Barefoot running is the hottest trend in athletics today, spurred by the bestselling Born to Run, and the subsequent popularity of Vibram Five Fingers toe shoes. Should you do it? And how do you start? With a focus on injury prevention for middle-of-the pack runners, this easy to read "why and how of barefoot running" opens with the author's own transformation from barefoot sceptic to barefoot advocate, and draws from 100 years of scientific research on barefooting, as well as interviews with podiatrists and with barefoot running moms and dads across America.
Is the soft sand of the beach a great starting point? As we hit middle-age, won't our feet need cushioning to avert back pain and knee pain? Don't bare feet smell? The answers may surprise you. If you run with pain, or if fear of pain keeps you biking or swimming when you'd really rather be running: this book is for you.

F is for Fun in this lighthearted lexicon that spells out what it means to be a runner. It's 26 smiles of running enjoyment An inexpensive gift for the road warrior, trail trotter, or weekend jogger

For more than a decade, Marion Jones was hailed as the "the fastest woman on the planet." At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, she became the first woman ever to win five medals at one Olympics. That same year, the Associated Press and ESPN named her Athlete of the Year. She was on the cover of "Vogue" and "Time." She seemed to have it all--fame, fortune, talent, and international acclaim. Now she is a convicted felon.

The trouble started in 2003 when she lied to federal agents about her use of a performance-enhancing drug and her knowledge of a check fraud scam. In 2007, no longer able to live with the lies, she admitted the truth. In a sad end to what seemed like a storybook career, she was stripped of her medals, and her track-and-field records were wiped from the books.

She was incarcerated at Carswell federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas--a prison known for its violence and abuse. While there, she kept herself in shape and her sanity intact by running on a dirt track and a treadmill in the prison's improvised weight room. But her imprisonment was not the end for Marion Jones. In fact, it marked a new beginning. She is now using her story to change the lives of people the world over and inspire others who, like her, face obstacles that seem insurmountable.

"On the Right Track "is the candidly told story of how Marion came to grips with her lies and the consequences of her actions, and how she found meaning in all of it. What she tells her children and has now applied to her own life is that when you make a mistake, you admit it, you accept the consequences, you move on, you make the wrong a right. She teaches her children and others to take a break and pause before making impulsive and potentially harmful decisions.

At the heart of this book are real issues that we all face: learning to grow through pain; making decisions that will help us far into the future; overcoming failure and discouragement; and applying practical principles that point the way to personal and spiritual breakthrough.

This book is an inspirational journey seen through the eyes, mind, and heart of Alexandra Panayotou, an ultra endurance athlete who ran 2010 km in 31 days, promoting the European Athletics Championships - Barcelona 2010. Apart from taking you through the, at times, harrowing days and torturous nights, she will also take you with her on her inner voyage, allowing you to follow her thoughts and her emotions, and to participate in her struggles and triumphs. Motivational for both runners and non-runners alike, this book talks about reaching one's goals through personal excellence.

The Natural Running Revolution Has Started Learn how to use minimalist running shoes as tools for improving your running form and run injury-free for life. Understand what the latest footwear technologies offer and decide which works for your situation. Learn what's wrong with traditional running shoes and how you can prevent injuries in the future. Run Natural. Run Free.

In "Chasing the Runner's High," Ray Charbonneau tells the story how he pushed his addiction to running up to, and then past, his limits. There are plenty of hard miles, but there's lots of fun along the way too as Ray shares what he learned, what he should have learned, and what he still has to learn from running. Marshall Ulrich, 4-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon and author of "Running on Empty," calls Chasing the Runner's High "a look at one man's life and obsession with running and addictive behaviors. Humorous at times, but always looking toward the greater good, Ray shares life's ups and downs and provides a hard look into the mind of a runner, offering advice that can only be had with experience and hard fought miles underfoot. Adena Schulzberg, winner of the 2006 Arkansas Marathon, writes, "these are brutally honest tales, told with candor and frankness about strength, courage, obsession, desire and hard won understanding of self and sport." It's a great read for runners or for non-runners who want to understand their running friends. www.y42k.com/books/chasingtherunnershigh.html

GET FIT, GET FAST, AND GO FARTHER WITH OLYMPIC RUNNER KARA GOUCHER'S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO RUNNING FOR WOMEN
KARA GOUCHER is crazy, madly, head-over-heels in love with running, and she wants to help you feel that love, too. Whether you're just getting started or already a seasoned runner, this is the book that will take you to the next level. "Kara Goucher's Running for Women "contains her expertise, tips, and tricks targeted specifically at female runners to help you become a better, happier, healthier, and more fulfilled runner. She'll teach you how to:
- GET STARTED WITH THE RIGHT GEAR
- BUILD A SUCCESSFUL SUPPORT TEAM
- FIND THE RIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOU
- OVERCOME PSYCHOLOGICAL SETBACKS
- BALANCE RUNNING WITH FAMILY AND WORK
- AND MUCH MORE
Designed to fit your busy lifestyle, "Kara Goucher's Running for Women "is packed with quick tips, pearls of running wisdom, and sample training schedules and nutrition plans, as well as sections dedicated to running during and after pregnancy, managing the special challenges of the female athlete's body, and maintaining a balance between sporting and family life. "Kara Goucher's Running for Women "is the ultimate guide for women who want to train for the gold or simply discover their personal best.

The Secret Book of Running is an irreverent training manual for runners of all ability levels, covering everything from the 5K to the marathon. When it comes to the sport of running, it is generally understood that over 99% of all entrants in a competitive race will lose. In non-competitive running, it is generally understood that if a runner finishes their normal route in a slower-than-usual time, they will also feel as if they have lost. The Secret Book of Running is the ultimate irreverent training manual to help runners deal with these feelings of defeat. As funny as it is informational, Martin's guide references common frustrations, observations, and joys that come with the sport. And because of the seemingly constant feeling of failure, his guide to running is also designed to help athletes of all ages and skill levels get the most out of their bodies and improve their performance. Offering myth-busting insights on coaching, nutrition, training methods, and more in an irreverent and approachable style, he speaks the language of runners but with an accent all his own. In fact, the book promotes the Jealousy, Anger, and Resentment (JAR) method of training to access the emotions needed to fuel your performance, run better than ever, and finally beat your competition. Full of insights and actionable tools and tips, this definitive and definitely hilarious guide for runners of every level is unlike any other running book currently available. A necessity for anyone looking to run their first race, their fastest race ever, or just fast enough to beat their competition, The Secret Book of Running acknowledges that runners are often their own worst enemies when it comes to training and racing and uses a great deal of humor along with the research and lessons learned from years of experience to help inspire, educate, and motivate runners of every level to improve.

Jay Sochoka overcomes food addiction and family struggles as he evolves from a 306 lb. Fatman to a Boston Marathon qualifier, finding faith, love and self-acceptance along the way.

A comprehensive account of the process of selecting, marshalling and outfitting a multi-lingual continental team of athletes, coaches and officials from as many as 15 countries in the Americas (ex USA) to compete in the World Cup in Athletics organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations from its inception in Dusseldorf in 1977 to the tenth edition in 2007.

Whether you're a recreational jogger or a competitive road racer, or you're thinking of taking up running, you'd be well advised to read this volume of essays and advice by a former cross-country and track-and-field coach who has raced every distance from five kilometers to fifty miles. The author lays out the history of the pastime-as well as advances in technology, scientific research, and training strategies-in an often amusing fashion. This is both a "how-to" and "why-to" manual, which just might find a special place in your library and your heart.

A step-by-step guide to running a half-marathon. Few experiences match the accomplishment a runner feels after finishing a half-marathon, yet not many people are able to run 13.1 miles. In this guide, Joe Donovan provides a practical and effective training schedule designed to condition you both physically and mentally for your first half-marathon. Whether you're looking to make a lifestyle change or just want to know how it feels to conquer an extraordinary goal, this book will set you on the path to becoming a successful long-distance runner.

After running across France and Germany, Russell Secker takes on the toughest physical and mental challenge of his life - running across the whole of Europe in the 2009 edition of the Trans Europe Footrace. The race format is simple yet implausibly difficult - an average of 45 miles a day on foot for 64 consecutive days. Starting from Bari in the south of Italy, 67 ultrarunners from around the world set off to test themselves on a grueling 2-month journey of self-discovery. The race passes through Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Finland before reaching the northernmost land in Europe - North Cape, Norway - 400 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Running Across Countries gives first-hand insight into the daunting challenge of becoming a transcontinental runner, one of the toughest and most unforgiving tests of the human body and spirit.

Avid runner Scott Ludwig has seen, heard, and experienced firsthand most everything the sport has to offer. Of course, that is to be expected of someone who has run every day for over twenty-eight years. In "Running through My Mind," Scott and his friends weigh in, sharing brutally honest, occasionally raw and always entertaining anecdotes to guide you through the physical and mental aspects of running:

A teammate on the Atlanta Track Club Men's Masters Team, discussing a 195-mile relay: "How many runners does it take to run Hood-to-Coast? Twelve members of the men's masters' team or one Scott Ludwig. " Scott after dropping out of the Western States Endurance Run: "That sure sucked. " Scott's views on treadmills: "It's not running if you don't go anywhere. " A pal and crewmember for Scott at the Badwater Ultramarathon: "When Scott was accepted into Badwater, the real question in my mind was not whether or not he would finish, but whether or not he would then let the" (consecutive days of running) "streak die a peaceful death. " Scott after "finishing" the Western States Endurance Run: "That still sucked. "

Discover the motivational narrative behind these and many other observations in Scott's story-so far. Whether you just bought your first pair of running shoes or are a grizzled running veteran, "Running through My Mind" provides the encouragement you need to get out and get moving

Athlete. Runner. Marathoner. Are these words you wouldn't exactly use to describe yourself? Do you consider yourself too old or too out of shape to run a marathon? But somewhere deep inside have you always admired the people who could reach down and come up with the mental and physical strength to complete such a daunting and rewarding accomplishment? It doesn't have to be somebody else crossing the finish line. You can be a marathoner. "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" is based on the highly successful marathon class offered by the University of Northern Iowa, which was featured in a "Runner's World" article titled "Marathoning 101." The class has been offered five times over 10 years, and all but one student finished the marathon. That is approximately 200 students -- all first time marathoners and many with absolutely no running background. This book follows the same 16-week, four-day-a-week workout plan. What makes the success rate of this program so much higher than any other? The special emphasis on the psychological aspects of endurance activities. You don't have to love to run -- you don't even have to like it -- but you have to realize that you are capable of more than you have ever thought possible. One participant in the program explained it like this: "I'm doing this for me -- not for others or the time clock. I just feel better when I run, plus it helps me to cope with things in general. The skills we've learned in this class don't apply just to marathoning -- they apply to life Just like you never know what the next step in a marathon will bring, so too, you never know what will happen next in life. But if you don't keep going, you're never going to find out. By staying relaxed, centered, and positive you handle just about anything that comes your way." This is marathon running for real people, people with jobs and families and obligations outside of running. "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" has proven successful for men and women of all ages. Now let it work for you.

The Runner's Textbook is a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to distance running. Dr. Anderson takes the latest in academic knowledge and writes it into an easy to understand, and engaging manner. Dr. Anderson's training as a coach, a sport psychologist, and a sport sociologist makes this a balanced approach between the physiological, psychological and sociological factors of running. It also offers the most extensive collection of racing tactics and strategies yet published. The Runner's Textbook covers every conceivable aspect of distance running and racing and it is therefore a must-read for runner's of all abilities.

Tales From Out There is the story of the Barkley Marathons, arguably the world's toughest long-distance trail foot-race. In this book, the 24-year history of this event is covered in detail, with all known runners and their results listed. Numerous photographs, charts, and maps are included. The runners have had some interesting experiences out there during the Barkley races. Some of those experiences have been humorous, some dramatic and harrowing. Many physical and psychological obstacles have been incorporated into the design of the event to test the limits of human endurance. The result is that most runners fail to finish the race. The stories in this book describe the epic struggles of the Barkley contestants, including some of the world's best endurance runners, against this extreme challenge. Tales From Out There will captivate the reader with true stories of both heartbreaking failures and awe-inspiring victories.

A book about the history of the Williams College track team, including detailed history of meets and behind-the-scenes stories.