Athletics Books

My review should probably be discounted because I know Katie, in fact the photo of her kicking the ball is one that I had taken for her. First about Katie, she is not the type of person to seek publicity for herself and she is an extremely honest person, integrity is important to her. I know her motive is to help young women (anyone for that matter) that have big dreams. I also know how hard the entire ordeal has been on her so I think writing the book was a bit of personal therapy for herself.

What I did not know when I bought the book was how well written it was. Katie has a journalism background and it showed as I thought she did a wonderful job of describing her roller coaster experiences. In fact I was a little surprised how well she weaved her story. To me her book told how people in leadership roles can mold an environment. Student athletes at CU are no more good or evil than student athletes at UNM, or anywhere else, but the leadership can make a difference when it comes to what behavior is accepted and prohibited. Leadership creates it's own sub-culture, and the book did a nice job of contrasting two very different sports sub-cultures.

Before my review, I've got several problems with the "statements" of the previous reviewer.

First, you didn't read the book. If have difficulty with such, please have someone help you with my comments.
Second, if you are to do a book review, you ARE supposed to read the book, not simply spew venom.
Third, I work in the justice system and am aware of the complexities of these types of cases. You obviously are stuck in some time warp where you expect women to follow your idea of set rules for reporting criminal acts, especially those of a sexual nature. Things are not as simple as your agenda indicates.

So let's talk about the book. It is a fine piece of writing. And it answered many behind the scenes questions I had about the situation in Colorado. I was especially interested to see how Ms. Hnida was attacked and smeared BEFORE the infamous press conference by Barnett. It seems to be a common thread in society- attack the victim if they dare speak out.

The book follows a clear path and story line about how Ms Hnida came to the university and tried to achieve her dreams, only to be assaulted verbally and physically. The despair she suffered was painful to read, as it is one seen so often in crime victims- whether it is a crime committed by a stranger or even a family member. It's been my experience that victims often are silent, afraid to speak out and often resort to destructive behaviors. She stayed strong. Then to read about her persistence to push forward was inspiring. The team and coaches of New Mexico who took Ms Hnida onto their squad are to be commended. I would hope their actions are the rule rather than the exception. I especially took offense about the "Texas" comments made by the Colorado coach, by the way.

I would recommend this book for all sports fans, parents, and would be athletes, especially young females. I hope other victims of violence find the courage to come forward. Ms Hnida is a true role model.

Before closing, a few more comments to the previous reviewer. Please read the book before commenting. Its called honesty,something you might learn from Ms Hnida.

And a correction of "facts". Ms. Hnida did not take a scholarship nor hold a scholarship from another player. She was a walk on. It is documented in the book from published news articles by Barnett, who called her the best kicker available in the list of potential walkons. And I'm still trying to figure out the "best friends" on the training staff comments. Players typically do not confide in non players, nor does the training staff participate or observe all that takes place on the field. And the rape took place in the off season. But then again, you would know that if you had read the book.

I find Ms Hnida far from being a "gutless coward". In the world of free speech, you are allowed to call people names like little kids do on the playground...... (even calling Neuheisel a "clown" was VERY mature).

Based on what I read, I'm sure Ms Hnida can handle your type. However, it is the other women who will still be uncomfortable and lack confidence in coming forward when attacked. You have tried to turn back the clock a few centuries. This book moves that clock forward. Kudos to the brave!

I first saw Katie Hnidea on television. Since I like books about women and sports, I knew I'd have to read this one. I must admit I was leery. So many stories of harassment fall into the "they done me wrong" whiny genre -- a boring waste of time. Remember Kelly Flinn, the USAF lieutenant who lost her career due to an adulterous affair? Her book did little to help her reputation; she came across as woefully naive.

But Still Kicking really is a football story. From the beginning, it's obvious that Katiei Hnidai is a real trooper. She just wanted to get on a Divison I team and play ball. She loved practices. She was a team player in every sense of the word. And she's used to being a winner: in high school, she played soccer and football, getting crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime, still wearing her shoulder pads.

Katie's a confident, strong woman. She describes growing up in a close, loving family, where her dreams were always supported. Living near Boulder, she wanted to play for U of Colorado. The head coach encouraged her but then took off for another job, leaving her to the not-so-tender mercies of a coach who would be fired following numerous allegations of rape and abuse associated with the players.

Katie really tried to fit in, but she was taken aback by insults, verbal abuse and what might delicately be called inappropriate touching. She came down with mononucleosis her freshman year and remained ill for a good part of her time in Colorado.

Eventually she ended up in New Mexico, a state where I used to live. She was fully accepted by the team and made friends there. She never became a starter and her time on the field was limited. But for a few all-too-brief years, she was an honest-to-goodness football player.

Without making an explicit statement, Katie lets us see how a coach's attitude can influence a team. Her Colorado coach wasn't crazy about women in general and Katie in particular. The New Mexico coach asked bluntly, "Why would there be a problem?" Players picked up their cues accordingly.

So what else could Still Kicking do?

Monday morning quarterbacking gets tricky, on and off the field. When the Colorado head coach left, it's easy to say, "She should have begun visiting other schools." Indeed, Katie considered talking to other universities. And she would have received a warm welcome. But she loved Colorado and didn't want to leave her home state.

As a career consultant, I've seen similar decisions in vastly different environments. "Go where you're wanted" should be the motto of every college applicant and career changer. In my own PhD program, one woman had turned down a generous fellowship to attend a program she felt was more prestigious -- like turning down a lower-ranked university to get a walk-on at a top Division I school. It's a risky strategy that rarely pays off.

But overall Katie comes across as solid and likeable, without an ounce of self-pity. She doesn't make excuses or waste time wishing her life had gone differently. She lets us glimpse life behind-the-scenes of a couple of college football teams, giving us the female perspective (I like her story of sharing a smelly weight room with a bunch of guys).

Perhaps because she's young, she delivers her story with a fresh, energetic, upbeat style that keeps the pages turning. I would have liked to see some more thoughtful discussion: "Looking back, I now see..." The first few chapters are cheery enough for a Walt Disney movie, broken only by her response to the Columbine High School tragedy.

But overall, I'm impressed with Katie's maturity. If she'd attended a university as a member of a women's basketball team, she'd have been guided with mentors. At U of Tennessee, each freshman gets assigned to a "big sister" on the team: it's like a big sorority. Katie had to forge her own path, keeping her own counsel. She was always "on." And she takes the experience in stride, performing like a pro.

Fans of women's sports and anyone interested in the role of women will want to read this book. At the very end we learn that about 2700 girls are playing on high school teams. Inevitably, some of them will sign up for college football.

That's reason enough to read Still Kicking.

This is the story of a woman who was the first female player on a Division I college football team. She achieved her dream of making the team at the University of Colorado, but she was nearly destroyed by the sexism, sexual harassment, and eventual sexual assault that she experienced in the now notorious Colorado football program. Hnida eventually transferred to the football program of Rocky Long at the University of New Mexico. In the supporting and accepting UNM football program she became the first woman to play and score in a Division I college football game. Her story not only describes the courageous struggle and triumph of a remarkable young woman, but also illustrates some of the very best, as well as some of the very worst, aspects of college football programs. The seemingly endless reports of coaches and schools condoning sexual harassment and covering up sexual assaults by college athletes can easily give the impression that all athletic programs are bastions of misogyny and sexual abuse. Hnida's description of Coach Long and her teammates at the University of New Mexico reminds us that this is not the case. Much to the contrary, their warm acceptance and unconditional support illustrate all that is good about college athletics.

Katie Inida's story of triumph over multiple adversities should inspire athletes of either sex and in any sport. It should also motivate university presidents and alumni groups to demand that their coaches and their athletic programs meet the standards set by Coach Long and the University of New Mexico.

THis is a story about a young lady who benefitted from a coach which allowed her on the team despite being the worst kicker on the team (I think his name was Neuheisal) and did not deserve to be there. She became a national figure with Gary Barnett's ill timed comments and then became a New Mexico media element. She obviously was not a good kicker as she was ONLY able to kick ONE extra point in seven years of Div 1 kicking.
The element that is disturbing is this: If in fact she was molested/raped, she has a CIVIL responsiblity to identify WHO, WHEN, HOW and prosecute the assailant. That would require a court case and potentially ruin her story if in fact it was proven to NOT BE TRUE. In today's society..we all have a responsiblity to report crimes.

This young lady never did anything to speak of in football and should not even have been there. When will men be able to try out for Field Hockey? Why is there a dual standard? Men cannot try out for womens sports; why is the reverse admissable/? Save your $$$ and buy Buffaloed. It is a much better read.

This is a solid, yet brief, introduction to long distance running. Their are good training programs inside for all distances from 5k to ultra-marathon. The focus of the training guides is more on time than on distance.

Another good book for those interested in long distance is the Non-runner's guide to marathon trainer. Good mental tips to keep yourself going.

I agree with the previous reviewers. This is a good book for us newbies. I learned about shoes, diet, and, most important, got a nice overview of a program to help me begin running and perhaps work towards loftier goals. I think it only took me an hour or so to get through this yet the example running plans to me are what I'll remember the most.

I am not so sure I would say buy this book since you skim it more than read it. I happened to see it in my local library. I am going to run copies of the training recomendations though. Great information, yes, but worth spending the money when I can run copies of the few pages I got the most out of? Maybe better to save my $$ for a more advanced book (if and when I get there).

I have been following 2 of the 6 training programmes in this book. The Level 1 programme is ideal for novices who are looking to get into running. Following the Level 2 programme I ran a 5k race within 6 weeks of starting training and was surprised at how well I did. After a one year hiatus from running due to an unrelated injury, I am looking forward to entering my 2nd 5k race in a few weeks. If you follow the training programmes in this book you will get excellent results.

Besides, the training programmes the book is filled with tips that go into as much detail as necessary for a novice runner. Topics include, diet, clothing and injuries. I feel that the upper level programmes lack the detail of those in the lower level.

I liked the training plans on this book. Personally, tables are easier to skim through than text or anecdotes. Plus it's a thin book and easy to carry around. Daniel's Book had a lot of stuff that overwhelmed me. This is truly a good beginner's guide because unlike other beginner books that just go on and on about how to choose the right shoe or what to wear or how life changing running can be...it gives you training tables. Something I'd like to know after I finally have the shoes. Unlike more advanced books...it doesn't talk about Lactate Tresholds, or give me instructions like run at 10K pace, VO2 Max.

If you don't like a lot of fluff, and you want to run a 1/2 or full marathon, I'd recommend this book. It covers the basics, a variety of training schedules (depending on your current level), and answers questions that new marathoner might have. It was a great reference for me as I trained for my first 1/2 marathon.

I've only been running for about a year, and I was afraid this book would be too technical, or too focused on competitive/marathon runners. But I've gone through this book with a highlighter time and time again finding helpful tips to make running safer, healthier, and more fun. It's a keeper!

I am a triathlete, and as such I am always searching for ways to increase both my endurance and my enjoyment of excersize. Joe Henderson, not only makes reading about running fun but offers some unique and worthwhile suggestions for even the serious athlete.

Hey if it isn't still fun to run then read this book and follow his advice. Before long you will wonder why did not think to make these changes earlier and save yourself some unproductive pain.

Also, many of these lessons transfer nicely into other sports so do not be afraid to try them out.

Like the other reviewers, I loved this book. It will keep you interested in running for a long time to come. Henderson makes sense.

But I want to make sure that serious runners know what the book is really about. It's not a book about developing a competitive edge--at least not in the normal sense. It's not about living on the edge--in terms of high mileage training. It's about not falling off the edge--that is, staying healthy and interested in running over the long haul.

As much as I loved the book, I couldn't give it 5 stars because right now I'm in the competitive mode, determined to qualify and run the Boston Marathon. I need more tough training right now than Henderson promotes.

Once I run Boston, I'll come back to this book and love it more than ever.

I had been running on and off for years. Injuries here and there and lack of motivation prevented me from attaining any consistency. Late 1996 I decided to run the Chicage Marathon in the fall of 1997, consequently shortly before my 40th birthday. Trying to prove to everyone and myself that I am not really aging. That even though I'm 40, I feel 25. Who am I kidding! I decided that I would become knowldegable on the topic and searched for running books on the amazon.com site. Joe's book came up in the list. I had heard about him in Runners World magazine so I decided to try the book. It totally changed my view of running. Run for FUN!! Run for your health not against your health. So many great tips on how to run but also a wealth of thoughts that changed my mindset that has allowed me to get past the boredom. I love each and every run and look forward to them with a new enthusiasm that I never had before. This book was a great investment in my future health. I will be a runner for life

This isn't it what it says. It's mostly reprints of Henderson's columns from Runner's World and other periodicals. As such, it's a good picture of his outlook, warts and all. Unfortunately, it's not as cohesive a perspective as it would be if it were a complete work. Henderson contradicts himself several times, and gives some genuinely bad advice, like training for marathons by running no more than half the distance (even he admits to barely finishing with this approach -- imagine what it would do to a novice!), and drinking soda or sugar water during endurance runs (this can be downright dangerous).

What good information there is to be had here is mostly quoted from Sheehan, Galloway, and others. This gives a good overview of some of the primary sources, but it's marred by Henderson's inconsistency and his obvious ego.

TJ and LJ were my specialties in high school and college, and I have been an avid technical student of the TJ and LJ events for over 20 years, as both an athlete and a coach. The Complete Book of Jumps is a book that I wish I would have found long ago. It's far and away the best text I've found on the subject of jumps.

This excellent book breaks down all phases of the jumps, ie: long jump, high jump, triple jump, and pole vault. The book discusses the science and technique of many successful jumpers throughout the world and breaks down each phase of the jump. There is also great training and conditioning information as well.

the book did not explain it clarel

Not only was this book easy to understand, but I went from "no 20 foot long jumpers" to having three that went over 21 feet. Great stuff on periodization. Easy to understand and easy to implement.

I was happily suprised by this book. I'm used to seeing general track and field books or "specialized" books that are nothing of the sort. This book, however, is wonderful. It covers all aspects of the long, triple, high and pole vault jumping events, form the first training day to the approach to the landing to the last day of season. In fact, it gives a comprehensive training plan for the whole year. Plus, "The Complete Book of Jumps" gives really good, clear explanation, complete with illustrations, of each of the jumps. It's definitely worth the money and the read, even for half the information it has!

I'm only 1/2 way through, and I like the book. I graduated from Bama in 1990 and appreciate the historical facts I was not aware of before. I don't find the writing great, but I am accustomed to reading different types of books. I find Eli repeats himself with facts during several chapters which kind of bothers me, but it may not bother some. It still gives some awesome stats and figures I was never aware of before. My favorite Alabama book will always be Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John; this book I could not put down, but it's an entirely different kind of novel. St. John's is more entertaiment; Eli's is more historical. I think either would be enjoyed by anyone that loves to yell "ROLL TIDE ROLL" when the team kicks off. Let's hope for a better season next year........

Eli Gold, the voice of NASCAR and University of Alabama football, came to radio via his humble roots in Brooklyn, NY. How he did, and how he became such an integral part of the Alabama family, are an interesting sidebar to a larger story that Gold weaves--a rich tapestry of football, culture, and camraderie.

Gold has done his homework, but this book doesn't get bogged down in the arcane. It's simply a warm, broad overview of Alabama football history, including some of the key coaches, players, games, characters, broadcasters, locations and moments that make Alabama football such a national treasure.

One of the strengths of the book is that Gold writes like he talks--you can really "hear" him as you read, which is a good thing, given that Gold is one of our nation's finest sportscasters. He is also gracious, and goes out of his way to honor his colleagues and predecessors in the broadcast booth. His descriptions are colorful and accurate...and always interesting.

This is an excellent book; a must for any Alabama fan, but also enjoyable for fans of sports everywhere.

As a life-long Alabama fan, I was excited to read Eli Gold's new book on the Crimson Tide. Written in typical Eli Gold style, the book was an easy read that makes you feel you're sitting around a table with other Bama fans talking about and reliving the great moments in Alabma football history. The chapters on former UA President George H. Denny, Wallace Wade, Harry Gilmer, Don Hutson and Frank Thomas were really good and informative, but the stories in the chapters on Joe Namath, Pat Trammell, Kenny Stabler, etc. really offered no new insights and would be well-known by old-timers like myself. Overall, it is still a good book and would make a great read for any Alabama fan

When Eli Gold took over as the play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide radio broadcasts, I was initially put off by his high-pitched voice. After decades of classical callers like John Forney, Paul Kennedy, and Doug Layton, Gold sounded downright shrill. But he has grown on me over time - and his voice sure cuts through the din of a crowd!

Eli has had sports connections within the state for years and it certainly shows in this volume. There are anecdotes to spare. Honestly, many of the stories are well-worn to old-timers like me. But if you're a relative newcomer, if you're making your first Tide-related book purchase, or if you grew up in the 1960s and '70s and simply love to relive the days of perfection (sigh), you can't go wrong with this one.

If you are a big alabama fan like I am then you will like this book. It is simple and well written and gives a brief and short history of some of the teams. It majors on the late great "Bear" but over-all is a very enjoyable book. Michael Beck- Florence, Alabama

The Last Goode is an enjoyable mystery novel that will keep you interested all the way through. And I would recomend it to all mystery novel lovers.

This book is a pretty good book. It was based on a true unsolved case. As you find out when you read the book, Stacy Davis, a girl everyone thought was perfect, was Marty's baby-sitter. When she screamed her final words Marty thought he should have done something, instead he hid under his bed. He always thought he should have done something.
As the story progresses, Marty finds out that Stacy was into drugs. He also finds out that O.C., Stacy's boyfriend, got Stacy pregnant. For more about the book, read it yourself. If you're into sports or mystery or both, I highly recommend you read this.

...Marty was four when Stacy was kidnapped and thought to be killed and ever since then he had nightmares and felt guilty that if he would have done something it wouldn't have happen. Now that he is older and a track star at Southwestern High he wants to find out what Stacy meant when she screamed, "No!! No, Jesus!!! No!..Tsee!...Hurt!" He wants to find out who took Stacy away from him and why.

The characters in this story were all realistic, stupid, and funny. Marty was a normal teenager who was a great track runner. Stacy, later in the story you find out that she had gotten into drugs and sex. People thought of Stacy as little miss perfect but no one really knew her. Harper was one of Marty's friends and he was also a great track runner and showed some jealousies toward Marty because he always took first.
The author used daily language that made it sound like teenager were the ones talking. He used some bad words and big words which made the story flow and easy to read. The length of the story is about right not to short and not to long.
The story gives a lot key points to make you finish the story and find out what had happen what was going on with Stacy. The conflict seemed real.

This book was pretty good book. Its one of those books that you have to finish because you have to know what happen to Stacy. It was realistic and talked about real life situation and what can happen to in those situations. I recommend this book for teenagers that enjoy reading and like sports and mystery.

The last goodie is about a track star,Stacy who was kidnaped and never seen again. While she was babysitting Marty, her nieghbor. Now marty is the current track star when some new information about Stacy's disaperance is found.A note was found from a friend saying she had a hidden diary in her old house. This diary contains the information to find the kidnaper. Plus Marty's friend is beating him on the track. while tring to be the last goodie and finding out what happend to stacy, this book will keeep you guessing until the last page.
Marty is a track star goodie on his coach's last season following in his babysiters foot prints. Looking for information that will help explain to him what happened to Stacy
This is a great book and i think everyone needs to read it. It'll keeep you guessing until the last page.

Marty Oliver, a runner on his high school track, has been frequented by thoughts of a tragedy that happened when he was five years old. His babysitter, Stacy Davis, was kidnapped! When he heard Stacy scream, he hid under his bed and fell asleep. When his parents came home and found him, they asked him to tell the police everything he remembered. Over the years, Marty had nightmares about what happened. His father would record everything he said on a tape recorder. When Marty listened to the tapes, memories were pulled up from the deepest place in his heart. Marty's mother had never liked the tapes, or the fact that Marty never let go of that night. Marty's coach had also been Stacy's coach, and she was the best on the team until something strange happened. So naturally, anything having to do with her disappearance was a concern of her coach. The police soon started helping Marty in finding Stacy's kidnapper. Once they gathered all their clues, they put a plan into action.

This book kept me interested and I never wanted to put it down. Sometimes I would be reading until late at night. I love mystery stories. The main reason why I liked this specific book was because the characters work together. They devised a plan and did something about a kidnapping that happened over ten years before. It took a teen-aged boy to dig up and solve a mystery that had been forgotten for years. You get to hear Marty's thoughts and that helps you determine who did what and why they did it. You can take Marty's point of view and change it around to fit the image of your mind. The Last Goodie is an excellent mystery story.

I love Paul Tergat. The excerpts in the book that are attributed to Tergat are very good. The photos put together an inspiring story about an interesting man.

But the parts of the book written by Wirz are rife with spelling and grammatical errors. Worse, Wirz is whiny and focuses too heavily on Tergat's losses. The book has one excuse after another. The worst is when he discusses Tergat's rival Gebrselassie's chances in the marathon. He says that Gebrselassie's bouncing style is made for artificial tracks and will not make it in the marathon. Gebrselassie has already had a decent amount of success in the marathon, running 2:05 in Japan last year. Tergat would never say something unsportsmanlike about Gebrselassie, but it comes across like Tergat sanctioned this whiny accusation.

Again, the parts of the book that are in Tergat's words are great. And the pictures, especially the pictures of his post-World Record celebration in Kenya, as well as the one of Tergat's father presenting a goat to his coach, make the book a worthy buy. Too bad a better author didn't write it.

This is part bio; part running manual and more. On November 6th, 2005 Paul Tergat won the New York Marathon over the reigning champion from South Africa, Hendrick Ramaal and it could hardly have been closer. Some friends of mine were saying, the second guy lost the race still; I thought, hmmmn, what does one say to that? But I am reading this book, chapter 5 speaks of Tergats "eternal" battles with another reknown runner, Haile Gebrsellassie, stating that Paul lost by only a nine hundredth of a second against the Ethiopian at Sydney 2000 and it certainly put that discussion in perspective.

I really, got carried off on a tangent there, but this book does discuss many details such as that; it is jammed with photos of Tergat and those usually carry his indelible smile and when I say jammed with photos I mean there must be at least a hundred on a conservative estimate. The book in some ways, is like reading a magazine article complete with photos except this article is over some 200 pages.

The book also details some of the training regimens of Kenyan runners complete with schedules and here, I believe some clarification is needed. It is indeed, learning to run the "Kenyan" style. Though, I would not consider myself a real real runner and certainly not a marathon runner which this book seems to emphasize, I can compare it though with the numerous books out there on how to run, how to prepare for a marathon, 10k, etc. and it treats the subject very well. I do not know the book "The greatest" on Gebrselassie but another track book to which is compares favorably too, is by US standout Michael Johnson "Slaying the dragon." In fact, what I would like about this Tergat book, is that it is printed on a paper similar to your standard magazine, slick paper and includes the photographs in color. Though the book is by Swiss journalist Jung Wirz, included are many paragraphs verbatim from Tergat on running, training and even on life and his life growing up. I did a double-look to see if he was listed as a co-author because really, it is very close. These quotations of Paul's are always in blue. A very well done book.

Tributes to Tergat, his endeavors such as publishing the magazine, "Athlete" a Kenyan track magazine, discussions of his doctor Rosa etc. makes this book very complete.

However I once met some Kenyan runners, training in a "high altitude" location. The book mentions the diets of Kenyan runners and to me is almost worthy of purchasing on that basis alone because of their graces, they allowed me to dine with them a few times and that is priceless? I was generally aware of their diet, but had some questions. Mursiik is sour milk, maziwa lala is a fermented milk. The runners I met, always had buttermilk. Perhaps there is a slight difference. The book does not call it buttermilk, but as to my own thoughts, I wonder if these are one and the same? At times, in this book, I do wonder, if the Swiss writer, Wirz always uses the most appropriate English translations but it does not stand in the way. It is probably correct in fact. Kenyans in the US will eat spinach but the related plant back in Kenya may be slightly different and has the name Sukuma Wiki.

Tiny details I have singled out, is why this book is also very fascinating to read just in order to get a background on Kenya and its culture. Yes, surely, a "Wazungu" like me and many others would appreciate this book.

This book is truly fantastic , it is well laid out and gives alot of infomation on the way Kenyans eat , sleep and train etc .. Also it has alot of infomation about the life of Paul tergat and he includes numerous numbers of hints and tips for the beginning runner and the elite but I belive the best part of this book are the illusrations . The illustrations are truly amazing nearly every page of second page there are coloured "good quality" pictures of really interesting things . This is a book that you would expect to pay well over $25 for because the printing is just done to perfection . I highly recommend this book for any one who is interested in running . It is truly the best running book I have ever come across(and I own alot of running books)
So if you want a big bang for your buck go the "Kenyan Way" and purchuse RUNNING TO THE LIMIT .

Paul Tergat's life was pretty cool. It was a good book and if you like stories about winners, this one is for you. He had an awesome running career.

I thought this book was a nice bio of Tergat with lots of nice photos. I wish there was a series with all my favorite runners! The writing is not the greatest, but it's readable and interesting. Plenty of quotes from Tergat.

I loved this book. This book represents the end of an era. When female fitness competitors still looked like women. Its really sad that as womens fitness has evolved hyper-muscularity and super ripped conditioning has become the standard.
All the photos are black and white and I love that about this book. Models like Mia Finnegan, Monica Brant, April Moore, Carol Semple, Ahmo Height, Sharon Bruneau ....most of them long gone from the fitness biz. If you miss the era when womens fitness emerged to try to salvage what was left of the few female physique fans still around you will really enjoy this book. The photos are mostly nudes or with minimal cover like gauze and the like.....
I thought this was infinitely better than Bill Dobbins "The Women."

Excellent book with artistic pictures of beautiful women. The text is a little sugary but the pictures more than make up for it. My biggest moan is that the book wasn't longer or the pages bigger....Monica Brant, April Moore,...ahhh! Not for those who like grotesquely veined parodies of the female form.

The photographs are very beautiful, especially those of Ericca Kern. Though not as good as "The Women," it is still very Goode.

I was thoroughly unimpressed with the quality of the photography in this book. It seemed fairly lifeless to me. It didn't help that the women in general are not attractive. Even the paper quality of the pages seemed to make the photos even more dull. This ones going to be returned.

Very simply, this is a photo book consisting of top female fitness competitors and a few of the more marketable female bodybuilders. The style of the photography is fairly artistic and doesn't always bring the full beauty of the physiques to light, but other times is very flattering and interesting. The text is marginally interesting, but since that's not what the book is about it doesn't detract very much from the overall experience.

This book does what it claims to do. Get a member of the public upto entry level fitness to even think about joining the marines. i.e. gets you to a high level of all round general fitness. It is based around an 8 week course but allows the less fit amongst us to repeat the odd week! It gives a good all round picture of how to keep healthy and allows you do design & maintain your own routines for life. Overall a good book on all round fitness.

The Royal Marines are an elite force renowned for their physical fitness and the harsh demands of their training. This simplistic program, definitley tailored down for the popular consumer, is little more than a Jack LaLane exercise series with some long walks and runs thrown in. No true fitness buff will find this interesting, challenging or helpful.

This book is superb for anyone considering a career in the Royal Marines. Anyone who has looked into this as a possible career will know that the standard of fitness required is second to none. This book takes you from beginner level right through to a standard of fitness that would be sufficient to get you through the first few weeks of training. (Then it's up to the PTI's!) However, I think that the author's boasts that there are some things in the book that are at the same level of difficulty that can be found on the SBS selection course is unfounded - He is obviously NOT ex-SBS!

Any one thinking of joining the royal marines should seriously think about buying this book to help them prepare for the training that they will have to endevor thought the courses. Although sometimes the book was a little simple the main core of the book was trueful and a good starting point for anyone to start.

Robin Eggar's book is a good solid foundation on which to build any fitness programme and covers the basic exercises of circuit training well. Instructions and diagrams are mostly clear (mostly; one particularly unclear instruction lost it a star) and written with the non-military reader in mind.The simple tests provided within the book provide a helpful way of measuring progress and it also provides a reasonable programme of fitness progression, especially for beginners. The previous reviewer, although of course entitled to his opinion, is being slightly unfair to the book; although I would agree with him that book is probably not going to teach experts much that they don't already know, I don't think that they were necessarily the target audience of the author. In summary,as military style fitness books go, this is one of the better ones.

After running one lengthy race following the schedule they put out, I decided to do something different for an upcoming half marathon I'd like to run. Received info on this book and decided to check reviews and then purchase. Very glad I did! It's been a great resource for me. I've referred back to it many times and I'm sure that will continue. Although I may have read some of the info formerly in Runner's World, I've found it very helpful to have it all compiled into one book.

If you are looking for a comprehensive book that covers everything you wanted to know about running, this one stands out. This books relies quite a bit of past articles in Runner's World but if you have not read this magazine recently, almost everything in this book would seemed new to you. My only wish is that Katie shared more of her running experience. That would make the book more personal and not read like another Runner's World compilation.

Everything you need to get started or improve your running skills in one place. Includes helpful instructions, motivation, nutrition advice and beneficial cross training tips. Enjoyable read, especially for the beginner runner.

I just wanted to let you know that your book is awesome. It has so much information in it, in one place. Usually I have to one thing here and go to another website for something else. But this book has tons of information all in one place, so it is great and a time saver! Also some of the stuff I notice while browsing through the book I don't remember seeing in books before. I have ran other races (5K, 10K, and 5 milers), but this spring I am training for my first half marathon (LV Half Marathon & helping to put it together with the LVRR) this book will be a great resource for me and other races to come. Thank you so much!

Easily the most disappointing running book I have owned. The title and publisher would lead one to believe this is a real guide to running faster and competing; what this book actually feels like is an attempt to recycle miscellaneous Runners World articles in a somewhat organized format. Less than half the book is devoted to road racing; most of it is devoted to pictures of someone stretching and doing strengthening exercises, miscellaneous recipes, and the like. For anyone who really wants advice on racing, try Pfitzinger, Higdon or Glover.