More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- forstress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women'sbodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard andwith the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns.Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women whoexperience the pure joy of running, or want to.

It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn:

• How to get started and stay motivated

• What to eat for optimal nutrition

• How to run during pregnancy and after menopause

• Why running is the most effective form of exercise

• How to prevent and treat injury

• What to wear -- from sports bras to running shoes

• How to prepare for everything from a 5K to a marathon

Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.

Every runner at every level wants to run faster, stronger, and pain-free. Injury prevention is essential to the athlete focused on achieving his or her highest level of performance. Remaining injury-free can lead runners through a lifetime of roads and trails that offer fun, challenge, victory, camaraderie, solace, good health, good attitude, and, as some like to point out, the freedom to enjoy good food. Dr. Metzl's savvy, up-to-date book will take the reader on a heel-to-head tour of the specific kinetic chain involved in running and provide a friendly, accessible, and illustrated view of the muscles, bones, and joints used and impacted. He'll help runners define their kinetic style so that they are best equipped to adapt Metzl's injury-prevention advice to their running lifestyle.

Renowned running coach Budd Coates presents a revolutionary yet simple training method based on rhythmic breathing to help runners at all experience levels improve their performance, prevent injury, and experience the joy of running. Validating his method through a mix of accessible science, Eastern philosophy, and the experiences of test subjects, Coates shows readers how focusing on their breathing brings their minds and bodies into harmony and helps them run stronger, faster, and more comfortably.

Rhythmic breathing increases lung volume; improves awareness and control; helps prevent injury and side stitches; improves running for those with asthma; allows runners to quickly set a pace for quality training and racing; and helps athletes manage muscle cramps. This book reviews the basics of rhythmic breathing, teaching readers how to perform it while walking and, eventually, while running. Weeklong sample schedules from different programs shows readers how to apply the rhythmic breathing scale to any workout. Coates also touches on the importance of stretching, cross-training, and core training and provides detailed training plans and schedules.