Running Reads ~ “Building Your Running Body”

I recently received a copy of Building Your Running Body by Pete Magill, Thomas Schwartz, and Melissa Breyer. I knew I had to check it out when the founder of Runner’s World said “This is the best running book ever.” I decided to check it out to see if I agreed! 😉 What I like about this book is that it applies to the beginning runner and the competitive runner. There is so much information contained in this 434 page book!

The book is broken down into 4 parts: Build Your Running Knowledge, Build Your Running Body–Components and Workouts, Build Your Running Program– Principles and Schedules, and Build Your Running Diet– Protein, Carbs, Calories, and Nutrition.

The first part of the book, Build Your Running Knowledge, covers your motivation for running, your running history, necessary running gear, and running terminology. After you are well-versed the running fundamentals, you move on to Part 2 which discusses musculature and connective tissue involved in running and how to strengthen your own. Part 2 also addresses other physiological systems like your nervous system, hormones, cardiovascular, etc. Part 3 is where the rubber meets the proverbial road. It’s the section that lays out how to build your own training schedule, recovery plans, injury prevention, and more. Lastly, Part 4 covers all things nutrition-related including weight loss and fueling for performance.

Things I love about this book include the fact that it’s like an encyclopedia for all things running. Pretty much anything you want to know about the physical act of running and starting a running program can be found in the book. It also has a TON of pictures. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to exercises, I need A LOT of pictures to help me make sure I’m doing things the right way! 😉 I also love the pacing information and charts in the back of the book. There is also a section that details exercises to do for the prevention of certain running-related injuries–super helpful! All in all, I think this is a great resource for any level of runner. I am quite confident that I will be referring to my copy of Building Your Running Body regularly!

30 Something Mother Runner received a copy of  “Build Your Running Body” for the purpose of this review. All opinions and writing are 100% my own.