LOOKS LIKE WE'RE RUNNING

Riedesel chases readers from the couch to the finish line in just 20 weeks in this fitness primer.

Distance running is one of the simplest activities known to humankind, one that our bodies have evolved to be good at. Early in this book, the author jokes that this volume contains, fully within it, a second book called The Self-Actualized Runner’s Step-by-Step Guidebook for Living, which reads, in its entirety, “Step One: Start running. Step Two: You’ve already taken it. Step Three: Repeat steps one and two until you understand exactly who you are and why you do what you do.” Even so, for most people, distance running is more aspiration than reality. How can something so simple be so difficult? According to Riedesel, running really is that easy, but becoming a person who runs regularly can be incredibly hard, as millions of health-minded would-be runners discover each year. It’s a pursuit that requires determination, time management, and a fair amount of psychological work, especially during those first runs, when the practice has not yet become a habit. With this book, the author coaches his readers through the steps toward becoming a runner—specifically a marathon runner, since Riedesel uses his own experiences training for the Disney Marathon to structure the guide. Beginning 20 weeks out from marathon day, the book dedicates one chapter to each week, assuming that the reader is more or less starting from scratch; topics include building a training plan, selecting the necessary gear, food, sleep, and even what to listen to while running. Riedesel’s voice is both conversational and refreshingly direct, avoiding motivation-speak in favor of everyday language: “Do not let the simple, important thing fade into the under-appreciated background like it’s the air or the sun. This is true for anything you wish to prioritize, and it’s true for running. Here’s the simple and important idea: Get out the door.” The author’s humor and matter-of-fact tone make this the perfect primer for anyone who really wants to run but just needs that little extra push to get going.

A refreshingly frank book about the marathon trainer’s mindset.