Description
A science writer and recreational runner explores the science behind popularly held beliefs about shoes, injuries, nutrition, “runner’s high,” and more.
Conventional wisdom about running is passed down like folklore (and sometimes contradicts itself): the right kind of shoe prevents injury–or running barefoot, like our prehistoric ancestors, is best; eat a high-fat diet–and also carbo load before a race; running cures depression–but it might be addictive; running can save your life–although it can also destroy your knee cartilage. Often it’s hard to know what to believe. In Running Smart, Mariska van Sprundel, a science journalist and recreational runner who has had her fair share of injuries, sets out to explore the science behind such claims.
In her quest, van Sprundel reviews the latest developments in sports science, consults with a variety of experts, and visits a sports lab to have her running technique analyzed. She learns, among other things, that according to evolutionary biology, humans are perfectly adapted to running long distances (even if our hunter-gatherer forebears suffered plenty of injuries); that running sets off a shockwave that spreads from foot to head, which may or may not be absorbed by cushioned shoes; and that a good sports bra controls the ping pong-like movements of a female runner’s breasts. She explains how the body burns fuel, the best foods to eat before and after running, and what might cause “runner’s high.” More than fifty million Americans are runners (and a slight majority of them are women). This engaging and enlightening book will help both novice and seasoned runners run their smartest.
Helton (verified owner) –
Great insight and information from the front lines of science.
Anyone who runs regularly, at the very least, wants to get started knowing that they’re not causing direct harm to themselves, and taking every running article related to stride, nutrition, shoes, etc. to heart can leave one thoroughly confused as to what’s for them.
This book allows for the reader to make their own decisions as to which avenues they want to take in terms of the many dimensions through which one can improve their running experience and/or training regiment. From examining exhaustion as perceived effort and testing whether striking on the forefoot or heel is superior to shoe cushioning and listening to music, there’s a lot of hot topics covered, and that makes this a pretty wonderful resource.
It’s true that some of these studies might be superseded very soon by future discoveries, but the way I look at it is that it just sets van Sprundel up for releasing more editions.
A neat aggregate of material guaranteed to at least give you some idea of how to forge your own path toward, well, running smartly. Empowerment via knowledge is a cool thing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and MIT Press for the advance read.
Steve Walker (verified owner) –
I recommend this book to anyone interested in recreational running, rather than performance athletes. It contains detailed commentary on many aspects of running and relays information about scientific studies to support the commentary. Some accepted wisdom is challenged (e.g. about shoe choice, nutrition, etc) and some is confirmed. Different people have different experiences, and it’s worth comparing one’s own experience with the science.
Susan D. (verified owner) –
I loved this book; it tackled most of the running beliefs and/or issues and delved into the scientific evidence for and against. Very interesting and I appreciate having it all packed in one book.