Running for Peak Performance

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Decades of medical and scientific research have proven that running is one of the healthiest - if not the healthiest - forms of exercise. Running is now a top mainstream sport, not just a competitive one. It is frequently included as part of a varied fitness plan by many people, with the focus on health and fitness to control weight levels and reduce stress. Increasing numbers of runners are joining clubs and entering races and marathons. More participants in the sport are 40-plus years, and a growing number are female. Builds the necessary skill, knowledge, and understanding to achieve anything from a 10-minute run to a full marathon, thus appealing to runners of all fitness levels and abilities. Expert practical advice and training programmes from a former Olympic Marathon Gold Medallist - a credible author who really knows the subject.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Kirkus Book Review

Frank Shorter's guide to running is not just intelligent and enthusiastic, it's imbued with the democratic nature of the sport: almost anyone can run. Indeed, you needn't be wealthy or have the highest-tech equipment, and any venue will do, from city street to alpine meadow. In typical DK fashion, the layout is swathed in background fields of white, which accentuate the encouraging, accessible text as Shorter goes about explaining the benefits of running: weight loss, an increase in skeletal strength and bone mass, a boost to the immune system, lowered blood pressure and a general sense of bien etre. He then tackles critical questions of consistency, duration of workout and the pitfalls of overtraining, before moving on to equipment selection. Since the book is intended to be an overall approach for the general reader, he tenders some simple physiological information, discusses a sensible diet, covers weight and resistance training, as well as stretching, pacing, stride length and breathing techniques. There are detailed programs for all levels of ability and an important section on preventing some of the more common ailments caused by running. Best of all, Shorter invests the book with such good cheer--to take a run actually sounds like fun. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.