The Running Revolution: How to Run Faster, Farther, and Injury-Free—For Life

Former Olympic coach Romanov and fitness writer Brungardt (The Complete Book of Abs) offer a manual on how to run faster, more efficiently, and at greater distances while also decreasing the chance of injury. Drawing from the work of Scottish neurophysiologist Thomas Graham Brown, Romanov identifies three universal elements of running: pose, falling, and pulling, which in combination make up a natural form for running: the Pose Method. The book is divided into four parts, the first of which covers the basics: understanding one’s own body, starting a running journal, choosing the right shoe (“flat, thin, or flexible”), getting into the “athletic stance,” and capturing one’s stride on video, stretching, and following a strengthening routine. Part Two deals with structural strength, creating a new perception of movement and neurological patterns, and the improvement of biomechanics. Part Three introduces a nine-week regimen of running and drills. The fourth section discusses gearing one’s workout routine to one’s personal goal, whether that’s a 5K, a marathon, or simply a lifetime of running. Romanov’s years of research and practice, coupled with Brungardt’s instructional writing, should be inspiring and informative for casual joggers and marathon runners alike. Agent: Dan Strone, Trident Media Group. (Sept.)