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.