April 20th, 2011
As mentioned previously, I received a review copy of Kara Goucher’s Running For Women and am surprised to say…I actually like it! Admittedly, I was predisposed to disliking the book because:
1. It’s not a training book written by a coach – those are generally the only types of running books I read
2. I was afraid it would be the same old regurgitated stuff you can find anywhere on the Net
But no, even this cynical running webhead found it to be an entertaining and fun read with some useful tidbits.
My favorite part of the book, hands-down, are her personal accounts scattered throughout. I loved reading about how nervous she was the first time she ever ran with Paula Radcliffe on a casual training run or when she was injured and gained 30 lbs then had to make an appearance at the Footlocker XC championships feeling like a fat cow. Tales like that make you realize Elites go through some of the same crap we do. And of course, her progression from a gawky school girl to becoming a star marathoner is very tasty stuff, indeed.
The book is also peppered with little femme tips/tricks that I got a kick out of, like her method with deodorant, washing hair between workouts, buying mens shoes instead of girls so you’re not stuck with the stupid colors, etc. There are also question/answers sprinkled throughout that aren’t your usual fodder, like whether having sex before a race will affect your performance (Kara’s tried it both ways and found no difference…yay sex!).
I also found some of some of the racing and mental tips she included to be genuinely useful. There’s something about reading a great athlete’s personal handling of different elements within running and racing that transcends the generic “Runners should do x, y and z”.
Granted, the general training stuff in this book is geared towards less-advanced runners but the way it’s written, in short paragraph chunks, makes for easily-digestible reading without too much time spent talking about the basics.
So while it’s not at all in the same league as a true training book like Jack Daniel’s Running Formula or Brad Hudson’s Run Faster, Kara’s personal anecdotes and useful tips/advice make this an entertaining read and a worthy purchase for your running shelf.
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She definitely seems like a very cool woman.. Reading about her, I still can’t believe when she was pregnant, she ran just about every day and even ran on the day she gave birth. She is either dedicated or crazy.. Probably both.
Hm, can you share what Kara’s trick with deodorant is?
I love Kara. Ever since I read the article about her mental struggles in a race, I have felt that she is very humble and down-to-earth. I’ll have to pick up the book for sure! I also love that she is blazing fast and is still very feminine.
I have been looking all over for this book (even tried the Borders by our hotel in Boston!). I guess I will get it online. Your review makes me want to read it even more!
Thanks so much for the review! I’m a running book junkie but usually make it about half way through the first chapter due to “regurgitation!” I will for sure be picking this baby up. Thanks again!!
Flo,
Have you read her Boston race report. I swear, I could’ve written it
“I tried to tell myself to stay relaxed and positive. I might loosen up as the race went on and start to feel much better—because that can happen sometimes too. But it didn’t happen for me on Monday. By halfway, I knew it was not going to be my day. I still felt totally out of rhythm. That’s when I really started to struggle mentally. It’s not easy to keep running as hard as you can and hurting more and more with each passing mile when you know that even with all this effort and pain you will still fall short of your goal.”
http://karagoucher.competitor.com/2011/04/20/not-my-day-but-that%E2%80%99s-okay/?utm_source=HPmarquee&utm_medium=running
+1 to Jim, great link Matt, thanks. I don’t read her blog regularly but that’s an excellent entry. (sorry you felt the same that day)
It’s a great reminder that everyone has the mental games in races.
Matt – Thanks for the RR link. I liked how she was rooting for Desiree. That’s class.
Flo – How are you feeling? Do you need more recovery days?
Welcome back to the States, Jim!
Still funky, thanks for asking. Doing the same mileage though, just going slower so there aren’t any Ugh’s.Spoke too soon, actually had a decent run just now.I’m ambivalent about Goucher. But here’s a video from a bit ago about her relationship with Salazar, and having a positive attitude.
Also, that’s bourbon.
I’ve seen that video before…really good stuff, hope some comment lurkers check it out.
I love her attitude and drive and what’s really cool about Mrs. G is that she shares so much about her experiences. I also gotta love a consumer of sports psych, as I love plugs for my specialty!
well i just have to say that i love the “yay sex” comment.