Over the years, I have read numerous books written by “elite”
runners who set records and then attempt to share their expertise in
a book not realizing that the reader, me, is not “elite.” Slow
AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run by
Martinus
Evans is the first book written specifically for
non-traditional runners – those who may not fit the image of a
“traditional” runner—that is, someone who is larger in size,
less athletic, out of shape, older, or dealing with any kind of
health issue that slows them down.
Ten years ago, Martinus Evans got some stern advice from his
doctor,“Lose weight or die.” First defensive, but then
defiant, Evans vowed that day to run a marathon, even though his
doctor thought he was crazy. Since then, Evans has run eight
marathons and hundreds of other distances in his 300-something pound
body; created his own devoted running community; and has been
featured on the cover of Runner’s World
magazine.
He still weighs over 300 pounds and he IS a runner.
Evans has written this practical handbook containing specialized
advice to make starting your running journey less intimidating. It
covers everything from gear and nutrition to training schedules,
recovery tips, races and finding a running group. It’s everything I
wish I had known about running when I started decades ago. Evans
also includes the mistakes he has made and how he learned from his
mistakes. We all make mistakes and that is okay. Take it a step further and learn from your mistake which then leads to growth – don’t quit!
Every human being should read, what I think is the best chapter - Chapter One, “You
vs. Your Mind vs. Everybody” – simple, yet, essential life
advice – I loved it! You may think you are too old, too fat or too
slow to be a runner but that is a belief, NOT a fact! Not
everything you think is true, nor is everything you feel real. The
way you run will look and be different from other runners and
that is okay. The first step is to start thinking of
yourself as a runner and then take ownership of your running journey.
This is your journey – not your family’s, friends’, spouse’s
nor anyone else. Others may even discourage you, scoff at your
efforts or even try to frighten you with all sorts of running
“horror” stories. But remember YOU own your journey. This is
all yours.
If you are not accustomed to running or walking by yourself, be
sure to read the second-best chapter - Chapter 5, “Train the
F*ck Up!” There you will find suggestions for how to best
safeguard yourself and run with confidence. *NOTE: I have
always run by myself and love it! But I also follow the safety tips.
Don’t want to run/walk by
yourself? Read
Chapter 10 as it gives you tips on finding a running partner
or group. Another option is The
Slow AF Run Club online community. This growing community is
exclusively for slow runners and walkers at the back of the pack.
Their goal? “To help you become the runner you were born to be,
celebrate diversity in running, and change the sport one step at a
time!” Slow
AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run is for anyone who wants to
start running or walking for the sheer joy of it. Even as an
experienced runner, I found Evans’ advice and, especially, his
positive, down-to-earth attitude motivating. Admittedly, I skimmed
over the training plans and suggestions on gear and nutrition. And
while the information wasn't new to me, it's perfect for people just
starting out or recovering from an injury or illness. After reading
this book, I feel empowered to,once again, lace up my shoes and
embrace the body I have right now.
Two Thumbs Up! I highly recommend this book for tentative, unsure
runners/walkers as well as those already on the journey.
“YOU GOT THIS. YOU BELONG HERE. No matter what happens,
good or bad, I want you to know that running is for everyone. The
outdoors is for all of us, people of every size, color, and age.”-Martinus Evans
