Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

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13 of 17 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Learn how to stop hurting yourself., December 17, 2010 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) I am not a runner. I chose this book to improve my WALKING and stair climbing. I am about half way through and immediately began applying the suggested form changes and immediately my knees stopped hurting.

I have just bought 4 more copies to give as Christmas presents.

I am 63 years old and not an athlete.

If you are able to run, you should read this book.

If you are able to walk, you should read this book,

Learn how to stop hurting yourself.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all runners, March 5, 2011 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) Insightful, well researched, and will change everything you thought you knew about running, and running naturally...100% recommended, and hope the author will write a follow up... Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed, solid advice, March 14, 2011 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) This book really explains what happens with your body when you walk and run. It goes into different gait types, different types of feet, common foot irregularities, and running form drills, then sets out a sample training plan.

Thus far, I've only read this book, ChiRunning, and Born to Run. The last really isn't a "How-To" book, but it still contains quite a bit of information. ChiRunning has a pretty cover, but you really have to sift through all the explanations of "Chi" to get to the running bit, and even then, it describes a running motion that seems unnatural. From page 1, Natural Running gives sound science-based explanations for how to run. Succinct, to the point.

Disclaimer: Natural Running is written by the founder of Newton Shoes, but there are very few references to it here. Abshire doesn't suggest that his shoes are the only, or even the best way to run with a natural gait. He mentions the Nike Free somewhat disparagingly, saying that it still has a rather raised heel, but mentions that nearly every other company is developing shoes aimed at a more barefoot feel.

The book does argue against completely barefoot running as a main training method, especially on pavement and trails, saying that the risk of cuts and stress fractures is too high. It does, however, suggest running barefoot on grass and other natural surfaces. Here in the Boston area, where pretty much every block has broken glass, I want _some_ protection, darnit.

Nice to know those form exercises I learned back in high school track really do work!

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RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the last book you need to read, September 11, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I am a 150 lbs, 58 year old, 5K runner. I changed my running by reading Danny Dreyer's Chi Running, found my training method by David Holt's 10K & 5K Running, Training & Racing. These helped me a lot, but still I was not able to get the pleasure and comfort in my 4 weekly runs. Matt's book RUN gave me what I needed most; the real insight in running. It is definitely the last book I needed to read.
I recommend RUN for anybody running, she or he will attain the best understanding how to gain from pleasure, I did! My Long Slow Distance running is now taking significant less effort at the last 20% of it. The day after I do twice the normal distance of my hilltraining, I NEVER felt better! Thank you Matt for writing RUN.

Sean, "there is no run without a purpose"

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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars philosophy meets physiology meets neurophysiology, July 26, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I enjoy Matt's writing and his insights into different approaches to running. 'Run' looks at running as a brain driven and controlled activity. Matt combines the latest research in brain development with the 'coal face' action of coaches and elite athletes to provide a new approach to training. You essentially teach your brain that it's ok to run fast and to run far. Matt shows that it's brain activity that governs endurance and speed limits. He then takes you through the key research findings from the lab and also the training track to explain how and when the brain controls your running limits. But best of all, Matt provides the insights to enable you to find the best methods that work for you, to raise your performance - by working with the brain's physiology and how it likes to work best.

You won't find prescriptive training schedules but you will be able to develop, through your own intuition, the best training approach for you. Matt's book helps you do this.

Great book and an excellent read after Brain Training for Runners

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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A new approach that makes good sense, September 19, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I've been running off and on since high school but only within the last 5 years started to run long distances(marathon). Now in my 5th decade, and having completed 5 marathons in the last four years, I've been searching and experimenting with different approaches to "training up". Most of the books I've read have strict training programs that seem to just wear me out. So I find this book to be refreshingly different. Wow, I can actually go by how I feel rather than "got to get in that 20 miler today" or "got to meet my target of 55 miles this week". I now refer to my "adaptive" running schedule rather than "training" schedule. That's what it's really all about, adapting the body to new levels of running performance & not beating it up. I will use this approach in my quest to BQ this coming year.
Great insightful book with a lot of common sense once you understand the mind/body connection to running. Thanks Matt! Will buy two more copies for my running friends. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
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Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fixing Your Feet is a must Read, October 8, 2001 Fixing Your Feet is a must for any long or ultra-distance runner, hiker, triathlete or adventure racer. Your chances of successful training and racing will be greatly improved after having read Fixing your Feet.

John Vonhof's experience, research and work on preventive maintenance and treatment for foot problems has been a real gift for athletes and others who are on their feet for long periods of time in adverse conditions. In ultra distance running and adventure racing, it is often the feet that are the first to break down. John's work has provided us with a complete manual on proper foot care. This book has made it possible for so many long and ultra-distance athletes to be able to put in the high mileage needed to be able to complete long races without being disabled due to foot problems. So many an athlete can give credit to their training and racing successes to John for his work.

John discusses in detail, the steps needed to prevent foot problems and describes in laymen's terms how to treat foot problems that do occur. His explanation on the biomechanics of the foot is very easy to understand and clearly shows how your feet are prone to certain problems. He talks of hot spots, blisters, plantar fascitis, tendonitis and other common foot problems associated with shoe, boot and sock selection and proper fitting.

With ultra-endurance sports becoming so popular, John's work filled a huge void. I highly recommend this book to any athlete who spends much time on their feet.

Don Mann
Race Director for
The BEAST of the EAST
The Mega Dose
The Odyssey Double and Triple Iron
The Expedition British Virgin Island Adventure Race
and "Race to the Pole" (9000-mile race, Ecuador to the North Pole)

Don is a retired Navy SEAL and has competed in well over 1000 endurance competitions over the past 25 years.

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhof, August 6, 2004 No matter what your sport, if you use your feet for it, this is the book for you! John Vonhof's 3rd edition of "Fixing Your Feet" is the most comprehensive yet. All one has to do is look at the contents in the outline to know how well organized and informational it is. It's easy to find the supplies for foot care too because he has already done the research and lists the contact information.
It covers every aspect for foot care including blister prevention and treatment, types of types of socks, lubricants, shoe fit, biomechanics that can contribute to problems, foot injuries and so much more. Whether you are a runner, backpacker, adventure racer or weekend walker, this book covers it all.

Denise Jones
The Badwater Blister Queen

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for people who are on their feet., February 11, 2005 I heartily recommend you go to the library or a bookstore and find a copy of John Vonhof's fantastic book, "Fixing Your Feet." Anyone who hikes would find this book helpful. He talks about every product known to footcare, as well as techniques used by ultra trail runners, and eco-race runners, etc.
Try putting contractor grade (the cloth kind) duct tape on your heels before you hike. Other people have really good luck with vaseline on their feet before hiking or trail running. I use some stuff called Hydropel which works wonders. I bought four tubes for my PCT thruhike this year. I've had good success on my training hikes with it.

The bottom line is to remove the friction. Spenco Second Skin is another good product for this, but duct tape is a whole lot cheaper, if it works for you. Just like vaseline is a lot cheaper than Hydropel.

In "Fixing Your Feet" Vonhof talks about a gazillion different ways to tape up your feet as preventitive measures.

Also, tincture of Benzoin is used as a skin toughener. Some just use alcohol. At any rate there are two pages of products listed as skin tougheners in "Fixing Your Feet."

One last thing. Vonhof, who seems like a really nice guy based on e-mail contact I've had with him, publishes a free footcare e-zine each month. Anyone can subscribe to it, and past issues are archived. Go to;

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FixingYourFeetEzine/

I hope this helps, and that you get the problems taken care of so you can enjoy your trips. And if you really want to help your feet forget the 65 pound pack!

Happy Trails!

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Running Within: A Guide to Mastering the Body-Mind-Spirit: A Guide to Mastering the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection for Ultimate Training and Racing (Paperback) recently tagged "running"