Running is one of the most popular activities worldwide, and is an enjoyable and accessible way to get fit. To help you get started, this book provides practical advice on progressive walk/run routines, a six-week plan of running for fitness, and exercises to build up strength. It covers races of different distances, and includes some of the world's greatest races - from sprint and middle-distance racing to fast long-distance racing, marathons, off-road and ultrarunning, triathlons and adventure racing. Illustrated with over 550 photographs and illustrations, this expert book is essential reading for anyone who wants to run at any level.

This fantastic practical volume is the perfect way to find out how you can become a better runner, begin cycling, and improve your personal fitness. Designed to be accessible whatever your level of experience, the book guides you through the basics of each discipline, including warming up, nutrition and essential equipment, and provides individual training plans to build up your ability and even introduce you to competitions and races. The first section of the book is Running, which looks at the range of activities available, from gentle jogging to long-distance marathons. There are essential tips on basics such as pre-run stretching, avoiding injury and how to find the right clothing and shoes. Expert advice tells you how to get involved in local or national running clubs and events, how to prepare and what to do on the day. There are ideas for self-motivation, tactics, and a range of typical training schedules for all levels of experience. The Cycling section covers several different styles of bicycle, from road bikes for urban cycling to touring bikes for long trips, mountain bikes for thrill-seekers and sportives for competitive cycling races. Introductory chapters explain basic riding skills, safety and how to cycle for fitness, while chapters on riding for pleasure, fast-riding and road racing show you the many different ways you can explore the great outdoors from the saddle of your bike. The third section on Fitness Training offers takes you through cardio-vascular training, resistance training and exercises for improving flexibility and core stability. There is advice on the best equipment to use for your particular needs, detailed instructions on how to use it safely, efficiently and for optimum results, plus a series of workouts using weights, with dedicated exercises for different parts of the body. An important final chapter looks at nutrition and helps you to find the right foods to complement your fitness regime. Written by leading experts and illustrated with over 1350 stunning colour photographs, this practical reference is the perfect book for amateur runners, cyclists and trainers, as well as experienced practitioners looking to improve their technique and progress.

Running is one of the most popular activities worldwide, and is an enjoyable and accessible way to get fit. To help you get started, this book provides practical advice on progressive walk/run routines, a six-week plan of running for fitness, and exercises to build up strength. It covers races of different distances, and includes some of the world's greatest races - from sprint and middle-distance racing to fast long-distance racing, marathons, off-road and ultrarunning, triathlons and adventure racing. Illustrated with over 550 photographs and illustrations, this expert book is essential reading for anyone who wants to run at any level.

Everything you need to know about running for fitness and leisure, and training for sport and competition.One of the most popular activities worldwide, running provides an incredible feeling of achievement and offers an enjoyable and easily accessible way to get fit. You only need to don a pair of running shoes, and anyone can run at any time or anywhere. This superb new book is an ideal reference for both beginners and for established runners wishing to improve their technique and broaden their experience.The first part of the book provides practical advice, including all the basics from health checks to progressive walking and running programmes and basic exercises to build up strength. The second part of the book progresses to more advanced running for races of different distances, from 5K and 10K progressing to a marathon and triathlon. Practical information on running for competition is given, with training programmes and guidance on the appropriate food and exercise.

An A to Z resource on running including history, key figures, major events, and primary training theories and terms.

This "is the first ever complete guide for middle and distance runners ages 6 to 18 and their coaches and parents. It shows the proven formula of Mick Grant, which produced National Champions several years in a row from a group of ordinary local kids, near Mick's home in Northeast Massachusetts, who asked him to be their coach. The book lays out in detail how youth and teen athletes and their coaches or parents can take them to successively higher levels, year after year, after year, following the proven success of Mick's training program. What differentiates this program and this book from other programs and books is that it is a unique blend of building endurance and improving basic speed throughout the year, so that the athlete is much better next year than they are this year. The program uses a FUN FIRST approach, making sure the athlete is enjoying what they are doing, and staying healthy to allow consistent training. It is the first such book to cover every topic imaginable for the youth and teen middle/distance runner, jammed packed with over 225 pages of vital information. This book is a must read for all youth runners age 6 to 18, and anyone helping youth runners starting on the way to a life long enjoyment of running, and a successful running career, including youth runners, parents of youth runners, youth runner club coaches, and high school coaches. While this book is geared to youth runners, it is a valuable resource to all middle and distance runners and coaches, regardless of age or level, because the same basic principles apply to all middle and distances runners."--Page 4 of cover.