I bought this book some years ago but did not end up reading any of it until just before my twelfth half marathon, the Critz Tybee Run, on 8 February 2010. I had just planned on reading the section preparing a participant in the week prior to the race. After I read that particular section--Chapter 12 Racing Strategies--I was hooked. I ended up reading the whole book and really benefiting from it.
What is commendable about the book is that it not only makes worthwhile recommendations for runners but it ALSO is very helpful for those of us, over 50's, who perhaps cannot quite run like we used to but still can walk very fast as fitness walkers perhaps even participate in racewalking. I have been racing since the mid 1990s but have never been able to run a whole race, yet I have been able to achieve racewalking speeds and have often placed in my age group. Chapter 6 Proper Walking and Running Form details not only proper running form and technique but also explains what is racewalking, what is proper racewalking form and technique and how racewalking drills can improve your form. For those who are even slower but STILL want to participate the author even has a section on proper fitness walking form and technique.
Unlike a previous reviewer I think that this book contains a LOT more information then what you could get out of just a reading a RUNNERS WORLD or WALKING magazine. That is NOT giving this book the proper credit it deserves. For instance, in addition to Chapter 6, particularly useful information was contained in Chapter 7 Warm-Up/Cool-Down and Flexibility Exercises, Chapter 8 Strength Training and Chapter 10 Training and Competition Nutrition for Runners and Walkers. I also particularly like Table 4.1 Dressing for Success:How to be Comfortable Whatever the Weather (recommending clothing choices for actual temperatures ranges) and Table 5.1 Commonly Diagnosed Injuries for Runners and Walkers (listing not only potential injuries with symptoms but recommendations for their prevention and treatment if they occur).
I was really impressed that the book was written by a registered dietitian with a Masters of Science in Kinesiology certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness instructor and ALSO an accomplished triathlete, duathlete and master runner. In part due to her suggetions, I was able to shave off two minutes in my last half-marathon. Although she primarily writes for newcomers to racing I think her suggestions can potentially be helpful to runners and walkers at ALL levels.
