Sunday October 7, 2012 Everybody Wins at TBPL!

Running is a sport that anyone can enjoy. Whether you are a casual or competitive runner, cross country or track athlete, or looking to get back into shape, running is an excellent activity to burn those calories, reduce stress, meet new people and improve your esteem. There is no need for extravagant equipment, flashy workout clothes or even a gym membership for that matter. All you need is a bit of determination and pluck, equal part peer and family support, a pair of running shoes, maybe a Led Zeppelin tune and you’re set to go. Or should I say run!

However, if you are just beginning or are looking into getting back into the ol’routine, feelings of trepidation are perfectly normal. How about taking that next step and training for a half or full marathon? Why not take a little jaunt over to The Thunder Bay Public Library, where great resources are available to help motivate, instruct and inspire you to gain your personal best. Here at TBPL, we will be with you every step of the way to help you get off on the right foot. 

If you are new or a novice to the great sport, perhaps you should look into Ian MacNeill’s The beginning runner’s guide handbook: The proven 13-week RunWalk program, a guide developed by a sports-medicine professional that explains how to effectively begin your running experience. In addition, MacNeill focuses on proper body mechanics and techniques as well as the importance of including a balanced diet.

What if you are planning to run your first race? Author Jeff Galloway can show you how to master the 5 and 10 kilometer run. In his book, Galloway’s 5K and 10K Running, he provides motivation to new runner’s entering their first race, or experienced runners who wish to improve their time on the track.

Within TBPL’s collection are some great titles for female runners. Run For Your Life: A Book for Beginning Women Runners is a great start for any woman looking to start exercising. Author Deborah Reber provides great insight on how to get started, and most importantly, how to maintain your newfound lifestyle. Karen Bridson’s Run for It: A Woman's Guide to Running for Emotional and Physical Health combines material on how running can improve your lifestyle with discussion on women’s physical and mental health.

Equally exciting is Richard Benyo’s Running Past 50, a superb guide that motivates older adults to continue with their running programs, as well as how to add a bit of excitement to an unvaried routine. With some humorous anecdotes, Benyo shares his enthusiasm for running and how it can become a lifelong habit.

Perhaps a key indicator that demonstrates your commitment to running could be your desire to take on the ultimate runner’s challenge: the marathon. Jennifer Van Allen’s The Runner's World Big Book of Marathon and Half-Marathon Training: Winning Strategies, Inspiring Stories, and the Ultimate Training Tools, is the all inclusive training guide for a half or full marathon. It provides essential materials needed to train for the marathon, along with great tips and inspiring stories of runners just like you.

Speaking of inspiration, everyone enjoys reading and hearing about individuals overcoming the odds and succeeding in the end. As citizens of Thunder Bay, we are fortunate to have the ultimate model of an inspired runner: Terry Fox. Browse the numerous items dedicated to his memory that show his undying passion and unparalleled strength during his run in the Marathon of Hope.    

So if you are feeling interested in any of these items, come and visit TBPL, where you are sure to find the suitable guide for you.

Petar Vidjen