7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flies in the face of mainstream, April 7 2002
This review is from: Explosive Running: Using the Science of Kinesiology to Improve Your Performance (Paperback)
I have read this book... and am preparing to read it again.
I have read a lot on running, and have even taken a few courses, and then I read this book - what an eye opener! I quickly realized how biased some people that teach running courses are, and how little actual knowledge is out there on many of the topics that are introduced in this book. A couple of examples:
The section on barefoot running. This is the part of the book that the big shoe companies don't want you reading. I think that it's largely true, though most would have trouble believing, it - I think that the author has done an exceptional job of backing up his theories on this one. As soon as the snow melts, I will be unlacing my shoes for the first time ever ;-)
The book has a great deal of information pertaining to running stride. A lot of what I have learned revolves around the theory that you were born with a certain stride, and you should just "run like you run" - don't worry about your stride. Obviously (if you have an open mind) you can see through that garbage, and get "real" with your running. Tons of pictures to back this up (someone could argue that the quality of the photos used in the book are poor, but I think that they are sufficient, given that they are for illustration purposes - not wall hangings).
Stretching. Believe that most everyone who is stretching today isn't doing it properly, or could certainly be doing it better. The author gets into active stretching, versus passive stretching. Very mind altering stuff... with a lot of facts to back up why this is the way to do it. I have not incorporated these stretches into my training yet, but will be doing shortly (takes a bit of work to alter what I have learned over the years). At a seminar that I attended, I asked a physiotherapist about active stretching, and why they still push static stretches... she says that while active stretches are better, it's too difficult to learn or do correctly. Doesn't look that tough, but I will soon see ;-)
Bottom line... for the price, I don't know that you can find a better book out there. So ends my two cents.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
How serious do you want to get about your running?, Jun 27 2004
This review is from: Explosive Running: Using the Science of Kinesiology to Improve Your Performance (Paperback)
This book would be great for anyone who is serious about running and desires to find ways to increase performance. The sections that break down the actual mechanics of running are complicated, but I found them to be interesting. The sections on stretching and weightlifting exercises specifically for running are outstanding. The chapter on the effects shoes have on feet and the case for spending more time barefoot is also a highlight.
If you are a casual runner who is happy and not interested in making running a top priority in your life, then I would personally skip this book. If you are "into" running and seeking a deeper understanding of what the mechanics of the run are and how to improve your run, then I cannot see how this book would not help you.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!!, Sep 4 2001
This review is from: Explosive Running: Using the Science of Kinesiology to Improve Your Performance (Paperback)
This is not the usual book you find on running. I bought the book because I am battling with a foot injury and trying to learn all I can about running smarter to avoid injuries. This book is loaded with information about proper form, stretching, and strength training for RUNNERS. I have told many of my friends about the book and recommend it to anyone who wants to run smarter and not just better. Just the information about foot strike was worth the price of the book for me. I have been a heel striker for years. With the help of this book I now land on my mid-foot and have much greater posture when running.
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