Owen Anderson (1) (1947–)

I have really been putting off writing this review. I have had this book sitting on my nightstand making me feel guilty for several weeks. I just couldn't bring myself to review it, for one simple reason....I didn't enjoy it.

I feel badly that I didn't like the book. I wanted to. I mean, I really really wanted to! I'm a runner! I love running! I even look forward to training and improving. Not only that, I'm a nurse... I love science! I really enjoy understanding the physical process of running. So, why didn't I like this book?

Simply put, it's too complicated. The information is thorough, science and training based, but never simplified to the point where I could access it easily. Reading through the chapters I found little that I, as an amateur, could easily put into my routine. I subscribe to both Runners World and Running Times. People familiar with those magazines will understand what I mean when I say this book is far more similar to Running Times than runners world. If you want to improve your 5k - Marathon time, there are many other books that are more accessible.

This book is for coaches and professional runners.… (meer)

A very comprehensive book that looks at pretty much all aspects of running from a scientific point of view. I'm not sure how relevant it would be to a runner who is just out for fun, but for coaches or serious athletes this book would be a must read.

Currently I'm out of the loop with a broken ankle so it was hard to read this book and not want to go out for a run... and while it covered running injuries in great depths, it doesn't talk at all about what happens when your injury occurs from another sport! ;)… (meer)

I have been winning quite a few fitness books lately and they vary widely with regards to quality... this is one of the better ones. As mentioned below, it provides a detailed overview with some great new techniques that I have begun implementing in my own workout routine. The only real drawback that I noted was it's length and breadth. It is almost too detailed; it is a bit daunting to open a book on running that is THIS long. I would recommend it to others though; you can always skim parts that are not as interesting to you!… (meer)