cover image Feet, Don't Fail Me Now: The Rogue's Guide to Running the Marathon

Feet, Don't Fail Me Now: The Rogue's Guide to Running the Marathon

Ben Kaplan. Greystone Books (PGW, U.S. dist.; HarperCollins Canada, Canadian dist.), $17.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-77100-073-4

Kaplan, a journalist and running instructor, offers an irreverent, light-hearted, yet informative guide to the serious business of running. Starting at the very beginning%E2%80%94getting out for a first run%E2%80%94he takes the reader on a year-long journey involving training and preparation for 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon and marathon distance runs. Drawing on a variety of experts and his own experience as a self-described "average" runner, Kaplan sets out helpful weekly training programs and addresses a wide range of issues: the physiology and psychology of running, nutrition, clothing and finding support in the community of runners. This "average" 50-something runner/reviewer found the chapter on cross-training an affirmation of what works best for aging joints and muscles. Kaplan weaves music into the training program, mostly by pop musicians. Music preferences, like training programs, tend to be highly individual and subjective, but the author notes that the songs he has included are only suggestions. Each runner's play list will be unique. References to very current political events, not to mention the pop songs, could quickly date an otherwise timely guide that has the potential to be well-worn by many new runners in the years to come. Agent: Chris Bucci, Anne McDermid & Associates. (Jan.)