Beginner's Luck Guide For Non-Runners: Learn To Run From Scratch To An Hour In 10 Weeks Paperback – August 20, 2014

I'm a middle aged woman who has attempted to get fit, unsuccessfully ,over the last few years,until now .I read this book first and couldn't put it down .It inspired me to root out an old pair of trainers and hit my local laneways .I have reread the book several times and it is inspiring me to continue on my successful journey to running 60 mins .It is well written ,easy to understand and peppered with practical advice on equipment , diet ,motivation, how to deal with weather ,indoor and outdoor running etc -basically all questions are answered in this book . The "cat named" week concept is what won me over -I set my own personal goals and progress at my own pace so no room for failure. I keep my book on my laptop and have a quick browse before planning my next days run .Am so thrilled to have found this book and would shout about it on the rooftops. Love the support group that is associated with the book.

I'm an avid bicyclist, but not a young one, at age 62. One day a few weeks ago, the rear wheel on my bike cracked. While waiting for a new rim to be found, I decided to give running a try. I put on my Salomon hiking boots and managed to run 0.21 of a mile. I did another short run, this time of 0.52 mile. Then a third of about the same distance. Then my bike was ready to use. I picked it up and rode it home, and was amazed to find it was easier for me to do a mild (not very steep) hill climb. I decided to get more serious about running. I looked on Amazon and found this book.It took a few days for the book to reach me, and by then, I had started to use the "Couch to 5K" app on my iPhone. I read this book from cover to cover, and like it a lot. The font is a nice size and easy for me to read. It is basically telling me I can run a total of 60 minutes non-stop, with training, and by running slowly. That was very encouraging for me.The chapters are organized in a logical progression that make sense to me as a "newbie" to running. The book answers many of my questions.I've come to running with some physical conditioning already, from my bicycling. The first week's program from this book seems pretty easy. I can see for myself how the program progresses so that I will be gradually doing more running, and I like seeing the entire program so that I can form an opinion of it. (Mostly I ask myself, "How am I going to set up an interval timer iPhone app for each session?"The advice on the needed kit is well taken. I now have basic running shoes (called "trainers" in the book), and I guess I'm satisfied to run in an L. L. Bean swimming trunk and an old tee shirt. There isn't a need for anything fancy at this stage. That works well for me.The author writes with a very, very positive and encouraging tone, and this helps me a great deal and makes me want to do the program. The book is easy to consult quickly: it is right here on my desk and I frequently go through it as I want to refresh myself on some point.What I would like to see more of in this book:An index. Have you ever tried searching for that page that gives the URL of the author's Facebook support group? I couldn't find it. An index at the back of the book would be helpful.Advice for beginning runners who are coming to the sport partially conditioned. For example my bicycling is pretty regular and I do anything from 15 to 70 mile rides each week, all of them foot powered. I don't own an electric bike. So I have some conditioning already that I can take advantage of.How to deal with automobile traffic on streets.Overall, I highly recommend this book to beginning runners. It does present a very good structured program that can be followed for the new runner. If one has the inclination, after finishing this program, one can go on and try some of Mr. Anderson's more advanced programs. This is the foundational program. This is where we start. I'm glad I bought the book.

I love that he is real..he covers everything in short, to the point sections that cover everything you need to get out and run. I LOVE that it is done at your own pace and you move on when you have accomplished the day or week you are on.. I am currently on week 1 (10 week program, again , at your own pace so could take longer)This book is for AnYONE who is run curious, or thinks they cannot due to size or age, and totally for someone who ran but been a while, this will get you back in. I look fiward to this journey and so happy I read this first..perfect foundation

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and George Anderson's simple philosophy of running at any speed and not feeling inferior about it was enough of a freeing thought to get me back out on the road to health. If you need some encouragement and inspiration to actually do something constructive and positive for your health as regards running/jogging/walking, then I HIGHLY recommend this book and the contacts that you can have with the author via email to further inspire you to get out and move! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made to purchase this book and begin a correspondence with the author. It made the difference for me between not running and running three times a week!UPDATE:I've now been running 3 times a week, 5 miles at a clip without stopping. I've lost 22 lbs by running and watching what I eat, and George Anderson's book was the impetus to get me going. But in addition to that, his encouraging emails and other online support have been extremely motivating and encouraging, and the author has also responded to my emails personally several times. This was a life-changing book for me, convincing me to get out and move regardless of the speed, and it's been a great 5 months so far.

I'm new to running and middle aged and didn't know where to start - I am so happy that this is the first book I read! George's philosophy and his instructions are spot on and inspired me to get started and keep going. I keep coming back to this book and have recommended it to others. George's online site and Facebook group are also great added support. I highly recommend this book and George Anderson's coaching!

This book takes all the mystery and 'elitism' out of running! Anyone can do it! Plus, he has a great website and a Facebook page for followers to get advice and support from one another! I'm already on my "Wildcat" week! I even recommended this book to my running club so we can prepare for our first 5K in December! Plus, George writes in a way that is casual and easy to read.