Better Training for Distance Runners
by David E. Martin, Peter N. Coe
The purpose of the book is to be a comprehensive guide to training distance runners. If you are serious about your efforts in fulfilling your potential as a runner you will need to address all aspects of training. For some that may mean having a scientific fundamental understanding of how the body responds to training.
The first 4 chapters of the book, which focuses on the physiology of running. Running, like any athletic activity, is about training the body's energy systems.
This book will get you thinking in a whole new way about your approach to running.
An excellent resource for all distance runners. |
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Daniels' Running Formula
by Jack Daniels, Alberto Salazar
Called the "World's Greatest Coach" by "Runner's World", Daniels combines his coaching insights with his Olympic background to provide runners with proven training programs and racing strategies for the 1,500-meter run to the marathon. |
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Chicago Running Guide (City Running Guide Series)
by Brenda Barrera, Eliot Wineberg
Local runner Brenda Barrera joins forces with Eliot
Wineberg, publisher of the Chicago Amateur Athlete and produced the
definitive guide to running in Chicago-- with up to date maps, parking and
driving instructions and accurate descriptions of more than twenty of the
best running routes in the greater Chicagoland area. |
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It's Not About the Bike : My Journey Back to Life
by Lance Armstrong
People around the world have found inspiration in the story of Lance Armstrong--a world-class athlete nearly struck down by cancer, only to recover and win the Tour de France, the multiday bicycle race famous for its grueling intensity. Armstrong is a thoroughgoing Texan jock, and the changes brought to his life by his illness are startling and powerful, but he's just not interested in wearing a hero suit. While his vocabulary is a bit on the he-man side (highest compliment to his wife: "she's a stud"), his actions will melt the most hard-bitten souls: a cancer foundation and benefit bike ride, his astonishing commitment to training that got him past countless hurdles, loyalty to the people and corporations that never gave up on him. There's serious medical detail here, which may not be for the faint of heart; from chemo to surgical procedures to his wife's in vitro fertilization, you won't be spared a single x-ray, IV drip, or unfortunate side effect. Athletes and coaches everywhere will benefit from the same extraordinary detail provided about his training sessions--every aching tendon,
every rainy afternoon, and every small triumph during his long recovery is here in living color. It's Not About the Bike is the perfect title for this book about life, death, illness, family, setbacks, and triumphs, but not especially about the bike. |
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The Pilates Body : The Ultimate At-Home Guide to
Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines
by Brooke Siler
Author Brooke Siler, who trained with Romana Kryzanowska, the oldest living protégé of Joseph Pilates, organizes her book impeccably. After discussing proper alignment and ways to modify the exercises for those with neck, knee, or lower back pain, she jumps right into the 60-plus exercises, which are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Each exercise is given a two-page spread of its own, and is accompanied by clear photographs and helpful graphics.
While today's Pilates studios take advantage of patented and intimidating-looking equipment that costs thousands of dollars, each exercise in The Pilates Body can be performed with just an exercise mat. While all parts of the body are used in the exercises, the focus is on the abdominals, or "powerhouse," which support the back; this makes Pilates an ideal exercise for those with back problems--or those hoping to prevent them |
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The Pilates Powerhouse
by Mari Winsor
Despite the recent wave of Pilates (that's Pi-lah-teez) enthusiasts singing its praises to magazines like Vogue and Elle, the system has been around since World War I; George Balanchine and Martha Graham used the exercises to add strength without bulking up, perfect their posture, prevent injury, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. Indeed, a person who's completed a Pilates workout has a rather orgasmic glow; the workout is aerobic but not so much as to cause much sweating. This is not to say it's easy; while your behind gets a great lift, the exercises focus on the abs, or "powerhouse." Each exercise is clearly explained next to step-by-step photographs of Winsor's fabulous bod. |
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The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning - An Introduction to the Core Exercises
by Sean P. Gallagher &Romana Kryzanowska
The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was cowritten by Romana Kryzanowska, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. With more than 300 step-by-step photos of 70 exercises, it's a solid and safe introduction to the core exercises of the program. Most can be performed on an exercise mat, but some require special Pilates equipment, such as resistance springs, which can be ordered from the resources in the back of the book. If you'd rather not make the financial investment in the equipment, you'll still very much appreciate the dozens of pointers on posture, technique, and breathwork for use during classes. |
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 Stott Pilates: Essential Matwork
Stott core conditioning, which has evolved from the teachings of Joseph H. Pilates, teaches you to use your inner (core) abdominal muscles, not just the visible ones. This is abdominal training at its deepest level. If you've never seen Pilates-based exercise, imagine contracting the
abdominals hard, and holding that contraction while slowly moving limbs or balancing or changing your body position--or some combination of all of these. Instructor Moira Stott uses two assistants to demonstrate while she expertly explains
the form, technique, and physiology of each move. One assistant demonstrates the basic form of each exercise; another demonstrates a more advanced form. All the exercises work the core muscles of the torso (abdominals and back); some also work the thighs and upper body. You only need a padded surface for most of the
exercises. |
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