Reviews (6)

Fascinating Look at the Challenges of Sports Photography
Clearly, Annie Leibovitz is as talented as they come these days for black-and-white portraits of people who are used to posing (like actresses, actors, singers, and models).What happened when she took on athletes as her subject, looking at the preparations by Americans for the Atlanta games in 1996? Not Olympic-quality photography
Disappointing.Technically very good, but overall lacking in originality.Most of these photographs could have been taken by any newspaper sports photographer.

talent
I have gotten several copies of this book, I think these photographs are amazing and deserve an award. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletes    2. General    3. History    4. Olympic Games    5. Olympics    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Pictorial works    9. Portraits    10. Portraiture    11. Sports    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Photographs: collections    14. Track & field sports, athletics    15. USA   

Reviews (3)

Great read cover to cover
I just finished reading The Cutting-Edge Runner. This is one of the few running books that I read from cover to cover. Many of the books out there fill half the pages with running plans, this book focuses on providing great useful content. I'm training for the Richmond Marathon, and have already incorporated a few of Matt's suggestions into my program. The book is truely on the cutting edge, Matt provides the latest concepts on how to run faster, longer and healthier.
A great book, with a SERIOUS CAVEAT
This is an absolutely amazing, and probably most cutting-edge book on running you can find on today's book market (summer 2006), and a large part of its appeal is the fact that the content and the author's numerous recommendations are based on recent, serious, and carefully analyzed research.
Not the same old stuff
It's tough to find a running book that isn't just a rehash of the same old stuff. This excellent guide is very technical in places, but full of new information that you haven't heard a hundred times. Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Physiological aspects    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Training    7. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (5)

New Edition of this Book
I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out.These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.

Helpful workout program
With help from this workout program I gained baserunning speed and an increase in bat head speed.This program is written very clearly and easy to follow.

Suprised
I have to admit, I never thought something like this would work.But, I was proven wrong. I just thought I would give my recomendation for this book, and thanks to Robert Price for helping me with my game. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baseball - General    2. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    3. Health & Fitness / Exercise    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Baseball / General    7. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training    8. Training    9. Exercise    10. Health & Fitness    11. Physical education and training   

Reviews (9)

Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again.
I had a wonderful experience buying this fabulous book from Amazon. It arrived as promised and is definately the best book geared towards women for running. I have looked at a couple other books like this and they didn't even compare!

There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!
Although I had been working out for years, my stamina for running was just not there.I researched several running books, and this was by far the best.If you are a beginner, and need the basics, get this book.Age should not be a factor, but as advised-have a physical before you embark on running.I am physically fit, I had never ran, and I did not start until I was 41.There are women who write that they did not even begin until they were in their 60's! The program instructs on how to incorporate running into your workout, starting with as little as 2 minutes!You can do that right?It covers how to choose the right running shoe, how to avoid injury, and what you need to eat in order to maintain stamina for the long haul.Carb's are important here, take note.Dagny covers it all, and speaks from experience.She even covers overcoming the initial "embarassement" of running for the first time, and how to enter your first 5K and finish.I love this book, and still refer to it.

Disappointed
Personally, I was quite disappointed in the content of this book.I was getting back into running after a several year hiatus and bought this book to inspire me to a new level of fitness.I found the information to be geared towards the beginner and quickly "outgrew" it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Running for women    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Women athletes    7. Fitness & diet    8. Jogging    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Subjects:  1. History    2. LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. United States - State & Local - Midwest    7. Illinois    8. Sporting events & tours    9. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (11)

Motivation
This book is one of the best books I have read in along time. Each chapter is another ultrarunner's personal story with a memorable race for them. There are famous runners and unknown runners alike in the book. The best part is, a lot of them talk about the ultra I am training for now, so I am definitly motivated and encouraged. Highly recommend this book for any runner, or anyone who enjoys good stories of personal triumph and journey.
Good info but boring
I would have to say that this book contained small tid-bits of information on running Ultras, but was largely boring.
Equal opportunity book...
This book is great because it includes chapters written by people ranging all the way from the back of the pack to world class ultrarunners and adventure racers.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (4)

How to Best Live Life
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. First, I should mention this is *not* a book about running any more than Moby-Dick is a book about whales. Rather, it is a discourse on how best to live one's life, written by someone near the end of his. I read this every year, and every year I'm amazed at how wise Dr. Sheehan was.Like Shakespeare or the Bible, it opens up to me the more I read it, and every time I learn something new, if only because I've changed and understand it better through experience.It helps me measure my own growth. I can't express what an influence it has been.

Going The Distance : All Sold Out
I bought this book when it first came out in 1996. I have now just gotten around tor reading it (1999). I am bad about putting off things I suspect are going to be very good (Delayed gratification). this book will touch every runners heart
This was the first running book I ever read, I am trying to read all of his books. But some are hard to come across. A touching story of a man and such a stong devotion of the meaning "life," god bless him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Cancer    4. Cancer (Psychosocial Aspects)    5. Death    6. Death, Grief, Bereavement    7. Health, Exercise & Fitness    8. Patients    9. Psychological aspects    10. Sheehan, George    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Non-Classifiable    14. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (2)

Inspiration for runners
This is a fun book that details briefly the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy and focuses on the runners body. The author had first hand experience of running throughout her pregnancy. The factual data is supported by 2 page case studies of women runners who had children. Some of them ran all the way through, some switched to cross training and some had to stop. There is a whole spectrum of experiences.
A good reference
I found this book to be easy to read and full of advice based on the latest studies. I enjoyed the book because it is the most comprehensive reference on current information about running and pregnancy I have found. Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise for pregnant women    4. Pregnancy & Childbirth    5. Running & Jogging    6. Running for women    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track & field sports, athletics    10. Women's health   

Reviews (6)

From the Wreckage
This book makes you want to see MURDERBALL which apparently is a real life story of rugby played by paraplegics and quadriplegics.Zupan is technically a quadriplegic, for all foru limbs have at least some degree of damage, but he can stand up when he has to (say, to pull on a pair of pants) and even walk a few steps--if he's got something to hold onto.He was the victim in a tragic drunken driving accident that occurred when he was only 18, a few weeks into college.He was thrown into a Florida canal and left for dead for nearly fourteen hours, just managing to keep his mouth above water and to squeak out, "H-e-e-e-e-l-l-l-l-p" every now and then.Eventually a good Samaritan heard him and had him hauled out.His father was so upset that when he had to fill out the hospital forms at the ER, he filled in "my son" in the box that said "Name of Patient" when he should of course have written "Mark Zupan."
A great read!!!
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, and twists and turns.Gimp exposes the raw feelings and emotions of survival and winning against tremendous odds.But it's more than that, it's about relationships--father and son, family, friends and teammates--the loving and caring, and conflicts and struggles that Mark encounters on his personal journey.It's a great read!

Gritty story
Zupan's story is gritty, inspirational and just a plane good read.Gimp is a wonderful book about things most of have never dealt with, but there are worthwile lessons for each of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletes with disabilities    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Quadriplegics    8. Rugby football players    9. Sociology Of The Mentally And Physically Challenged    10. Sports - General    11. Sports And Games    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (1)

Good presentation and detail for any runner
I am basing this review on simply reading the book for about 15 minutes while killing some time at one of the big chain bookstores. From what I see, this book is wonderfully written and broken down perfectly, even for "older" novices like me (over 50, run a 9-10 minute mile, have run in about a half-dozen 5Ks' and looking to do more).
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Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (19)

Good info for marathon newbie
Learned a lot of new things about the marathon and strategies for completing it.With my first marathon coming up in a few months, I ordered several books.I definitely would recommend this one to others getting ready for their first.

Great book, lots of realistic advice for novices and intermediate runners
Picked up this book after running my first half-marathon and getting ready for my first marathon. It was great because it puts your fears at ease and doesn't talk down to the slower runner (I'm a 4-hour marathon runner).Good training charts.
Then Ultimate Un-Motivating Guide
I bought this book to prepare for running my third marathon and found it to be extremely confusing, condescending and un-motivating. I have been running for years and have run many races somehow this book still managed to make me fill as if I was not worthy of running. There are great marathon training guides out there but this is not one of them. If you are looking for something that is clear and inspirational try checking out The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Marathon running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Fitness training    7. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (15)

Knife Fighting Classic - Good Intermediate Training Manual
"Knife Fighting, Knife Throwing for Combat" by Michael D. Echanis was originally published in the late 1970s and developed a `cult following' among martial artists and knife aficionados.
FORBIDDEN MALLJITSU TEXT!!!
The late Michael Echanis was a comic genius!I laughed so hard I nearly wet myself, reading this brilliant Malljitsu text regarding the blade arts -- which I have studied for 30 years.
A book by a true warrior
The late Mike Echanis was a true warrrior and has written a book for warriors.It is about combat, not sport and demonstrates very advanced knife techniques.These techniques have been proven in battle over centuries.In the Hwa Rang Do system, the knife becomes an extension of the hand.The techniques, although ably demonstrated and photographed, must still be practiced under the guidance of a Hwa Rang Do Master if one is to become proficient. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Lacrosse    3. Military Science    4. Poetry    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Other warfare & defence issues   

Reviews (4)

Not Friel's Best
I followed Joe Friel's cycle training bible to successfully prepare for a 200+ mile one-day competitive cycling event.I appreciated Friel's straightforward writing and forewarning about what it takes, both physically and mentally, to compete as an endurance athlete (by the way, be prepared to give up the spouse and kids for a few months).
Good for motivation....that's all
This book is great to help you get motivated and mostly teaches you that attitude is key to success.It will not teach swim, run or bike techniques, so don't waste the money if, like me, you are looking for actual instructions.Basically, the swim section tells you that you shouldn't learn alone, to go find an instructor. Thanks...I sure wouldn't have thought of the obvious without paying $20 for Joe to tell me!Hopefully his other books are better, but I sure won't pay to find out.

All you need to begin.
This is not the "athlete's bible" and this is not the resource for Ironman. Therefore the author accomplished his mission : to provide the newbies with the most information available to begin a new life as triathlete. Pay attention i said a new life, that's it. It's not a list of training plans or a generic line to follow, it's the first step to change your life with fun. Really recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Triathlon    8. Multidiscipline sports    9. Sports & Recreation / Cycling    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (10)

Run Tall and Stay Strong
This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!

A wonderful read!
I started running ~ 2 yrs ago.My wife got me the book, but I hadn't heard of Dick so the book sat.One evening I picked it up to see what it was all about and I was instantly and uncontrollably sucked in.Dick's story starts in HS where he went out for the football team, which lasted a few minutes.Then a friend suggested XC, and Dick fell in love with what turned out to be his calling -- running. Great fast read,but missing some points.
This book is an entertaining fast read.However, certain details in Beardsley's life are strangely glossed over: Alcoholic parents/meeting his wife.The first hand account of the (famous) 82'Boston Marathon is so stunning and awsome, it leaves the rest of the book dangling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Motivational & Inspirational    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Biography: sport    7. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (38)

Great place to start!
I was recommended John's other book, "No need for speed" and stumbled across this book.I decided to start with this book (OCD about publish dates!).I am so glad I did!I had tried to begin running before and never understood why I failed.John presented an easy and manageable way to begin a lifelong journey of becoming a runner.I am happy to say, I am now running and can run farther than I ever imagined!I am so thankful to John for writing this book for those of us who want to run but have no clue where to begin.

A must read for all, not just runners
This book is really about living your life to fullest of YOUR potential; not worring about past and not worring about 'the Jones'.
LOVED IT
I read this book in about 2 days. I bought it to see how a 43 year old, overweight, unhealthy person could change their life around like John Bingham did.Because if he could do it, I figured I could too.It was a great book...had me laughing a lot! :o)
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Psychological aspects    7. Running    8. Running & Jogging    9. Track & Field    10. Health & Fitness / Exercise    11. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (6)

great resource
I have re-read this book four times now, and I have to say that I've gotten something more out of it each time.It is well written by two men who know the game from the grassroots level up to the international without making presumptions or patronizing the reader.It kept me entertained and educated throughout.Definately worth the time and money from the greenest of rookies to the wylie vets.

Excellent source for rugby informations
I bought this book just a couple of months ago and I must say, it is definately worth the money you're paying for it. I just started to play rugby this January, and as a beginner, I was searching for a book that would not only explain the rules of rugby, but that would also explain everything else about rugby to me: where the sport orginated, which professional teams exist, what kind of risk is involved in it, what important events in rugby history are, how to use specific tactics and techniques, and all that kind of stuff. With "Rugby for Dummies" I've found this book! It explains all that and much more in an easy to read style and with a bunch of illustrations... it's actually just perfect for everyone who is interested in playing rugby or who already started to play but who still needs all the basic information about his new sport... Without any doubt, I highly recommend this product :)

The definitive guide to rugby union for newcomers
This book gives anyone new to the sport everything they need to know to not only follow the game if watching television but get involved as well if they are looking for a new athletic career (no matter the age). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Rugby    2. Rugby football    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Rugby   

Reviews (44)

Undestand training and goals, if you really read the book
This book is not a running schedule "take one and call me in the morning".In fact, he takes a very flexible approach.E.g., in the weekly planners which are geared towards racing, he merely indicates the "quality" days one should and may do, to fit in with the current phase of the chosen training program.It is important to read through the book to gain an understanding of the different aspects of the training, and how it achieves what you want to do [even if you gloss over the numbers during the aerobic profile section].With most people's schedules, it is good to know how to chose priorities.And for people who are just trying to achieve a fitness level, he has chapters devoted to that.
Running is king
This was great.So good to get back to the basics of true athletic performance.Daniels does a great job at taking this as far as many professional even care to go.He spells out all the physical and mental preparations necessary for a great outcome.The areas of science are good to understand why it is necessary to do more than just run constantly and he makes that very evident.
A true reference for the amateur or professional
Jack Daniel's writes a good book.Good to read, even better to use ongoing as a reference.Technical enough but still readable by the novice.
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Subjects:  1. Running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (4)

The Shivers cousins have done it again!
The book is truthful, it doesn't cut any corners and shows each team-mate in his true colors. The ups and downs of the team are covered. How these trials are dealt with is what made the team, and this book, excel. Harriers is a must read for any athlete or coach.

Jim Enright - author of Flagstaff Hill
Highly recommended for cross-country runners and their coaches.
High School Cross-Country Breakout: Memiors of State Champions
This is a true account of cross-country seasons at Salem HS written by two gifted students on the team. This is a participant's view of a team that over the course of two years develops from a very competitive region team to a team that wins State. The book is well detailed on cross-country in the sense that the student authors appropriately make the point that no matter how good the top runners are on a team, and they have several excellent runners, winning a championship depends on where your 5th man finishes. The other nice emphasis, as the authors nicely describe, is how each individual develops in training and in actual races. You get a nice feel for cross-country racing as the authors give a personal perspective on what it is like to prepare for race day, how they determine their race plans (preference for pace or going out with the leaders), the effect of the course terrain and the weather and what it is like on those days that you feel great and those when you know you don't have it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Cross-country running    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Running races    7. School sports    8. Sports & Recreation - Soccer    9. Sports (Young Adult)    10. Sports & Recreation / Track & Field   

Reviews (4)

Great Book!
This book is another great in the series of A Baffled Parent's Guide.These books are thorough and complete - a coach's bible, especially a new coach.The book covers everything from basics of the game to working with the children and dealing with the parents.I highly recommend books from this series.

good book for beginning coaches
I have yet to coach a girls' softball team, but I am really interested in doing it.This book has some great advice on how to handle beginner players and their parents.The thing about this book that I found great was that it told you some characteristics to look for when selecting a pitcher, something that I would not have had a clue about doing.Highly recommended.

Excellent for beginner or experienced coach
This is an AMAZING book! Even if you have never coached,played, or even heard of softball, it helps you out. It breaks every aspect of the game down and puts it in simple terms so you can explain it to your team. It gives you practice advice and schedules as well as drills you can use for team members to improve, or establish, softball skills. It also gives you advice on how to become the best coach, dealing with gender issues and how to handle difficult parents.This book is a MUST for EVERY coach! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coaching    2. Coaching - Baseball    3. Football - General    4. Parenting - General    5. Softball    6. Softball for children    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Youth league softball    10. Football codes    11. Sports & Recreation / General    12. Sports coaching    13. USA   

Reviews (2)

Drills, drills, and more drills
Coach Martin is a hoot.I had the pleasure of sitting in a session in a coaches seminar where she was one of the featured speakers.She is energetic, smart, entertaining and knows a whole lot about volleyball.She is the head women's coach at Central Missouri Stat U and has been there since forever. You can never have enough drills!
Peggy Martin's book has been a valuable addition to my arsenal of drills, because I believe a coach can never have access to too many drills. It's important for players to get a feel for a skill by attacking it in a number of different ways, and using several drills in sequence allows players to continue working on the skill without getting bored, which is important to the learning process. Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Volleyball