The Runner's Field Manual: A Tactical (and Practical) Survival Guide

by Mark Remy

Hot on the heels of last year's popular The Runner's Rule Book comes another indispensable guide from Mark Remy and his fellow Runner's World experts.

Whether you run in the city or on trails, in races or just for fun, you'll find The Runner's Field Manual loaded with practical advice and how-to instruction. As funny as it is useful, this volume covers everything from Dealing With Drivers to Toenail Maintenance, and explores in explicit detail . . .

COMMON THREATS
- Urban: The Blackberry-transfixed businessman
- Suburban: The bored, angry dog
- Trail: The mountain biker who has watched too many Mountain Dew commercials
SHOES & GEAR
- The Reef Knot: The only knot you need to know
- Barefoot Running: Crazy? Or just insane?
- The Trash Bag Poncho: Three steps to ultra-cheap rainwear
RACE DAY CHALLENGES
- Finding the Damn Thing: Not always so easy
- Navigating the Aid Station: Pinch the cup
- Finish Line Vomit: Hey, it happens

. . . and much, much more. Full of charts, illustrations, and more than a few laughs, The Runner's Field Manual is the perfect reference for anyone who loves to run-or wants to learn how.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Humor, Health, Fitness, Self Help

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2010

Reviews

[Angela Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for a beginner runner or a running geek who just like reading about other runners talk about running . It’s funny too

[Askorbinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and fun!

[Jessica-Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went to the library and made a beeline for the non-fiction sports section on a mission. Find a competent looking book about running advice. As a non-athletic person who was about to attempt to start running having some advice would probably only help the experience and what better than a book completely about the subject to save me some time searching around online. When I saw this I thought I hit the jackpot! Practical sounds nice, I could use some practical advice.

By the time I had read to the end of chapter one I had realized my mistake. Do not let the title fool you like it fooled me, this book is not a running manual full of practical advice. This book fits in the genre of humorous non-fiction, that is pretending to be actual non-fiction, which resulted in the confusing but understandable mistake of it being shelved in the non-fiction running section and not the humour section meant specifically for runners.

I normally enjoy comedy non-fiction, so even when I realized I had made a wrong turn, I figured I could at least see where it takes me. Unfortunately, The Manual is written in the "Captain Obvious" way. I was expecting some laugh track moments, but it ended up coming across like a group of 1st graders were sassing me in gym class.

Things I learned from Chapter One:
- What running is: the faster version of walking.
- Where you can run: anywhere.
- What type of runner's there are: or the "Hey, make our audience self-conscious about how they may look to others while running" page.
- RunnerWorld likes obligatory pimping of their products/website.

Things I learned in Chapter Two:
- Things I may encounter while running: People, cars, bikes, dogs, things in general.
- Wear cloths with zippers.
- Don't run on possibly slippery surfaces when it's raining.
- Only drink water when you're thirsty.
- Look where you're going.
- Treadmills: The Manual doesn't like them. The Manual says: Don't be a klutz and prepare to be bored running in the same place.
- Drivers: won't see you at night if you're wear dark clothing.
- Wildlife: THERE BE BEARS, who might also just be another runner, you should stop and ask!
- Roadkill: hold breath and jump over.
- While on a vacation don't run.
- Dead Bodies: Runners find them, just don't poke it and call the police.
- Bathrooms: The world is your toilet! But don't let other's see you.

And that was the exact play by play of every joke from Chapters 1&2 and yet I continued to read on for the remaining 6 Chapters. The Manual never got any better.

On one hand I get that I was not the intended reader for this book. This is a book meant for runners looking for some good ol' running humour. On the other hand, screw you book! You should probably clue people in on the joke somewhere in that long-ass title of your's. Even when I'm trying to look at The Manual from the perspective of what it is and not what I'd thought it'd be, it's still not very good. The comedy non-fiction genre is full of great books written by some very funny people. Plenty of those books focus on satire, which is what I assume this was trying to attempt. (?) I just don't think this type of joke writing is suitable for a full length book and I can't imagine even if I was really, really into running I would ever think this was funny.

Runners, I just don't get you. I feel like I accidentally stumbled into your clubhouse while you were all telling dad jokes. It's weird and I want to go home.

[BioBro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I checked out a bunch of running books from the library hoping for tips as I get started with a new habit. From the title and cover I made the assumption that this book was going to be the most serious and the most helpful. It was in fact the *least* helpful. A comedy sketch masquerading as help, this book is more sarcasm than advice and was annoying to read, featuring such gems as:
-Don't run in a hurricane
-People hate looking at your feet
-Try putting lube on your nipples
-Don't step in dog poo
It should be mentioned that Runner's World has put out several other books, some of which actually *are* helpful. But if you're going to write an unserious, jokey book sprinkled with a few running tips, then have an unserious, jokey book cover that lets readers know what to expect. This cover looks like something they would hand out in the military.

[JJ Bellfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a fairly experienced runner I still found a few tips/tricks that I didn’t know about. Even if the information isn’t new, the author’s humorous presentation makes the book worth your time.

[Lauren Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

It delivered as expected. A great pick-me-up in this race-free era of COVID-19. The book is mildly practical but essentially gets you excited to run and be part of the running community ... and look forward to a time when this becomes less isolated and more human.

[RebL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to the very funny The Runner's Rule Book. Good, but not quite as funny, though. This would make a good stocking-stuffer for the runner in your life (write that down for next Christmas right now while you are thinking about it). Three and a half stars.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun (if you're a runner) book. Filled with practical advice and tongue-in-cheek observations. Very fast read, I finished it in 1 day on the train to and from work.

[Julia Southwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUCH an easy read. It was mostly pointless, but had some good humor, and a few really random good tips here and there.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read. Relatable content, hilariously written.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a tongue-in-cheek look at running than guide to running. Some laughs but not a lot of insight.

[Malin Friess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is like the popular series (fill in the blank) for dummies...running for dummies. But then again running is fairly simple. My favorite line in the book (page 14) - How to Run? Step 1: start Running. Step 2: Keep running. Congratulations, you've got it!

I learned One excellent pearl in this book and I don't whay it took me so many different races to figure this out. First of all don't mistake the gatorade for the water and pour a cup of sticky gatorade over your head at mile 3. More importantly it is very difficult if not impossible to gulp out of a cup while running..so Pinch the cup and torn it into a spout. I'm sure this habit saved me at least 45 seconds in my last race. Pinch the CUP Malin--Pinch the CUP!

If you ever wanted to know a few things about running:

1) How to lube yourself so you don't get bloody nipples
2) Toenail maintenance
3) Starting out in the sprinters stance with your hands to the pavement in a marathon may gain you snorts of disapproval (I should have tried this in the Boston Marathon).
4) How to celebrate at the finish line
5) The correct personal space distance while running--give up on drafting--at most you gain 1% advantage in running
6) How to tie the timing chip to your laces.

This really is running for dummies. If you want to run--put on some old tennis shoes and start running. It's that simple. 3 stars.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so here is who I would not recommend this book to:
- People who are Not Runners
- People who want to start running but haven't yet
- People who don't have a sense of humor

This book, at its core, is a humor book about running. Don't pick it up thinking it's going to teach you everything you need to know about running.

There is definitely some practical advice in here, for sure, like turning a trash bag into a poncho, or duct-taping your nerps before a marathon (although, having the lady variety, I think I'll pass on that).

This book had me cracking up every other page. With gems like "A Word About Roadkill" (Mr Whiskers?) and "Treating a Bystander Who Has Accidentally Seen Your Feet" (Step 1: For goodness sake, cover your feet!), Mark Remy injects humor in a sport that sometimes can be taken a little too seriously.

If you are concerned that Remy's humor isn't your style, check out his blog Remy's World at http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com. If you like the blog, you'll like the book.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really entertaining, but only because I've been running in some way, shape or form for about two (2) years. While I picked up a few tips, I don't feel like the book is suitable for new runners. The author obviously has a quirky sense of humor and I greatly appreciated it. I especially like all of the tasks required to complete the various 'badges' (a la Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts). I recommend this book for semi-experienced (but not super-serious) runners who enjoy a good laugh.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this humorous book and finished it in one day! If you are a runner, this is such a fun book to read. It is full of practical information you should probably already know. I learned about the number one rule of running - SAFETY. It covered such topics as starting slowly, stretching, race etiquette, porta potties, Vaseline and duct tape, running against traffic, best recovery drinks, running on sidewalks or trails. This book is funny and also had many hilarious illustrations. Enjoy!

[Mark Fallon]

NO Stars. The worst book I've read all year. Remy and his team's futile attempt at humor fail, page after page, bad joke after bad joke.

I only finished this book because a) there were 2 more hours left on my flight and I'd already finished my other book, and b) I always hope I can learn something.

What I learned:

1. Mark Remy is a terrible writer.

2. I was right to cancel my Runner's World subscription 2 years ago.

3. I should warn all of my friends - DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very funny follow up to his Runner's Rule Book. The sequel was expected because there's more to say, but it wasn't quite as guffawing as the original. Still, both books should now be considered classics. I can't even think of any other books in the genre that have talked about running from a humorous perspective. Bonus: I met the author, got his autograph my book, and got his eyes to pop out when I told him how many NYC Marathons I've run.

[Judie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started running three years ago and I was sporadic at best. So when I picked this up (from my boss' pile of book give-aways) it reminded me of a lot of helpful steps and etiquettes to observe from the moment you decide to run until when you crossed the finish line. It is definitely not a running bible and it lacked extensive information but for a noob, it would suffice. It attempted to inject humor which worked most of the time --- at least for me.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this is more of an interest after I've logged a couple of hundred miles running. It is like a trip down memory lane in learning running and marathons. But gleaning info that would have helped me as a novice? Not really that great. The jokes and badges, with their tasks, might be bewildering to a new runner. I would give to a runner friend but not to someone who just got into the sport.

[Joe Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow-up of sorts to the author's previous book "The Runner's Rule Book." This book is not quite as humorous as the previous work but it does contain a lot of useful advice for both new and experienced runners. It's definitely worth reading and it does make a handy reference book, but if you're looking for humor, "The Runner's Rule Book" is the better choice.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A follow-up to Remy's Runner's Rule Book, this tongue-in-cheek "how to" guide" covers a wide variety of running topics ranging from health to racing to training to many more. Much like his first book, this one is both funny and informative. Amongst his sarcasm, there are many wise pieces of practical advice and good reminders for any level of runner. A great gift idea for any runner.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was funny and would be somewhat helpful if you are just starting running. Picking up a copy of Runner's World or going to their website would be more helpful, but if you want a laugh then pick up this book :)

[Caran-marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Married to a runner. Grew up in a family of bad jokers. Thinking of moving from walking to running. For me the book was a very good fit. Light read that does not take itself but does take running seriously.

[Mark Yoshida · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has several helpful tips, but not a book for the beginning runner. Humor level was uneven.

[Joshua Graning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing, Runner Jokes,

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of running in-jokes and common sense info, this field manual is more entertaining than it is helpful.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, quick read for the summer.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and amusing, but The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide is *worlds* better, and smacks slightly less of the "I'm a runner; i'm in the Cool Kids' Club."

[Raleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good beginning resource for a novice runner. The humor and tone is great...who knew running could be funny?!

[Wilson Luong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Loved how funny the author was! It made it an easy read!