Live, Run, Grow

Recently I was contact by Runner’s World and offered the opportunity to read and review a new book called Running Strong – ummm, yes please!

First off, I’ll admit that I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from this book, but honestly, I love it and it is hands down a fantastic resource for any runner!  The book is jam packed with useful information that any runner can benefit from, and while you can sit down and read it cover to cover like a “normal” book, I haven’t quite had time to do that, so I’ve been enjoying using it as sort of a reference guide.

The author, Dr. Jordan Metzl, is not only bringing the advice of a sports doctor, but the experience of a 32-time marathoner and 12-time Ironman – as he puts it, “this is where Jordan Metzl the athlete and Dr. Metzl the physician come together.”

After suffering an injury in college he discovered functional strength training during his rehab and has since been dedicated to sharing this information in hopes of keeping fellow runners injury free and running for life!

The book is broken up into 5 parts:

• Part 1: Nuts and Bolts
• Part 2: Uh-Oh: What’s That’s Pain?
• Part 3: Getting the Most From Your Machine
• Part 4: Tools of the Trade
• Part 5: His and Hers

Part 1: Nuts and Bolts

This part gives some background on Dr. Metzl’s philosophy of exercise, which is “rooted in biomechanics and physiology”, and why his “get-stronger, run-better, stay-injury-free plan” works.  This section also breaks down the mechanics of healthy running (which is interesting for anatomy nerds like me!).

Part 2: Uh-Oh: What’s That Pain?

This is probably my favorite part (no surprise given I’m going back to school for physical therapy!) – it addresses common aches and pains runners experience including symptoms, how to manage them and prevention.  At the end of each short section which focuses on a specific body part there are a few pages of suggested stretches and foam rolling exercises.

Part 3: Getting the Most From Your Machine

This is where it all comes together.  Dr. Metzl’s shares his signature strength training workout, Iron Strength (which he hosts classes of in NYC!), goes over a fully body foam rolling routine and gives his “prescription” for staying healthy and running strong!

Part 4: Tools of the Trade 

Everything from fueling (both daily diet and while running!) to “how to choose the right shoe for you” is covered in this section.

Part 5: His and Hers

Just what it sounds like, this section covers male and female specific differences and issues when it comes to running.

 So this all sounds great, right??

I haven’t even told you about one of the coolest parts about this book!  Through something called Blippar technology the book basically becomes interactive and allows you to use your smartphone to easily access videos that accompany different sections of the book!

Basically all you have to do is download the Blippar app, and when you come to a page with the Blippar icon on it you can scan it and it will bring you to a video that will take you more in depth about what you are reading or even show you a demonstration of the exercises!

I have to admit the only thing I was disappointed about with this book was that I received an electronic copy to review – I’m definitely going to be ordering myself a hard copy so I can go through it and highlight and mark pages!  (I know, I can do that stuff on an electronic copy – I just prefer a hard copy that I can easily refer to!)

One of the things I really appreciate about this book is while I’m personally an anatomy nerd and as I mentioned currently taking classes to go back to school for physical therapy, you don’t need to be to understand this book!  The way Dr. Metzl presents the information makes it truly accessible to everyone and I’m sure every runner could benefit from this book!

To Purchase & Social Media Information:

Purchase Running Strong HERE

Link to Dr. Metz’s website HERE

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*Disclaimer – I was provided a complimentary electronic copy of Running Strong by Runner’s World for review purposes.  I was not compensated for this review in any other way and all thoughts and opinions are my own.