When I was nine years old, I loved sport and was captivated by watching the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. I swore to myself that, one day, I would do that race and win it. That was in 1984. For the next twenty-eight years I continued to love participating in and watching sport, although I do not recall thinking about the phrase 'Ironman' ever again, apart from about the superhero played by Robert Downey Jnr in the film. In July 2012, I was to rekindle my passion for Ironman racing. This book describes my journey from complete novice to Ironman finisher in 11 months. My promise to you, the inspiring reader, is to give you my all, be honest and not take myself too seriously. Training for and completing my first Ironman made me a better person, a better partner, a better father, a better business owner and improved my health. This is because it made me think bigger and raised my self-esteem. You may be a multiple Ironman, a professional Ironman athlete (in my dreams, hey?), a coach or a triathlete; you may have a swimming, cycling or running background and be considering taking up the sport, or just have an insane desire to complete the ultimate one-day endurance sporting event that was designed to test the human potential to its limit. Believe me, it's not easy, but when you cross that finish line there is no feeling quite like it.

What is it like to be running on a snowy, remote jeep trail in December, getting caught in a whiteout, and spending eighteen hours shivering in a snow hole? Is it a good idea to promise a friend you'll buy a mountain bike and ride with him 2500 miles along the Continental Divide, or help another friend, who has Parkinson's disease, race 100 miles on mountain trails? If you like armchair adventures, come along and experience running across the Grand Canyon and back, at high altitude in Colorado after recovering from cancer, 500 miles across Washington state, and the largest ultramarathon in the world, in South Africa. Spend vicarious time bicycling in Alaska, pedaling with 10,000 other people across Iowa, and racing against The Trailer Trash Girls. The author's journey from age 35 to age 71, lessons learned and perspective on what it means, are vividly described in Miles to Go: A Lifetime of Running and Bicycling Adventures.

This book will guide you in programming your mind and body to run with the physical and mental skills that replicate the talents of world class runners. After an analysis of the elements of elite running technique, you will learn how to apply mental skills to help you refine your running style. A discussion of how to cope with the dynamics of race preparation, execution, and evaluation follows. Internalizing these lessons will result in fewer injuries, more effective and consistent training, better racing results, and greater satisfaction and enjoyment in your running. "After more than a decade of teaching thousands of runners, my staff, students, and I have concluded that PROGRAMMED TO RUN is the best guide to improving your running and racing available today. It is practical, easily understood, and illustrated with interesting and motivating stories based on Tom's own running and racing experiences, field research, and anecdotes of how novice runners transformed themselves into masters of their sport." Curt Munson, the founder of Good Form Running and past president of the National Running Retailers Association (2013). "When this book first came out in 2002, we said in the July/August issue, 'Miller's book is one of the most accessible and practical books we've seen on those minute and intangible elements that make the difference between good and great performances.' Programmed to Run contains timeless guidance and should be part of every serious runner's library today." Jonathan Beverly, Editor, Running Times magazine (2013).

This is the long-awaited reprint of the highly-acclaimed book 'Athletics: How to become a champion' by Percy Cerutty, world renowned coach to Australia's greatest athlete, Herb Elliott, winner of the 1500m at the Rome Olympics in 1960. First published in 1960, this book, a classic in its time, has been out of print for 50 years. The books is full of details and ideas for optimum athletic training with specific advice for various distance and field events within the track and field discipline. This book garnered much praise when it was first published. Today's athlete and coach has much to learn from the wisdom of this outspoken and at time controversial figure. Cerutty describes the training regime at his Portsea, Victoria, athletics camp. The book includes historic images of a young Herb Elliott training under the master coach. Republished with permission from the family of the late coach, this book will inspire and encourage today's young athlete who dreams of Olympic triumph, just as Herb Elliott did in 1960.

The first book in the popular 'You know you are' series

'You Know You Are A Runner' takes a humorous look at the obsessive nature of runners based on submissions from runners and their families.

It is the first book in the 'You Know You Are' series with 40 illustrated captions that will resonate with runners of all ages and abilities.

Other titles include: You Know You Are A Nurse...You Know You Are An Engineer...You Know You Are A Dog Lover...You Know You Are A Golfer...You Know You Are Getting Older...You Know You Are A Teacher...You Know You Are A Mother...

Purchase either the Kindle or paperback editions of this book and go in the draw to win a 'You know you are a Runner' t-shirt. Visit our website for further details.

The Runner's High. It is not a myth, it is not illegal, but it may be addictive. Chasing the Dragon: Running to Get High is a collection of diatribes, training tips, and off-color wisdom, all processing the running life and how to get the biggest (legal) highs from your life and your runs. The author taps into his personal experience with running and addiction to look at questions such as why recovering addicts turn to running and the nature of positive addictions. There is something here for every runner: tips on running that Boston Qualifier, pacing, tapering, training philosophy, plus some running flash fiction sure to make you smile. The author is a 13-time marathoner, a Boston qualifier, a recovering addict of 21 years, and a substance-abuse counselor in Detroit.

A special book designed to help middle school, high school and track club coaches, with becoming a better "RELAY" coach in the sport of track and field coach. You have found your personal mentor in Track & Field Training. Gain or expand your knowledge utilizing Coach Steve Silvey's many years of track and field coaching experience. Coach Steve Silvey has produced numerous Olympians and World Championship performers and medalists. This is his finest and largest book ever produced with over 207 pages of important coaching information and sample workouts. Let Coach Silvey share his coaching secrets that have produced many national championship teams and athletes. This book comes with a detailed relay & sprint training workouts and numerous articles on track, nutrition & much more.

While flicking through some photographs of a holiday in the Caribbean in 2009 Craig Jordan was appalled by what he saw, an overweight out of shape middle aged man on a very slippery slope. Craig decided there and then on a campaign to get "Fit for Fifty" and this became his mantra but the question was which sport? Over the next few months he was a regular visitor in the gym and went out and bought a mountain bike but nothing seemed to inspire and getting the journey to get fit seemed destined to fail. On a whim Craig entered a local triathlon and from that moment was hooked on the sport that over the next year took him on an incredible journey across 3 continents, 16 countries meeting and training with the stars of the sport and in the process getting in better shape than he has ever been at any point in his life. An inspiration not only to triathletes but for anyone who believes age is a roadblock to ultimate fitness.

Every generation is defined in part by the achievements of its athletes. Triathlon is one of the youngest and one of the fastest growing sports around the world. In the last four seasons in particular, professional women triathletes have been pacing each other to faster and faster finishing times. This book profiles the fastest iron-distance women professionals-ever. In all, 22 women have finished an iron-distance race in less than 9 hours. Make no mistake, these are the elite of the elites. This book contains snapshots into what drives these athletes. Foreword by Ironman.com managing editor Kevin Mackinnon "An extraordinary and inspirational reckoning of women's athletic excellence, Sub Nine is an excellent contribution to collections focusing on women's accomplishments in sports." - Midwest Book Review "It's an interesting, well-researched read for someone who'd like to learn more about the background of triathlon - and how far women have come in racing." - Triathlete magazine

At the age of twenty-two, Ben Davis weighed over 360 pounds. Depressed, addicted to food, and morbidly obese, he thought he'd lost all hope. But after a conversation with his grandmother, Ben promised himself that he would finally take control of his life.
Ben decided to "do life," and so can you.
He started running. At first, he couldn't run a mile, but before long he was running five, ten, and then twenty miles at a time. His father and brother joined him, and as a team they ran a marathon and went on to complete one of the hardest physical competitions in the world, the Ironman.
Throughout his journey, Ben captured his transformation in a series of YouTube videos, inspiring countless others around the world to "do life" along with him. Here, Ben shares more of his personal story and illustrates how you can use his techniques to start living your own life to the fullest.
"Do Life" isn't just about diet or exercise, depression or addiction--it's about stepping out of your ordinary life and becoming who you want to be. It's the story of one man who decided to live life his way. And it could be your story too.

The Youth and Teen Running Encyclopedia is the first ever complete guide for middle and long distance runners ages 6 to 18, their coaches and parents. It shows the proven formula of Mick Grant, who produced Hershey's North American Final qualifiers 12 consecutive years, multiple Footlocker Finalists and National Champions several years in a row, including Hershey's North American Final, USATF Junior Olympics, USATF Youth Athletics Nationals and National Scholastic Indoor Championships. All this from a group of ordinary local kids, near Mick's home in Northeast Massachusetts. The book lays out in detail how youth and teen athletes can achieve successively higher levels, year after year after year, following the proven success of Mick's training program. What differentiates this program and this book from other programs and books is that it is a unique blend of building endurance and improving basic speed throughout the year, so that the athlete is much better next year than they are this year. The program uses a FUN FIRST approach, making sure the athletes enjoy what they are doing and stay healthy, to allow consistent training. It is the first such book to cover every topic imaginable for the youth and teen middle to long distance runner, jammed packed with almost 200 pages of vital information. This book is a must read for all youth runners age 6 to 18, and anyone helping youth runners starting on the way to a lifelong enjoyment of running, and a successful running career. While this book is geared to youth runners, it is a valuable resource to all middle and long distance runners and coaches, regardless of age or level, because the same basic principles apply to all middle and long distance events..

On March 31, 1929, seventy-seven men began an epic 3,554-mile footrace across America that pushed their bodies to the breaking point. Nicknamed the ""Bunion Derby"" by the press, this was the second and last of two trans-America footraces held in the late 1920s. The men averaged forty-six gut-busting miles a day during seventy-eight days of nonstop racing that took them from New York City to Los Angeles. Among this group, two brilliant runners, Johnny Salo of Passaic, New Jersey, and Pete Gavuzzi of England, emerged to battle for the $25,000 first prize along the mostly unpaved roads of 1929 America, with each man pushing the other to go faster as the lead switched back and forth between them. To pay the prize money, race director Charley Pyle cobbled together a traveling vaudeville company, complete with dancing debutantes, an all-girl band wearing pilot outfits, and blackface comedians, all housed under the massive show tent that Pyle hoped would pack in audiences. Kastner’s engrossing account, often told from the perspective of the participants, evokes the remarkable physical challenge the runners experienced and clearly bolsters the argument that the last Bunion Derby was the greatest long-distance footrace of all time.

Harold Watkins gets a wake-up call after his annual physical. He is out of shape, inactive and almost needs to go shopping for a coffin. The grim reaper is out looking for him. He could try and hide.

Instead, he decides that drastic changes are needed in his life and so he enlists the help of two friends and sets out on a long journey to fitness through the unlikely (for him) sport of running. He soon discovers that there is a lot more to life than sitting in front of a television set and chomping down on burgers and fries.

Throughout the journey Harold experiences every emotion possible from the pain and low esteem of the early beginnings, to the sheer joy and satisfaction of achieving long term goals he had not thought previously possible.

Harold's helpers turn out to be his best friends as well as two very good coaches and have many hilarious runs and training incidents on the way. Harold pushes the word friendship to the limit. At the end of the journey he emerges a completely transformed and totally different person with a whole new outlook on life.

Anyone who runs, or is thinking of taking up running, needs to read this book and use Harold's motivation and perseverance to help with their own personal journeys. If Harold can do it, so can you.

Walter G George was a hugely successful runner and athlete. In 1886 he ran a mile in 4 minutes 123/4 seconds-a record that held for almost 30 years. He devised the '100-Up' Exercise as part of his training, using it to enhance his fitness and improve his running technique. In the early twentieth century he published details of the '100-Up' and they are now reprinted here in full for a new readership. The '100-Up' Exercise has seen a huge revival in the twenty-first century. It is used by many runners to improve their performance and develop technique, but the method can also be used by non-athletes to increase fitness and stamina. Best of all, it's an exercise you can do indoors or outdoors, at home or at work... in fact, almost anywher

There has been a lot said about how the Original Hawaiian Iron Man triathlon came to be. A lot of it is completely false. It came into being after a debate over cold beers at the Primo Brewing Company about who was the most fit athlete: was it runners, cyclists, or swimmers? They decided to put it to the test and end the debate. The question would be answered by who finished the triathlon first, or if it was even possible to finish... This book will give you the straight story on how it all came to be by Tom Knoll who was there at the beginning and who finished sixth place in the Hawaiian Iron Man in 1978. The real story about the race in 1978 and it will blow you away. These men had the courage of astronauts, as it had never been attempted before and no one knew if it could be done. The true story is within these pages and it is amazing...

At the age of 50, mother of three, Molly Sheridan, puts on a pair of running shoes, soul searching for a way to transition into the second half of her life. Within a few weeks and a trip to the doctor, Molly is told she is too old, too tall, and too un-athletic to begin running. Following her own council and heart's desire, she embarks on her secret dream, to run long distances. This thought provoking, sometimes humorous account follows Molly's journey, beyond motherhood and age barriers, to novice runner, onward to extreme adventure tackling the toughest footraces on the planet and becoming the first American woman to attempt and complete 138 miles in the Himalayas. Molly's message is simple: life begins at 50.

Anyone can coach a team or individual to merely run faster. That's the easy part. Consistently achieving greater improvement than the competition is the signature of "VOQ Training," embracing the continuous cycle between Cross Country and Track, with each sport building off of the other in complementary fashion. This is made possible by the sprint inspired, Volume-of-Quality principles of the Inverted Pyramid and a careful attention to preventing injuries.
Combining traits of a training manual with program-building tools, plus enough back story to add personality to the workouts, there truly is something for everyone. "VOQ Training" is written primarily for High School and College coaches, but also for scholastic athletes seeking a maximized summer training plan. Additional suggestions are provided for tailoring the program to self-coached distance runners of all levels and racing objectives.
"Dan Kaplan has hit the nail on the head with this one. "VOQ Training" is the product of an expert coach giving his all for individuals who seek to find training routines that really work. The Inverted Pyramid philosophy allows focused flow toward peak performance. Thanks Dan for offering years of thought and expertise This is a must read for all." -- Dave Johnson, M.ED. Special Education, Decathlon Olympic Medalist, Corban University / Director of Athletics.
"This little gem is ... both innovative and comprehensive ... I feel safe recommending "VOQ" to any and all trying to flesh out their library, especially those who need to inject some different perspectives into stagnant thought patterns or philosophies." -- Russ Ebbets, editor Track Coach magazine (part of Track & Field News and USATF), Winter 2012 Issue #198.
" "VOQ Training"] has a lot of foundation to what, when, where, how and why - more than most do." -- Kelly Sullivan, Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Oregon State University. USATF Men's Distance Development Chair 1992-2004.
For a preview of the full introduction, visit www.VOQTraining.com.

Running Games for Track and Field & Cross Country is divided into eight categories of running: Icebreaker and Team Building, Warm-up and Cool-Down, Tag, Relay, Running, Fartlek, Distance, and Specific. Each of the eight categories describes 20 main games and numerous variations, making a total of more than500 games presented in Running Games for Track and Field & Cross Country that will provide fun and fitness through running The number one reason people participate in athletics is to have fun The challenge lies in making running fun, and increasing the motivation levels and therefore the effort level so maximum benefits on the physiological and psychological levels can be achieved. Successful coaches are successful because they motivate participants to become enthusiastic about participating and therefore increase ability to perform at higher levels. It is the motivation and enthusiasm towards running that Running Games For Track & Field and Cross Country addresses. The many ideas and workouts are designed to increase motivation and develop a positive attitude towards running. Some of the running activities presented are old games that have been played for years. Other running activities are modified from games with a running component added. Still other running activities presented are new activities that specifically develop the training component, techniques and tactics involved in the development of a runner. Running Games for Track & Field and Cross Country is designed to use sound physiological and psychological principles that maximize running development. Coaches who want and need ideas to increase motivation will find many readily available to use activities. Many of the activities are team building activities that will increase team cohesiveness.

It is time to get out of the easy chair and begin to get the body in shape. "Chasing Caterpillars" is a motivational book for all of us that think that it is too late to get fit. The book is both instructional and motivational, providing insights into how to get motivated to be in shape. Now is the right time to get started. In "Chasing Caterpillars" Jerry Kyckelhahn provides the story of how it can be done. The results of the book have been fascinating. One person did not start training in the triathlon sports but rather said the book was a motivation to get his whole life in order. Others have jumped into the triathlon lifestyle with vigor and have decided that the sport and the wonderful people involved in the sport provide an amazing fitness alternative. Just this year the first Chasing Caterpillars triathlon was held. Over half of the field was composed of first time triathletes. It was fun. So many people of all ages have now gotten motivated by the book that it is safe to say that the book is not only a success but almost required reading for those that have come to believe that they have to accept their own body as worn out and incapable of fitness. You can do it and you can feel better as you get fit.

If you've ever fancied running a 5k or just getting fit enough to run 5 kilometers in one go (that's 3.1 miles to you and me ) and you want to do it in the shortest amount of time, without risking injury, boredom or stagnation, then this book is exactly the one for you.
'5k Training For Beginners - From Couch to 5k Runner In 8 Weeks Or Less, ' contains everything you need to know about running a 5k in the fastest, most efficient and fun way.
The book comes in 2 parts so if you're in to reading all about why and how your body changes then start by reading part 1.
Part 2 deals with the physical side of running and jogging and features 4 fantastic simple to follow running programs for beginners of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
You'll have access to some of the most up to date, cutting edge techniques to help improve your running.
THE PROGRAMS AND TECHNIQUES IN THIS BOOK WORK, plain and simple.
They've been honed and refined over 12 years having been road tested by a myriad of clients from all types of backgrounds and fitness levels.
You won't be bored following this unique, time saving 5k training program AND you won't need to start running endless miles each week in order to see results.
If you could get the same benefits by doing a shorter more enjoyable and invigorating run as opposed to a long, arduous and grueling one, which one would you choose?
Hopefully you chose the first option, because this is what the whole concept behind '5k Training for Beginners' is all about.
Here are 4 reasons why you should choose this running book...
You'll be able to successfully and comfortably run a 5k at the end of your training; you'll have accomplished something that most people only think about doing. This program will help you lose weight quickly, build muscle and tone your body. By committing to something like this, the chances are as a side effect, you'll get in to the best shape of your life You'll radically improve your health. Keep up with your training and you'll have more energy, be thinner, happier and live longer, you'll just feel great most of the time. Supercharge your energy levels on demand. You'll know exactly how to create your own 'feel good factor' which you can turn on and off like a tap. This program has been designed for beginners and that's the way it's intended, but if you're an experienced runner you'll learn a few things to help you to get better, faster and reduce the amount of time you need to spend running and jogging.
No grueling or tedious long distance running needed AND no special equipment required.
Here are some more of the secrets you'll learn inside:
How the biggest mistake that most new runners make is to set off at the beginning of their run, like a dog out of the traps... way too fast. Meaning within a short distance they need to stop because they're too tired and breathless to carry on. This is one of the worst ways of getting better at running because you'll need to rest after only a short amount of time. You'll discover how using advanced running techniques throughout your 5k training will transform your fitness and stamina levels... in just days never mind weeks. As well as this, these great strategies will actually reduce the overall time you need to spend on your training It's designed for anyone who wants to start running but hasn't got hours to spare each week to do so.
This truly is THE only running book you'll ever need.

This is the story of 42 marathon runners who were created as the Ever-presents by the London Marathon in 1995 after they had run 15 consecutive years of the London from the start in 1981 Their story is a testimony to a 'never say die' spirit that sustained them during the thousands of marathons they have run all over the world. Dale Lyons, one of remaining 15, has combined a detailed factual record from his research with the runners with many heart warming anecdotes and astonishing hardship stories to track the Ever-presents journey over 33 years. Their triumphs and cruel disappointments, the amazing sums raised for countless charities, their startling records at home and abroad and their absorbing and colourful lives away from the marathon treadmill makes for absorbing and enlightening reading. This is a book to honour their commitment to London, one of the greatest city Marathons and to provide a lasting tribute to a rapidly diminishing group, decimated by injury, accident, illness and death. The book will provide information, inspiration, and motivation not only to marathon runners but to those watching the London each year thinking "that could be me " 4

Each year, millions of people take up running and jogging for its simplicity, freedom, and the many health benefits it provides.
At the same time, many people also give up on running, and themselves, because of the lack of good information, or contradictory information. They find running too intimidating, or are plagued with small injuries due to running unprepared. Running Inspired is a no-nonsense, methodical breakdown of the basics of running and, more importantly, the mental and physical training that will help to keep someone running.
If the key to running inspired could be summarized, it would be: Have Faith ... We could call this dedication, but people are dedicated to their jobs, their families, to paying their mortgages ... dedication implies a duty or act that must be performed. After running for awhile we will find (faith) that running brings with it a certain freedom and inspiration that a gym, elliptical machine, or treadmill can't even come close to ... it is then that wonderful things begin to happen, and we begin to run inspired.
This book has everything you need to get off the couch and start running. The beginner runner will discover how to:
Run with good form for maximum efficiency and to avoid injury. Build a powerful mental training program that includes a running journal and visualizations. Select the right shoes and gear for different conditions and weather. Eat simply, with suggested menu items. Prevent and treat common running injuries.Get past embarrassment and being self-conscious. Find support and encouragement in the running community. ... and much, MUCH more With four detailed training schedules for every age and ability, Running Inspired will help anyone who is thinking about running not only get started, but keep running once they have started. Whether going out for a first run, training for race day, or improving times, this book has something for everyone from beginners to more accomplished runners.

Smile Big, Run Hard is a testament to what the human body can endure. Covering the 2500 miles around the coast of mainland UK this book offers a unique experience for its reader. The run was nicknamed Epic Run and consisted of 50 miles every day for 50 days all raising money for Help for Heroes. This brutal challenge is documented through the eyes and mind of Sam Boatwright, the epic runner, who proves that the human body can overcome unbelievable physical pain to achieve a goal.