Joan Benoit Samuelson's Running for Women

America's most successful woman runner explains the training techniques that have made her a champion. In addition to race tips and specific nutritional guidance, Joan also offers women runners advice on balancing running with job and family.

Olympic Gold Medalist Samuelson, who occasionally still runs competitively, presents sensible training and racing advice. The 38-year-old runner and mother of two begins with specific guidelines for running during pregnancy and when having menstrual problems. She continues with general training advice, safety tips, and race strategies accompanied by charts detailing specific training schedules for marathons, 10K races, and shorter distances. Samuelson always recommends balance and moderation, and unlike others that stress high-mileage workouts and strict low-fat, vegetarian-based diets, hers is a training guide, pure and simple. Although its advice is basic and it confusingly alternates between Samuelson's first-person directives and a third-person voice, the book can be considered a well-rounded running manual and a good addition to collections where other running guides are in high demand. Sue-Ellen Beauregard

Samuelson won the Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983, brought home the gold medal for the women's marathon in the 1984 Olympics, and set the American marathon record in 1984. Thus qualified, Samuelson, with writer Averbuch, here addresses the concerns of both experienced women runners and those new to the sport. The authors give advice on training, racing, injuries, running while pregnant, and stretching. They include a large section on "The Winning Edge," which includes tips for diet, dress, and mind to make runners more competitive. The book is easy to read and provides much information quoted from doctors and other specialists in the field as well as good illustrations and informative sidebars. Running continues to be a popular sport, and this would be a good purchase for most libraries. Recommended.?Lisa J. Cochenet, Winfield P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.