The beginning runner's handbook: The proven 13-week walk/run program [Paperback]

If you are an overweight or obese man or woman who has told yourself you are too out of shape and fat to run... get this book. It is one of the best things I ever did!

If you are too intimidated or fearful of injuring yourself since you are not quite sure "how" to begin running, this book spells it out AND gives you three 13 week programs to work with.

There is the Walk/Run program which works you up from running 30 seconds at a time, to running for 60 minutes straight at the end of the 13 weeks. For example, in week one...
You run for 0:30 seconds and then walk for 4:30... then you repeat this 6 times. The amount that you are running is so short, it is not even hard. This is the starting point, and it goes up weekly from there, but very gradually.

There is also a walking program. If you really cannot start the walk/run program, you can follow this program that will build you up to the walk/run program.

Finally, there is an Intermediate program. When you finish the walk/run program, you will feel like an athlete when you start this program! It will build you up to a longer running base and time. It is also useful if your spouse or mate is more advanced than you... you can use the walk/run program, and they can use the intermediate.

YOU CAN DO IT! I was so frustrated finding "beginner running books"... yeah, right. They consider a beginner to be someone that can already run 3 miles straight at a time! That is not a beginner in my book! My fastest run when I started was not even considered a run... I was "running" at 4 miles per hour (and that was exhausting!)! When I finally hit 5 mph on the treadmil, it was a landmark moment! This book can take you there, and beyond.

Stop wishing you were a runner, and begin today on a journey that will make you one in 13 weeks!

13 weeks from now, you WILL either still be WISHING, or you will be an ATHLETE! The choice is yours.

I bought the completely revised and updated version ISBN #1553650875 and have just started on the program...

Day one in the new version asks you to: run 1 minute walk for 2 minutes and repeat that formula 12 times!! I don't know about any other TRUE beginners (I ran 3 times, and walked the rest of the way, totally defeated :(... I found that above my capabilities at this point!

I was able to revise this formula from using the guidelines set by other reviewers (talking about the first printing I assume, before the revisions and updates), and did a 30 second run with a 4.5 minute walk and repeated 6 times the second day...much better, and I came home feeling so GOOD that I accomplished it.

I wish that they had not changed the program from the first edition...I would have appreciated the slower start (I am a TRUE beginner...I can walk for an hour straight, but when it comes to the running...I get VERY winded...PLUS, I am pushing a double jogger stroller...that doesn't help!!)

My advice is that if you are a TRUE beginner like I am, and need to start out slowly...go for the earlier version of the book...Perhaps they got feedback from readers that it wasn't challenging enough...but for me...I was frustrated thinking that I was a total failure on day 1.

Just my thoughts..I hope that it will help someone else in the same position.

Other than that...I LOVE the book, and am looking forward to becoming healthier and more active...the kids are enjoying the time outdoors as well. I still recommend the book whole heartedly, but wanted out of shape mommies like me to not be frustrated if they can't do it right away....be sure to modify and even repeat weeks until you feel you have accomplised it fully before moving up to the next level. It is important to not feel discouraged if you can't do it the first time out...at least you are out there, doing something...It will come!

I just bought the first printing through the marketplace sellers for a couple of bucks...maybe I can work up to the revised and updated version in a few weeks? I hope so.

BEST OF LUCK!!