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Running - Getting Started
Running Getting Started will take anyone, at any level of fitness, into the running lifestyle. Jeff Galloway, a US Olympian in 1972, has helped over 150,000 people into running while reducing or eliminating aches, pains, and injuries suffered during most training programs. Jeff offers a step-by-step program that is easy to use and easy to understand. Included will be lots of tips on nutrition, staying motivated, building endurance, shoes, stretching and strengthening, and much more.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 19, 2022
This is not my typical read. A shoutout to my daughter who incentivized me to start running.
@Fully.Booked or https://www.instagram.com/fully.booked/
In early June 2022, we were talking about the Canadian Army Run that was to take place in September. Unfortunately, it was postponed to 6 November out of respect to the death of Queen Elizabeth ll.
My daughter believed that her mother, 66 years old, was capable of training for, and running the 5 Km (3 mile) race! I had previously done some running, in my 40’s, but for events. I never kept it up and so here I am, starting from scratch. I downloaded and followed Jeff Galloway’s training plan on my Garmin watch and bought his book. I liked his approach, he starts you out in a slow, run/walk method to minimize chance of injury. After following his guidance to week 15, I felt comfortable enough to fly on my own. Jeff’s method is very similar to John Stanton’s “The Running Room” program, in Canada.
If you’re beginning to run, this book is definitely for you. It provides weekly training goals as you progress and your body is ready for more. The run/walk system keeps you progressing and motivated. Not exhausted. It’s about the doing! Bring on that Army Run!
@Fully.Booked or https://www.instagram.com/fully.booked/
In early June 2022, we were talking about the Canadian Army Run that was to take place in September. Unfortunately, it was postponed to 6 November out of respect to the death of Queen Elizabeth ll.
My daughter believed that her mother, 66 years old, was capable of training for, and running the 5 Km (3 mile) race! I had previously done some running, in my 40’s, but for events. I never kept it up and so here I am, starting from scratch. I downloaded and followed Jeff Galloway’s training plan on my Garmin watch and bought his book. I liked his approach, he starts you out in a slow, run/walk method to minimize chance of injury. After following his guidance to week 15, I felt comfortable enough to fly on my own. Jeff’s method is very similar to John Stanton’s “The Running Room” program, in Canada.
If you’re beginning to run, this book is definitely for you. It provides weekly training goals as you progress and your body is ready for more. The run/walk system keeps you progressing and motivated. Not exhausted. It’s about the doing! Bring on that Army Run!
September 22, 2012
The actual plan for running in this book using Jeff Galloway's run / walk method seems pretty good and so far it is working for me. However, I did not like the chapters on stretching and nutrition and most of the rest of the book is pretty repetitive. Galloway recommends that you do not stretch at all and really argues against doing yoga and pilates, which he says can cause injury. His section on nutrition is full of misinformation, and as someone studying to be a registered dietitian this really irritated me. The explanations for why you should and shouldn't eat things as well as why you shouldn't stretch are not based on biology or science so much as Galloway's personal experience and vague understanding of these subjects.
July 21, 2019
Uncertain if this is recycled material that current experienced or long life runners but to me this is New old book that I found recently about Running and have to say it’s very valuable n helpful to me as a new runner , I’ve had a few problems n light injuries and this book goes in detail on what new runners experience and what needs correcting, it’s awesome book in my opinion it’s literally like a owners manual like a car to service for humans on Running , the author is a real practitioner been running more 50 years more by now knows what he is talking about n does what he says , this is a great starting point to know pick up tools to use out running n prevent future injuries
March 22, 2018
I've always been intrigued by the Galloway method & getting back into running, I wanted to check out how his method worked for the beginner.
This is a perfect book for a real beginner in running. With tips on how to do safe runs & things such a diet & equipment. & it starts you out really slow - not like the plans that have you running 3 miles on day 1.
I got this from the library but glad to look through it -it reminded me of a few things that I forgot & I am really going to try & implement his method when I lace back up.
This is a perfect book for a real beginner in running. With tips on how to do safe runs & things such a diet & equipment. & it starts you out really slow - not like the plans that have you running 3 miles on day 1.
I got this from the library but glad to look through it -it reminded me of a few things that I forgot & I am really going to try & implement his method when I lace back up.
January 15, 2016
I love Jeff Galloway's approach to running. It's perfect for older folk - like me! He gives one permission to walk. Heck, he advocates walking while running! His method assures that one will still be able to run at an advanced age. HOWEVER, there were several things about this book that caused me concern. He is anti-stretching. Huh? He feels that strength training has little benefit for runners. Hmmm. And I question his nutrition advice (high carb, low fat anyone?). Maybe this book is a little dated. But there's still plenty of solid advice - and encouragement - for the newbie runner.
May 1, 2016
This book didn't live up to my hope and the hype that surrounds it. May be good for beginners, but nothing much here for those who are into running already. A bit repetitive, not much backed by sports science. It is, as Jeff often mentions, a bunch of suggestions and advice 'from one runner to another'. Could have been better.
March 7, 2019
Jeff Galloway wants almost everyone to become a runner who enjoys running and does not get injured. He doesn’t want beginners to find running too hard and then quit in frustration.
Not surprisingly, his progression of ramping someone up from a walker to someone who mixes walking with running is the most gradual and easiest I’ve ever seen. I’m on week 5 of his gold program, the more “advanced” of the two he gives you to choose from. Currently I’m running for 20 seconds at a time and walking 90 seconds, repeating for 24 to 26 minutes, not inclusive of warm up and cool down.
Is this easy, fun, and doable for this 57 year-old? Yes, very. By the end of week 26, will I be running non-stop? Hell no! I’ll be running 30 seconds and walking about 45 seconds. Contrast that with the suggested running program that comes with my GymBoss miniMAX interval timer (a highly recommended companion to the book). In that running program, on the very first run, you’re alternating running 1 minute non-stop with walking 90 seconds. On Galloway’s program, I won’t even be running 1 minute non-stop after 26 weeks!
Is Galloway’s super slow progression a good thing or a bad thing? I think it’s neither, although too slow is better than too fast. Like an algebra book or piano lesson series, it just needs to be a good match for the learner. As a beginner over 50, I went with the easiest and safest looking program I could find. But this is so easy, I’m thinking of jumping ship over to a more challenging faster progression.
Even if you find this program too slow and easy for you, there’s much value in the book. For example, there is advice on how to run without injuring yourself (which includes short strides), and what to do if you are injured. There are tables on what to wear in what weather conditions. There’s dietary advice, advice on buying running shoes, and more. I don’t think much about his animal product suggestions at breakfast, lunch and dinner, lean though they may be, but at least he offers vegan options at every meal. However, much of what he does say about eating for running jives with the sports nutrition I’ve studied and with the experience of a long time runner/fitness professor I know.
If you’re a beginning runner, this book is definitely worth reading.
Not surprisingly, his progression of ramping someone up from a walker to someone who mixes walking with running is the most gradual and easiest I’ve ever seen. I’m on week 5 of his gold program, the more “advanced” of the two he gives you to choose from. Currently I’m running for 20 seconds at a time and walking 90 seconds, repeating for 24 to 26 minutes, not inclusive of warm up and cool down.
Is this easy, fun, and doable for this 57 year-old? Yes, very. By the end of week 26, will I be running non-stop? Hell no! I’ll be running 30 seconds and walking about 45 seconds. Contrast that with the suggested running program that comes with my GymBoss miniMAX interval timer (a highly recommended companion to the book). In that running program, on the very first run, you’re alternating running 1 minute non-stop with walking 90 seconds. On Galloway’s program, I won’t even be running 1 minute non-stop after 26 weeks!
Is Galloway’s super slow progression a good thing or a bad thing? I think it’s neither, although too slow is better than too fast. Like an algebra book or piano lesson series, it just needs to be a good match for the learner. As a beginner over 50, I went with the easiest and safest looking program I could find. But this is so easy, I’m thinking of jumping ship over to a more challenging faster progression.
Even if you find this program too slow and easy for you, there’s much value in the book. For example, there is advice on how to run without injuring yourself (which includes short strides), and what to do if you are injured. There are tables on what to wear in what weather conditions. There’s dietary advice, advice on buying running shoes, and more. I don’t think much about his animal product suggestions at breakfast, lunch and dinner, lean though they may be, but at least he offers vegan options at every meal. However, much of what he does say about eating for running jives with the sports nutrition I’ve studied and with the experience of a long time runner/fitness professor I know.
If you’re a beginning runner, this book is definitely worth reading.
April 30, 2020
Lots of advertisement of one and the same brand, nevertheless great book for "Running - Getting Started".
I'm likely to be biased on this one, as I had had decided that I like running long ago and this book helps reinforce that idea and build some knowledge to support it and get started. Included you'll find advice on how to live a more active lifestyle; run marathon/half-marathon/any distance at all; how to track progress and set goals. etc.
It's a pleasure to read of someone for who running is a lifestyle. In fast paced new world, majority of people "don't have enough time". This book helped me understand just how to motivate myself and how to start. Running for me is an occasional activity to shred some calories and keep fit. In those moments of low motivation Mr. Galloway's expressed empathy helped to form an outline. Thank you!
I'm likely to be biased on this one, as I had had decided that I like running long ago and this book helps reinforce that idea and build some knowledge to support it and get started. Included you'll find advice on how to live a more active lifestyle; run marathon/half-marathon/any distance at all; how to track progress and set goals. etc.
It's a pleasure to read of someone for who running is a lifestyle. In fast paced new world, majority of people "don't have enough time". This book helped me understand just how to motivate myself and how to start. Running for me is an occasional activity to shred some calories and keep fit. In those moments of low motivation Mr. Galloway's expressed empathy helped to form an outline. Thank you!
June 16, 2018
Pretty eh. Very basic and dated information. Repetitive and simplistic. I like getting into the whys behind things, but he doesn’t ever really cite any studies or evidence to back up claims about nutrition, set point, stretching etc. The training plans also seemed very focused on having you enjoy running experiences over pushing you to improve running performance. I’m interested in a training philosophy that prioritizes both.
July 3, 2025
It’s older now, and a lot of the “science” claims are pretty outdated. For example, the right/left brain concept, or the “eating fat makes you fat” idea that dominated 90s nutrition.
But the running advice is still pretty solid. The “stretching is dangerous and causes injuries” advice notwithstanding.
But the running advice is still pretty solid. The “stretching is dangerous and causes injuries” advice notwithstanding.
December 20, 2020
Great book
I have been running for 2 years. And have always been curious about the Galloway method so I picked up this book. It is motivating and nice to know that there even if you run walk, it still counts.
I have been running for 2 years. And have always been curious about the Galloway method so I picked up this book. It is motivating and nice to know that there even if you run walk, it still counts.
September 19, 2018
This book seems to have a lot of good practical info on running for beginners. However, the sections on fat burning and nutrition are out of date and that makes me also wonder about the rest.
June 9, 2019
Excellent instructional book on getting started running for exercise. This author was recommended to me and I enjoyed reading his expertise.
June 17, 2019
Good ideas but outdated...
March 8, 2021
Great, but not sure how I feel about the minimal stretching advice.
December 25, 2024
Lieliska iedvesmas un padomu grāmata!
March 9, 2017
Skimmed toward the end. Enjoyed his workout tips but fundamentally disagree with some of his food tips. Some issues with the kindle layout making his workout plans legible. Technology has definitely updated some of his recommendations, no need to explain software or a pedometer
September 6, 2016
jeff galloway is a beloved, trusted, accomplished runner and teacher of runners. anything he has to add to the subject is to be regarded with attention.
this book was a rehash of much of the same material i've found in other books by him. however, this version specifically targets the running neophyte and is perhaps not the galloway title best suited to the more seasoned runner. in a straight-forward, no-frills manner, galloway covers the basic basics of running and lays out his philosphy of the sport -- which is to train and race in a way that is sustainable and will leave your body injury free and able to enjoy the sport well into the twilight years.
this book will be most relevant to people just getting into running who are self-taught, and especially those who think they might benefit from galloway's walk-run method, which is a tried, true approach for a lot of successful amateur runners and can help running seem a lot less daunting.
this book was a rehash of much of the same material i've found in other books by him. however, this version specifically targets the running neophyte and is perhaps not the galloway title best suited to the more seasoned runner. in a straight-forward, no-frills manner, galloway covers the basic basics of running and lays out his philosphy of the sport -- which is to train and race in a way that is sustainable and will leave your body injury free and able to enjoy the sport well into the twilight years.
this book will be most relevant to people just getting into running who are self-taught, and especially those who think they might benefit from galloway's walk-run method, which is a tried, true approach for a lot of successful amateur runners and can help running seem a lot less daunting.
April 22, 2011
Verrrrrrrrrrry good!!! I started out as a "not" runner. At all. I'm tall and athletic looking, so they say, but running just wasn't my forte. But after this book, I can go out there and run three miles no problem.
This book isn't the answer to everyone's running problems. And even then, I stopped using the method about two months ago, and now I run on my own schedule and timing. So it's a great way to get started running and introduced to the exercise, but I wouldn't stay on this plan forever.
But, like I said, it's a *great* way to get started!! =)
This book isn't the answer to everyone's running problems. And even then, I stopped using the method about two months ago, and now I run on my own schedule and timing. So it's a great way to get started running and introduced to the exercise, but I wouldn't stay on this plan forever.
But, like I said, it's a *great* way to get started!! =)
July 8, 2012
The Galloway method is drastically improving my progress and attitude toward running. I am a huge fan.
Galloway's books, however, have much of the same information and are rather repetitive. I also would have liked to see more citations to peer-reviewed research to back up some of the claims. It's a rather conservative approach, however, so there's probably little harm to following this advice.
This is good book to read for beginners. It takes about an hour or so to read and outlines the plan very well,
Galloway's books, however, have much of the same information and are rather repetitive. I also would have liked to see more citations to peer-reviewed research to back up some of the claims. It's a rather conservative approach, however, so there's probably little harm to following this advice.
This is good book to read for beginners. It takes about an hour or so to read and outlines the plan very well,
September 14, 2009
While this book started out to be very inspiring and helpful, it really didn't keep my attention after about page 30. It seemed very repetitious and at times, very simplistic. I was also a bit concerned that some of the information and advice did not follow what I had heard before from reputable sources. This is not to say the program can't work, but it is a different take on running than I have been used to.
April 10, 2015
Jeff Galloway has a plan that is similar to couch to 5K and it works. Simple to read, easy to follow for beginners. Not for those who are seasoned runners, who know what they are doing as this will be too simplistic. Lots of good information about trainers, clothing and the best way to find runs and races. Worth a read if you are a budding runner, save your money if you are already on your way.
May 20, 2014
Parts of the book were very repetitive,and the nutrition stuff didn't really match with most of what I've read on that subject, but I'm going to try the schedule and method of running for increasing my endurance.
October 10, 2016
Very Informative
Lots of good advice. There is a lot of repetition going from book to book and yet with each new book of his I glean a nugget or two of useful information. Makes me want to read them all.
Lots of good advice. There is a lot of repetition going from book to book and yet with each new book of his I glean a nugget or two of useful information. Makes me want to read them all.
December 27, 2016
This would get a 5 star if it wasn't for the section on nutrition. Yikes! The rest is good and I've done my best 5k using this technique with walking breaks. It's way more motivating than the regular run without walk breaks. At least for the beginner runner.
March 13, 2008
Excellent "how to start running from scratch" book. Incorporates Jeff Galloway's run/walk method.
July 16, 2009
This guy convinced me that if I go slow and careful I can condition my body, including my weak knees, to running. Some of his information is confusing but I found most of it really helpful.
August 7, 2009
Great book. It's been a great help in my enjoying running.
May 9, 2010
I loved the low pressure tone of the book. Take it easy. Your body is built for walking and running. No matter how slow you have to run, you can do it!
September 9, 2011
Great information for beginners.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews