthood (chance for redemption).

Lastly Sheehan makes a strong case for proper weight. Losing 10-15 pounds will make you a much faster runner than running 30 miles a week. It is very rare that a person over 220 lbs qualifies for the Boston Marathon.

3 stars..a little outdated. Makes a strong case for running..and racing (you may never know what you are capable of).

[Rasa]

Definitely a book to read if you are into running, walking or doing triathlons. A lot of good insight into training, racing and taking care of yourself. Considering George Sheehan is a doctor, the medical editor for Runners World magazine and continues to run and race while well into his 70's, I'd say he knows what he's talking about. I'm considering purchasing this one to keep and reread.

[Fluffy]

This is a REALLY great book if you want to know basically everything there is to know about being a runner.

I am a cross-country runner and this book pretty much sums up exactly what I feel when I am running.

If you want to be a runner, already are a top runner, or just want to learn new information about cross-country running, this is the book for you!

[Greg Bivona]

There is a great deal of wisdom in this book, compiled over many years of experience by one of the great medical philosophers of running. Much of the advice is common sense, but it is still wise nonetheless. Sometimes it can seem a bit repetitive, but this should be an assigned reading for all runners by their coaches.