Amazon.com
As good a primer as Running is, it takes a few moments to turn the sense of loss attending author Flo-Jo's premature death into one of celebration of her accomplishments. Running's triumphant cover and 16-page full-color photographic homage to one of track and field's most spectacular presences serve as bridges over this emotional gap, but, ultimately, it's Flo-Jo's own contagious passion and eagerness to share what she knows that kick this comprehensive, energetic, and entertaining guide into a truly fitting tribute.
Like a good coach, Flo-Jo works to inspire and never condescends; she helps you get started, spurs you on, and then sends you huffing and puffing on your way. She explains running's physiological and emotional benefits in detail (and those of walking, too, if you're so disposed); introduces you to shoes and equipment; and stresses the importance of safety and road etiquette, good nutrition, stretching, warming up and cooling down, and, most of all, making sure that regardless of your health or age to check first with a doctor before beginning any serious running program. With the basics in step, she shoots you into the fast lane with advanced training tips, injury maintenance and prevention advice, and racing suggestions (how to find, prepare for, and run them), from local 5Ks on flat courses to demanding international-scale marathons.
In the For Dummies tradition, she ends with a series of top 10 lists. Two of them, taken together, nicely capture the essence of Flo-Jo as hard-nosed competitor and elegant personality: More Than Ten Ways to Sharpen Your Mental Edge and Ten Beautiful Races. For Flo-Jo, victory and aesthetics were just two legs of the same race. --Jeff Silverman
From Library Journal
Fabled runner Griffith Joyner ("Flo-Jo") died in September 1998, in the midst of this book project, co-written with Hanc (The Essential Runner, LJ 3/1/94). In the familiar, attractive "...for Dummies" format, the usual subjects are covered: benefits, mechanics, motivation, shoes, nutrition, stretches, hill training, safety, weather, regimen, races (leading up to a marathon), injuries, cross-training, and weights. Photos of Flo-Jo enhance the section on techniques, stretches, and weights. Although the book is geared toward both sexes, one chapter addresses special concerns for women, children, and seniors. Overall, the authors have provided the tools beginning runners need while giving more advanced runners sound advice, too. The book is not gadget-happy, except for one superfluous section on cross-training equipment like stationary bicycles. An excellent purchase for both public and academic libraries. (Index and 16-page color photo tribute to Griffith Joyner not seen.)AKathryn Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, BC Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Running For Dummies is for everyone with a desire to run. If you’re a reforming couch potato, it helps ease you into a healthier lifestyle. If you have Olympic aspirations, take a look at different ways to improve your training. This easy-to-understand guide is also for those who want to: Lose weight Decrease blood pressure Live longer Relieve stress Boost creativity Find a fun way to exercise
Find dependable guidance for buying running shoes. Explore ways to maximize your training program. Discover the races you’ll enjoy running. Coauthored by the “World’s Fastest Woman” and World Record holder Florence (Flo-Jo) Griffith Joyner, Running For Dummies has world-class advice on these topics and many more: Nutrition and weight loss Hitting your stride Speed training Reaching your peak The day of the race Marathon training Identifying and treating injuries Cross-training and treadmill training Running for kids and seniors Run around the block or around town. Tired of pavement? Run through the woods. Keep track of your personal progress in handy running logs in the back of the book and enjoy full-color photos of Flo-Jo competing. Improve your health, feel good about yourself, and have fun! With several million runners on the road today, you’ll find a lot of company, encouragement, and friends benefiting from this healthy and fun activity.
From the Back Cover
You can make a difference. Buying this book contributes $1 to The Flo-Jo Memorial Community Empowerment Foundation. —See back cover for details "Running For Dummies is a great guide for the beginning runner. . . easy-to-understand information filled with insightful tips. It’s a must-read for the new runner." – Bill Hybl, President, United States Olympic Committee On Your Mark, Get Set . . . Run! Assess your goals and develop a running routine – for fun, fitness, or "race-day" competition Focus on your form – with expert tips and techniques Discover how to eat right and replenish your body after running Avoid injuries and stay in shape with simple strength training exercises Lace up with the best shoes, clothing, and running accessories Track your progress with a handy runner’s log You Can Make A Difference IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. will donate $1.00 from the sale of every copy of Running For Dummies® to The Flo-Jo Memorial Community Empowerment Foundation, which is committed to providing young people the support they need to achieve their goals and follow their dreams.
About the Author
Florence Griffith Joyner, the "World’s Fastest Woman," won three gold and one silver medal in track and field at the ’88 summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, in addition to a silver medal at the ’84 Games in Los Angeles. In 1989, she was voted "Most Outstanding Amateur Athlete in America" and was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995. John Hanc is a running and fitness columnist for Newday and contributes frequently to Runner’s World magazine. He is the author of The Essential Runner and The Essential Marathoner.
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