The Complete Book Of Running For Women

More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- forstress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women'sbodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard andwith the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns.Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women whoexperience the pure joy of running, or want to. It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn: - How to get started and stay motivated - What to eat for optimal nutrition - How to run during pregnancy and after menopause - Why running is the most effective form of exercise - How to prevent and treat injury - What to wear -- from sports bras to running shoes - How to prepare for everything from a 5K to a marathon 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, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.

Claire Kowalchik is the author of The Complete Book of Running for Women, Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Runner's World Running on Air, and Running Strong.

Contents Introduction PART I Why Run? 1 Running for the Body 2 Running for the Mind 3 Sex Differences ESSAY: SAYING IS BEING, BY DAWSON WINCH PART II Becoming a Runner 4 The Mindset 5 The Elements of Running 6 Running Safely 7 Finding Motivation ESSAY: OUT THE DOOR -- TWICE, BY PATRICIA LOCKHART PART III Calories, Carbos, and Weight Concerns 8 The Nutrients You Need 9 Your Healthy Weight 10 Body Image ESSAY: BIGGER AND BETTER, BY SUSAN LINDFORS PART IV Your Special Concerns as a Woman 11 Menstruation 12 Pregnancy 13 Menopause ESSAY: "SHUFFLING" FOR BALANCE (AND THE OCCASIONAL PITCHER OF BEER), BY ELIZABETH SHIMER PART V Getting into Gear 14 Shoes 15 Clothing 16 Other Stuff... ESSAY: THANK YOU, MR. SIDELINES, BY MEG WALDRON PART VI Running Enhancements 17 Stretching 18 Strength Training 19 Cross-Training 20 Treadmill Running ESSAY: HURT SO GOOD, BY VIDA MORKUNAS PART VII Racing 21 The Joy of Racing 22 Training to Race 23 The 5-K and 10-K 24 The Marathon and Half-Marathon ESSAY: CHAMPIONS, BY MEGAN OTHERSEN GORMAN PART VIII Injury Prevention and Treatment 25 Preventing Injury 26 Common Injuries 27 Stitches and Other Running Glitches ESSAY: LETTING GO, BY MARLENE CIMONS PART IX Running for a Lifetime 28 Running and Family 29 Fifty-Plus 30 A Celebration of Women's Running ESSAY: RUNNING TO CATCH THE HERO INSIDE, BY KATHRINE SWITZER Appendix Index