The Best Advice to Get Started - and Train for Any Distance

I could not decide between this book and the similarly-titled one by Claire Kowalski so I actually went to the bookstore and spent some time flipping through them both. They both seem very good and well-informed, but the Kowalski book is definitely geared more toward beginners (in tone, mostly, but also in content). I am looking to move from beginner to intermediate level running and found that this book fit my needs much better. This one I think is also good for beginners, but the Kowalski book has more of a motivational focus and this one concentrates more on striving for excellence in your running (racing, improving times, etc). It is really a book that can take you from the absolute, never jogged-before state to a marathon. The author's style is very accessible and easy to read, too. I read it cover to cover on a long flight and enjoyed it all the way through.

This book has gotten me motivated to think about running in another marathon. I ran in one about 6 years ago and trained with a team. I love to run but have never been too serious about it. This book has good information for people who are getting back into it. I bought the book because I wanted the marathon training plan in it, but found it to be so much more than that. I wasn't planning on reading the book cover to cover at first, but overall it has kept me interested to do just that.

Personally, I was quite disappointed in the content of this book. I was getting back into running after a several year hiatus and bought this book to inspire me to a new level of fitness. I found the information to be geared towards the beginner and quickly "outgrew" it.

the book is common sense and its reassuring to read that if it hurts, then stop (you're not soft)and that comparing yourself to those passing you is normal but unhelpful. Quite practical tips but bits seem out of date or trivial (seriously, does shaving rash qualify as a running injury?) good advice on how to choose shoes, how to start running etc.. but if you are already anything other than a complete beginner this book won't add a lot of value to you

I had a wonderful experience buying this fabulous book from the store. It arrived as promised and is definately the best book geared towards women for running. I have looked at a couple other books like this and they didn't even compare!

This book is full of useful information for female runners, especially beginners. It will take you from buying your first pair of shoes to running your first marathon. Well written and easy to read.