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Kara Goucher's Running for Women (Giveaway)

UPDATE: 7/14/11: Winner was selected by Random.org.... #19... Kelly!  I'll be contacting you for your address soon!

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I jumped the gun a little bit before finishing school to read, when I was sent this book to review by Kara Goucher, one of my running idols.  Here is my review (I also did one for Healthy Tipping Point):

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This book is geared toward beginner runners.  It begins with Kara's story of how she got into running and then gives tips for new runners from how to take those first steps to how to deal with those initial "pains" (I think we all know what I'm talking about!).

But I did learn from this book, which I couldn't stop reading until I polished it off in two evenings.  She talks about some mental games one could play to get through rough spots during training.  She also offers some training programs for half- and full-marathons that only require 3 days of running.  I might have more time to train now that I am slightly less busy, but they might be worth a shot sometime!

I found the quotes Kara used for inspiration a nice break from the text, but I found it was a little unnecessary for her to explain why she "loves" every single one of those quotes.  Beyond that, I think this book is great.  I wish I had this when I first started, since she talks about how to stay safe when running outdoors, how to pick running garments, and other little things that would have saved me from learning on my own, the hard way.

Kara is a very relatable person, and her personal stories really bring that to light in this book.

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If you'd like some summer reading, I am giving away a copy here!  (US/CAN residents only)  Giveaway closes at 11:59:59 PM, Thursday July 14.  I will choose a winner via Random.org.

To enter:

1) Leave a comment about someone who gave you some good running advice.
2) Follow this blog (on Google Friend Connect), or add this blog to your blog links... and leave a comment letting me know you have done so.

3) Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you have done so.

4) Blog or Tweet this giveaway.

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FTC Disclaimer: I was sent this book to review, and not in any particular way. My opinions are my own!
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Comments

  1. JessJuly 7, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I'm not really interested in the book, but I always like reading others' reviews! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will TravelJuly 7, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    A good day to return to the blogosphere! I'm a follower (duh).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will TravelJuly 7, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    And good running advice? I'll go with my first Team in Training coaches, who taught me what it means to run a marathon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LindseyJuly 7, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    I have been meaning to buy this book! I think the best running advice I have gotten is to slow down. My massage therapist told me I was running way to fast on my easy days and that I needed to slow down at least 1 minute per mile! I wish I would have gotten this advice sooner because I ended up injured!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LaurieJuly 7, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I am a follower! Like a lemming!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LaurieJuly 7, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    And the best piece of running advice ... hmm... probably as I was at about mile 23 or so of my first marathon and I sort of wanted to take a nap instead of finishing the race. A guy came up next to me and said "The faster you run the sooner you get to stop."

    ReplyDelete
  7. TrishaJuly 8, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Awesome! I looked at this book a couple days ago, but I ended up just putting it on my "to buy" list.
    Best running advice I've received was pretty simple "listen to your body no matter what!"

    ReplyDelete
  8. TrishaJuly 8, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I'm already a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  9. TrishaJuly 8, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I just started following you on twitter :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. TeamarciaJuly 8, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I linked you on my blog sidebar

    ReplyDelete
  11. TeamarciaJuly 8, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    Good running advice? When it's hot, hydrate by the clock not by how you feel.

    ReplyDelete
  12. BrookeJuly 8, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Don't fight the wind. Wait until you're running with it. Also, listen to your body and don't keep running if you are injured. Take time to heal.

    ReplyDelete
  13. BrookeJuly 8, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Following you on twitter now!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Justine ZoellerJuly 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    I'm a new runner and I am SLOW... but getting faster, I hope! My college friend dan who is super fast gave me the advice to actually stretch when I was having knee pain... seems obvious but huge difference!

    I would love to read Kara's book! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Run with JessJuly 11, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    I'm a new follower... I've been wanting this book!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Run with JessJuly 11, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Good advice... Just be yourself. Run for you and nothing else. The miles and pace will come in time.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Run with JessJuly 11, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    I follow you on Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  18. RachelJuly 11, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    I am a follower and also have you in my blog links!


    Best advice I ever got was from my physical therapist. "Its not that you shouldn't run, you just shouldn't run like 'everyone else'. Running isn't one size fits all".

    ReplyDelete
  19. KellyJuly 11, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Listen to your body! Most important rule of all :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amy*July 13, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    The best running advice I've gotten has been to "run your own race." It's hard to do (esp at the start) when it seems like everyone is zooming by! It's better in the long run (ha!) to go at your pace and ignore everyone else.*

    ReplyDelete
  21. cindyluJuly 14, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    As for running advice, my sister is probably the person who helped me out most when I started. I follow you on Twitter. :D

    ReplyDelete

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