406 replies to this topic

[Bellthorpe]

Love it. I'll Amazon a copy for myself.

[undercover brother]

knew you'd like it BT!
its in mary ryans for 30 bucks.
edit: oh yeah probably dont have one of those in bellthorpe.

Edited by undercover brother, 11 January 2009 - 04:18 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

Don't have any shops in Bellthorpe. And to think, I was in the big smoke (Woodford) just this very morning. Maybe they have a Mary Ryan's there. I must explore more of Woodford one day.

[slowmo]

undercover brother, on Jan 11 2009, 04:21 PM, said:

suckers

to continue this slight hijack of the thread with one more post...
UCB and BT, I think you both would enjoy Helen Garner's novel The Spare Room which is, in part, a tale of a woman in the final stages of cancer putting her faith in bogus therapies.  Beautifully written.

slowmo

[sunny1]

"The Brain that Changes Itself" 'Norman Doidge. Not a running book, but full of discoveries about how the brain works and how learning occurs ... so great for an understanding of motivation, ability and overcoming difficulties.

[slowmo]

sunny1, on Jan 14 2009, 01:01 PM, said:

"The Brain that Changes Itself" 'Norman Doidge. Not a running book, but full of discoveries about how the brain works and how learning occurs ... so great for an understanding of motivation, ability and overcoming difficulties.

Did you hear Norman Doidge on Radio National recently sunny ?
http://www.abc.net.a...008/2448972.htm

I was listening in the car on my way to a run and it was fascinating and entertaining. I found some bits very pertinent to running too.

slowmo

[orlando]

slowmo, on Jan 14 2009, 09:18 AM, said:

to continue this slight hijack of the thread with one more post...
UCB and BT, I think you both would enjoy Helen Garner's novel The Spare Room which is, in part, a tale of a woman in the final stages of cancer putting her faith in bogus therapies.  Beautifully written.

slowmo

Hijacking even further to second this suggestion.  Definitely one of the best books I read last year.

[sunny1]

slowmo, on Jan 14 2009, 12:52 PM, said:

Did you hear Norman Doidge on Radio National recently sunny ?
http://www.abc.net.a...008/2448972.htm

I was listening in the car on my way to a run and it was fascinating and entertaining. I found some bits very pertinent to running too.

slowmo

No I didn't! So thanks for the link.

[Paulawannabe]

For some good running reading, check out the book "not for gold, not for glory'. Its about Bannister, Landy & Wes Santee all trying to break the 4 minute mile - Landy should have been first except he was too loyal to Australia.
Also, dont forget the classics, ie Decastella on Running and the books by Percy Cerutty and of course, Ron Clarke.

[djh]

Martin Dugdale, on Sep 22 2008, 07:55 PM, said:

I have just finished " Once A Runner" by John L Parker.
and I rather enjoyed it

If you enjoyed "Once a Runner" try "Again to Carthage" - the long awaited sequel (in fact almost 40 years long awaited).  In this book Quenton Cassidy trains for and runs a marathon - I really enjoyed both books.

I have also enjoyed:

Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men's Cross-Country Team by Chris Lear  - this offers an insight into the university athletics programs over in the US

Feet in the Clouds: A Story of Fell Running and Obsession by Richard Askwith - an insight into the crazies over in the UK who do ultra "fell runs"

Edited by djh, 16 January 2009 - 04:34 PM.

[Long Arms]

Angeles Crest: A Memoir by Michael Modzelewski is a cracker. It is not only about racing a famous ultra trail event in the states, but about the mysteries of life

[AngelicOne]

I have just finished, The Barefoot Runner - The life of marathon champion Abebe Bikila, by Paul Rambali.

I can recommend this one as a top read ... the story of Abebe's life and also delves a little into the political issues of the day in Ethiopia.

An amazing runner.

[HillsAths1]

I have been reading Raelene Boyles book sometimes beaten never conquered. I am about half way through and it has been a great read, it is not all about her running, but also includes large sections about her battles with cancer. It also covers some of her many run ins with officials which makes for interesting reading.

[Eagle]

AngelicOne, on Jan 22 2009, 01:36 PM, said:

I have just finished, The Barefoot Runner - The life of marathon champion Abebe Bikila, by Paul Rambali.

I can recommend this one as a top read ... the story of Abebe's life and also delves a little into the political issues of the day in Ethiopia.

An amazing runner.

A good read and the insight into the politics is intersting. If you want more on the politics of African running read the book by Henry Rono - I assume it is an accurate account of what happened and not a biased version.

[langswm]

cakeboy, on Oct 16 2008, 02:29 PM, said:

Just finished Dean Karnazes book [b]"50 marathons in 50 days
If you are interested in the marathon, it's worth a read...... lots of good tips for first timers

Just finished it as well and would agree with Cakeboy's summary. I actually enjoyed it, in spite of Karnazes "hokey" style and if you can ignore most of the Karno-isms! It's actually a pretty impressive event that he completed, the Endurance 50, not only for the running, but also the logistics of getting to each state, mostly via Bus, each day. Lots of charity stuff as well, which can only be a good thing.

I know its not exactly de rigueur to be a fan of Karnazes on these Boards, but I counted at least three references to Coolrunning Aust throughout the book, as being a font of information for runners, so he cant be all bad!

This book wont change your life, but is definitely worth a read (especially on a long flight, where I read most of it!).

Edited by langswm, 13 February 2009 - 09:38 AM.

[tonedbutt]

I have just started John Bingham's "No Need For Speed".  As a slightly older, fatter, slower runner, his personal anecdotes really resonate with me and I like the way he sees running as an exercise of the brain and soul, not just the body.  I would recommend it to everyone, especially beginners and those lacking confidence in their abilities.

[Jimboy]

The Landy Era by Len Johnson,published by Melbourne Press.A great read.

[Ultraphil]

I've finally found my Hero - http://www.lulu.com/content/3521703


:-)


Phil

[tonedbutt]

I am now onto "One Step Beyond" by Chris Moon.  Pretty powerful stuff.

[gcchick]

I'm reading 'Brain Training For Runners' by Matt Fitzgerald at the moment. It was a bit dry   for the first few chapters, lots of talk about brain biology etc, but it's getting better. Will let you know how it goes..

Also read lately:
* Dean Karnazes 50 marathons in 50 days, and the Ultramarathon Man (the updated edition) - hadn't heard of him before. Read the 50/50 first and really enjoyed it. I've noticed he's not thought that highly of on here, however it was inspiring for me. I can only dream of being that fit one day! Didn't like the Ultramarathon Man as much though.

* Running with the Legends, Michael Sandrock: Each chapter was like a mini bio on a different runner. Inspirational, two-thumbs up.
* Daniel's Running Formula - didn't quite finish this one, as had to get it back to the library. But found it pretty helpful for technique etc.
* Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner, Kerre Woodham - A crack up! Definitely not for a serious runner, but for a newbie like me I found it really funny and encouraging. Highly recommend if you just want to read something on the lighter side of running, not so much about training tech etc
* Marathon Running For Mortals, John Bingham - Mix of tips for beginners and a few funny stories. Liked it. Definitely recommend

Gonna try to get my hands on 'Feet in the Clouds' after reading this board.  
Kath

[maryclaire]

not running related but I've just finished "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior".  It was an easy read, but I enjoyed a lot of the mixture between athleticism and philosophy, especially the notion of "unreasonable happiness".

[julz83]

maryclaire, on Apr 1 2009, 04:13 PM, said:

not running related but I've just finished "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior".  It was an easy read, but I enjoyed a lot of the mixture between athleticism and philosophy, especially the notion of "unreasonable happiness".

ah yes i read that a couple of books ago. thoroughly enjoyed it as well.

whilst on the topic of non-running related books im currently reading shantaram. i cant put it down and for me to say that (book snob-very choosy with my literature) it's a big call.
the only down side is that im trying to finish an assignment and it's currently my number one distraction.

[twosheds]

Marie Claire- can you explain the concept of "unreasonable happiness"  it sounds intriquing. I think I might "have" this sometimes- a bit like the opposite of depression - no matter what things are going wrong in my life I feel inexplicably happy and cheerful ( Im not always like this - but can be.)
A few years ago I was having a very difficult, worrying and stressful issue  with one of my kids. No matter how bad things got- i would wake up each morning and feel   surprisingly optimistic and sort of happy. I cannot explain why- but am eternally grateful that my body chose this response. It wasnt a conscious decision-just happened.
Is this waht wasmeant by "unreasonable happiness"?
twosheds

[maryclaire]

twosheds, on Apr 1 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

Marie Claire- can you explain the concept of "unreasonable happiness" it sounds intriquing. I think I might "have" this sometimes-

It sounds like you know more about it than me.  It's about living fully in the moment.  It has led me to another book that I am about to order on Amazon - The Miracle of Mindfulness

[dmnz]

Tim 2, on Aug 7 2008, 01:46 PM, said:

Hope its better than his first book which i would describe as a self glorification exercise (either that or an editor who thought that style of book would sell better than a more modest one).

And stevie we are insane, well some of us at least

Tim

This was my first running book, and I didnt know who he was.  
I thought Ultramarathon Man was good while 50 Marathons in 50 days was rather lame...

Edited by dmnz, 01 April 2009 - 08:03 PM.

[dmnz]

tonedbutt, on Oct 15 2008, 03:07 AM, said:

Also would like to hear about "ChiRunning" by Danny Dreyer if anyone has read it.  Thanks.

Just started it...it's good!  Everyone should own a copy.  

[dmnz]

maryclaire, on Apr 1 2009, 05:13 PM, said:

not running related but I've just finished "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior".  It was an easy read, but I enjoyed a lot of the mixture between athleticism and philosophy, especially the notion of "unreasonable happiness".

A great read for sure.  Good to see runners reading books that aren't about running!!!

You should check out The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho).

Yukio Mishima is also good although I'm yet to finish a complete book (I often have 5-10 books going at once).  Sun and Steel comes very highly recommended.


Anyone seen this available locally?
Self Massage for Athletes: Rich Poley

[julz83]

maryclaire, on Apr 1 2009, 07:43 PM, said:

It sounds like you know more about it than me.  It's about living fully in the moment.  It has led me to another book that I am about to order on Amazon - The Miracle of Mindfulness

forgive me if im going off on the wrong tangent maryclaire (already being aware of 'hijacking') but you might also like to check out eckhart tolle's ramblings, in particular the power of now. he touches on the concept of mindfulness and living in the moment etc etc.
also any of the dalai lamas writings make for interesting and informative reading. i dont align myself with any particular religion but i do closely embrace buddhist philosophy and try to utilise those ways within my own life. all very interesting stuff. i like that you can take as much or as little on board as you like.


dmnz- another vote for the alchemist. big fan of paulo coelho.

Edited by julz83, 01 April 2009 - 08:20 PM.

[dmnz]

julz83, on Apr 1 2009, 09:17 PM, said:

forgive me if im going off on the wrong tangent maryclaire (already being aware of 'hijacking') but you might also like to check out eckhart tolle's ramblings, in particular the power of now. he touches on the concept of mindfulness and living in the moment etc etc.

dmnz- another vote for the alchemist. big fan of paulo coelho.

i've been given a copy of 'the power of now' but i don't like explicitly preachy books...will get round to it one day.  i have a big library of climbing material but my non climbing section is growing...so far mostly zen/warrior books among other things, plus the odd cookbook and running book

julz and marieclaire, siddartha by hermann hesse is another good read. read it about 5 times back in 05/06?? when i was over in india.
any book that gets better the more you read it is always good.  

we should organise a book swap!

Edited by dmnz, 03 April 2009 - 07:35 PM.

[Didge]

Currently reading "I Run, Therefore I Am - NUTS!" by Bob Schwartz. Preview here.

If you're looking for something light-hearted, this is it. Sad thing is, I can relate to many of the things he says...

[dmnz]

Just finished reading Above the Clouds.
http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/0312269706

Looking to pass it on to someone who's keen.  Been given to me by a friend who told me to keep it circulating.

  You just pay the postage or can pick up off me if you're in Sydney.

[SpartaJen]

dmnz, on Apr 8 2009, 12:04 PM, said:

Just finished reading Above the Clouds.
http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/0312269706

Looking to pass it on to someone who's keen.  Been given to me by a friend who told me to keep it circulating.

  You just pay the postage or can pick up off me if you're in Sydney.

Pick me, pick me!

PM sent.

[gcchick]

Ned, on Aug 6 2008, 04:44 PM, said:

I'm looking for something new to read, not talking about training guides or anything but I found a few books on Amazon that I'm thinking of ordering - 'Running Through the Wall: Personal Encounters with the Ultramarathon' and 'The Extra Mile'. Am interested to hear if anyone can recommend any good books on running they have read. Thanks!

hmm what not to read! Just finished the 'Brain Training for Runners' book by Matt Fitzgerald. I'm really glad I picked this up at the library, cause if I paid for it I would have been really mad! The first few chapters weren't very interesting.   Mostly stuff on brain biology, which could have been great - but the writing style was so dull. Being in the health industry, this just didn't cut it for me.
There was some useful info on running form, with things like proprioceptive cues and technique drills. However you probably don't need to read a book about brain training to find that out. There were various exercises for warm-ups, stretching, and some strengthening routines with good photos but nothing life-changing.
The worst part (in my opinion) was that more than half of the book was programs (for 5k, 10k, half, and marathon). These were very similar to the Daniels ones, with the addition of some technique drills and cross training. I was hoping to get something more than 250+ pages of charts though.
After reading this one, I don't think I'd get any of his other books. I'm probably being a bit harsh here, but it's just my 2c!  

[rachinaus]

Didge, on Apr 8 2009, 10:22 AM, said:

Currently reading "I Run, Therefore I Am - NUTS!" by Bob Schwartz. Preview here.

If you're looking for something light-hearted, this is it. Sad thing is, I can relate to many of the things he says...

THe preview alone gave me a good laugh thanks - Could use something lighthearted

[Didge]

rachinaus, on Apr 8 2009, 04:20 PM, said:

THe preview alone gave me a good laugh thanks - Could use something lighthearted

Well, I highly recommend it. I haven't stopped laughing since I started reading it!!

[DontStop]

Just finished reading


The Runner's Literary Companion

edited by Garth Battista (Penguin). Essentially a collection of stories and poems about running. There's a fair few excerpts from novels that I otherwise wouldn't have come across - I'll try and get my hands on them. Runner's World (America) says that it "animates the spirit of running better than any other book". Dunno about that, but it's pretty good.

One of the excerpts is from a book titled "Long Road To Boston" by Bruce Tuckman... about a former Olympic swimmer who seeks redemption by running the Boston marathon. Surprisingly, he finds himself neck-and-neck with Bill Rogers... maybe a bit far fetched, but the description of the race itself, and the torment this guy is going through, is a wonderful piece of writing. I'm going to chase this book up for sure (probably out of print)

[tonedbutt]

I am just finishing "one Step Beyond" by Chris Moon.  A very interesting book on a number of levels, with running only really an underlying theme.  I wish he would write another one about his adventures subsequent to his first marathon.

Next in line is "the Gabriel Method" by Jon Gabriel.  It is not a running book at all but a weight loss program based on body biochemistry.

[dmnz]

Jen_runs, on Apr 8 2009, 12:52 PM, said:

Pick me, pick me!

PM sent.

Jen it's yours.

Also dug up a paperback copy of The Da Vinci Code if anyone wants that.  Same conditions.

[redbackrun]

this site has running books & dvds from amazon http://oztrailrunner.com/books_16.html

[mack]

An interesting australian book is 'All In My Stride'  which is about inspiration and getting through lifes disversities. It tells of the experiences of WA runner John Gilmor who went through the great depression, joined the army in WWII, became a POW in Changi then slave labour for the Japanese. Surviving various injuries he went on to break world records in various distances and in older age running a 2hr38 marathon age 60 etc.

More info here:

http://www.coolrunni.../1999e006.shtml

[maryclaire]

gcchick, on Apr 8 2009, 04:07 PM, said:

hmm what not to read! Just finished the 'Brain Training for Runners' book by Matt Fitzgerald. I'm really glad I picked this up at the library, cause if I paid for it I would have been really mad! The first few chapters weren't very interesting. Mostly stuff on brain biology, which could have been great - but the writing style was so dull. Being in the health industry, this just didn't cut it for me.
There was some useful info on running form, with things like proprioceptive cues and technique drills. However you probably don't need to read a book about brain training to find that out. There were various exercises for warm-ups, stretching, and some strengthening routines with good photos but nothing life-changing.
The worst part (in my opinion) was that more than half of the book was programs (for 5k, 10k, half, and marathon). These were very similar to the Daniels ones, with the addition of some technique drills and cross training. I was hoping to get something more than 250+ pages of charts though.
After reading this one, I don't think I'd get any of his other books. I'm probably being a bit harsh here, but it's just my 2c!

I actually loved this book and found it extremely helpful in my lead-up to my 1st marathon last year.  As a novice runner who wanted to read as much as I could about all aspects of training, I thought this book was useful.  I agree that it is similar to The Lore of Running - which I also give a huge thumbs up to.  So perhaps your comment that there is a lot of double-up is valid.  I do not come from a medical background, so perhaps that is why I was more open to it (or less likely to be disappointed).  I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of training philosophies.  The proprioceptive cues were probably the most beneficial tools for me.

[redbackrun]

just finished ron grant's 2 book. covered a lot of his around australia run again thou, includes simpson desert run & other long distance runs. not a bad read.

[Rico]

I'll be ordering Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  There have been some articles/extracts etc from it published here and there that I enjoyed reading.  I wish I could have it in paperback, but can't be bothered waiting a year or whatever it takes.

[pheidippides]

Recomended reading to all enthusiastic distance runners," Running to the limit" written by Jurg Wurz, the book is all about Paul Tergat"s running carreer,plus his preparation for various races. Pheidippides.

[slowmo]

Rico, on May 12 2009, 10:02 AM, said:

I'll be ordering Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  There have been some articles/extracts etc from it published here and there that I enjoyed reading.  I wish I could have it in paperback, but can't be bothered waiting a year or whatever it takes.

My copy arrived in the post yesterday, hot off the press.  Beware !  It's unputdownable

http://www.fishpond...._info/11727109/

slowmo

[grinners]

"Renegade - the lives and tales of M E Smith" an autobiography from the cynical lead singer UK group The Fall - very funny.

BTW - not a running book although he does mention a junior long jump record he may still hold (yeah right).

Edited by grinners, 20 May 2009 - 01:10 PM.

[Rico]

slowmo, on May 14 2009, 01:03 PM, said:

My copy arrived in the post yesterday, hot off the press.  Beware !  It's unputdownable

http://www.fishpond...._info/11727109/

slowmo

I just ordered it yesterday.

Anticipation+++

[redbackrun]

just started reading The Pat Farmer Story - Running on a Dream. so far so good. will leave comment when finished.

[mandaj]

redbackrun, on May 23 2009, 06:42 PM, said:

just started reading The Pat Farmer Story - Running on a Dream. so far so good. will leave comment when finished.

I didn't know he had written a book. A family member went out with him for a couple of years and I followed his running of the Sydney to Melbourne ultra and his runs across the US. At the time I didn't run and I always thought it was amazing what he achieved. Although, now I do run I think I'm even more impressed!

I bumped into him about 2 years ago at parliament house. He was still the same down to earth guy I knew many years ago.
I'll be going out tomorrow to get a copy of the book.

[redbackrun]

the Pat Farmer book i got from the local library. had to place a hold on it. 1st published in 2000 author Ian Eckersley. so may be out of print. covers his early days to Simpson desert rus & westfield ultras & around oz run. quite enjoyable read. came across as quite down to earth bloke. was shocked with a comment in the book that some critics thought Ron Grant's run around Australia record was "a soft record". i wouldn't think running around oz would be easy!

enjoy the book.
cheers
grant