406 replies to this topic

[LongDistancePictures]

Bellthorpe, on Aug 14 2009, 02:24 PM, said:

I've just ordered Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard. The name seemed familiar, and I googled him. Lo and behold, he's a one-time poster on CoolRunning.

Have a look at his posts! This guy was indeed a valuable contributor, it's a pity he no longer hangs out here.

Why's he dropped the E off his surname d'you suppose (Livingstone on CR, Livingston on book jacket). There's a "Dr Livingstone I presume" joke in there to be had, if I could only make the effort.

Sue

[natkas]

I finished 50 Marathons 50 Days (Dean Karnazes) last week and I loved it.  I wasn't really a fan of Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

[LongDistancePictures]

I finally finished Running and Philosophy, edited by Michael Austin. I'm usually a very fast reader (if only it carried thru to my running ) but this took me a while. It's a collection of essays written by philosophers who are runners and the pleasure to be had from the book as a whole varies from writer to writer.

It's aimed at the running masses - I did one philosophy subject in first year of uni and thankfully didn't haven't to do any revision before starting the book. It's mostly very good fun and interesting, drawing on the key tenets of your biggies, philosophy-wise (Aristotle, Nietzsche, Sartre et al) and applying these ideas to distance running.

I learnt a bit about philosophy and a bit more about the human aspect of why we run. Not a gripping page-turner, but a thoughtful, sometimes amusing exploration of why we do the things we do.

I'm onto ChiRunning now. Reading much faster (and with better posture and allround improved biomechanical efficiency ).

Cheers everyone.

Sue

[BOD]

LongDistancePictures, on Aug 14 2009, 02:40 PM, said:

Why's he dropped the E off his surname d'you suppose (Livingstone on CR, Livingston on book jacket). There's a "Dr Livingstone I presume" joke in there to be had, if I could only make the effort.

Sue

Sue,

My copy arrived today. I ordered it through a site other than Amazon and it arrived complete with an"e" at the end of the author's name (and with a different runner on the cover).

It seems that only the America-distributed version is without the "e". Perhaps it is being held in an "e"-bay somewhere while the notoriously fussy U.S. Immigration Department gives it a clearance.

BT: Thanks for giving us the "heads up" on this book. [By the way, did you notice that Livingston(e) was a chiropractor in Australia for 20 years?]

[grimsey]

Just finished abook called PRE. The story of the great steve prefontaine.I was very lucky to meet with one of steve's running mates in sydney a couple of years ago at a skydiving meet.

[LongDistancePictures]

BOD, on Sep 2 2009, 10:05 PM, said:

Sue,

My copy arrived today. I ordered it through a site other than Amazon and it arrived complete with an"e" at the end of the author's name (and with a different runner on the cover).

It seems that only the America-distributed version is without the "e".

Obviously the 'e' in Livingstone has suffered the same fate as the 'u' in colour ... those damn Yankees just can't be arsed with any superfluous  vowels. Or should that be 'superfluus'?

[akaburnsy]

natkas, on Aug 15 2009, 01:24 PM, said:

I finished 50 Marathons 50 Days (Dean Karnazes) last week and I loved it.......

I also just 50 Marathons 50 Days and I really enjoyed it. The only part I didn't like is the fact that Dean seems a bit full of himself.

I recently read Born to Run. I loved this and found somewhat inspirational when I was trying to work out why I could run without pain.

I've just started Affluenza (not running related) which I've been meaning to read for a long time. It's turning out to be a good read from what I've read so far.

Stolen from wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affluenza):
"Proponents of the term consider that the prizing of endless increases in material wealth may lead to feelings of worthlessness and dissatisfaction rather than experiences of a 'better life', and that these symptoms may be usefully captured with the metaphor of a disease. They claim some or even many of those who become wealthy will find the economic success leaving them unfulfilled and hungry only for more wealth, finding that they are unable to get pleasure from the things they buy and that increasingly material things may come to dominate their time and thoughts to the detriment of personal relationships and to feelings of happiness. The condition is considered particularly acute amongst those with inherited wealth, who are often said to experience guilt, lack of purpose and dissolute behavior, as well as obsession with holding on to the wealth (John Levy's Coping with Inherited Wealth - see [2]). Proponents also note survey evidence that suggest that levels of happiness have not increased in the last 50 years of economic growth in the West."

[Phoenix]

natkas, on Aug 15 2009, 01:24 PM, said:

I finished 50 Marathons 50 Days (Dean Karnazes) last week and I loved it.  I wasn't really a fan of Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

Just started 50 Marathons 50 Days (Dean Karnazes) today and am loving it.  What a great father's day gift.

[SamSaint]

ive just finished born to run. its the best book ive read in years. and i read alot.

[walshy2]

ive just received Born to Run for Fathers day and based on the reviews am really looking forward to it

[BostonCalling]

Not a running book but a very topical title.  Was it her foot on the line?

http://www.betterwor...0446553662.aspx

[Phoenix]

Phoenix, on Sep 6 2009, 08:02 PM, said:

Just started 50 Marathons 50 Days (Dean Karnazes) today and am loving it.  What a great father's day gift.

Finished this.  Great read, but to me it seems his need to run is bordering on a psychological compulsion. I can't believe that after he finished the 50 marathons he basically ran back across America in his own!

[MF]

SamSaint, on Sep 6 2009, 08:22 PM, said:

ive just finished born to run. its the best book ive read in years. and i read alot.

Agreed, just finished it.  Awesome.

[MrD]

Having just been overseas, I've had some time to finally catch up on some reading. While away, I read one of the most brilliant running books Feet in the Cloudsby Richard Askwith.

This is primarily based on the history and development of Fell Running in and around the North West England. I went into the local bookshop in Keswick and wanting to know a little more bought this one. While there, I got to taste a small sample of what Fell running is all about, it certainly makes you respect athletes who put life and limb at risk hurtling down descents at sub 3 minute pace through mud, ice and slippery grass.

The book goes into a lot about the history and the pioneers and superstars of the day like Joss Naylor, Billy Bland and Bob Graham etc. It also explores the future of the sport in the litigious age we live in. It even dedicates a chapter to the development of shoes they wear for the gear junkies!

But above all, it is written beautifully, an easy, honest read. No hyperbole, exaggeration or bs. Just a brilliant read.

The other book I read was 'Born to Run'. This was a pile of crap and I'll address that in the thread about it!

[Spud]

MrD, on Sep 23 2009, 08:47 AM, said:

Having just been overseas, I've had some time to finally catch up on some reading. While away, I read one of the most brilliant running books Feet in the Cloudsby Richard Askwith.

Agreed MrD, one of the best reads about. So did you get a chance to sample some of the Bob Graham Round whilst there? oh and well done on the 100km.

[MrD]

Spud, on Sep 23 2009, 09:04 AM, said:

Agreed MrD, one of the best reads about. So did you get a chance to sample some of the Bob Graham Round whilst there? oh and well done on the 100km.

Hi Spud and thanks for your kind words.

Despite my aching legs, I could not resist sampling some Fell running, it was one thing I just had to tick off my list as you never know if the opportunity will ever present itself again! The morning after my run, there was an 'open to the public' up and down fell run over Latrigg. Not sure if this is part of the B.G round?

Certainly was an experience I loved, unfortunately the downs just killed my legs so I had to take a DNF after one lap...shhh

Tim2 was eyeing off the whole deal for a future trip, would love to give it a crack again sometime.

[Greg_Waite]

Here's ANOTHER new running book, must be something in the air... "from last to first" by Charlie Spedding

A real contender for best book of the year too. Who is Charlie Spedding you ask? Well I'm not spoiling the story by answering that one, but suffice to say he provides  A. a killer description of a classic marathon struggle (that's just chapter 1!)  B. some really careful explanations of the major training breakthroughs of recent year, and the mental side of preparation, which will lift anyone's understanding of training C. writes in a low key and very genuine style, while still being very motivational.

Hube picked up the copy I read while in the UK - I couldn't find it in Borders, and it may be self-distributed via his website http://www.charliespedding.com, which has online purchase.

This quote keeps ringing through my head after reading chapter 1:
“I was running as fast as I dared. Today was indeed the day” !! Wonderfully put...

Edited by Greg_Waite, 18 October 2009 - 11:57 AM.

[Jimboy]

Just finished reading Sonia O'Sullivan's biographyAutographed copy is easily obtainable on line at the Runners Tribe web site.
A great insight into the world of the truly elite runner scene,and also a great human story of an Irish lass who became a champion.A tremendous competitive record.

[Ultraphil]

Have recently read Lisa Tamati's book titled "Running Hot". Enjoyed it immensely.  Tells the story of her early days in the sport and doing the Desert Runs in Africa and then leads onto her first race at Badwater.  Good book!

[chilliman]

MrD, on Sep 23 2009, 09:47 AM, said:

While away, I read one of the most brilliant running books Feet in the Cloudsby Richard Askwith.

........  hurtling down descents at sub 3 minute pace through mud, ice and slippery grass.

Does sound like fun and a great read, will look out for it thanks MrD.

[MrUniqueName]

Apologies if anyone has mentioned this before, but if you're going to be buying books online, check out www.booko.com.au. Searches all different sites to find the best deal for us Aussies - has already saved me a bundle.

And no, I have no connection to the site at all, gain no benefit whatsoever if you use it or not blah blah blah.

Cheers,

Dave.

[grimsey]

With you jim just finished sonia's  book. Really enjoyed the read and its a little bit more special for me being irish. Also picked up an autographed copy from runners tribe. she is an absolute irish legend that was hard done by in her career by some very suspect runners.

[Bellthorpe]

Bellthorpe, on Aug 8 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

My least favourite is "Running Within". A touchy-feely metaphysical kind of book that leaves me completely cold. I'll give it away to the first person who PMs me asking for it.

The offer still stands. I can't get rid of this damn book!

[undercover brother]

can i ask who gave it to you BT?

[Bellthorpe]

Oh yeah, it was you! Oops, I forgot.

Or maybe it was SouthAustralian.

Nah, I don't recall.

[undercover brother]

whoever it was if it was a joke present...
it worked.

[chilliman]

undercover brother, on Nov 4 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

whoever it was if it was a joke present...
it worked.

Reminds me of my family having a stupid singing fish that we try to off-load to each other at get-togethers. Last time it turned up at my place it was sent home under the back seat of my sisters car, took her 8 months to find it.

Edit: It's currently in SA on last count.

Edited by chilliman, 04 November 2009 - 09:28 PM.

[speedykaz]

I would love to recommend a great new book especially for female runners (although would be a good read for any runner) called "Running Shoes are a Girl's Best Friend" by Margreet Dietz. It profiles 53 women runners from all walks of life and deals with their passion for running and what drives each of them. They are all ordinary and also extraordinary women that are profiled making it a great read. It is currently available as an e-book that you can download from www.booklocker.com.
and a free excerpt is available on the book's web page.

[Phanta]

I ordered Born to Run on the basis of the recommendations in this thread - and now must join the chorus! Great book - inspirational yet informative at times - couldn't put it down!

Edit - I've done two 10k races this weekend - one at the Corporate Games yesterday and one at the Olympic Dream this morning. Both have been far more enjoyable than any running I've done for months, and I'm crediting a lot of that to Born to Run. I've consciously changed the way I think during a race and now am enjoying the experience of being out there running (rather than thinking about work/family/life in the back of my mind while running). Staying in the moment and enjoying the sheer pleasure of running has made a big difference!

Edited by Phanta, 22 November 2009 - 11:35 AM.

[thomcat]

Ultraphil, on Nov 3 2009, 09:15 AM, said:

Have recently read Lisa Tamati's book titled "Running Hot". Enjoyed it immensely.  Tells the story of her early days in the sport and doing the Desert Runs in Africa and then leads onto her first race at Badwater.  Good book!

I second this!   Great read  and very motivational.  Currently following Lisa Tamati's latest adventure - 33 day run along the length of NZ.  Inspiring stuff!!

[maryclaire]

Have just returned from the bookstore where I bought "Running Hot" - can't wait to get into it.

[Eagle]

Not a new book but IMO a great read:

A Six Minute Mile

The story of a 40 year old mother who starts off with a dream to run a mile in under 6 minutes 12 months and her diary towards that goal. It was fascinating to read about her attempts at training and the continued improvement over the period. I won't tell you if she achieved it. It is only available second hand and worth the effort and the cost for some inspiring reading.

She starts from no running and wants to average 3.45 per k for 1.6k or the mile - or very close to that.

Edited by Eagle, 26 November 2009 - 08:43 PM.

[walshy2]

Eagle, on Nov 26 2009, 09:39 PM, said:

Not a new book but IMO a great read:

A Six Minute Mile

The story of a 40 year old mother who starts off with a dream to run a mile in under 6 minutes 12 months  

good to see another newbie setting a running goal

Edited by walshy2, 10 December 2009 - 07:27 PM.

[runninghappy]

Great thread! After reading Born To Run and then fnding this thread I got inspired, hit Amazon and ordered:

Feet In The Clouds
Women Who Run
I Run Therefore I am nuts
Running Through The Wall
The Extra Mile
Ultramarathon Man
50 Marathons In 50 Days

I loved most of the books. Born To Run was the most inspirational for me. Followed by Women Who Run and both of Dean Karnazes books. I didn't find Dean full of himself although many do. I like that he is confident and happy with who he is and what he does.

I liked The EXtra Mile by Pam Reed but felt that she spent a lot of page space explaining things that she has done that she feels she has been treated unfairly for. I finished the book thinking, 'ok, well she's put her side of several stories forward'. I guess I found it a little defensive.

Feet In The Clouds bored me. I'm not sure why. I read an average of 5 books per month and in my 30 odd years of reading it's the second DNF for me. I might pick it up again in the future. I basically am an emotional person, I don't think a lot through, just do as I feel which could be why I enjoyed Born To Run and not this book which is very facts and figures. Feet In The Clouds just didn't make me feel anything. Sorry!!!

I'm so pleased there is such a great range of books out there. As a sedentary person who loves to read they are a great source of inspiration to me. If I don't feel like going for a run I can read a chapter of Women Who Run and then I'm out there. It's great! xx

[runninghappy]

Linkspurr, on Aug 9 2008, 04:13 PM, said:

Anyway with my inspiration in mind I found a great website:  BetterWorld.com (http://www.BetterWorld.com/)

Thank you! I just used this site to order:

Running For My Life - $15.15
Lore Of Running - $5.98
Food Not Lawns - $18.00 (obviously not about running but I have more than one interest!)
The Perfect Mile - $7.28

With shipping this came to $78.49USD as opposed to $101.85 through Amazon! Awesome.

xx

[42junkie]

On the subject of good running books, I still have a number of copies of my "Running in Australia" available. It's a guide to where to go for a run in all our capital cities, complete with detailed maps. It would make a nice gift for the runner in your life, for visitors or just to give you fresh ideas where to run.

I'll take just a donation for the book, but you would have to cover the price of postage which is around $5. Send me a PM if interested.

[DiJ]

I recently joined the gym downstairs at work to do a couple of PT sessions per week for strengthening my core and the guy who is training me is a Kiwi and asked had I heard of Lisa Tamati.  I replied "No" and he starts telling me he was her trainer for the Badwater Marathon in 2008 & 2009, blimey what a small world.

So that night I jumped on her website then had to go out and buy her book.  A great read but honestly that woman is crazy and, from all accounts, a very bloody minded woman.  Well you'd have to be to have done all the stuff she had in her life.

[DontStop]

Read 'Bikila' the other week, by Tim Judah. If you're genuinely interested in Abebe's life story, then I'd recommend it. But given it was written many years after his death, and he was a very private man, it's pretty sketchy on the detail. By necessity, Judah spends just as much time on Bikila's coach, Onni Niskanen. Not a hugely rewarding read, to be honest. But nice to find out a little more about the enigmatic Ethiopian.

I've got on order from Amazon:

PRE

Running with the Buffaloes

Duel in the Sun, and

Bowerman and the Men of Oregon

It'll be a festival of US running at my place soon. Can't wait.

[natkas]

MrUniqueName, on Nov 3 2009, 05:32 PM, said:

Apologies if anyone has mentioned this before, but if you're going to be buying books online, check out www.booko.com.au. Searches all different sites to find the best deal for us Aussies - has already saved me a bundle.

And no, I have no connection to the site at all, gain no benefit whatsoever if you use it or not blah blah blah.

Cheers,

Dave.

Looks like a great site - especially since they also detail shipping costs - thanks!

[flat feet]

The Long Walk - The True Story of a Trek to Freedom, by Slavomir RAWICZ

Arrested in Poland in the early days of World War 2 tried in Russia shipped to the east to Camp 303 west of Yakutsk.  Escapses and treks overland south west south past Lake Baikul across Mongolia, China, Tibet, Nepal/Bhutan and ends in India.  Migrated to England married, had children and told his story in a English edition of this book in 1956 with the Polish edition not following until 1993.

A sobering reminder for someone born in 1961 of the enormous complexity and impact of W2 via one individuals story.  As both my first de facto and my wife (current) had fathers from Hungary and Ukraine respectively it provides a glimpse on the unseen war in eastern europe. My father in law was living in western Ukraine when the war broke out ended up as slave labour in southern Germany he left behind a four year old sister who he did not speak to for another 53 years waiting until the Iron Curtain fell!  Not concerned about the politics but I am fascinated by the human stories.

Now reading Raold Amudsens book South Pole /  The South Pole. Savouring that one by leaving it at my mother in laws to be read only every 4 or 6 weeks other wise I would consume it despite its lenght in one gluttonous read!  A very proficient and competent man.

Edited by flat feet, 07 February 2010 - 06:28 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

runninghappy, on Jan 23 2010, 09:47 PM, said:

Feet In The Clouds bored me. I'm not sure why. I read an average of 5 books per month and in my 30 odd years of reading it's the second DNF for me. I might pick it up again in the future. I basically am an emotional person, I don't think a lot through, just do as I feel which could be why I enjoyed Born To Run and not this book which is very facts and figures. Feet In The Clouds just didn't make me feel anything. Sorry!!!

Interesting. Feet in the Clouds is the only book I've ever read right through in a public library. I usually call in once a week, pick up a few computer magazines, Men's Health to see if I'm featured in any of their photo spreads, and a novel or two. Saw Feet in the Clouds, and sat down in a lounge chair to browse it to see if it was worth borrowing.

A captivating hour later, I'd finished it in its entirety.

[runninghappy]

Bellthorpe, on Feb 7 2010, 07:01 PM, said:

Interesting. Feet in the Clouds is the only book I've ever read right through in a public library. I usually call in once a week, pick up a few computer magazines, Men's Health to see if I'm featured in any of their photo spreads, and a novel or two. Saw Feet in the Clouds, and sat down in a lounge chair to browse it to see if it was worth borrowing.

A captivating hour later, I'd finished it in its entirety.

Wow... you must read fast. Have you studied speed reading? I started to but love reading so much I can't stand to. I feel the need to appreciate it. Although if I could speed read those boring legal tax forms....

xxoo

[Jasmine]

Recently read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  Not a bad read.  It's basically a book about an indian tribe located in Mexico called the Tarahumara and their incredible running abilities.

[charlieboy]

I read a great book years ago called Flanagan's Run by Tom McNab which is about a trans america footrace put on in the middle of the great depression. 80% of the field entered simple because they were guaranteed 3 meals a day. Some great characters (including Flanagan) and a fair bit of action (mafia bookmakers running over a frontrunner was unexpected). I see you can still buy it on Amazon.

[Rico]

I'm most of the way through Feet in the Clouds and it alternately bores and excites me.  

There are regular chapters that just describe race results for several pages "In the 1989 running of the whateverhill race a determined finish from Sharon saw her finish in 1 hour 26 minutes and 12 seconds, only 24 seconds off her bp set in 1986."

But I'm learning to see those chapters coming and skip them.

[natkas]

I'm half way through Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner by Kerre Woodham. An easy and entertaining read...not often that I'll laugh out loud while reading a book.  

Edited by natkas, 08 February 2010 - 09:26 PM.

[DontStop]

DontStop, on Feb 5 2010, 06:42 PM, said:

Read 'Bikila' the other week, by Tim Judah. If you're genuinely interested in Abebe's life story, then I'd recommend it. But given it was written many years after his death, and he was a very private man, it's pretty sketchy on the detail. By necessity, Judah spends just as much time on Bikila's coach, Onni Niskanen. Not a hugely rewarding read, to be honest. But nice to find out a little more about the enigmatic Ethiopian.

I've got on order from Amazon:

PRE

Running with the Buffaloes

Duel in the Sun, and

Bowerman and the Men of Oregon

It'll be a festival of US running at my place soon. Can't wait.

OK, finished Running with the Buffaloes and Duel in the Sun. I can RECOMMEND BOTH HIGHLY.

Duel in the Sun is based on the famous '82 Boston Marathon, which many have said is the best marathon race in history. Salazar and Beardsley smashed each other to pieces for the entire distance - neither man broke during the race, but as the story takes shape you realise that the race subsequently broke both of them.

As much a story about both their lives as the race itself. Written with insight, empathy and understanding.

Running with the Buffaloes is a chronicle of the 1998 season for the Men's XC team from the University of Colorado. A great story, and a great insight into the sort of training and racing these guys do. Anyone who's ever trained to make themselves stronger or faster will relate to this.

Pre is next up.

Edited by DontStop, 21 February 2010 - 08:12 PM.

[gingerfox]

I’m about ¾ of the way through “Running” by Jean Echenoz – a fictionalised account of Emil Zatopek’s life. So far it’s excellent, very highly recommended. The race scenes are particularly well done.
If anybody is tempted to order it online (it's very difficult to find in Australia) – beware that it’s very short (around 130 pages)

[Long Arms]

gingerfox, on Feb 22 2010, 10:26 PM, said:

I’m about ¾ of the way through “Running” by Jean Echenoz – a fictionalised account of Emil Zatopek’s life. So far it’s excellent, very highly recommended. The race scenes are particularly well done.
If anybody is tempted to order it online (it's very difficult to find in Australia) – beware that it’s very short (around 130 pages)

That is an excellent book. You would also enjoy Zatopek! Zatopek! Zatopek! by Bob Phillips. It is a non-fiction version of the life and times of the great Czech.

I have just finished reading JUGGERNAUTS- THE MAKING OF A RUNNER & A TEAM IN THE FIRST AMERICAN RUNNING BOOM. Very refreshing reading. A middle aged runner from 2009 has an extremely good recollection of his high school running days. He obviously was a very handy collector of newspapers and school newsletter clippings, plus used training diaries of his own and of his team mates from 35+ years ago. None of the kids who ran 80 mile+ weeks seemed to get overuse injuries and they were banging out some very quick times for high schoolers. No wonder the USA was close to being on top of the distance running world in the early 70s.

[Tony123]

Bellthorpe, on Aug 14 2009, 02:24 PM, said:

I've just ordered Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard. The name seemed familiar, and I googled him. Lo and behold, he's a one-time poster on CoolRunning.

Have a look at his posts! This guy was indeed a valuable contributor, it's a pity he no longer hangs out here.

I purchased Healthy Intelligent Training a couple of weeks ago.  I'm half way through it and its a great read.  It really helps explain Lydiards theories and training methods.  Hopefully by the end of the book I will understand it enough to apply the principles to my running.
I picked up the book from Melbourne Sports Books in Flinders St.  http://www.melbourne...tsbooks.com.au/