Skip to main content

Run For Your Life - A great guide for starting out

 My Score 10/10

What is covered? Diet, biomechanics, slow training, training plans 

I don't give many books full marks but there is so little I don't like about this book I was annoyed I had forgot about it until now. In fact it is another book I own in both paperback and audiobook and as a result of seeing it am going to give it another listen to. Things I like / use in my own training that are talked about in this book: 

  1. Walking before you can run, it is even the title of chapter 3. 
  2. Standing more than sitting e.g. standing desks (chapter 2)
  3. Barefoot / Minimalist Running (mentioned in a few places) 
  4. Maffetone / Low Heart Rate training 
  5. Diet - Low carb which would be sufficient for most runners. 
  6. Running Drills to improve technique 
  7. Recovery is where you improve and should be prioritised. 
  8. Health and happiness before performance but also often leads to it. 
  9. Strength training
The book opens up with how humans evolved and the function of the foot as well as some of Mark's experiences. It leads into various chapters covering various aspects of training all of which is backed by Marks medical knowledge and scientific research. At the start of chapters there are often helpful quotes and facts and myths to try and help people process the information. After all it is easier to fool someone than to convince them they have been fooled. 

Example quote: "You are not training to run an event. What you are training for is to live a long and productive life and maintain health optimally"

Example Myth: "When you are exercising, sugar is the best fuel to keep you going"

Key take aways: Really get this book and give it a good read, most runners will benefit from applying the coaching principles in this book. 


Below are some YouTube video to get you started on Mark C. 





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Progress and Goals for 2025

I was hoping to do vlogs but it appears I am not very good at that, also it is usually good to have some exciting content to post... and well with me it is mostly the same each week. I ate meat, I ran slowly (except for parkrun) and I was building on being consistent.  And really being consistent is my goal for this year. I ideally would like to stay happy and healthy whilst getting some personal bests along the way, I don't know if I will do it but if I love the process it doesn't really matter.  So what are my goals, both outcome and process?  Run 3000 miles - ideally run, but if I get ill or injured then cross training might have to count.  Consistently strength train  Consistently work on my mental health and training.  Stick to a carnivore diet Continue to learn  Break my 5k PB (17:08)  and ideally run 16:43. The latter because parkrun stopwatch bingo says I only haven't finished in a time with 43 on the end!  Run a half marathon PB (1:2...
Post a Comment
Read more

Being Given the all Clear

Post a Comment
Read more

From Couch Potato to 5K Hero

Ever seen runners effortlessly gliding down the street, wishing you could be part of that healthy, endorphin-filled scene? Well, ditch the envy and lace up your shoes, because YOU can become a runner too! The secret weapon for countless beginners is the Couch to 5K (C25K) training plan . Designed for absolute novices, these plans gradually build your running stamina, taking you from walk breaks to conquering a full 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in a manageable timeframe. Why C25K? Beginner-friendly:  No running experience needed, just a willingness to walk and jog your way to fitness. Structured yet flexible:  Plans are typically spread over 8-12 weeks, with 3 runs per week, leaving room for rest and other activities. Variety keeps it fun:  Run-walk intervals mix things up, preventing boredom and making progress achievable. Sense of accomplishment:  Witnessing your fitness improve week by week is incredibly motivating. Community support:  Num...
Post a Comment
Read more