If you hadn’t noticed, Runner’s World recently sent me some books to review. This next one is a goodie:
Running Strong: The Sports Doctor’s Complete Guide to Staying Healthy and Injury Free for Life by Dr. Jordan Metzl, MD
The best thing about this book is that its written by a doctor who is also a runner. Or shall we say a runner who’s also a doctor? How many times have I been told to stop running by a doctor who did not “get” running? The answer is too many. I love that Dr. Metzl “gets it”. This is a great resource you’ll want to have on your shelf because you’ll refer to it over and over. If you’re a newer runner, you’ll love the sections on running mechanics, food, gear, well all of it.
Experienced runners will especially love the “What’s that Pain?” section. I know I do. Nice big graphics take you through the major ailments us runners experience. Issues with feet, ankles calves, legs, hips, groin, lower back…its all in there. You’ll be able to identify what ails you, as well as learn how to treat it, prevent it from happening again and whether you need to see a doctor.
There’s a companion smartphone app that goes along with the book. You can scan certain pages and a “virtual doctor’s office” video pops up on your phone, giving you more in depth info.
Dr. Metzl’s IronStrength workout is something every runner can benefit from. He advocates a “strong kinetic chain” and includes a comprehensive workout along with strength/balance tests to keep you running injury free.
- Buy the book
- Dr. Metzl’s website
- Dr. Metzl on Twitter: @drjordanmetzl
- Dr. Metzl on Instagram: @drjordanmetzl
- Dr. Metzl on Facebook
Honey Do You Need a Ride? Diary of a Fat Runner by Jennifer Graham
This was Wendy’s Running Book club selection for March. I finished this one over spring break and yes, I’m a little late with my discussion.
The cover and title led me to believe this would be a fun read. I was barely into it though, when I saw a pic of the author, and she isn’t remotely fat, by my judgement. But fatness is in the eye of the beholder I guess. As I continued on, I found it tiring having her constantly dog on herself for her perceived fatness and I put the book down. Eventually I picked it up again and finished it on the plane. The book is really about a woman’s journey through life, family building and a painful divorce, and how running is her solace. I get that, as I’ll bet lots of us do. I wanted to be entertained with more colorful character development and cute anecdotes within (like when her donkeys got loose) but the book fell short in that regard. I felt bad for the main character and hoped the story would move along and she’d eventually triumph over her neuroses at the end but that didn’t really happen either. Honestly to me it seemed like the title and cover were cooked up in a publisher’s marketing office and yes, they’re cute but misleading. I guess it reinforces the fact that we can’t judge a book by its cover.
Stay tuned on my take on Meb for Mortals. Who doesn’t love some Meb?
Have you read either of these? Any running books lately?
Yay! Thanks for your commentary on the book. I agree, that it was more about her struggle with life than with her weight. And I ordered Dr Metzl’s book from amazon, still waiting for it to come. I love his column and videos on Runner’s World–he’s really more like an NP than an MD–LOL….
I”m thinking about Meb for Mortals for the book club this summer…I’ll be curious to hear what you think.
i like that the doctor has a “what’s the pain” section. also thanks for your thoughts on the other book. i was thinking about reading it but now i think i might pass…
Interesting! I did read Dr. Metzl’s book and liked it. I think it is definitely a good reference book and I do want to try his iron strength workout. As to the other: it’s too bad that it turned out that way…sounds like it had potential.
I have heard a lot about Dr. Metzl’s book and would love to check it out! I enjoy having different resources available to reference and learn from!
I love Dr. Metzl’s book! It’s such a great resource for any runner.
Runnig Strong sounds like a good one. Love that he’s a doctor and a runner and would understand. How cool you can get an app on your smartphone of pages of book. The other book doesn’t sound like I would enjoy it. If it doesn’t hold my interest within the first chapter or two I usually put it down and never pick it back up.
Love that “what’s that pain section” I bet that is so helpful!! I’m always wondering what’s going on with my body.
I’m always on the lookout for good running books, so thanks for the thoughts on these! I recently read Hal Higdon’s 4:09:43 book about the Boston Marathon and it was great. I was in tears after just the first few pages!
It sounds like the second book is in the category of ‘how on earth did she get that published’.
I haven’t read either but want to check out the Jennifer Graham book! I’ve heard good things.
I have read any running books lately, but I’d like to!
That “What’s The Pain” section sounds like it could be extremely helpful. I might need to check this book out!
I’m reading Meb for Mortals right now– I love it– I’ve already taken away so many great tips. I can’t wait to read the whole thing.
Reading Meb for Mortals and loving it! Looks like I need to put Dr. Metzl’s book on my reading list next!
I just finished Meb’s book and loved it. I love having them for motivation and reference!
Definitely want the first one. Never heard of the second. LOVE ME SOME MEB! I really like your reviews on these books, too btw. Concise but you express your observations and opinions well. 😀
First book sounds great, love the accompanying app idea.
no, I have not! The first book sounds like a must have for every runner and I like the idea of the app that comes with it- super cool!