MARATHON MOM: The Wife and Mother Running Book

by Linda & JoAnne Stang Schreiber ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 21, 1980

Wince at the title, if you like; but this marathon mom is a surprise winner. Schreiber began running when she was the mother of a four-year-old and four 18-month-olds--and she lets us know that if she can do it, anyone can. So: ""How a Non-Athletic Mother of Five Became a Happy Runner."" Everything is included, from sound advice for beginners and runners-for-pleasure (gear, weather, technique) to a thorough discussion of competition strategems (don't forget to leave plenty of time for trips to the bathroom before a race). There is attention to the body (including menstruation and pregnancy) and to the mind--with welcome recognition of some of the problems (e.g., how the ""Runner's high"" can help mask signals of physical distress). Schreiber and Stang discuss the relationship between running and general good health, and enlist experts to tell us the latest news--like sports psychologists on the dangers of dissociating from pain. But the special touch here is the family element, the ""health dividends for the family with the running mom""; and these are splendidly illustrated throughout with tales from Schreiber's own family. This easygoing encouragement, and Schreiber's charm, will appeal to readers turned off by the hard-sell of some other running books we could mention.

Pub Date: April 21, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: NONFICTION