Starting to Run (Again)

This is a simple and practical guide for those who want to get back into shape after a period of (relative) inactivity. Running is one of the best ways to do this. What makes running such a special form of training is that it is both a great way to get in shape and an active form of relaxation or meditation, leading to abundant energy and a feeling of inner peace. This book is written for those who want to get off the couch and start moving again, to feel better and to be healthier. Congratulations on making this decision! First, I wanted to call this book "e;Starting to run"e;. Yet then I remembered a beautiful experience I had a few years ago. I was walking past a kindergarten during break time, and stopped for a moment to look at the children playing. And the most remarkable thing I noticed was that they were all running non-stop! We are not different from these children, you and I. That is what we used to do when we were younger. Therefore, this is not about starting to run. It is about getting back to running. We were born to run. You were born to run. You've just taken a break from it, and deep down you miss it, so you have decided to get back into the game of running. What makes this book different from the other books about running for "e;beginners"e; which are already out there? There are two key differences. The first difference is that I advocate using no special running shoes, but wearing minimalist shoes or even going barefoot, using natural cushioning instead of artificial cushioning. And this book will teach you the running drills you need to learn to do this. It will teach you how to run the natural way. The second difference is that I want you to start with walking, and then gradually move through a mix of walking and running, to finally running non-stop for the whole training. You can move through this walking phase quickly if you are already fit; if not, just take all the time you need to build it up gradually while listening to your body. The combination of these two principles will lead to healthier running. Walking will help with burning calories and give you cardiovascular training until you are used to running non-stop again. This running manual is full of simple, clear instructions to make your running fun and healthy, and to get you into great shape again. I want to encourage you to read this whole ebook once from cover to cover, to get a good idea of what this program is about. Then, to commit to doing this program for three months. I am confident that if you make the commitment to do that, you will never look back. You will simply be happy that you started running again! Good health and fitness to you!Thijs Hottenhuis