[Book Review] Running for Everyone: Run Safely and Consistently!

I've recently increased my daily steps. It's because I was properly motivated by a pedometer app that recommends 5,000 steps a day. My daily step count was surprisingly low. For a while, I struggled to even exceed 3,000 steps. While 5,000 steps is still a far-off goal, I decided to set a small target of walking at least 3,000 steps every day. And after a month, I started to feel my body gradually accepting walking.
However, I still felt that it was far from enough for health or weight loss. Is it time to move on to running? That's when I came across this book, "Everything About Running." It's written by an orthopedic surgeon who has completed a full marathon and an Ironman triathlon. As someone who actually runs and is an expert on joints, I immediately gained trust in the book. I felt that there couldn't be a better book for a beginner runner like me.

The author, while suffering from a herniated disc, accidentally began running. However, he realized that he knew nothing about running injuries through his experiences with various injuries. I was surprised when I saw the table of contents. Half of the book was dedicated to Running Injuries A to Z and a detailed exploration of injuries in different parts of the body! I had vaguely planned to just start running, but my plan seemed to crack before it even began. Does it really mean I shouldn't just randomly start running?
Curious, I started by looking at the chapters on injuries.
First, I was shaken by the fact that running is a full-body exercise. While it mainly focuses on the lower body, the author explains that depending on the runner, the upper body, including the back, neck, ribs, and wrists, is also vulnerable to injuries. As I thought about it, I remembered times when my back hurt or my ribs ached while I was running to catch the subway. However, based on the definition of running injuries by experts, what I experienced might not strictly be considered a running injury. A running injury refers to musculoskeletal pain in the lower extremities related to running, which causes limitations or changes in exercise for at least a week or three consecutive days.

However, most running injuries heal naturally within 8 weeks. For injuries that are more severe, it's best to refer to the cases in the book and visit a hospital. The book also includes helpful tips like preparing alternative exercises to replace running in case of injury. There are also a few simple stretching exercises that help strengthen the muscles needed for running, along with illustrations.

The most surprising chapter was the in-depth exploration of running injuries in different parts of the body. It provided very detailed explanations with illustrations for unfamiliar but potentially experienced injuries like plantar fasciitis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. It not only covered running injuries but also naturally helped me understand how to deal with common everyday aches and pains. Advice like not wearing shoes that are too tight stuck with me more because it came from a doctor.

"When it comes to running, it's best to avoid any sudden changes and gradually adapt."
This one sentence might as well encompass the "everything" in "Everything About Running." I realized once again that running consistently without injuries requires a slow, balanced process of finding your own pace.
It's a common exercise, following breathing and walking, but I was ignorant about the methods. I was glad to have encountered a truly health-focused health book after a long time. I recommend it without hesitation.

※ This review was written honestly after reading the book provided by the Naver Cafe Culturebloom https://cafe.naver.com/culturebloom.