Running and Walking for Women Over 40 : The Road to Sanity and Vanity

As a life-time athlete heading in to my late 40s, Switzer's words of wisdom about the ins and outs of running, and highlighting the changes of the female body (which no one seems to want to honestly address) has brought me great comfort about my own choices and path. Thank you, Kathrine, for sharing your story, as it's empowering, motivating and serves as s guide for any determined female wishing to claim her body back while continuing to chase down goals armed with awareness and fortitude.

As I read this book (I am beginning a walking program), I became very honored to read about all the blood, sweat, and tears Ms. Switzer went through during her career as a runner. She makes you feel you are with her during those times. Her advice is sound, professional, and in your best interest. If you listen to what she tells you, i.e., how your shoes and clothes should fit; how you should start out on your program; and the wonderful advice to "get you out the door," you will have a very long and rewarding running/walking program, that can and will enhance your life. This book has really changed my outlook, my exercise capacity, and pretty much my overall health! Thanks for writing this book, Ms. Switzer. I owe you big time! Sandy, in Florida.

The subtitle--"The Road to Sanity and Vanity"--says it all. Switzer (the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967) is a role model for anyone who, like myself, wonders if she can start race-walking or even running in her forties and beyond. Switzer's unequivocal answer: Yes, you can! And she tells you how to do it. The book has easy instructions for beginners, insider information ("Real runners talk about their mileage in terms of weekly, not daily mileage"), and everything you need to know about shoes, clothing, training programs, stretching, and more. Reading this book made me want to lace up my sneaks and get right out there--and I did! I'm following Switzer's program to become a 30-minute runner in 10 weeks and it's going great. (Check my progress on my blogs on [..]and [...].) Viva Switz!

I was looking for some timeless walking/running advice. This book was disappointing because it was very dated. There is an entire chapter devoted to what to wear and there are several pages on sprorts bras. Apparently, when the book was written, comfortable sports bras did not exist. Wow. Even beyond that, the author takes every opportunity to discourage people from using a treadmill. She does concede, however, that a treadmill is good if you don't want to mess up your hair in the wind while running. Really? Really?!! I have lost 15 lbs using my treadmill because I have to run early in the morning when my son is still asleep. In addition, I get such a great workout that I am drenched!! There is a lot of talk about the "emerging" world of women runners. It's like taking a trip back in time. I was not impressed.

I hadn't run for 17 years and never ran more than 3.5 miles. (I'm 40.) With the help of this book, I am up to 5 miles (and counting!). The book is easy to read. The program is easy to follow. However, this book is for people who are basically in good health and who like to exercise. The book will not GIVE you motivation, it will simply help you if you are already somewhat motivated and want to get in better shape. I have followed her advice, gotten great results and enjoyed the process. This book has been worth a million to me!

As I age I find that even though I've been in good shape, I still need some motivation. This book says it's for women over 40, but I am over 50 and I still find it useful an informative. I enjoyed reading it from someone who has been there.

This book is most suitable for anyone interested in exercise. I found so much useful information and plan to put it to use. As we age, it is wonderful to have such an informed guide on how to begin and progress. I loved this book!

I bought this for myself, I'll be 40 this year. I looked all over my house for it and found my 56 year old mother had not only borrowed it, but was becoming a RUNNER!!! She brought it to the Dr for his thoughts & apparently he ordered it for his wife!! I bought this & several running books from amazon taking advantage if the low prices & free shipping!! ,

I thought this would be the inspiration for me as I am over 40 but there is not much inspirational stuff inside, more a dialogue about the writer, which yes is interesting, but not what I was looking for.With hindsight I did not need to buy it as 'Running Well: Run Smarter, Run Faster, Avoid Injury... and Enjoy It...bySam Murphy' is a far more comprehensive and informative read.

I've enjoyed this book. Easy to read and motivational by someone who knows the pitfalls and speaks from experience. However she omits to really deal with walkers, even though they are mentioned in the title and NEITHER walkers or runners are really told how to run and walk efficiently. There has got to be a technique, surely, that means you don't damage anything. She mentions that your arms should not cross in front of your body (to me the natural running position) yet fails to explain why this is. Still, it got me running and gives me some feasible goals. I shall look elsewhere for a manual on how best to actually 'run' !

Very good read from the woman who ran the Boston Marathon and paved the way for women to participate in endurance events.Lots of practical advice and encouragement for the 40 + women.I started at 46 and hope to keep going at my slow pace until I reach the grave.Would recommend it to women.

This book is too dated to invest in the information in it.

Informative knowledgeble