Seems like quite a few of you are reading running or marathon books. I've never read a running book before. Ever! But I'm ready to start reading one. Does anyone have any good recommendations? Either for good running tips or inspirations or just great running stories? Picture books are welcome, too. :-)On the training front, I'm technically supposed to start tapering for the Nike Marathon on Octobe 19th. But, how do you taper when I haven't really trained for it?
I've recovered surprisingly fast from the half marathon on Sunday. The top of my right foot is a bit sore again and thinking my shoes need to be retired. I've definitely run more than 300 miles on my latest GT-2130 and I think it's time for a new one. My Achilles tendon has also been behaving well and no pain since that one time. Maybe it was confused. Or maybe I am?
I have this picture on my Blackberry Pearl now, thanks to Erik's post last week. It really inspires me to get a pedicure. Haha. Ok, kidding. I want to go run!
I'm going to take any suggestions that you get here too! I haven't read any books except running and pregnancy, haha. That's great you had a quick recovery!! Time for the full!
ReplyDeleteLove that picture! And BOY do I need a pedicure, but my poor toenail that has come off a few times is currently in and a mess! I don't want them to touch it. BOOOOO.
ReplyDeleteomg i havent had a pedi since my bday in jan :( my poor running feet do NOT look pretty. at least my toenails are coming back.
ReplyDeletei recommend both of deans books. i am in the middle of 50/50 right now, and i read ultramarathon man and loved it!
i need to go pick up new shoes this week too! i am thinking of going tomorrow :)
Julianne:
ReplyDeleteI have two books that I'm happy to recommend.
[1] Running Start to Finish
(Author: John Stanton)
http://snipurl.com/45rt9 [www_amazon_com]
I read this book over the summer as I started developing running into a serious habit. Given its format, I would classify it more as a "running reference". Only the last couple chapters deal with specific race distances.
[2] Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (Author: Hal Higdon)
http://snipurl.com/45rjg [www_amazon_com]
I'm reading this one right now, and it's very good. I'm training for my first marathon, and this book provides a wealth of good advice that is adding considerably from what I've picked up reading running blogs. It also provides advice for experience marathoners (people aiming for 3-hour or faster times).
The book is highly story-based, with many real-life examples of people who have either run marathons or train others to run marathons (or both, I suppose).
Love the picture. I wish that is what my scale said instead of the stupid numbers it tells me!
ReplyDeleteGosh - I don't think I have had a pedi since last summer (2007). I may have to treat myself to one after Sunday!
I read "Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes and it's quite interesting. I met him at the SFM a couple of years ago...in fact, I can bring it over to you when I'm in SF later this month.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, I'm reading "Things I Talk about When I Talk About Running" by novelist Haruki Murakami...very quick read and fun to hear the perspective of a longtime and disciplined runner.
Great job on the half. It sounds like it was a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteAs for the books. I have enjoyed "First Marathons" by Gail Kislevitz. It includes all kinds of stories of peoples first experiences with the 26.2. One of the runners got to run for a bit with Oprah in the Marine Corps marathon.
i love that picture!
ReplyDeletei'm going to get a pedi this weekend and i feel bad for the person doing it. i'll be tipping well :-P
Dittos on "Ultramarathon Man." It's a quick read, and it gives great insights into the world of ultra running. I've probably read it 5 or 6 times (I'm not kidding!).
ReplyDeleteSave the pedicure for your after-marathon pampering...
ReplyDeleteAs for running books, I kind of like Bart Yasso's book "The Running Life" but I'm a bit biased since that's the only one I've read so far (but really liked), so listen to everyone else!
Shhhhh I'm going to tell you the answer to Photo Friday: 26.2 Marathon Stories
ReplyDeleteIt's more of a picture type book than anything. A lot of the history of the marathon and what not.
I've also read DK's 50/50 book not too long ago. That was pretty good.
If you want to learn more about the science of running and all associated with running (all distances), get hold of the Lore of Running by Dr Tim Noakes (One of the formost Exercise Scientists in the world).
ReplyDeleteA great book on running technique in a less scientific and perhaps with a more spiritual approach is the Chi of running.
The only one I have read was 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami. Like I said in my post, it was a fast read and good too. Nothing earth shattering, but it seemed honest.
ReplyDeleteI love that scale. One of my friends has it on her myspace. The book im reading right now is 4months to a 4 hour marathon. That wont be much help considering how soon your marathon is, but it has some great tips!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna add you to my list of blogs i like.. i hope you dont mind! :)
We just got a copy of 26.2 Marathon stories... great for stories and pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any running books either! I love that picture though.
ReplyDeleteI read Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger, Scott Douglas. Now that's a hard-core book that was recommended by my female friend that runs a 3:16 marathon. The training plans are definitely more advanced than I would ever be able to take on, but some of the training concepts were still useful. That one is more of a reference guide. For fun - the Bart Yasso book, My Life on the Run, might be a good one. I just flipped through it at a bookstore and it was more like anecdotes which seemed really interesting!
ReplyDeletePretty much everyone else said the books i was going to recommend!
ReplyDeleteLOL the picture is excellent!!! About running books the truth is I have not had the time to read any book at all lately!! So no help there sorry!!!
ReplyDeleteWeb.me.com/amaurydeleon
Love the picture, classic. You know I was complaining abou the top of my feet hurting a couple weeks ago and it all came down to my shoes being tied too tight. See if that might help out.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few running books, and love them for not only training tips but for motivation as well. Some of my favorites are Running for Mortals, Marathoning for Mortals, 26 Miles to Boston and currently I'm reading Bowerman and the Men of Oregon.
I'm almost done with that one and then going to some of Deans books.
I love reading running books so I can scrape some tips to make me a better and faster runner. I just finished Run Fast by Hal Higdon and enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI just grab whatever running books I can find on the shelves at my library, but even just reading a paragraph before I head out the door on a run can be pretty inspiring!
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thanks for the comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI've been into ultras for awhile so I've been reading stuff on the ultra scene like "Through the Wall." I love Ultrarunning magazine, I don't think you need to be an ultrarunner to appreciate it. It has great race reports and top notch training and nutrition advice.
Here's a recommendation on a cool book - Thinking Body, Dancing Mind. It's a book about applying Taoist principles to running and life. It has some good advice for the mental aspects of the sport, which in ultrarunning is more than half of the battle!
Great picture. That's why I don't jump on the scale. I'd rather stay in my cumfy bed.
ReplyDeletei just saw audreys comment and thats the book that my training plan came from... advanced marathoning :) fun fun. it def has some good info in there and some CRAZY plans (i think mine is the least crazy :P)
ReplyDeleteCheck out Through the Wall by Neal Jameison, there's a link on my blog, compulsory and compulsive reading.
ReplyDeletePer you comment I average around 6 hours sleep a night