Reading On The Run

By Cheryl McGinnis

There's still time to catch up on some summer reading that will provide insight and motivation for your training and racing.  The following books are a few of my favorites that I keep close at hand as references or motivators.

"Once A Runner" by John L. Parker, became a cult running classic because of its phenomenal popularity in the '70s.  It's an exquisitely written story - almost poetic - of one runner's experiences and how it affected his view of life: ". running to him was real, the way he did it the realest thing he knew. It was all joy and woe, hard as diamond; it made him weary beyond comprehension.  But it also made him free ." A quick read and a must for all runners.

Continuing with the golden oldies, the cover of "The Joy of Running" by Thaddeus Kostrubala, M.D., will make you smile or grimace.  The couple running in polyester jog-suits exemplifies the author's urging for Americans to lace up their "sneakers" and get on the road to a longer, happier life.  Though on the surface, the book seems outdated (Copyright 1976), it remains one that I recommend for its in-depth but personal examination of the physiological and psychological benefits of running. Both beginner and veteran runners will find value in this small but substantial book.

Pick up anything by sports psychologist James E. Loehr.  He served as editor of "Think Fast (Mental Toughness Training For Runners)," written by Joe Henderson.  This guide helps runners focus on mental toughness training techniques that are essential for reaching full potential.

Joan Benoit Samuelson provides a valuable resource for female runners of all levels with "Running for Women."  She captured the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Marathon, won the Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983 and currently serves as a consultant to Nike and a national lecturer.  As a champion and mother of two, Samuelson understands and addresses the unique strengths and concerns of female athletes.

"The Ultimate Guide To MARATHONS" by Dennis Craythorn and Rich Hanna details race information so precise that nothing is a surprise.  Marathons are ranked and each one rated on aspects such as course difficulty, beauty, race organization and crowd support. Whether you are seeking a fast course for a personal best time or looking for a way to combine racing with a vacation, this guide will help you plan.

A friend put me on to "Chi Running (A Revolutionary Approach To Effortless, Injury Free Running)" by Danny Dreyer.   Though at first I was a bit skeptical about the tie between t'ai chi, Pilates and running, I am now firmly convinced that this program offers principles that will reduce injuries and make your running effortless and joyful.

My latest find is "Athletic Body In Balance (Optimal Movement Skills and Conditioning for Performance)" by Gray Cook, a physical therapist and sports conditioning expert.   Cook shows how to identify and attack limiting factors, allowing athletes to realize their full potential.  He emphasizes that by strengthening the core, athletes will gain greater stamina and mobility.  Cook's method will "help you identify functional weaknesses, correct imbalances, and redefine specific movement skills ."  

For triathletes wanting to eliminate the boredom of repetitive lap swimming, I recommend "Total Immersion (The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster, and Easier)" by Terry Laughlin.  During the recoveries between sets, I recommend you stretch out with this guide to moving smoothly and efficiently through the water with less effort.  Laughlin can improve your swimming skills whether you are a competitive triathlete or a beginner.

"The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joe Friel is the most extensive training guide I have seen on the market.  Chapters are devoted to topics such as specific planning, racing, training, increasing endurance and the importance of rest. Whether you are a triathlete or just focus on one of the three disciplines, this book should be a part of your library.

Enjoy the remaining lazy days of summer and take enough time for yourself to curl up with a good book.   Reading one of these might get you on the road toward a faster race time, but most importantly, toward realizing greater joy while traveling that road.

Cheryl McGinnis has a B.A. in English from Centre College, where she served as communications associate, cross-country coach and sports information director.  Cheryl was Kentucky 's NCAA Woman of the Year (1993) and National Inspirational Athlete of the Year (1994).  She is a member of the 2004 USA Triathlon World Team and was named All-American in triathlon and duathlon (2003).  She is also a certified personal fitness specialist and spinning instructor and co-owner of RESOLUTIONS, a motivational company.  To contact Cheryl, call 228-0872 or email offrunnin@yahoo.com.