DVD / BLU-RAY

FIRST…The Official Film of the London 2012 Olympic Games Product Description…This must-have London 2012 keepsake takes viewers on a gripping journey starting in each of the 12 athletes’ home countries as they stand on the brink of adulthood and prepare to take their place as superheroes at the London 2012 Olympic games. Capturing and reflecting their personal experiences, unearthing their great sacrifices and detailing their adventures; FIRST brings to screen the dreams of these incredible athletes. Granted unprecedented behind the scenes access, director Caroline Rowland highlights the stories and challenges faced by David Rushida-Kenya’s gold medal winner in the men’s 800m who broke his own record in what was described as the greatest 800m race of all time, the incredible track cyclist Laura Trott-a double gold medallist who is now Britain’s most famous cyclist, boxer Katie Taylor – Ireland’s only gold medallist at London 2012 who won the Women’s Lightweight boxing and US swimmer Missy Franklin – who won an incredible four gold medals at the age of 17. With a striking contemporary soundtrack that perfectly captures the spirit of the summer of 2012, FIRST captures the London Olympic Games as you’ve need seen it before, evoking the emotion and magic of the greatest Olympic Games ever. Soundtrack features tracks by Ellie Goulding, Underworld, Michael Kiwanuka, Seye, Jess Mills, Delphic, Olly Murs, Two Door Cinema Club, Jack Bugg, Beach House, Chase & Status, Jack Penate, Snow Patrol and Brandon Flowers.

DVD BLU–RAY

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Born to Run…..by Christopher McDougall One of the best books behind the current boom in barefoot running. It makes for easy reading even if you have no intention of hanging up your shoes. Recommended. Description…At the heart of Born to Run lies a mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who live quietly in canyons and are reputed to be the best distance runners in the world; in 1993, one of them, aged 57, came first in a prestigious 100-mile race wearing a toga and sandals. A small group of the world’s top ultra-runners (and the awe-inspiring author) make the treacherous journey into the canyons to try to learn the tribe’s secrets and then take them on over a course 50 miles long. With incredible energy and smart observation, McDougall tells this story while asking what the secrets are to being an incredible runner. Travelling to labs at Harvard, Nike, and elsewhere, he comes across an incredible cast of characters, including the woman who recently broke the world record for 100 miles and for her encore ran a 2:50 marathon in a bikini, pausing to down a beer at the 20 mile mark. To see the price and to purchase, click on the image below…

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Born to Perform: How Sport Has Shaped My Life…by Gerard Hartmann (NEW…Due for release 31st Oct 2011) Description…Since 1991 Gerard Hartmann has worked as a physical therapist with many of the world’s greatest athletes, including Sonia O’Sullivan, Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe, as well as with a number of Irish rugby, athletic and GAA stars. Before a serious injury halted his career as an athlete, Hartmann was among Ireland s first triathlon champions, winning seven national championships from 1984 to 1991. In Born to Perform, Hartmann takes a look at his experiences in sport, both as a competitor and a physical therapist, and how it has helped and healed his life. About the Author Gerard Hartmann operates Hartmann International Sports Injury Clinic at the University of Limerick, and also at the High Altitude Training Centre in Iten Kenya. To see the price and to purchase, click on the image below…

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What I talk about when I talk about running…by Haruki Murakami

One of the most popular running books.

Description…A memoir that covers Murakami’s four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon and settings ranging from Tokyo’s Jingu Gaien gardens, where he once shared the course with an Olympian, to the Charles River in Boston among young women who outpace him.

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Racing Weight…by Matt Fitzgerald

Description…In this title, sports nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald offers the first comprehensive and science-based approach to weight management for runners, cyclists, triathletes, swimmers, rowers, and cross-country skiers. For endurance athletes, the power-to-weight ratio is critical. After all, an extra 10 pounds demands more than 6 per cent more energy at a given pace. “Racing Weight” explores weight management as a means to better performance. Losing those last few pounds can seem impossible, but “Racing Weight” will help you hit your fastest numbers. Endurance sports coach and certified sports nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald offers a safe and healthy 5-step plan to help you get leaner and lighter for competition. By improving the quality of your diet, managing your appetite, and timing important nutrients, you can perform better – and look and feel great. After finding your ideal off-season and racing weights, you will learn how to improve diet quality; balance your intake of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; time meals and snacks; manage appetite; and train for lean body composition. Fitzgerald grounds his approach with practical examples of good nutrition, featuring personal food journals from elite athletes competing in six different sports and a selection of 21 recipes from professional triathlete and dietician Pip Taylor. “Racing Weight” is an essential guide to help endurance athletes make the subtle but important changes they need to start their next race at their optimal weight.

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The Ghost Runner: The Tragedy of the Man They Couldn’t Stop…by Bill Jones

Description…The true and heartbreaking story of a man the world came to know as The Ghost Runner. The mystery man threw off his disguise and started to run. Furious stewards gave chase. The crowd roared. A legend was born. Soon the world would know him as ‘the ghost runner’. John Tarrant. The extraordinary man whom nobody could stop. As a hapless teenage boxer in the 1950s, he’d been paid £17 expenses. When he wanted to run, he was banned for life. His amateur status had been compromised. Forever. Now he was fighting back, gatecrashing races all over Britain. No number on his shirt. No friends in high places. Soon he would be a record-breaker, one of the greatest long-distance runners the world has ever seen. This is his true story: The Ghost Runner.
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Lore of Running…by Dr. Tim Noakes

A technical book probably for the more serious runner. At 952 pages, it has a lot of detail.

Description…Now revised, expanded and updated, Lore of Running gives you incomparable detail on physiology, training, racing, injuries, world-class athletes, and races. Author Tim Noakes blends the expertise of a physician and research scientist with the passion of a dedicated runner to answer the most pressing questions for those who are serious about the sport: · How your body systems respond to training, the effects of different training methods, how to detect and avoid overtraining, and genetic versus trainable potential · How to train for the 10K up through ultramarathon with detailed programs from Noakes and several leading running experts · How to prevent and treat injuries, increase your strength and flexibility, and use proper nutrition for weight control and maximum performance You ll also find a candid analysis of supplements and ergogenic effects and training aids. The book includes new interviews with 10 world-class runners who share their secrets to success and longevity in the sport. Features on legendary figures and events in running history provide fascinating insights. And that s just scratching the surface. Lore of Running is not only the biggest and best running publication on the planet.

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Runners World Run Less Run Faster…Become a Faster, Stonger Runner with the Revolutionary First Training Program
Description…Hailed by the “Wall Street Journal” and featured twice in six months in cover stories in “Runner’s World” magazine, First’s unique training philosophy makes running easier and more accessible, limits overtraining and burnout, and substantially I cuts the risk of injury-while producing faster race times.The key feature is the “3 plus 2” program, which each week consists of: quality runs, including track repeats, the tempo run, and the long run, which are designed to work together to improve endurance, lactate-threshold running pace, and leg speed; and aerobic cross-training workouts, such as swimming, rowing, or pedalling a stationary bike, which are designed to improve endurance while helping to avoid burnout.With detailed training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon, plus tips for goal-setting, rest, recovery, injury rehab and prevention, strength training, and nutrition, this program will change the way runners think about and train for competitive races.
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The Complete Book of Running for Women…by Claire Kowalchik
Description…It’s the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and more women than ever are discovering its unique benefits – the stress relief, weight management, endurance, and self esteem. You don’t need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Here, every question about the overwhelming popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness is answered. Authoritative and friendly, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF RUNNING FOR WOMEN is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author’s personal experience, you’ll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors and other women runners. Including question and answer sections and a complete list of resources. This book will tell you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.
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The Perfect Mile…by Neal Bascomb
Description…The inspirational story of three international runners attempting to achieve what no one had managed – to break the four-minute mile barrier. It was the ultimate test of endurance, and the human drama that unfolded is told here for the first time.

In sport, running the four-minute mile was the elusive Holy Grail, considered by most to be beyond the limits of human endeavour.

Then in late 1952, shortly after the Helsinki Olympics, three men set out to challenge the record books: Roger Bannister, the Oxford medical student, the great British hero who epitomised the ideal of the amateur athlete; John Landy, the tireless Australian, the romantic who trained night and day in search of perfection; and the American Wes Santee, son of a Kansas ranch hand, a natural runner and the quickest of the three (‘I was just born to run fast’).

Three men, each of contrasting character, competing thousands of miles apart, but all with the same valedictory goal. The Perfect Mile is the stirring account of their quest for sporting martyrdom, charting their journey through triumph and failure, culminating in the moment when Bannister broke the record in a monumental run at the Iffley Road cinder track in Oxford in May 1954. It was a feat that became one of the most celebrated in the history of British sport.

Far from bringing an end to the rivalry, this watershed moment turned out to be merely the prelude to a final climactic battle three months later – the ultimate head-to-head between Bannister and Landy in what was dubbed ‘the mile of the century’ at the Vancouver Empire Games.

Bascomb provides a fascinating account of what happened and an invaluable insight into the motivations and characters of three amazing achievers.

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Total Heart Rate Training : Customize and Maximize Your Workout Using a Heart Rate Monitor…by Joe Friel

Description…Train smarter with the newest high-tech heart rate monitors.
Whether you are just starting a fitness program or are an experienced athlete, you can greatly benefit from paying attention to your heart rate during exercise. Heart rate serves as a window into the body, giving you minute-to-minute feedback on your physical condition based on all the factors affecting it–exercise intensity, diet, temperature, humidity, altitude, fatigue, and more.
“Total Heart Rate Training” explains:
-Heart function during exercise
-How heart rate monitors work
-Simple ways to use a heart rate monitor
-Advanced heart rate training techniques
With “Total Heart Rate Training,” you can design a personalized program that practically guarantees you’ll achieve your fitness goals. You’ll be able to determine the precise and optimal heart rate for each day’s workout by using your heart rate monitor to keep you on target. It’s like having a personal trainer telling you when to go harder and when to back off.
This book also shows how powermeters and accelerometers enable you to compare your body’s input, as measured by heart rate, with its output-power or pace. It’s a combination that allows you to train at your peak for that competitive edge.
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Runner’s World: Training Diary…By Runner’s World

Useful for anyone who likes to keep track of their training. Pages are laid out from Sunday to Saturday….you fill in the date yourself…so they are not limited to any particular year. Space for recording heart rate, weather, weight, etc. Handy for anyone who wants to stay focused. Click on the link below…go to the site and click ‘Look inside’ to see what the pages look like.
Description…Even if you have benefited from the advice of running experts, you can gain even more knowledge by keeping and studying your own personal running record.

Inside this handy diary, Runner′s World provides the outline. You fill in the facts about each day′s run, such as your pace, the distance you ran, your pulse rate, and weather conditions. You set the goals—to run every day or twice a week, to log two or ten miles a day, to train for a 10K or a marathon—then note your progress. You discover what really works, and what doesn′t.

In addition to a useful format and generous space for charting an entire year′s running, the Runner′s World Training Diary also includes:

Charts to record racing results, best times, and a year′s running at a glance

Tables listing pacing rates, wind–chill readings, and metric distance conversions

Warm–up exercises and valuable running hints

A helpful table showing the caloric cost of running

Pages for training records, schedule planning, and much more!
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Running Injuries: Treatment and Prevention…by Jeff Galloway

Description…“Running Injuries – Treatment and Prevention” offers easy to access tips on treating and avoiding injuries. It is written in a language that is easy to understand. This book will help runners and walkers understand how injuries occur, how to print them, how to heal them: knee, foot, calf, iliotibial band, plantar fasciia, achilles tendon, neuroma, and much more. There is also a section on coming back from an injury and exercising while injured.
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The Marathon des Sables: Ultra Endurance Running in the Heat of the Sahara…by Mark Hines
Description…The Marathon des Sables is widely regarded as the toughtest footrace on Earth. It is a seven-day, multi-stage race in the Moroccan Sahara, during which competitors must carry all their food, clothing and equipment across the ~150-mile course.
The Marathon des Sables was Mark Hines’ first excursion into the world of ultra-endurance adventure races. With a background far removed from endurance fitness, this book catalogues his training, preparation and participation in his first great race. Whilst the subsequent titles on the Jungle Marathon and Yukon Arctic Ultra clearly demonstrate his own evolution into an accomplished runner, the Marathon des Sables was where it all began. His training was unrefined and the equipment he chose far from the best, but this new reflective edition permits Mark to put into context all the decisions he made, and within the appendix can be found his true ‘desired kit list’ for such an event. Calling on his background as an exercise physiologist, Mark easily explains the adaptations involved in training for an ultra-endurance event. This culminates in an in-depth analysis of the ‘athlete’s heart’, which is introduced within the main text but features in its entirety in the appendix. This chapter alone should be considered a must-read for anyone preparing to begin training to become an endurance runner. The Marathon des Sables is an incredible race, described in this book through the eyes of a novice racer, but one with an academic background that balances well with his natural approach to training.
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Advanced Marathoning…by Pete Pfitzinger, Scott Douglas
Description…Shave minutes off your time using the latest in science-based training for serious runners. Advanced Marathoning has all the information you need to train smarter, remain injury free, and arrive on the start line ready to run the marathon of your life. Including marathon-pace runs and tempo runs, Advanced Marathoning provides only the most effective methods of training. You’ll learn how to complement your running workouts with strength, core, flexibility, and form training; implement cutting-edge nutrition and hydration strategies and recovery techniques; and taper properly to reach peak performance. With easy-to-understand day-by-day training schedules for 18- and 12-week preparation for weekly distances of 55, 55 to 70, 70 to 85, and 85-plus miles, Advanced Marathoning is simply the most comprehensive and efficient approach to marathoning. If you re ready to achieve your personal best, this book is for you.
About the Authors…
Pete Pfitzinger ran in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic marathons, both times finishing as the top American. With a personal best of 2:11:43, Pfitzinger is a two-time winner of the San Francisco Marathon and placed third in the 1987 New York City Marathon. Currently the chief executive of the New Zealand Academy of Sport in Auckland, he has written all or parts of two other books on running and was a senior writer for Running Times from 1997 to 2007, in which his popular column, The Pfitzinger Lab Report, appeared. Scott Douglas is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years of professional journalism experience related to running.
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The Complete Book of Barefoot Running: Learn the Scientifically Proven Technique for Improving Your Stride and Reducing Injuries…by Roy Wallack and Ken Bob Saxton.
Description…Barefoot running has garnered lots of attention due to the mega-bestseller Born to Run while products like the Vibram FiveFinger Shoes have tripled in slaes and top athletic complanies like Nike and Adidas are declaring barefoot running the next best thing. The Complete Book of Barefoot Running explains the pros and cons of barefoot running., explores the science supporting it, and debunks myths surrounding it. Readers learn the proper techniques for running barefoot and incorporating the practice into their running regimen for a better stride, longer endurance, and fewer injuries. Written by noted barefoot runner and instructor Ken Bob Saxton and running journalist Roy Wallack, The Complete Book of Barefoot Running is the most comprehensive book on the hottest athletic trend.
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Road Racing for Serious Runners…By Pete Pfitzinger, Scott Douglas
Description…This text takes a comprehensive look at training for competitive long-distance racing, containing charts, schedules and checklists to guide the runner in organizing his or her training. Runners select a goal racing distance, then learn how to prepare for success at this chosen distance by using a mix of five workouts: long runs, tempo runs, VO2 max workouts, basic speed sessions, and recovery runs. An individualized programme can be created by adjusting the training schedules provided for common race distances: 5K, 8K to 10K, 15K to half marathon, marathon, and cross country. Included with each of the five training schedules are racing tactics, mental tips, and lessons from world-class runners.
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Nancy Clark’s Food Guide for Marathoners…by Nancy Clark

Description…Complete an entire marathon with energy to spare. Nancy Clark shows you how in this book, offering you the best advice on topics such as balancing carbohydrates, carbohydrate loading, protein and fat in your diet, choosing the best snacks and losing weight while staying energetic. You’ll learn what, when, and how to eat so you’ll enjoy not only the process of training for the marathon but also participating in the marathon itself – with energy to spare!
About the Author
Author of the best-selling Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, Nancy Clark, MS, RD, based in the Boston area, has been referred to as one of America’s leading sports nutritionists. Clark’s private practice is at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill, MA, where she counsels both casual exercisers and competitive athletes. As a registered dietitian with additional training in exercise physiology, Clark is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. She is a Fellow of both the American Dietetic Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Brain Training for Runners: A Revolutionary New Training System to Improve Endurance, Speed, Health, and Results…by Matt Fitzgerald
Description…Based on new research in exercise physiology, author and running expert Matt Fitzgerald introduces a first-of-its-kind training strategy that he’s named “Brain Training.” Runners of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels can learn to maximize their performance by supplying the brain with the right feedback. Based on Fitzgerald’s eight-point brain training system, this book will help runners:
– Resist running fatigue – Use cross-training as brain training – Master the art of pacing – Learn to run “in the zone” – Outsmart injuries – Fuel the brain for maximum performance – And more
Packed with cutting-edge research, real-world examples, and the wisdom of the world’s top distance runners, Brain Training for Runners offers easily applied advice and delivers practical results for a better overall running experience.
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Boston Marathon: How to Qualify!…by Geoff Galloway
Description…This book lays out all of the training necessary to qualify for the greatest of all marathons: the Boston Marathon. With the Galloway program, it’s possible to be in the best shape of your life and have energy to enjoy family and career. The highly successful training schedules include all of the elements needed to qualify, based upon the Boston Marathon standards. Galloway’s magic mile gives a reality check on progress and sets realistic pacing goals for long runs and the race itself.
About the Author
Jeff Galloway is the author of the best-selling running book in North America (“Galloway’s Book on Running”) and is a Runner’s World columnist, as well as an inspirational speaker for more than 200 running and fitness sessions each year.
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The Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition…by George Banker, Geoff Galloway

Description…With more than 30,000 participants each year, The Marine Corps Marathon is fast becoming one of the most popular ‘fun runs’ in the world. This volume perfectly captures the heart and soul of the race and those who take part – top athletes and amateur runners, as well as charity marathoners and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. With its engaging text and hundreds of photographs, it tells the stories of the 330,000 people that have crossed the finish line since the first race in 1976 – their joy and triumph, as well as the mental and physical pain they endured during its gruelling 26 miles.
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Serious Training for Endurance Athletes…by Rob Sleamaker, Ray Browning

Description…“SERIOUS Training for Endurance Athletes” provides the tools to create training programs and workouts that will pay off in competition. Endurance athletes, coaches, and multisport fitness buffs will learn how to design, schedule, execute, and monitor training programs for top results.
Rob Sleamaker joins with Ray Browning, seven-time Ironman Triathlon winner, to produce a much improved version of the highly popular earlier edition.
You’ll learn to:
– set up and manage your personalized training schedule;- use the S-E-R-I-O-U-S system of training–Speed, Endurance, Race-pace, Intervals, Overdistance, Up-hill Intervals, Strength;- add variety to your workouts;- develop a winning nutritional program;- prepare mentally for races; and – stay motivated to train and win.
The authors share their expertise in a fun and informative way, drawing from their own experiences as champions. Plus, the book features the latest training advice for running, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, rowing, cross-country skiing, cross training, duathlons, and triathlons.
“SERIOUS Training for Endurance Athletes” is your guide to high-level fitness and performance.
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50 50 Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days…by Dean Karnazes, Matt Fitzgerald

Description…Dean Karnazes has run 350 miles through 3 sleepless nights, ordered pizza during long runs and inspired fans the world over with his adventures. So what does such a man do when he wants the ultimate test of endurance? He runs 50 marathons, in 50 states – in 50 consecutive days. Armed with a road map, a caravan of fellow runners and a dedicated crew, Dean set off on a tour that took him through a volcanic canyon in Maui in high-humidity, 88-degree heat; to an elevation gain of almost 4,000 feet at the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in Indiana to a severed moose leg found alongside a trail in Alaska that compelled him to sprint for safety. Dean shares the secrets of how he pulled off this amazing feat with a determination that defied physical limitations. Tips that kept Dean going during the 1,310 miles he covered include how to recover more quickly, adapt to extreme conditions, prevent muscle cramps and overheating, pace yourself when you hit the wall and stay motivated. Complete with training regimens and packed with practical advice, 50/50 will inspire you no matter what your current fitness goal, whether it be walking around the block or completing an Ironman
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The Marathon and Half Marathon: A Training Guide…by Graeme Hilditch
Description…The popularity of the marathon and half marathon has increased dramatically in recent years as growing numbers of people have become aware of the life-changing experiences and the health benefits that result from training for, and competing in, a 13.1 – or 26.2 – mile race. Notwithstanding this, marathons and half marathons are extremely testing endurance races and entrants need to be properly informed so that they can train and prepare in an appropriate way.

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Running Well: Run Smarter, Run Faster, Avoid Injury… and Enjoy it More!…by Sam Murphy, Sarah Connors

Description…“Running Well” is designed to appeal to both men and women; the content is accessible but based on the latest scientific evidence. It shows runners how to minimise the risks of injury and other problems (such as cramp, blisters and dehydration) by showing the difference between training and straining, avoiding overtraining, varying speed and distance, keeping the running muscles strong and supple and honing technique. A substantial and unique section deals in detail with specific injuries, outlining symptoms and causes, who is particularly vulnerable and what to do (in terms of both self-help and seeking professional advice).
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The London Marathon…by John Bryant

Description…“The London Marathon” salutes 25 years of the London Marathon by exploring the incredible physical and mental challenge that lies at the very heart of marathon running. It begins with the author standing on the start line at Blackheath for the very first London Marathon in March 1981. And it ends 26 miles and 25 years later, as the author emerges, still running, past Buckingham Palace and on through the miles and memories to the finish. From the legend of Pheidippides and the mystery of Spiridon Louis – who won the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 – to the agony of Paula Radcliffe, reduced to tears on the long road to Athens more than a century later, this is a story of dreams, pain, struggle and achievement. The courage and the craziness of the characters that for 25 years have run the streets of London have turned this race into the greatest marathon in the world. “The London Marathon” is a testament to their endeavour, and to the spirit that leads them each spring to tackle their own suburban Everest. This is their story.
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How to Run: From Fun Runs to Marathons and Everything in Between…by Paula Radcliffe

Description…Everyone knows running is good for you. But whether it’s once around the block once a week, more serious preparation for a charity 10-kilometre race or half-marathon, or dedicated training over a period of months for a full marathon, it helps if you know what it is you’re trying to achieve, and how to get there. As one of our best-known, most successful and gifted runners, Paula Radcliffe is perfectly placed to write this essential companion guide. Aimed at both novices and experienced athletes, HOW TO RUN tells you everything you need to know about preparation, diet, equipment, training and technique. A new mother herself, there’s also a section on exercising while pregnant, as well as myriad tips and insights from her huge experience of running all distances in all weathers. Superbly clear, well organised and fully illustrated throughout, Paula Radcliffe’s HOW TO RUN is the only book you’ll need to help you get the best out of your running.
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Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons…by Eric Grossman

Description…Marathons have become too easy for some runners. What was once the pinnacle of achievement in a runner’s life is now a stepping stone for extraordinary adventure in ultramarathoning. The number of ultrarunners–those running distances of 50k (31 miles), 50 miles, 100k (62 miles), or 100 miles–is growing astronomically each year.

Dean Karnazes’ Ultramarathon Man and Chris McDougall’s Born to Run have inspired tens of thousands to try these seemingly superhuman distances. But to date, there has been no practical guide to ultramarathoning. Now, Bryon Powell has written Relentless Forward Progress, the first how-to manual for aspiring ultrarunners. Powell covers every aspect of training for and racing ultra distances. Along the way, more than a dozen elites and experts, including Geoff Roes, Krissy Moehl, Michael Wardian, Dave Mackey, and David Horton, provide invaluable advice on running ultramarathons. By its conclusion, this encyclopedic volume prepares runners for going farther than they have ever gone before and, in the process, shows them that they are capable of the “impossible.”
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Pre: Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend Steve Prefontaine…by Tom Jordan

Description…Written in 1977, this biography is about the Oregon long-distance runner, whose life was cut short in 1975 when he crashed his sports car at age 24. The book gives details of Prefontaine’s efforts on the track where he set many national records, some even while in college and demonstrates his dedication to running, but it tells readers little about his personal life, perhaps because, as Jordan points out in the introduction, “His pace was so frenetic… that his deep friendships outside of family and love relationships were few.” The two major problems Pre encountered as an athlete were his inability to do as well in Europe as at home and his annoyance with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and its demand that amateur athletes accept no formal support, although, the author notes, many meets gave under-the-table payments to top box-office draws. Jordan, who is on the staff of Track & Field News, captures his subject’s charisma.
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More Fire: How to Run the Kenyan Way…by Toby Tanser
Description…For many years Kenya has been producing some of the finest runners the world has ever seen. But just how they have become the world’s greatest running nation is something that has been intriguing fellow athletes and sports fans for just as long.Divided into four parts, “More Fire” is a motivational volume that gets to the root of why and how Kenyan runners are the world’s best. It begins with a look at running in Kenya, the landscape, the physical conditions, and the people. The second part surveys the training methods and techniques most commonly used. The third presents profiles of past-and-present influential runners allowing readers to gain further insight into their methods. And the book ends with a discussion on how readers can adapt and incorporate these top-flight training techniques and practices into their own lifestyle.
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Slow Burn: Burn Fat Faster by Exercising Slower…by Stu Mittleman

Description…Life is not a sprint – it’s marathon. And no one knows that better than the world record-holding ultra marathoner Stu Mittleman. Now this master of endurance training offers an exercise and diet regimen to help readers increase their fitness and energy levels while training the body to become a fat-burning machine. Stu shows how moderate exercise – not intense workouts, real foods – not low-fat fad diets and realistic goals – not lofty objectives are the most effective means of achieving long-term health and vitality. He gives sound, sensible advice from his personal training techniques and helps readers create their own individual programme, while offering inspirational wisdom that can help anyone achieve performance goals.
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Kara Goucher’s Running for Women: From First Steps to Marathons…by Kara Goucher

Description…(Published Apr 2011) Whether you’re just getting started or already a seasoned runner, this is the book that will take you to the next level. Kara Goucher’s Running for Women contains her expertise, tips, and tricks targeted specifically at female runners to help you become a better, happier, healthier, and more fulfilled runner. She’ll teach you how to:
• GET STARTED WITH THE RIGHT GEAR
• BUILD A SUCCESSFUL SUPPORT TEAM
• FIND THE RIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOU
• OVERCOME PSYCHOLOGICAL SETBACKS
• BALANCE RUNNING WITH FAMILY AND WORK
• AND MUCH MORE
Designed to fit your busy lifestyle, Kara Goucher’s Running for Women is packed with quick tips, pearls of running wisdom, and sample training schedules and nutrition plans, as well as sections dedicated to running during and after pregnancy, managing the special challenges of the female athlete’s body, and maintaining a balance between sporting and family life. Kara Goucher’s Running for Women is the ultimate guide for women who want to train for the gold or simply discover their personal best.
About the Author
Kara Goucher is the World Championship bronze medalist for the 10K and a top U.S. marathoner. A member of the Nike Oregon Project, improving standards for distance running, she lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, professional runner Adam Goucher and son Colt.
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Running Anatomy…by Joseph Puleo and Patrick Milroy
Description…See what it takes to maximize running strength, speed, and endurance! Running Anatomy will show you how to improve your performance by increasing muscular strength, optimizing the efficiency of your running motion, and minimizing your risk for injury.
Running Anatomy features 50 of the most effective strength exercises for runners, each with clear, step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations highlighting the muscles in action. But you’ll find much more than exercises—you’ll also see their results.
Running Anatomy places you in the action, fundamentally linking each exercise to running performance. You’ll see how to strengthen muscles, reduce injury, and improve gait efficiency for faster times and more fluid runs.
Running Anatomy will prepare you for any challenge that comes your way. You’ll find exercises for varying terrains and speeds, from hill running to off-road running and from sprints to marathons. Plus you’ll learn how to evaluate and rehabilitate the most common injuries that runners face, including lower-back pain, knee aches and strains, and torn muscles and tendons.
Whether you’re a fitness runner looking to conquer hills with more speed or strength or a competitive runner looking for that extra bit of performance and a finishing kick, Running Anatomy will ensure that you’re ready to deliver your personal best.
“Well written and informative, Running Anatomy offers readers an inside look at what it means to be a runner and how to get to the next level.” –Dr. Neil Liebman, Team Chiropractor, Philadelphia 76ers
“Aided by wonderful illustrations, Dr. Patrick Milroy and coach Joe Puleo provide fascinating insights into the evolution and physiology of running. They show how improving strength and balance can help you go faster and further in this deceptively simple sport.” –John Hanc, Contributing Editor, Runner’s World
“Become stronger, faster, and smarter on the road, track, or cross country course. This book is a must-have if you are looking to take your running to the next level.” –Todd Williams, Two-Time Olympian, 15,000-meter U.S. record holder
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Foam Roller Workbook…by Karl G. Knopf

Description…AMPLIFY YOUR STRETCHES AND EXERCISES USING THE FOAM ROLLER
Once used exclusively in physical therapy settings, the foam roller has made its way into yoga and pilates studios, gyms and homes. With this simple device, you can:
-Improve core strength
-Increase flexibility
-Release tension
-Alleviate pain
-Rehabilitate injuries
Foam Roller Workout offers 50 effective exercises paired with clear captions and step-by-step photos that will help you roll your way to better posture, balance and relaxation. In addition, special programs will enhance your sporting life, whether you hit the track, the court, or the slopes.
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My First 100 Marathons: 2,620 Miles with an Obsessive Runner…by Jeff Horowitz

Description…Jeffrey Horowitz didn’t expect to fall in love with marathoning, but that’s just what happened. He had never run a race, was not on his high school track team, and had never owned a pair of running shoes. Then, in 1985, he went out for a run and it changed his life. Eighteen years later he completed his one-hundredth marathon. This book is Jeff’s story, but it is also the story of everyone who loves to run. It includes his training, his injuries, his best times, his joys, his friends, his failures. In some ways, it’s an unusual story. How many other runners have finished 100 marathons? In other ways, it is the story of every runner who has found joy and satisfaction in a training routine, in reaching a goal, or in finishing a race.
“Jeff Horowitz shows that the marathon is a journey of the body and soul, and he’s got 100 marathons worth of great stories to prove it.” — Grete Waitz, Nine-time winner of the New York City Marathon
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Feet in the Clouds: A Story of Fell Running and Obsession…by Richard Askwith

Description…Exploring the world of fell-running—to run the ancient, wild landscape and stay a hero within one’s own valley—this portrait of one of the few sports to have remained implacably amateur and utterly true to its roots details the passionate ambitions of those who participate in one of the oldest extreme sports. With personal narrative by one of the participants of fell-running—a sport that little is known about, but one that also boasts mass-participation—this fascinating account of arduous circuits, week-long marathons, and pounding the mountainous trails of the Lake District and Snowdonia is a unique and compelling account of stamina and courage that stretches the limits of belief.
Whether you’re a hardened fell runner and know all the names from the lakes, like running in the hills, or you’re injured and can’t get out at the moment, this will make you want to get out there. As well as having some great accounts of races and feats, past and present, you get to meet all the big characters, the history of all off-road running, and a feel for a year of racing, in an enjoyable structure. Through this he also gives a great comment on social history of these regions, and an understanding of the strengths and failings of all of British sport. He brilliantly describes in non-cliched ways, the thrills of running and why we all do it, and why the sport is growing on the background of a changing, risk-free and inactive society. It has everything from humour, thrills, history, philosophy and humanity.
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Just a Little Run Around the World: 5 Years, 3 Packs of Wolves and 53 Pairs of Shoes…by Rosie Swale-Pope
Description…After her husband died of cancer, 57-year-old Rosie set off to run around the world, raising money in memory of the man she loved. Followed by wolves, knocked down by a bus, confronted by bears, chased by a naked man with a gun and stranded with severe frostbite, Rosie’s breathtaking 20,000-mile solo journey is as gripping as it is inspiring. Rosie’s solo run around the world started out of sorrow and heartache and a wish to turn something around. Heartbroken when she lost her husband to cancer, Rosie set off from Wales with nothing but a small backpack of food and equipment, and funded by the rent from her little cottage. So began her epic 5-year journey that would take her 20,000 miles around the world, crossing Europe, Russia, Asia, Alaska, North America, Greenland, Iceland, and back into the UK. On a good day she’d run 30 miles, on a bad day she’d only manage 500 yards, digging herself out of the snow at -62 degrees C, moving her cart inches at a time. Every inch, every mile, was a triumph, a celebration of life, and 53 pairs of shoes later Rosie arrived home to jubilant crowds in Tenby, Wales. Rosie’s incredible story is a mesmerizing page-turner of the run of her life. It will wake up the sleeping adventurer in you; it will inspire hope, courage and determination in you; but most of all it will convince you to live your life to the full and make every day count.
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From Sofa to Start Line: How I Lost 15 Stone and Started Running Marathons…by Mike Hare

Description…Mike Hare, affectionately known as The Incredible Shrinking Man, is living testament to what a human being can do when they harness the power of the mind/body connection. Aged 50 and a successful businessman, Mike weighed 28 stone, was a stranger to exercise and a heart attack waiting to happen. He was involved in a car crash and could, have died, but he walked away without major injury. This was a wake up call and he felt that he was being given a second chance. With steely determination, exercise and healthy eating, Mike lost 15 stone, and his self-belief and confidence grew. As a challenge, just 6 months after taking up jogging, he completed his first half marathon- the Great North Run. Just five months after having major surgery to remove huge flaps of loose skin, and now aged 54, he completed The Flora London Marathon. He went on to complete The Edinburgh Marathon, a second Great North Run, the Great Eastern Run, and one of the world’s most challenging; the Athens Classic Marathon, just four years after that car crash. From Sofa to Start Line is an inspirational and humorous memoir about how he overcame huge obstacles and changed his life in the process. Mike Hare’s story is an extraordinary tale of dedication, hard work and total commitment to change – He has helped many along the way and has become a true inspiration to all.
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Smart Marathon Training: Run Your Best without Running Yourself Ragged…by Jeff Horowitz

Description…Through a sensible, minimalist approach, “Smart Marathon Training” puts runners at the start line of a marathon or half-marathon feeling strong, healthy and prepared for their best race. Other marathon training plans ask runners to crank out 70-100 miles a week. It’s no wonder they’re running ragged by race day. With “Smart Marathon Training”, you’ll train smarter, running half the mileage of old-school training plans so you reach the start line feeling fresh and prepared for your best marathon. You’ll train for marathon in a lot less time and avoid the injuries that come from running too much. “Smart Marathon Training” maps out a healthier, more economical approach to training, emphasising quality over quantity. Rather than wasting time and energy on junk miles, this dynamic programme pares down training to three essential runs per week, mixing in core work, strength training, and cycling. Smarter running combined with a solid strength and cross-training programme limit the risks of over training and burnout, all while building strength, power, and resistance to injury. With more than 80 detailed exercises, plus six easy-to-follow sample training plans for half and full marathons, “Smart Marathon Training” will get you to the start line feeling refreshed and ready to run your best race yet.
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The World’s Ultimate Running Races: 500 Races, 101 Countries, Choose Your Adventure
Description…Ever wanted to run along The Great Wall of China, up the Empire State Building, across the Sahara Desert or join thousands of runners in a major city road race. These running races are included in the list of 500 of the most classic running races in the world.

The global sport of running has captured people’s imagination since the first competitive race several thousand years ago. Hundreds of running races are held ever day and the biggest of those are watched by millions of people. Races featured range from ten second sprints to several days worth of running over hundreds of miles. There are running races included from every continent and most are open to anyone in the world.

Whether you are interested in a five km race around a city centre or a marathon across mountain ranges this book has a race for you.

• Cross country – experience the mud and the drama of the English cross country championships
• Mountain – run to the top of Mount Olympus in Greece
• Multi-terrain – get sweaty in Brazil completing the Jungle marathon
• Road – join thousands of others running marathons through the world’s greatest cities
• Snow – run a marathon to the North Pole
• Stage – compete as part of a team in the famous Ekiden relays in Japan
• Stair – catch the view from the top of the Empire State building
• Track – compete against Britain’s best in the famous British Milers Club races
• Trail – explore the ancient world whilst running on the Great Wall of China
• Ultra – challenge yourself in the heat of the Death Valley

The diversity of races is also matched by the number of countries featured with races from over 100 countries included in the list of ultimate running races. This list of ultimate running races is compiled by Angela Mudge (world champion mountain runner) along with contributions from some of the world’s leading runners including Kilian Jornet, Mara Yamauchi, Ryan Sandes and Jonathan Wyatt.

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The Fastest Men on Earth: The Story of the Men’s 100 Metre Champions…by Neil Duncanson

(Hardcover…Published Oct 2011)

Description…It takes just under 10 seconds to run, but to the winner of Athletics’ men’s 100 metres goes the accolade of ‘The Fastest Man on Earth’. “The Fastest Men on Earth”, first published in 1988 as a tie-in to the “Thames Television” series of the same name, is reissued in a new, exciting format, fully revised and updated to include the incredible men’s 100 metres final at the Beijing 2008 Games. Each chapter discusses not only the race itself, but also the preliminary rounds, dramas and controversies and includes interviews with all the key players, not just the champion. Immaculately researched and written in an entertaining style “The Fastest Men on Earth” brings to life some of the greatest athletes who ever set foot on a running track.

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(Softcover…Published Feb 2011)(Please note that there are 2 books on Haile Gebrselassie. This one seems to have got better reviews)

Description…The author of this book has been meeting up with the world’s best marathon runner since 2005, following his world record runs at first hand and visiting him several times in Addis Abeaba. He has traced his background, travelled the length and breadth of the African highlands, unearthed interesting Ethiopian running stories and with Haile Gebrselassie’s help, got a school project in a remote village off the ground. We discover the life story of a wonder runner from his childhood onwards; we relive his two Olympic 10K victories as well as his Berlin Marathon world records. The life story of this exceptional, perennially smiling athlete is packed with training information, personal encounters and impressions from his beloved homeland that he represents all over the world as UN honorary ambassador.
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Description…From his childhood amidst the steel mills of South Yorkshire to Olympic glory and beyond, Seb Coe’s story is one of extraordinary achievement. One of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, Seb earned four Olympic medals during a world-record breaking career. THE WINNING MIND is Seb’s account of the challenges, hard graft, set-backs and victories that he experienced during his career, retold with the passion and commitment that ultimately made him such an inspirational sporting champion. As an athlete, politican, business speaker and key figure in the delivery of the 2012 Olympic Games, Seb Coe has striven to achieve success in every challenge he has faced. This is the story of one man’s quest for excellence and the power of the winning mind.

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Description…Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe presided over the golden era of British athletics. Between them they won three Olympic gold medals, two silvers, one bronze, and broke a total of twelve middle-distance records. They were part of the landscape of the late seventies and early eighties — both household names, their exploits were watched by millions. As far apart as possible in terms of class and upbringing — Ovett is the art student, the long-haired son of a market-trader from Brighton, a natural athlete; Coe’s formative years were spent under the rigorous training routine of Peter Coe, a self-taught trainer who referred to his son as ‘my athlete’ — their rivalry burned as intense on the track as away from it. The pendulum swung between the pair of them — each breaking the other’s records, and, memorably, triumphing in each other’s events in Moscow in 1980 — for the best part of a decade, until the final showdown at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 …The Perfect Distance is both a detailed re-creation and a fitting celebration of the greatest era of British athletics.

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The Art of Running Faster…by Julian Goater, Don Melvin

Description…Whether you’re old, young, new to the sport or an experienced marathoner, this guide will change how you run and the results you achieve! Any runner can tell you that the sport isn’t just about churning out miles day in and day out. Runners have a passion, dedication and desire to go faster, longer and further. Now, “The Art of Running Faster” provides you with a new approach to running, achieving your goals and setting your personal best. “The Art of Running Faster” challenges the stereotypes, removes the doubts and erases the self-imposed limitations by prescribing not only what to do but also how to do it. Inside, you will learn how to overcome the obstacles that prevent you from running faster, more comfortably and with greater focus. Customise your training programme to emphasise the development of speed, strength and stamina to ensure you reach that next level of performance and blow past the competition. Reviews of this title are through UK and European running websites and magazines including “Running Fitness” and “Runner’s World”. Email campaign to contacts interested in running. This title is featured in Human Kinetics’ monthly “FitNews E-Newsletter” sent to over 10,000 subscribers. It is also featured on Human Kinetics’ Health & Fitness Blog.

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Running with the Kenyans: Discovering the secrets of the fastest people on earth [Paperback]…Adharanand Finn

Description…After years of watching Kenyan athletes win the world’s biggest races, from the Olympics to big city marathons, Runner’s World contributor Adharanand Finn set out to discover just what it was that made them so fast – and to see if he could keep up. Packing up his family (and his running shoes), he moved from Devon to the small town of Iten, in Kenya, home to hundreds of the country’s best athletes. Once there he laced up his shoes and ventured out onto the dirt tracks, running side by side with Olympic champions, young hopefuls and barefoot schoolchildren. He ate their food, slept in their training camps, interviewed their coaches, and his children went to their schools. And at the end of it all, there was his dream, to join the best of the Kenyan athletes in his first marathon, an epic race through lion country across the Kenyan plains.