Description
From a two-time Olympic coach and creator of the Pose Method who has trained the running elite and the US Army, an essential guide for all runners seeking to go faster and farther without injury
Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run—and the wildly popular natural running trend it sparked—changed the way we think about running, but it has also prompted many questions: Have we been running the wrong way? And, have we been running in the wrong kind of shoe? What is the safest type of foot strike? How many types are there? And what is a foot strike anyway? No existing guide has clearly addressed these concerns—until now. The Running Revolution provides both beginning and experienced runners with everything they need to know in order to safely and efficiently transition to and master a safer and more biomechanically efficient way of running that is guaranteed to improve performance and minimize wear and tear on the body.
More than a one-size-fits-all guide, The Running Revolution provides readers with clear instructions, complete with helpful illustrations, that they can easily integrate into their unique running histories in order to run safely, intelligently, and efficiently for many years to come.
VH (verified owner) –
I have been coaching the PoseMethod for close to 20 years, and continue to see runners enjoy running pain and injury free! PoseMethod will prevent injuries, get you back to running after an injury and gets you faster and more efficient! Also, you can learn and practice at any age, any level of running.
chris sinagoga (verified owner) –
I was kind of surprised after reading this book. It did not go into as much detail as Dr. Romanov’s original Pose Method of Running – which is what I was expecting. Instead, The Running Revolution showcases the Pose Concept from a different (maybe more mainstream) perspective, and that’s definitely not a bad thing.
I like to nerd out on this topic, so I don’t mind getting into the philosophy details that came with the first book. But this version really helped me simplify my thoughts and teachings – especially the Big Monkeys and Small Monkeys.
I am not saying this to be condescending or sarcastic, but I truly believe that this book makes it literally impossible for the reader to fail. From instructions on how to film yourself, to analyzing your run frame-by-frame, to sample running programs, to shoe theory and selection, to flexibility and strength assistance work, this book contains instructions that are crystal clear and illustrations to go along with it.
If you are new to the Pose Concept and Method, then The Running Revolution is definitely the place to start in my opinion. If you are experienced in Pose, there is still a good amount of info to be gained from this book.
Dan MacDougald III (verified owner) –
Dr. Romanov is the man on running technique. Initially I was skeptical, but I’ve been a student of his methods for more than 10 years. I have watched with interest as several of his hypotheses were initially ridiculed, then copied by almost everyone. For a long time he was a voice in the wilderness criticizing heel strike running & the motion control shoes that make such running possible, and he deserves much credit for helping to move the world away from heel striking. But forefoot running is only a piece of the puzzle that is correct, efficient running technique. How to use gravity as the forward locomotive force is the second piece.
This book is the best guide yet to learning Dr. Romanov’s method. Well thought out and effective progressions and skill drills, very clearly explained.
Kristian H (verified owner) –
I bought this book and was very impressed.
I think that the descriptions and pictures are very helpful, but I would recommend newbies to supplement with the Online Video Series from Pose Method®
In the chapter “Training Programs for 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon” the program is designed for mid-level runner. And the book tells you that: “charts for different levels, from beginner to advanced, can be downloaded at posemethod.com”
I’m not able to find these charts – and the help disk from Pose Method® has not yet responded to my question.
I would give the book 5 stars if these charts where included or were easy to find and download.
Collin Strachan (verified owner) –
I am an intermediate level runner, so I decided to get a book that would help me fine tune my performance. What I have learned here is amazing! I highly recommend this book to anyone at any level of running.
Miguel Angel Paz (verified owner) –
Same info that the last book, but more complete, examples and iluustrations.
cvu777 (verified owner) –
A must read book for runners! This is the first book that actually teaches you how to run with proper technique. This is also the first book I have ever read that has actual drills to build proper run mechanics. The author breaks down the run into three distinct phases: “Pose, Fall, Pull” and teaches you drills that allow you to learn these phases. I have been an avid Triathlete and distance runner since 2006. I have taken several running classes. My coaches taught me to “forefoot” strike and not to “heel” strike. They told me my cadence should be 180 steps per minute. They told me to ensure my arms did not cross and that they traveled from “hip to nip”. However, none of my run coaches over the last 8 years of instruction could ever show me drills to build these techniques. In my Masters swim class, all they do is drill and swim. When I golfed, we built a solid swing by developing a solid base, one piece take-away, ensured we had a proper grip, proper alignment at the top of the swing and solid weight transfer at the bottom of the swing. We had drills to build these fundamentals. Until I read this book, none of literature actually focused on run technique. The Pose running drills: Springiness position, Body weight perception, Timber, Wall fall, base jump, change of support, pony and foot tap all teach you how to get into proper “pose”, “fall” and “pull” when you are running. I have now incorporated these drills into my training. Tip: Go to “Youtube” videos: search for “drill posetv” to get visual lessons on how to perform the drills. Best wishes and happy running!
Wyllie Lum (verified owner) –
I’m learning this to help me become a more efficient runner. I’ve started to incorporate the POSE method into my running and I can feel the difference. I just have to continue to practice so that it becomes instinctive.
Matt Sobolewski (verified owner) –
Solid book that should be required reading for anyone thinking about running for fitness, fun or competition. This book skips the hype, skips the fads and sticks to the basics. If you are looking for a flashy book with all the latest “cool” factor, and quick answers you will be disappointed. But if you want to learn the basics of how to run correctly, this is your book.
I would highly recommend this book to the new runner, and I would highly recommend this book to the seasoned runner who is frustrated by injury or whose running has plateaued (me).
And while I said the book is nothing “flashy”, the opening paragraph alone may be worth the price of admission. “Running is flying.”
Ben Crouch (verified owner) –
This was a good read. I will read it again and probably pick up the paperback so I can dog ear it and make better reference of the training program.
Enjoy!
C (verified owner) –
Am still reading this – slowly as it’s supposed to be read. This is based on science, and so far (as I’m reading) the science is right on the money!
Jake (verified owner) –
This book has solved my problems with shin splints and running injuries. I just recently completed a half marathon for the first time. I attribute my injuries to standing up too tall and not leaning forward with my ankles which is the premise of this book’s pose method. While it sounds simplistic and common sense for some, I can guarantee that it is not the case for others. I am in the Army and have always struggled for the last 6 years with running. After countless bouts with shin splints, plantar faschitis, IT band pain, and other problems I decided that I wanted to try something new. After reading through the book and meticulously watching youtube videos created by Dr. Romanov, it finally clicked for me what I was doing wrong. From the very first time I tried the pose method I could notice a significant increase in speed and less impact in my shins. It all boils down to the center of gravity when you land. Retraining your brain is challenging because you will want to extend your stride to run faster, but this book teaches you to lean forward at your ankles to allow gravity to propel you forward rather than using your muscle strength. When you understand what this book teaches it will feel like an epiphany, so I cannot recommend it enough!
Eduardo medina (verified owner) –
If what this book says, works, i’ll be in debt for life
DP (verified owner) –
Good explanation of the proper running techniques.
Carole (verified owner) –
This is quite a technical book, bit even for the beginning runner like myself it has invaluable information on running form, which can not only revolutionize your running, but keep you safe from injury. Highly recommended.
Robert N. Clapp (verified owner) –
Very thorough plan to retrain the body and develop the muscle memory needed to consistently run with the pose method. Slow development based on the schedule, but that will help minimize risk of injury during the transition. I like the self-analysis built into the program, which is necessary for development and reinforcement of new movements. Haven’t tried the program yet, but will implement it as I start training for my first full marathon.
S. Hunter (verified owner) –
I wish I had this book 40 years ago! After many injuries and many years hiatus, I am back to running now in my 60’s and am running better than I did 30 years ago. Wow! So simple and so profound! Highly recommended regardless of your running goals – this makes running more fun than I ever imagined!
DGT (verified owner) –
Interesting and thought provoking. For the serious runner.
Szuchanszki D. (verified owner) –
I found the book I was looking for, it is an instructional as much as motiavtional book, something that you dont always find in all the books about running
Kyle England (verified owner) –
I found the methodical approach to changing my running technical very helpful. The through instructions made everything make sense. I’ve been running without any thought to form before reading this book. I now have a formula that is helping me to run better and with a lower risk of injury.
H Lee (verified owner) –
The book is exactly as I was expecting. Though I have the other book by Dr. Romanov, I think it is still worthwhile to read this book. It is more organized into how to build up the understanding, enhance the understanding with various exercises.
Grace H. (verified owner) –
Excellent book in introducing a new method for running. Thorough explain on the basic concepts and fully explain with detail. Highly recommend this one if you want to incorporate running to your life style.
Krista R. Bainbridge (verified owner) –
I have started and stopped running regimens multiple times over the last few years – many of my friends are avid runners and enjoy weekend challenges and I wanted to be part of it. But I hadn’t gotten into a good groove and I was plagued with injuries. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion and had high hopes of it being able to help me over come these obstacles.
I found the author’s style easy to read and very simple to follow – with a series of drills and ways to prepare yourself, I have got back on the running trail and over the last 10 days have really seen an improvement in my running and despite my history, I have not yet had an injury (knock on wood!). I am excited to continue to implement the tips and tools I have (and continue to!) learned from this book and will be looking for his other book about the Pose method as I found the shortened version in this book to me very helpful to a long-term running struggler like myself.
Michelle Holland (verified owner) –
I have lots of questions when it comes to running. This book teaches proper technique which is a good place to start for beginner runners like myself. In this book, you will get a break down of the three phases of running: pose, fall and pull. To learn these phases properly, for effective running, there are drills to teach these. I certainly did not know there were fundamentals to running. This book also shows you sample running guides and shoe theories and selections, which is important in running! I find I can’t run if my feet are hurting. I am finding the pose method to be very beneficial as I am learning proper way to run and trying my hardest to be injury free. I am going to continue using this simple guide to safe and comfortable running. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
christine laskero (verified owner) –
Did you know that many of us have been running incorrectly our whole lives? Did you know there is a universal running form that can help you improve your running technique, decrease your chances of injury, and help you set a personal record? My answers would have been no until I read The Running Revolution! In this book, Dr. Nicholas Romanov, a Russian trained sports scientist and 2-time Olympic coach presents us with the Pose Method that he first developed in the 70″s. He would like us to read his book and treat it like we are taking a semester long class about it. He believes the only way to internalize his running method is to approach it as you would to learn any new skill. This will include learning how to stand and run correctly and then practice it over and over until it is second nature.
Dr. Romanov along with Kurt Brungardt, has laid out a very structured plan to internalize the Pose Method. What may surprise you is that the initial learning will require a very limited amount of running. It is more about increasing your mobility, getting stronger, and learning to run correctly. They break their book down into 4 sections – Preparation, Ten Lesson Plans, The Running Circuit, and a final chapter on race running.
One of my favorite parts of this book are the pictures of each exercise you will do before and after you do your lesson. You can see exactly how you need to position yourself for each exercise as you read the concise instructions. Dr. Romanov leaves nothing to the imagination and there is not much ad-libbing. This is a true instruction manual on how to get from point A to point B over the course of several months. Now, what I can’t tell you yet, is does it work? I can’t wait to get started and I will be sure to let you know!! I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
JGPR (verified owner) –
it takes time and dedication to improve something that seems natural and given. To me has been a very positive experience to go through every lesson and although I have not finished yet I am seeing and feeling the difference. I was able to finish my first 10 k. I definitely recommend it
Bruce (verified owner) –
As I am writing this review, I am finishing my third week of the program (starting lesson 8/10 before getting into longer workouts). After reading most reviews I can see why some people love it, and some people hate it. I am very technical and analytical, I always try to find the most efficient way to perform a task, including with exercise. That is why I bought this book, and I can say I am not disappointed. If anything I wish I bought this years ago….
Short background (I’ll get to the point fast, I promise!). I grew up swimming, played competitive water polo through college, and took up running 3 years ago. I found myself constantly injuring myself, despite some significant accomplishments for a non-runner (43:16 10K is my best PR). After getting sick of injuring myself I thought about how much time I spent growing up doing swimming drills. We did nothing but drills and stroke work for years, that made me an efficient/injury-free swimmer, and I wanted to take that approach to running. I tried a running coach, but he had the old school mentality of ‘just run,’ not to mention one session was three times more than this book….
“The Running Revolution” explains that with the right technique and approach to running, anyone can have a long running career. Not just a few years until your knees give out. That’s what I wanted, and that is what this book will help you do (assuming you have the mind-body awareness to be your own critic). First by re-build your running form from the ground up. It starts off with simple workouts, but is building your foundation. The first workout is all about your foot, and you reinforce these principles before each workout. I had already taken steps to move away from heel-striking, so this seemed obvious, but I maintained a positive attitude towards it. I had made the decision to follow the program all the way through, and wasn’t going to be deterred because I thought a few drills were common sense. As you progress the workouts stack on top of each other and become more complex.
What the book tries to do is get you to think and feel every aspect of your run. From your foot strike, to your leaning (falling) angle, to your recovery (pull), etc…. I find some technique drills awkward, but they serve a purpose. I can tell you the first time I did a number of swimming drills felt awkward too. But today, almost 4 weeks in, I can say that everything is starting to fit into place. When I am running correctly, it feels right, like the first time I held good form on a new lift… something just clicks now. I know I am not faster, in fact I am sure I cannot go out and maintain my old pace with the new form i am learning, but that when I get back to running track workouts and racing I will continue to improve without the high rate of injury.
I have two tangible improvement’s at this point I would like to share:
(1) I have noticed that I really feel the effort my calves and hamstrings put into each workout. As the book describes, previously I was actively striking the ground which put a lot of stress on my shins, quads, and feet (where I had a lot of my injuries over the last few years). But now I feel like I am properly using the correct muscles when I run. It reminds me of the first time I performed weight workouts with slow-controlled reps, I felt sore, and couldn’t do near the weight as I did with improper form, but knew it was a good thing. It has not been easy to make the transition, but it feels right.
(2) I have a Garmin Felix 2, which tracks my cadence, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation (how much you are moving up and down during your run). Previously my vertical movement was terrible, something like 12-14 CM. After my last jog, I averaged a 8 CM vertical oscillation, which is not perfect, but the difference from 12 to 8 is significant, and shows that I am running much more efficiently that I was previously.
I am sure there are dozens of books that will give you a similar insight into running. Each will have a structured path to efficient running. I can’t say this is the best book on the market, but am happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone I know.
David Lomas (verified owner) –
Lots of good stuff, well worth a read no matter your level.
C. Lambert (verified owner) –
good book. Listen to the advice to take it slow when building up your millage, your calves with thank you. I had to backtrack b/c my calves couldnt take it.
PR1299 (verified owner) –
Can’t show a picture, but the book looks the way it does in the image. It’s a good book. It goes through the basics of setting up running for success. Many people get into something without the proper planning or tools and quickly lose interest or suffer injury. I had not run consistently in years. I was still trying to run like i did when played soccer. I ran aggressively with long strides and found out i was creating issues with my tendons. This showed me the method of running with smaller strides while still working the body and gaining the cardio benefit i needed.
J. Valen (verified owner) –
Still going through the program but so far so good.
erkki soininen (verified owner) –
Hi, there is some “mistakes” which I found after reading Kelly Starrett’s Ready to run – book but
generally there is a new attitude for running also for older runner ;- )
-erkki
Phil E (verified owner) –
The book is organized as a self-guided course, with a strict structure and progression. I haven’t quite drunk the kool aid enough to commit 100% to the proposed framework, but I found it an eye-opening resource regardless. Romanov claims that all elite runners run as the book describes–with the ball of the foot striking under the hips, in line with the shoulders, hips, and head–but a quick search of “slow motion marathon” on youtube produces a handful of Kenyans, none of whom seem to be striking the ground in this position. However, they ARE all very clearly landing on the ball of their foot–interesting.
Absolutely worth reading!
Milan Sztepanov (verified owner) –
This book is a practical guideline with lot of technical details and workout advices. It could help to everyone who try to become a better athlete.
Eduardo Kehyaian (verified owner) –
En línea con los libros sobre el Método Pose. Bien explicado y muy útiles las ilustraciones para aquellos que deseamos mejorar la técnica.
Leeron Webb (verified owner) –
It’s been a while since I bought the book. I didn’t finish it. I got bogged down in the details of pre-run and post-run exercises. This is a very involved program that involves videotaping yourself run from various angles, keeping a running log, and implementing various other processes in your life. I found it overwhelming but very complete. If you want to become a serious running aficionado and don’t want to pay a running coach, then this book seems like the logical alternative.
John C (verified owner) –
I am a few weeks into following the Pose Method and so far so good. The technique seems to be very efficient and simply explained. Similar to Chi running. I have also watched on you tube to get a better idea of putting it all together.
Julia Griffiths (verified owner) –
I’ve known about the Pose Method for over a decade, but have never been injury free enough to try it out consistently. I’m back to running again, incorporating the drills and tips in this book. I have a long way to go to improve my technique, but already my legs feel less tired, no twinges of any kind and i am naturally & almost effortlessly running faster.
Luis Laureano (verified owner) –
VERY IMFORMATIVE I HAVE HAD TROUBLE RUNNIG IN THE PAST DUE TO OVERTRAINING.THIS BOOK GIVES YOU A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO AVOID INJURY AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY
Paul (verified owner) –
I’ve been running the “Chi running” style for a few years which uses many of Romanov’s principles which are explained in depth in his book. I’m a 53 year old weekend runner and without killing myself training, I run at least one marathon a year and a couple of half marathons (besides some local 10K races) without knee or back pain while having fun and keeping in shape. Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists would have much less work if runners would follow the “Pose” techniques in this book. Some of the running dynamics and philosophy are presented in a slightly different fashion in “Chi running” which I also highly recommend.
Laszlo Somodi (verified owner) –
In this book the foundations of a great running technique are laid by a very well balanced mix of theory and practice. I wish I had read this book earlier, it would have spared me a lot of injuries throughout my running career.
Joel (verified owner) –
Great book, it was of great use to me when I first started running. I think I would have hurt myself if it wasn’t for this. The lessons in the book helped me diagnose the pains I was feeling and I was able to modify my form in order to prevent the pain from coming back.
Kristy (verified owner) –
Great book for running enthusiasts that want to run their whole life. I have a very small ligament tear in my knee that has prevented me from running due to pain and swelling. I was running 20miles at a time prior to injury without difficulty. I am able to run using the style in this book without pain or need for surgery. Saved my running career. Does take work and concentration to adapt to this style but is well worth it to be able to run for a lifetime.
Roger Cordoba Arroyo (verified owner) –
I think this book can help you to run better with out injuries, becose for my it was very helpful and my knees right now are with out pain.
luis gamarra (verified owner) –
I read the book when I had an Achilles tendon injury, now I know the injury cause and how to avoid future injuries
Mary Ann Merlin (verified owner) –
Never thought I would see the evolution of running unfold before my eyes. In the 1970’s we were taught to always run heel to toe. That was wrong. I can’t even begin to Imagine the injuries caused by this strategy. Well then was then. Now we have a much, much better way to train. This is the wave of things to come. This book will be a must read, in the future. I’m sure of it. If you run for any reason, you need this book. It will blow your mind. Great read.
csimpson (verified owner) –
Best book on running I have ever read. Very complete with excellent guidance along the path to becoming a better runner.
Bernard Litwin (verified owner) –
This was the book that explained to me how to run in a minimalist style. Though there might be sometimes when a push is better than a pull, this was a great eye opener.
Manda (verified owner) –
Great read and great buy and will change your running in the best way ever
Sunny (verified owner) –
I really like this book. I have read numerous other books on running, but this book is actually a guide that teaches everyone, novice to veteran, how to run injury free based on sound research. I am an aspiring Physical Therapist and studied biomechanics as an undergrad. Biomechanics continues to be a hobby of mine and after reading this book and applying the techniques I feel the author knows what he’s talking about. This book is the culmination of his life’s work.
I’m a student and sit more that I would care to and have found that just doing the stretch and strengthening exercises consistently that I am moving and feeling better, and they literally take ten minutes. (A word of caution though: build up to them slowly, as simple as they seem if done incorrectly, forced, or done too vigorously you’ll hurt yourself.) The exercises also require no equipment, I’ve been using a cardboard box and my couch to modify as needed, so no excuses, you can do them anywhere. I think the exercises would also help anyone to start moving better, they may be specific to using the Pose method, but I feel they are good for maintaining strength and flexibility.
Like the author, I am also an advocate of minimalist footwear and I barefoot whenever possible. From a bioevolutionary perspective it makes sense to me. Our feet, the base of the kinetic chain, have become pampered affecting our ability to move as our ancestors did, like recent ancestors, Romans etc. Orthotics, and cushy, positive healed shoes are only going to exacerbate pain and injury. Again, I think the author knows his stuff, he makes suggestions and doesn’t talk in absolutes – personally, this is the only book on running I’ll ever need.
Midwestern Mom (verified owner) –
My teen son LOVES XC running and Distance Track but has the typical HS coach that doesn’t teach or really correct running technique just tells them to “run more”- which literally tears up their young joints if their technique is off. My sons knees where starting to hurt and he was getting frustrated. I bought him this book as a stocking stuffer. Over Christmas break he worked on proper technique and it has made all the difference in the world. Now he runs many many miles pain free and his coaches comment how great his running looks and has improved. Every young (or older) runner should read this book.
Noelia M. (verified owner) –
Thank you Dr. Romanov for writing this book. I have never been a runner and in 2012 I had meniscus repair surgery. Last winter 2018 at age 46 I decided to train to run my first half marathon. Thank you, I could not have been able to do it without your help. My knees were hurting when I started training and after doing the exercises that you recommend and adjusting my posture and fall, my knees stopped hurting. This book is a must for first time runners and for all those people that don’t run because they think that running is bad for their knees. I run my first half marathon April 2019 in 2:12:36 and my second November 2019 in 2:9:28.
Ramon Salvatierra (verified owner) –
quieres correr, seguro, libre, de manera efectiva o recuperarte de una lesion y correr de manera adecuada, este es el libro recomendado, te guia paso a paso en el proceso de re aprender y concientizar el proceso de la carrera como si fueras un corredor elite, cada practica te lleva paso a paso a tener soltura, trabajar con la gravedad, relajarte y difrutar correr sin esfuerzo y tener mejora progresivas increibles
AS (verified owner) –
Loved it
Sarah (verified owner) –
Very great book explaining the pose method. Learn to run injury free and faster than ever before!
LTF (verified owner) –
Must be the best kept secret in regards to running form! The Pose Method!