Jason Karp

The book is based upon the experience and research of exercise physiologist, running and fitness expert Jason Karp and family practice and sports medicine physician Carolyn Smith. Fourteen chapters look at running from a purely female perspective, covering such topics as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, and how these affect the sport.

The authors examine the biomechanics of running, including anatomy, electromyographic responses, joint kinetics, and metabolic reactions that occur in adult women.

Guidance for building a conditioning base, adding strength, power and speed training is based on the most effective workouts that take into consideration estrogen and other sex-specific performance factors, while avoiding the risks of disordered eating, osteoporosis and menstrual irregularities. Sample training programs, stretches, and nutrition are aimed at preventing injuries and maintaining good health and wellness.

Trainers, physical therapists, and individuals can use this scientific, practical guide to tailor training to target specific anatomical, physiological and metabolic reactions, plan workouts and improve performance to fit an individual woman’s condition.… (mais)

A thoughtful, thorough book on women and running; if you coach female runners or are one yourself, you'll want to have this book on your shelf.

The book is divided into three sections: Physiology, Training, and Health and Wellness.

The first goes into considerable depth explaining the biology of running, and how it intersects with female physiognomy - hormones, bone structure, life changes, and so on. Despite the level of detail, it remains readable (though it helps to be comfortable with basic scientific vocabulary).

The second section lays out a variety of different training approaches, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each, and includes sections on helpful exercises (illustrated with photos), tracking your performance, and so on. Helpful sidebars and subsections address woman-specific concerns, like how to choose a sports bra, finding time for exercise if you're a parent, or racing during your period.

The final section addresses things like nutrition, dealing with injuries, specific issues that affect women, again with particular attention to how the female body responds to exercise, stress, diet, and so forth.

Summary: it's a clear, thorough, and informative book that fits a lot of information in without being jargony or condescending. It's not a book to sit down and read all at once; rather, it's one to take down from the shelf periodically as you need it, and as your performance and situation change. I recommend it!… (mais)