A Must Read for Beginner Runners

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A Must Read for Beginner Runners

By Cindy | August 16, 2007

No Need for Speed: A Beginner’s Guide to the Joy of Running by John “The Penguin” Bingham is an excellent book for anyone remotely thinking about running. I ran regularly before I had children. I enjoyed it but never gave much thought to the process or why I liked it. When I contemplated trying to run again, I was afraid that I would not be able to reach the potential of my “previous life.” Silly, yes. Uncommon? I don’t believe so. I think every Mom has that moment when she thinks back to the things she could do at one time.

John Bingham enlightens the reader with the possibilities of starting to run at any stage in one’s life. He was 43 years old when he took up running. The reason he continues to run today:

Running was pure. Running was simple. Running was as elemental as it could possibly be. I was all alone when I ran. There were no machines, gears, choices, decisions, and no excuses. I could go only as fast as I could go. I could go only as far as my feet would carry me.

He summed up in a few sentences how I felt. I enjoyed running because I was free. At the time, running allowed me to forget homework or being away from home. Now, I run even though I’m no where near the level of speed I was once. What’s so wonderful about running now is that there is no spit up, no toddler questions to answer, no cleaning dishes and doing laundry–a brief moment in time dedicated to my thoughts without interruption.

The book is divided into four parts: Inspiration, Perspiration, Dedication and Celebration. In inspiration, he discusses doubts, concerns and desires to figure out how to incorporate running into our lives. In perspiration, he focuses on the mechanics of the body and how to prepare the body for running. In dedication, he explains how to maintain running and how to adjust goals to be realistic and fulfilling. He concludes the book by removing the stigma of tracking failures or numbers and enjoying personal victories through running in the section, celebrations.

My favorite quote is “The best goals–the ones you’ll achieve–are the ones you can accomplish, revise and accomplish again.” From shoe selection and attire to training plans and injury prevention, John Bingham arms the beginner runner with a practical, motivational guide to make running a part of life rather than a dreaded workout option. He’s interwoven his personal journey into an informative, engaging read. I highly recommend reading No Need for Speed for anyone who’s considered running at any stage in life.

Go Workout Mom

A Journey in Fitness for Moms by a Mom

A Must Read for Beginner Runners

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