Running Book Reviews with Alan and Liz – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Recently, a trend has captured public attention: female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in the toughest races in the world, races designed for men. In Ultra Women, the authors (who are themselves endurance athletes) delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They ask: could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood? Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter- gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism and we get to meet some amazing women who have done amazing things.

These bios are not going to do justice to these two women because they do a lot more than we could cover in the number of characters allowed in this description, but here it goes! 

Lily Canter is a freelance running, fitness and  adventure travel journalist writing for Runner’s  World, Live for the Outdoors, Women’s Health,  The Guardian and Metro. She is an England  Athletics running coach and founder of  women’s only club Great Bowden Runners. She  competes in ultra marathons and canicrosses  with her dog. Instagram: @lilycanter 

Emma Wilkinson is an award-winning  freelance journalist specialising in medicine,  science and health. She has written for the  Sunday Times, BBC, Pulse, the BMJ and Lancet  among others. Emma lives in Sheffield and runs  up hills for fun. Instagram: @emmawjourno 

If you're interested in getting a copy of this book for yourself then you can find it on Amazon or directly on the publishers website here: https://www.canburypress.com/products/presale-ultra-women-by-lily-canter-and-emma-wilkinson-isbn-9781914487101?srsltid=AfmBOopm-PGhLV9ZE2vjNfl-wobGtYreNsxyJ2F_VNPUtgLWH1VGzlsy

Link for 20% discount on Caffeine Bullet  https://caffeinebullet.com/RUNNINGBOOK 
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Link for 20% discount on Caffeine Bullet  https://caffeinebullet.com/RUNNINGBOOK 
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What If? Is the story of author Ash Varley’s running journey between 2016 and 2023. At 43, with years of running experience behind him, he wondered if dedication, patience, and a willingness to break free from the comfort zone could lead to the realisation of long-held running dreams. In this book he explores how he ended up running multiple sub-3 hours marathons and 100-mile trail races. Along the way he talks about surprising himself with his ability when he’s able to get out of his own way, how he is inspired mid-race by random strangers, and the importance of of being surrounded by people who believe in you.

About the Author 

Ashley Varley lives with his wife in the seaside town of Hastings, East Sussex.  He works as a gardener and when he’s not helping nature grow, he’s enjoying it while running… sometimes very long distances! Since he started running several years ago, Ash has run many road and trail races varying from 10k road races to 100 milers through woods, up steep mountain trails, and sometimes across country borders. What If? Is Ash’s first book

If you're looking to get a copy of the book for yourself, you can find it on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/2NX2PMa

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Anatomy of Speed is a very detailed book explaining what speed is, what you need in order to properly train for speed, and all the different components that make up speed. The book has 12 chapters: 

• Chapters 1 and 2 explain in depth what speed is and why it is important.
• Chapters 3 through 10 are about the warm-up, strength, and different components of speed. These chapters have detailed explanations of the theory and also exercises to train the particular component being discussed in that chapter. 
• Chapter 11 discusses recovery, and chapter 12 has sample routines and an explanation of how to structure a training session.

If you are looking to earn some continuing education credits once you have read the book, the last page of the book has a discount code to buy the exam.

Bill Parisi is the founder and CEO of the Parisi speed school and of the Parisi Training System, a two-time track and field division I all American (1988 and 1989), and competed in the 1988 Track and Field Olympic trials in the javelin. He went to Finland in 1989 to train with and compete against some of the best athletes in the world. In 1992, while $50, 000 in dept, Bill founded his Speed school and traveled the US in a $500 van to give free speed sessions; this led him to later open his first speed school location, and there are now over 90 certified locations. The Parisi speed school now helps athletes from different sports with speed and also strength and conditioning. The school has produced first-line draft pics in every professional sport, and numerous Olympians.

Bill has been a co-author and contributor to several other books, and been a speaker and consultant to sports-related organizations including the NFL, USA football, Nike, and Reebok. The other books he has contributed to include: Success Patterns, Don’t “Should” on Your Kids, Fascia Training, Fascia in Sport and Movement, and Fascial Fitness.

If you would like to follow Bill to see what he is up to, you can follow him on Instagram at the following locations:
https://www.instagram.com/bill_parisi/
https://www.instagram.com/parisispeedschool/
https://www.instagram.com/fasciatrainingacademy/
You can also follow the handles @parisispeedschool and @fasciatrainingacademy on other social media platforms.

If you would like to get a copy of the book, it is available on the Anatomy of Speed website at https://anatomyofspeed.com or you can get it on Amazon.

Big thank you to the publisher, Human Kinetics, for providing a review copy of the book, and to author, Bill Parisi, for taking the time to speak with us. 

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Run Well, written by general practitioner Dr. Juliet McGrattan, is a book that answers common medical questions that runners have. The book is written in a question and answer format with a short introduction at the beginning of each chapter. The questions are grouped into chapters based on body systems, starting with the head, and there is one chapter at the end on self-care. Chapter introductions include drawings of relevant biology that you can refer to if needed. Throughout the book there are real life runner stories, “did you know?” segments, and summaries of things to try. The end of each chapter also has other resources you can consult for more information.

Dr. Juliet McGrattan is a medical doctor, author, and runner, and Run Well is not her first book. She wrote her first book, Sorted: The active Women’s Guide to Health, in 2017, and it won first place at the British medical association Book Awards. These accomplishments alone are extra-ordinary, but Dr. McGrattan is also: An international speaker, freelance writer, podcast host, Founder and Director of 261 Fearless Club UK, masters coach and women’s health lead for the 261 Fearless global women’s running network, and has appeared on national television and radio.

If you would like to follow Juliet to see what she is up to, or get a copy of her book, you can visit her website https://drjulietmcgrattan.com. There are links to her social medial, and different articles and blogposts she has written.

You can learn more about the 261 Fearless Global Women's Running Network at https://www.261fearless.org, and reach out to them if you would like to be involved.

Big thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury Sport, for providing a review copy of the book, and to author, Dr, Juliet McGrattan, for taking the time to speak with us.

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An Unstoppable Runner is the story of David Williams running journey and life. He starts running in high school but doesn’t continue afterwards. In early adulthood he starts drinking and smoking, and this habit continued until he realized that he was not very healthy. One day one of David’s colleagues told him to go buy a pair of running shoes, and this is how he started running again. David has over 40 years of running in his legs, and some very very very long runs. Although he started with the more popular distances and local races, he kept asking himself if he could go farther or run longer which brought him to discover ultra distance events. 

In parallel to his running journey, David talks about his life journey which included some major life events including a divorce and the death of a child. David shows us how running helped him learn about himself, cope with adversity, and learn to be flexible with his goals.

 David Williams is a long-time runner who still enjoys endurance events today in his 70’s. He has done many ultra-distance runs of all types in the trails and on the track and has participated in both measured distances and time-based events. Although ultra-running is popular today and anyone can find a race close to home, David started in the 80’s when you didn’t have access to the internet to search and register for races. He learned about events by word of mouth and by doing other events and was not always sure that his registration was received until he got his bib in the mail. 

Another thing that David is as passionate about as running long distances is books! Although not related to his first job, David has owned a used bookstore, and still scours used book stores (and the internet) for running books he doesn’t have in his extensive collection. It’s only fitting that David is now an author of a running book, and we were honoured to have him with us for this episode.

If you would like to get a copy of David's book, it can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Runner-David-Williams/dp/1761091638/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
During our chat David also said that he can provide a signed copy with a personalized message if you e-mail him at: flinders.runner@hotmail.com

Big thank you to David for providing a review copy of the book, and for taking the time to speak with us.

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Join us for a discussion with author Tim Wills, about his bookThe Ultra Mile. The Ultra Mile describes what goes into running the ultra distances, why something so difficult is also appealing, and how really long distances like 100 miles are really a team effort. The book introduces us to different aspects of running although it is not an exhaustive resource on any one topic. The book is divided into 6 parts:
1. Running
2. Preliminary training
3. The application of training
4. Training to simulate racing
5. Running ultra
6. The journey continues

Tim Wills is an Ultra Runner that has run races 100 miles and longer. He is a coach and offers consultations and online coaching to runners. He is an entrepreneur with a website offering running related products and services, and also a physical therapist assistant so has in depth knowledge about the human body and how running affects it.

If you would like to connect with Tim for coaching, or to see what new projects he is undertaking, you may go through his website https://gotheultramile.com/pages/coaching-services or follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gotheultramile/

If you would like to get a copy of The Ultra Mile, you may purchase it on Amazon here https://www.amazon.ca/Ultra-Mile-Freedom-Opportunities-Running/dp/1098360931

Big thank you to Tim for providing a review copy of the book, and for taking the time to speak with us.

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Running Against The Odds is a testament that past traumas and emotional blockades stand no chance against motivation, will power, and can only fuel the desire to become a champion and emerge victorious.  This book is Coach Dez’s memoire. He divides his journey into 3 parts:
1. Childhood
2. College years
3. Coaching
His journey starts with a turbulent childhood which is when he also discovers running. He initially only tries out for the cross country team because it is his ticket to get on the basketball team, but ends up loving the sport. Dez’s childhood is not easy. His father is a Vietnam Veteran who became an alcoholic in his attempt to deal with the trauma from this experience, and ended up spending the money his parents had tried to save for their children's education. Dez later manages to get a scholarship, but also loses it and must find a way to pay for his studies. Despite all the early challenges, Desmond gets a degree, and becomes one of the most prolific coaches in high school cross-country and track & field, and a very caring and compassionate human being.

Desmond Dunham is now a coach, mentor, and Under Armour Coach Ambassador, but he started out as a very driven young runner who risked his health to run in a championship meet in his last year of college eligibility. Coach Dunham is a youth sports expert with over two decades of coaching and teaching experience. He is a community-leader and truly cares about every athlete he coaches. Coach Dunham founded Kids Elite Sports, a youth sports development organization that operates summer camps and specialized training for committed youth athletes seeking a competitive edge in their primary sport.

If you would like to know more about Desmond Dunham, you can visit his web site    https://www.coachdezdunham.com or Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/coachdezdunham/. You can learn more about Kids Elite Sport summer camps at https://kidselitesports.com.

If you are interested in getting a copy of Running Against The Odds, it is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Against-Odds-Inspirational-Journey-ebook/dp/B09HDHCKKP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B7ZL7991YOW0&dchild=1&keywords=running+against+the+odds+dunham&qid=1632963988&sprefix=running+against%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1

Big thank you to Jimmy Dwyer from Dalyn Miller Public Relations for reaching out to let us know about this book, and for providing a review copy and helping set up the interview. Thanks you also to Coach Dez for the fantastic conversation.  

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Ultra-endurance events have the highest dropout rates. While some people need to drop out due to injury, you may need to drop out because you are lacking the mental strength needed to get through a rough patch.  Addie Bracy's book, Mental Training for Ultrarunning, has many exercises and techniques to help you build a tool box so that you have what you need to get you through a tough race.  Although the examples and featured athletes are from ultra-running, many of the skill are transferable to shorter events, and even other life goals.

The book has 10 chapters each about a particular topic:

1. Why psychological breakdowns happen in ultrarunning
2. Find your why for running
3. Manage your stress response
4. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
5. Run the mile you are in
6. Stick to the grind
7. Be adaptable
8. Run with courage
9. Get out of your own way
10. Emotionally bounce back from physical setbacks

Addie Bracy is a long-time runner starting out on the track, and spending about 15 years running more traditional track and road races before discovering ultra-running. Although now a professional ultra-runner, Addie is a three-time USA Track & Field National Champion and a three-time USA Track & Field Women's Mountain Runner of the Year, and a Runners Alliance ambassador. She is also a Mental Performance Consultant to elite athletes across a range of sports, and is certified by the Association for Applied Sports Psychology.

If you would like to work on your mental game with Addie Bracy, her website is https://www.strivementalperformance.com. In case you are interested in finding a qualified person in your area, we mentioned that Association of Applied Mental Performance Psychology would be the place to look; their website is https://appliedsportpsych.org/certification/cmpc-directory/.
You can also follow Addie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/addiebracy/

If you are interested in getting a copy of Mental Training for Ultrarunning, it is available on Amazon or directly on Human Kinetic's website https://us.humankinetics.com/products/mental-training-for-ultrarunning

Big thank you to the publisher, Human Kinetics, for providing a review copy of the book, and to author, Addie Bracy, for taking the time to speak with us. 

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Running The World  is Nick Butter’s story of his attempt to run a marathon in every country in the world as both a World Record attempt, and to raise money for prostate cancer UK. Every country, really means every country, including: North Korea, which had to be timed with the marathon held there in order to get into the country; Venezuela, where he ran in the city of Caracas, known as the “kidnapping capital of the world”; and countries which were at war like Somalia, South Sudan, and Syria. Nick wanted his last marathon to be the event held in Athens, Greece, on the 10th of November 2019 due to its symbolism as the birthplace of the marathon. Just to add an extra challenge along the way, he also attempted to run all the world marathon majors meaning that he actually ran more than once in some countries! As with many big projects, not much went according to plan, and both Nick, and his team back home in the UK, had to think on their feet and often rely on strangers to help make things happen.

Nick Butter is a British endurance athlete, adventurer, speaker and author. He held a more traditional corporate job in the past, but left it all behind to pursue his passions. Nick holds 4 world records, and 2 world firsts. He's also the first, and only person to have run a marathon in every country in the world, and he did so in just 674 days. 

If you would like to follow Nick Butter's adventures, or donate to the 196 foundation, you can find everything on his website https://nickbutterrunning.com. You can also follow him on Instagram @nickbutterrun.

If you are interested in getting a copy of Running The World , it is available on Nick's website or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Running-World-World-Record-Breaking-Adventure/dp/1787631729/ref=asc_df_1787631729/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459331273088&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13263955116977780152&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000486&hvtargid=pla-920743716235&psc=1

Big thank you to the publisher, Bantam Press, for providing a review copy of the book, and to author, Nick Butter, for taking the time to speak with us.

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