Title: The Self-Coached Runner
Author: Karen S. Perinchief
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-5462-3588-0
Pages: 110
Genre: Health/Fitness
Reviewed by: Carl Conrad

Read Book Review

The Self-Coached Runner, by Karen S. Perinchief, is a light, cordial, brief, and friendly reminder of all things running; like a checklist of things to do and take with you on a trip. Although the book doesn’t go into details on rigorous training schedules, breakdowns of carbohydrates and vitamin doses, nor does it go into the minutia of picking out running shoes, proper stretching techniques, treating injuries, or developing running strategies; it does remind you of the importance of these things as it advises you of Ms. Perinchief’s regimen and personal experiences as a runner.

Ms. Perinchief, who is a Certified Health Coach, readily admits to being an asthmatic and encourages to be informed, always aware running as something that – when done properly — can help alleviate that condition by improving the efficiency of breathing and by keeping your body fit. If you’re interested in light reading about running fitness, this is a book that will encourage you at the same time that it will keep you company like a friendly running companion.

Joining a runner’s group is one way in which Ms. Perinchief recommends that you can continue to motivate yourself to do your workouts, and keeping a running journal – in which you record weather conditions, distances and times, and even your mood as you run. By doing this, it can be a way to see progress in your training as well as to stay on a running plan. Committing to planning, monitoring, and assessing your performance as a runner will lead to success and enthusiasm about it, she insists, as it has worked for her.

It’s also helpful, Ms. Perinchief recommends, keeping a food journal that allows you to assess your caloric intake, and to review any food allergies or discomfort you feel when running. Monitoring the food you eat, as well as how much you eat, will make you a knowledgeable runner, and add to your success in achieving goals.

As a comforting reminder for those who are religiously-attuned, there are also frequent passages from the Bible spaced throughout the pages to accompany the other advice in the book which encourage you to be fit and to honor the Lord through your fitness. It is this thoughtful combination of reminders, encouragement, cautions, tips, and inspiration that makes The Self-Coached Runner a small, brief book which will help you start a successful program of running that might otherwise elude you.