Nov 11, 1998

I recently bought Better Runs, hoping that it would help a beginner like me. But this book is really geared towards someone who has been running for awhile. (I don't know why I'm telling you this -- you wrote it!).

I'm looking for a book to help me get started. I jogged off and on in high school and college, but not competitively. I also smoked for half my life.

I quit smoking in March, and want to run a race near the anniversary of having quit. But it's been a while since I jogged regularly, and I've never run a race. I'm 30 but not in terrible shape. What do you recommend? (Lisa Chamberlain)

REPLY: I'm sorry that Better Runs wasn't quite right for you. Lots of other good books exist, including (I say with only a slight blush) several of my own.

Many readers ask me for book recommendations. I point them, and you, to the Amazon.com website, which lists the current 50 best sellers in running.

To ease your digging for that list, here's the address. Don't faint when seeing it's length. Just copy and paste into your web browser.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/cache/browse/sports---outdoors/individual-sports/running---jogging/list/002-1795029-4053818

The closest I've come to providing the book you want is Jog Run Race -- published in 1977 and officially out of print, but still valid if you can find a copy. Fitness Runing is a more recent book that I wrote with Dick Brown.

Dr. Joan Ullyot wrote a classic, Women's Running, which is hard to find but worth the effort. Kathrine Switer has a new one: Running and Walking for Women Over 40. You aren't in that age-group but the advice will still work for you.

###