cover image The Born Again Runner: A Guide to Overcoming Injuries, Excuses, and Other Obstacles; for New and Returning Runners

The Born Again Runner: A Guide to Overcoming Injuries, Excuses, and Other Obstacles; for New and Returning Runners

Pete Magill. The Experiment, $18.95 ISBN 978-1-61519-311-0

Regardless of one’s reasons for wanting to begin running, Magill (Build Your Running Body), a six-time U.S.A. Masters Cross Country Runner, has designed a comprehensive user’s guide to reaching running goals. At age 38, Magill was 50 pounds overweight and primarily subsisting on junk food, alcohol, and cigarettes. His wake-up call occurred when he passed out and woke to find himself in the ER. This manual relates how running motivated him to quit smoking and drinking and change his life for the better. The book is organized into three parts, with the first part focused on getting started, finding proper attire, and making it fun. The second part explores different types of training, such as training for weight loss versus training for a marathon, and the last part is geared toward setting long-term goals, choosing a runner’s diet, and avoiding injury. Readers will be inspired by the personal stories interspersed throughout from other runners. This road map to enjoying a healthy life is highly recommended for anyone serious about beginning and sticking to a running program. (Aug.)