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Fitness Running
Describes the benefits of running, suggests a variety of workout routines, and discusses cross-training
- GenresNonfictionFitnessHealth
172 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 21, 2026
Running is one of the easiest and best ways to improve your health and fitness. All you need to have are shoes that fit well, and the appropriate clothing for the season. Fitness Running is a book from 1994 that covers different training plans and ideas for physical fitness. It grades the difficulty of each workout according to a six level scale.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review and see you next time.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review and see you next time.
April 24, 2015
FITNESS RUNNING is a well-written, comprehensive introduction to running, whether your are running just for fitness, or for racing. In the early sections, Dr. Brown explains the various type of equipment and clothing that you should consider when starting this sport. For example, he explains the different styles of running shoe, and the difference style of insoles that are appropriate, given your foot type.
For me, the most fascinating section is where the author explains the science of Vo2-max measurement. Prior to reading this book, I sort of had an idea what that meant, but the doctor gives the actual scientific explanation. The author also explains an easy way to estimate your vo2-max. One method is a running test called the "Cooper 12 minute run test." I had not heard of this test before, but it's really easy - you see how far you can run in exactly 12 minutes. Knowing that, you can estimate your Vo2-max. This gives you an idea on where you should start with your running regimen. Should you start very slowly, or are you really ready for training for half marathons?
Another excellent section covered is the warm up and cool down regimen. The author includes extensive illustrations and descriptions of what is good for warm up exercises and cool down exercises. Another valuable section is the section on running drills. The author includes various simple exercises to improve your running form.
The latter part of the book contains extensive plans for training. For example, if you're planning to run a 5k race, Chapter 14 is for you. It's called "Short Race Training," and includes week by week and day by day training to get you ready for running that 5k or 10k race. In another chart, the author shows a goal for what percentage of Vo2-max you should achieve during your training.
All in all, FITNESS RUNNING is an excellent introduction to the sport. I enjoyed reading the book, and learned a lot about warm-up and proper running form.
Advanced copy for review courtesy of the Library Thing.
For me, the most fascinating section is where the author explains the science of Vo2-max measurement. Prior to reading this book, I sort of had an idea what that meant, but the doctor gives the actual scientific explanation. The author also explains an easy way to estimate your vo2-max. One method is a running test called the "Cooper 12 minute run test." I had not heard of this test before, but it's really easy - you see how far you can run in exactly 12 minutes. Knowing that, you can estimate your Vo2-max. This gives you an idea on where you should start with your running regimen. Should you start very slowly, or are you really ready for training for half marathons?
Another excellent section covered is the warm up and cool down regimen. The author includes extensive illustrations and descriptions of what is good for warm up exercises and cool down exercises. Another valuable section is the section on running drills. The author includes various simple exercises to improve your running form.
The latter part of the book contains extensive plans for training. For example, if you're planning to run a 5k race, Chapter 14 is for you. It's called "Short Race Training," and includes week by week and day by day training to get you ready for running that 5k or 10k race. In another chart, the author shows a goal for what percentage of Vo2-max you should achieve during your training.
All in all, FITNESS RUNNING is an excellent introduction to the sport. I enjoyed reading the book, and learned a lot about warm-up and proper running form.
Advanced copy for review courtesy of the Library Thing.
December 31, 2014
Disclaimer: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway however that in no way influenced my opinions.
First of all I'd like to mention why I entered this giveaway. I run long distances competitively and I thought this book could possibly offer more challenging practices.
Going into this I expected your average workouts (mostly for beginners) and hoped for some tougher ones too.
I hadn't expected to receive so much information AND optimal workout suggestions along with tips on form, stretches, nutrition, shoe models , and more. I enjoyed the fact immensely that the author provided week by week training on particular goals (5k, 10k, half marathon, etc). Though I am not a "beginner" , I have learned a lot. I actually already completed a few of the workouts. Even more so, I have learned the significance of some things I've skipped in the past since I felt they held little importance (recovery runs & cool downs) .
First of all I'd like to mention why I entered this giveaway. I run long distances competitively and I thought this book could possibly offer more challenging practices.
Going into this I expected your average workouts (mostly for beginners) and hoped for some tougher ones too.
I hadn't expected to receive so much information AND optimal workout suggestions along with tips on form, stretches, nutrition, shoe models , and more. I enjoyed the fact immensely that the author provided week by week training on particular goals (5k, 10k, half marathon, etc). Though I am not a "beginner" , I have learned a lot. I actually already completed a few of the workouts. Even more so, I have learned the significance of some things I've skipped in the past since I felt they held little importance (recovery runs & cool downs) .
December 31, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads first reads winner.
I would like to give this a 3 1/2 star rating. The book read a bit like a textbook but had great information. I really appreciated that it was comprehensive. It covered topics ranging from how to identify your running style, stretches and exercises to do, meeting nutritional needs, and even detailed some workouts for varying levels of running expertise. I think this is a great book for people beginning a running program or who are already runners but want to understand better the mechanics of what they do. I gave this as a gift to one of my running friends and look forward to her review.
I would like to give this a 3 1/2 star rating. The book read a bit like a textbook but had great information. I really appreciated that it was comprehensive. It covered topics ranging from how to identify your running style, stretches and exercises to do, meeting nutritional needs, and even detailed some workouts for varying levels of running expertise. I think this is a great book for people beginning a running program or who are already runners but want to understand better the mechanics of what they do. I gave this as a gift to one of my running friends and look forward to her review.
April 3, 2015
First I should mention, I won this through a Goodreads giveaway. Excellent book. I recently got back into running and this book was incredibly helpful. It's absolutely full of information and tips, everything from stretches/flexibility, the best way to run, which shoes to use, etc. With this book you'll be able to develop a running program for yourself in no time. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced runner, there is plenty of good information in this book for everyone. I highly recommend it.
February 16, 2015
This is a pretty detailed book about designing a running program. I think nearly any runner could probably find something useful in this book. It talks about equipment you might need for running throughout the year, and also about how to calculate your maximum oxygen capacity (among many other things!). I definitely learned a few things as I browsed, and look forward to jumping more in depth for a few of the sections - and trying out one of the many running plans!
January 9, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really liked the flexibility of the training plans and the fact that they were tailored to your fitness level. I'm not a beginner runner but I learned a lot from this book. I plan to use the marathon training plan for my first marathon.
I really liked the flexibility of the training plans and the fact that they were tailored to your fitness level. I'm not a beginner runner but I learned a lot from this book. I plan to use the marathon training plan for my first marathon.
August 23, 2010
This book has great in formation about VO2 Max. This is what the Air Force fitness test is based on. I would reccommend it.
June 7, 2011
I like the flexibility that this running plan offers. I think this book would help any runner who is currently beyond the beginner stage.
April 7, 2015
Very useful - goes through all the steps of pulling together a running plan, plus health, fitness and equipment advice
June 22, 2015
pretty good foundation text on running. definitely for the absolute beginner. seasoned runners looking for more depth should look elsewhere.
November 22, 2015
Basics book. But no distances in the training plans. Each week had VO2, effort, and workout type. Not useful for me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews