Average customer rating:
- Full of information on every aspect of running. A Must!
- Women are different than men!
- Great book for beginners and well-taylored to women
- Excellent choice!
- The best yet
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The Complete Book Of Running For Women
Claire Kowalchik
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
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Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)
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The Runner's Handbook : The Bestselling Classic Fitness Guide for Beginning and Intermediate Runners (2nd rev Edition)
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4 Months to a 4-Hour Marathon,Updated
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Accessories:
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Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series
-
Luna Bars, Nutz Over Chocolate, 1.69-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
ASIN: 0671017039 |
Book Description
More women than ever are discovering the unique benefits of running -- for
stress relief, weight management, endurance, and self-esteem. Women's
bodies are not the same as men's, and though we can train just as hard and
with the same passion for excellence, we have certain special concerns.
Finally, there is a comprehensive guide exclusively for women who
experience the pure joy of running, or want to.
It's the simplest, fastest, most accessible way to fitness and good health known to woman. You don't need a partner, equipment, or even much time. Now, Claire Kowalchik, former managing editor of Runner's World magazine, answers every question about the overwhelmingly popular activity that builds endurance, melts fat, and even prevents illness. In this total running book for women, you'll learn:
- How to get started and stay motivated
- What to eat for optimal nutrition
- How to run during pregnancy and after menopause
- Why running is the most effective form of exercise
- How to prevent and treat injury
- What to wear -- from sports bras to running shoes
- How to prepare for everything from a 5K to a marathon
Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living.
Customer Reviews:
Full of information on every aspect of running. A Must!.......2007-09-28
I have been running for about a year now but was getting discouraged so I picked this up at the library. It is an easy read and answers every question possible that you would have. This is a great reference guide, it gives information on how to buy shoes, strength building techniques, stretching exercises, to where various types of marathons are held as well as how to train for each level and type of marathon. I'm 38 and not sure if I really anticipate doing anything more than a 5K but I learned a ton through this book. I wish I would've had this a year ago.
Women are different than men!.......2007-05-19
This book helped me understand volumes about myself. Who knew really how different our running needs are!
Great book for beginners and well-taylored to women.......2007-04-18
This book is exceptional. An easy read and gives you everything you'd ever think you'd need to know (and more) about running for a beginner woman runner. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and after completing it, I felt 200% more prepared to actually start training for lightly competitive races and a further developing racing hobby/career.
Excellent choice!.......2007-03-23
This book is really amazing I just do not know where to start, so I will make long story short.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a beginner, is already a runner, jogger or wants to improve thier fitness level, loose weight or do a marathon. I have never received such precise information all summed up it gives you great advice on:
How the body functions, while running
How to improve your technics depending what goal you would like to achieve,
Why you should wear certain clothes in order to feel comfortable while running
All the advantages and disadvantes of certain technis etc.
What nutrition you should eat in order to keep you level and so on
And by reading all of this it makes more sense to me why I did not achieve certain goals and how to stay motivated to reach certain goals!
The best yet.......2007-03-14
I have bought many running books since I began running a year ago. I would have saved myself alot if I had ordered this one first. It is informative and balanced. I especially enjoyed the information on nutrition. Get this book first and save your money for a good pair of running shoes
Book Description
The sport of running is ever changing, be it the shoes we wear or the goals we set, the training methods we use or the role models we emulate. But there is one constant: For more than 30 years, Runner's World magazine has been recognized worldwide as the most reliable and authoritative source of running knowledge. And for the past 7 years, Runner's World Complete Book of Running has been the classic book of choice for runners looking to run better, longer, and faster. Inside, all the secrets of running are laid bare. Need to know the best way to start a running program? You'll find it. Looking for tips on buying and preserving your running shoes? They're in there. From a complete look at running injuries to the benefits of sports drinks versus water to the best way to increase your endurance and train for a marathon, look no further than Runner's World Complete Book of Running. Contents include: l A surefire plan for beginners to get hooked on running l 15 surprising foods that boost your running performance l Tips for triathletes to maximize their training efficiency l 11 rules to running a great marathon l A women's encyclopedia of running l How to incorporate speedwork into your training l How to think like a champion l How to taper your eating and training before a race Whether you are a beginner or veteran runner, here is the advice-both timeless and cutting-edge-guaranteed to maximize your performance and your running pleasure.
Customer Reviews:
excellent book.......2007-08-15
I'm training for my first half marathon and I picked this book up at the library. It's simple, easy to read and has excellent advice. It's easy to criticize books that are reader friendly--too many pictures and graphics, not much text per page. I find, though, that books like that are easier to pick up and read and keep reading. I recommend this book to everyone serious about running.
Very comprehensive and useful.......2007-01-05
This is a very complete book that summarizes many aspects of running for beginners and intermediate runners. It is very well edited and is full of nice pictures which makes it a very pleasant reading experience. I only found it a little repetitive in the chapter about psychological aspects of running and a little bit shallow regarding the last chapter on marathon training. Overall, it is worth reading and buying. It should not be used as a reference book, but as a motivational tool to start, keep or improve your running experience.
Great for beginners.......2005-09-24
I just started running and this book has been a big help. I'm in my 5th week and you don't realize how much you running (20 minutes out of 30).
Before I started the program I was running one alp and out of breath. Now I can do two and 1/2 laps with no problem. I know enough of the infomercial. I really like this book and recommend it.
You're Better off Going to the Newsstand.......2005-02-11
This isn't a bad book, but it's essentially for the novice runner, with a heavy slant toward the female runner. Not a bad resource tool, but you could probably look up the same or more current/detailed information faster and easier online.
Essentially, this book is a collection of Runner's World magazine articles. You're better off in the long run (no pun intended) just picking up a copy of the latest issue at the newsstand.
This book is basically a hodgepodge of collected articles........2004-09-15
Despite what the title and subtitle suggests, this doesn't
provide everything you need to run for fun, fitness and
competition. While it probably a 3 1/2 *** to 4**** book,
in terms of content, there are more comprehensive books
on the subject of running. This is a good book for getting
a base understanding of running, and it only offers
training programs for one type of road race, namely the
marathon. If you want something that covers training for
shorter races, forget it. That doesn't mean the book is a
total loss for those who purchase it. If you are looking
for a tome on the sport, look no further than Dr. Timothy
Noakes' Lore of Running, which is nearly 1000 pages of
information from a physician who is also a runner. It
doesn't discuss specific training exercises with regards
to weights like other running books, or it doesn't even
mention which exercises to do in terms of stretching/flexibility, nor is there any mention of
pylometrics, which is used by some competitive runners.
The book is fairly narrow in scope, geared more for
road racers of the marathon persuasion mostly. If you
want to run some track race or cross country race, this
book is probably of somewhat limited value to you. Another
problem is the book is fairly expensive consider the amount
of information is provided in the pages, considering this
is basically a rehash of topics already discussed in
Runners' World, along with other running magazines and
books.
The book is organized as follows:
CONTENTS
Introduction.................................................xi
Part 1. Beginning Running
_______________________________________________________________
1. The First of Many Miles ..............................3
2. On The Road With Oprah ..............................12
3. Step into Good Shoes ................................16
4. Unexpected Pleasures ................................23
Part 2. Nutrition
________________________________________________________________
5. Fueling Up For a Peak Performance.....................31
6. The Lowdown On Fats...................................36
7. For Men Only: 10 Truths...............................42
8. Tomorrow's Beverages Today............................47
9. Say Good-Bye To Meat..................................51
10. Buried Treasures......................................56
Part 3. Injury Prevention
________________________________________________________________
11. The Big Five..........................................63
12. The No-Injuries Running Program.......................75
13. 10 Laws of Healthy Running............................82
14. Self-Treat Your Ailments..............................88
Part 4. Women's Running
________________________________________________________________
15. Advice That Could Save Your Life.....................103
16. A Woman's Encyclopaedia of Running...................111
17. Ask Runner's World...................................120
18. To Care, to Create, to Dream.........................129
Part 5. Building Strength, Endurance and Speed
________________________________________________________________
19. Time-Tested Advice...................................135
20. Ideal Paces..........................................142
21. Stretch Your Limits..................................150
22. The Experts' Training Secrets........................156
23. The Need For Speed...................................163
Part 6. The Mental Side of Running
________________________________________________________________
24. Seven Strategies To Be Your Best.....................173
25. Digging Deep.........................................182
26. Smooth Sailing.......................................191
27. The Mysterious Breakthrough..........................198
Part 7. Cross-Training
________________________________________________________________
28. The Many Doors to Fitness............................209
29. The Great Indoors....................................216
30. Running in Place.....................................222
31. Masters of Efficiency................................229
32. Training the Whole Body..............................234
Part 8. The Marathon
________________________________________________________________
33. Guideposts for a Marathoner..........................245
34. Guaranteed Results...................................261
35. Ease on Down the Road................................264
36. Countdown to the Big Race............................271
37. A Tip for Every Mile.................................280
Credits..................................................289
Index....................................................291
Average customer rating:
- Lots of information
- Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again.
- There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!
- Disappointed
- What a great motivator!
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Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)
Dagny Scott
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Running & Jogging
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Running & Jogging
| Individual Sports
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
Track & Field
| Other Team Sports
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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The Complete Book Of Running For Women
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Runner's World Runner's Diet: The Ultimate Eating Plan That Will Make Every Runner (and Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter (Runners World)
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No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running
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The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program
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The Courage To Start: A Guide To Running for Your Life
Accessories:
-
Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series
-
Luna Bars, Nutz Over Chocolate, 1.69-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
ASIN: 1579544665 |
Book Description
"Listen to those millions of women runners. Listen to their quiet breaths as they talk in predawn pairs, before the rest of the family wakes-- the lessons and questions they share to the rhythm of steady footsteps. 'I never thought I could...' 'I feel so much stronger...' 'I'm ready to take on a new challenge...'
Women develop a special sorority on the roads. This bond is an understanding based on acceptance, an appreciation of how far they have come, a knowing wink that says how much is yet to be gained. And so they talk and share and grow-- and run. Singly and in groups, swiftly and slowly, they run."
--Dagny Scott
Choose the best clothes and accessories * Lose weight permanently * Train for any race, from a 5-K to a marathon * Run through Menopause * Be safe wherever you run * Deal with self-consciousness and body image * Prevent and treat injuries * Run during pregnancy * Eat for maximum energy
Customer Reviews:
Lots of information.......2006-11-06
I've just completed an 8 week beginning running program. I bought this book to read just before I embarked on the program. The book was an easy read; it has information that every beginning runner should know. I'll be keeping this book to refer to for years to come.
Here's what I found good about the book:-
1. Nuggets of information that I as a beginning runner won't have known to look for
2. Relevant to women and sometimes both sexes
3. Stories of real life women and how they got hooked on and what has kept them going - I found those inspirational
Here's what I didn't like about the book (therefore I'm giving it 4 stars):-
1. I understand that taking up running is good for you and all, helping you to maintain weight, good for your heart etc. but really, I feel that the authors sometimes go overboard with the accolades. As a beginning runner, I dont want to feel intimidated but at the same time, I dont want to feel as if I'm joining a cult.
All in all, I like the book and I'm keeping it but strangely enough, I feel uncomfortable reading about "us runners". I like to run but I also don't want to be part of an "elite group"
Great book! I would buy it through Amazon again........2006-03-10
I had a wonderful experience buying this fabulous book from Amazon. It arrived as promised and is definately the best book geared towards women for running. I have looked at a couple other books like this and they didn't even compare!
There is a runner in all of us, even YOU!.......2004-03-19
Although I had been working out for years, my stamina for running was just not there. I researched several running books, and this was by far the best. If you are a beginner, and need the basics, get this book. Age should not be a factor, but as advised-have a physical before you embark on running. I am physically fit, I had never ran, and I did not start until I was 41. There are women who write that they did not even begin until they were in their 60's! The program instructs on how to incorporate running into your workout, starting with as little as 2 minutes! You can do that right? It covers how to choose the right running shoe, how to avoid injury, and what you need to eat in order to maintain stamina for the long haul. Carb's are important here, take note. Dagny covers it all, and speaks from experience. She even covers overcoming the initial "embarassement" of running for the first time, and how to enter your first 5K and finish. I love this book, and still refer to it.
Disappointed.......2003-10-31
Personally, I was quite disappointed in the content of this book. I was getting back into running after a several year hiatus and bought this book to inspire me to a new level of fitness. I found the information to be geared towards the beginner and quickly "outgrew" it.
What a great motivator!.......2002-12-10
While training for my third marathon, I picked up this book to find some new training ideas. I couldn't put it down! It covers all facets of women's running - beginning to long distance, pregnancy, nutrition, balancing family and/or job with running and motivating factors. I used the charts, stretches and training ideas. I've recommended it to countless friends and often discussed ideas from the book while on long runs with training partners. Not only did I get some practical training advice, but I got a new resource for my running.
Book Description
Finally the first Runner's World book for beginning runners! The newest addition to the heralded Runner's World series focuses exclusively on the concerns of the tens of thousands of new runners who take up the sport every year.Recognizing that newcomers to a sport need all the help they can get, Runner's World now devotes an entire book to guiding the beginning runner through those challenging first days, weeks, and months. Peppered throughout with motivating tips and advice from those who have been there, this much-needed volume presents a can't-fail program that is sure to help new runners feel and look better and have more energy and less stress. Inside you'll find:o Information on nutrition and how to adjust your diet to fit your new running lifestyleo Training advice, including how to use cross-training, stretching, and strength exercises to keep enthusiasm up, weight down, and fitness at an optimum levelo A special section for women runnersWritten by the executive editor of Runner's World magazine and covering every problem the new runner may encounter-from choosing the right shoes to preventing injury to preparing for a race-this authoritative volume provides all the information and inspiration any novice requires to turn running into a healthy, lifetime pursuit.
Customer Reviews:
If you are a beginner buy it.......2007-02-27
If you are one of those people who always see these runners and envy them but are afraid to start because the very few times you tried you almost felt your heart coming out of your ears then this is the book for you.
The book is exactly what it claims to be, for beginners. It is full of motivational facts and answers a lot of your questions as you progress. I started browsing it in Spring after my doctor told me that I am in a pre-diabetic stage ( I am insulin resistant and have PCOS) and have to do something about it. In summer I finished a 5k, walked most of it, and got my insulin level back to normal and now I go out for a run almost every day for 30 to 60 minutes, no walking! And I have started training for half marathon. I am now combining this running skill with sensible diet, also described in book, and the 30lbs I had to lose are melting down.
The 24 week walk/run plan is a realistic one. The quality of pictures is really good and it does a great job in keeping you motivated. I recommend it to anyone who wants to start running but doesn't know where to start.
P.S. I am completing this review. I ran my very first half-marathon on April 29th, 2007 and I have this book to thank for most of it. I am a runner now.
very helpful and motivating book!!.......2005-05-22
There is one chapter in this book that contains motivating quotes from experienced runners that reflect upon what they wish they knew when they began running. I found that to be extremely inspirational (but it was only 1 of the 40 chapters)!! The rest of the book consists of important facts about the health benefits of running, help with time managment, a section on getting started, nutrition, training and more. Amby Burfoot gives great advice about the importance of training your mind along with your body, which helps those who may get discouraged at the beginning as well as those who need an extra push now and then. In the back there are effective training plans for the already active person as well as the beginner. I would strongly recommend this book to those who are interested in running for any reason because the book covers everything you need to know.
I picked up this book five months ago when I started running as an out of shape beginner. Amby Burfoot's knowledge and advice gave me the base that I needed to accomplish many of my goals and I am now in much better shape, running daily and loving every minute of it.
Great for motivation, but lacking in real content.......2005-04-06
The first 6 chapters of this book are made up of mostly quotes from runners. These are not always particularly insightful or helpful. I found it to have far, far too many of those, "well, DUH!" kind of comments. Not much detail or specifics at least in the first part of the book. I finally found something worth reading in the seventh chapter but by that point I was so annoyed that I didn't care. Needed editing. Others are better.
Book Description
"The most useful and comprehensive running book ever."
--Runner's World
The book that set the standard for runners -- in a third edition
Includes:
Training tips for all levels
Motivation and Psychology
Nutrition and Hydration
Health and Medicine
Aging and Exercise
Women's Health Issues
Equipment and Lifestyle
Ample Resource List including running related Web sites
Customer Reviews:
Run to the best of your ability...this book will help you!.......2002-09-26
If you are wanting to lose weight and have tried everything on the market you may have missed out on a big secret: Running Burns Fat Fast! I got this book and followed the 10K training guidelines and have lost weight rapidly and feel better than I have in years. I started out huffing and puffing and could barely run for a straight minute but I stuck with it and you can too! This book will encourage you to make it to the finish line; whether that finish line is the New York City Marathon or your neighborhood post office, this book will help you get there!
NYRRC Complete Book of Running and Fitness.......2000-05-08
This is the greatest resource for runners that I have ever encountered. It provides information on everything from nutrition to training schedules, injury prevention to local running clubs, stretching suggestions to cross-training hints... you get the idea! It addresses the needs of beginning runners to experienced marathoners, and everyone in between. Highly recommended!
Book Description
An illustrated treasury for Lionel enthusiasts. Highlights include an overview of product development, 20 track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on building scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, help in choosing locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips and techniques, and instructions for all kinds of prototypes. - Hobby Merchandiser, September 2004Author and hobby veteran Robert Schleicher presents an illustrated treasury of practical advice for the Lionel enthusiast. Included in this volume are: an overview of product development, track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on building scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, help in choosing steam or diesel locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips techniques, and instructions for operations that best emulate prototype railroads.Officially Licensed by Lionel- Only comprehensive, hands-on Lionel book to take technological developments of the last decade into consideration.- Schleicher's previous Lionel Train Book was published by Lionel in 1986 and has sold an estimated 20,000 copies LTD.- All techniques and topics discussed are fully illustrated.- 2004 will mark the 25th anniversary of General Mills' resuscitation of the Lionel name.About the AuthorBob Schleicher of Niwot, Colorado, is a veteran hobby industry writer and publisher, and the author of several MBI titles, most recently 101 Projects for Your Model Railroad and Slot Car Bible.
Customer Reviews:
Great foundation book.......2007-08-23
This book lays a great foundation for anyone starting out. Practical ideas and methods are shown for wiring track and accessories. Care and maintenance. High quality book with very thick glossy pages and many many color photos along with some B/W photos. This would be helpful for anyone interested in 3 track O-gauge even if they are planning on using non-Lionel trains and accessories.
ideal.......2007-03-09
if you are serious about lionel trains this is a must have for info
Big Book of Lionel.......2006-07-11
The book covers a wide range of subjects on planning, building and operating a Lionel O-guage layout, but does not go into a lot of detail. Both Post-War and Modern Lionel trains and tracks are covered as is the newer TMCC electronic controls. The photos of existing Lionel O-gauge layouts are excellent, but the book did not describe the type of track nor were track layout diagrams provided, which would have been very informative. Nevertheless, the book is interesting and provides a good overview of what to consider when planning and building a Lionel O-gauge layout.
Great for beginner and expert Lionel train fans.......2006-03-22
This book with its excellent pictures and detailed descriptions will satisfy the model train neophyte as well as the old veterans.
It is geared especially to the famous "O" gauge Lionel trains of yesteryear. It can serve as a reference book for those just starting out or rediscovering the joys of model train collecting and operating layouts.
The Big Book of Lionel.......2006-02-26
A very good book, full of interesting tips and facts. Full of good information on Lionel trains.
Book Description
The New York Road Runners Complete Book of Running and Fitness, 4th Edition is an up-to-date resource for running, walking, and general fitness. The combined knowledge of experts in the field provides readers with a comprehensive guide for every level of fitness. This newly revised edition includes:
·Advice on motivation, in-depth training techniques and exercises, injury prevention, nutritional information, and healthy recipes.
·New content targeting the specific concerns of women, children, and aging.
Customer Reviews:
Cover pic.......2007-05-12
I bought this book because I'm wearing the orange hat on the cover of the book, and I thought that was cool. But I have read some of the book and it is good stuff.
A Single Comprehensive Reference!.......2006-03-11
I bought this book on the recommendation of another reviewer on Amazon. I am very happy that I did. I have other books on the subject, but none of them are as comprehensive and thorough as this one. It is the type of book that you can scan for pertinent topics, or read straight through! Many, many tips for all levels of runners (very good beginner tips), all ages of runner, including stretching tips, yoga postures for warming up and staying limber, how to prepare for various races, and so many other subjects. The writing is clear and concise. Topics covered include: Training, Racing, distance running with various levels and information on how to prepare for each race (mile, 5K, 10K, marathon, etc.), The Psychology of Running, Nutrition, Safety, Sports Medicine, Aging and Exercise, Walking, and Equipment.
Book Description
Discusses not only the physical benefits of running, but its psychological benefits as well: increasing self-esteem, acquiring a "high" from running, and being able to cope better with pressure and tension. Yep, it still sells.
Customer Reviews:
The first and still the best........2007-05-23
This may be the oldest running book but it is still the best. This book is full of insperation written by a very good writer. This book can make you want to run and love it.
History but still worth it.......2007-01-05
This is always mentioned as an historical book, but when you read it you will see that many things (more than 90% of the book) is very update and the basic structure of the book has been copied by other books. The interesting of this book is that it was written during the 1970s running boom and has much of the spirit of running that inspired many runners through the last 30 years. Jim Fixx and its history deserves the honor of having his book bought and his knowledge preserved. Good for beginners and intermediate runners. If you are a pro-runner, I believe you don't need to buy it, because you already have it.
WOW, OH HOW I REMEMBER THIS AWESOME BOOK!!.......2006-12-03
WOW, I had originally purchased this books eons ago, in the early 80's and I had been jogging already for since 1976 when I was a teenager. The information in this book inspired me more than anything else about jogging. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had lost it somewhere through many moves and life changes in my life and I had also quit jogging due to an illness I went through. I'm 48 now, will be 49 in a few weeks and I still believe in my heart that I'm a runner, a jogger. I'm purchasing this book TODAY and can't wait to read it again! If there is any book that encourages you with running, believe me, it's this one. It's a MUST HAVE FOR ALL RUNNERS [JOGGERS]!
LOVED THIS BOOK AN STILL DO.......2006-10-01
I started running way, way before the "running craze" hit. This was in the late 1950 and very early 1960. Let me tell you it was pretty lonely out there. Little was known, shoes were very primitive and attitudes were even more primitive. All that changed and one of the primary movers of that change was this book and books like it. You have no idea how nice it was to know there were others out there. I purchased my first copy when it was first published and am still reading it to this day. Yes, some of the data my be a bit dated but to tell you the truth, not all that much. I stil run and what was true then is still pretty much the truth now. Cannot recommend this book highly enough.
A wonderful book about running and a way of life!.......2006-08-02
I grew up in the 'boom' time of running: I was a teenager coming into running during the late 70's and early eighties. I still remember a wonderful article in Runner's World magazine on Jim Fixx. I am still saddened by his death. He was the 'every man' of running: un-pretentious and soulful. His prose is precint, witty, and full of life. I recommend the book not only for its knowlege base, but for the sheer 'readability'! And yes...those are actually his legs on both of his book covers! We all miss you, Jim.
-Will Soyars
Book Description
This book covers the gamut from buying the right equipment and software to monitoring agents, measuring their productivity, enhancing customer relationships, and running an innovative and efficient center. It includes use of fax-on-demand, interactive voice response, e-mail, and Web sites.
Customer Reviews:
A Classroom In A Book.......2006-05-29
The way Keith Dawson handles the materials is well-written and concise. He does not waste much time going into more than just a couple real-world applications for the technologies he is explaining, but he does set your mind spinning about how they can be used to suit your needs. The information on VoIP and IP Telephony are a little dated and an updated edition would obviously expand a lot on those technologies (which were just emerging when the book was written but have become very popular in the industry now). Not only does he discuss what technologies are available (like AVR, IP-PBX, Recording, Call Queuing, etc.), he goes into a brief discription of the more traditional PBX system, if only to point out their flaws compared to today's newer technology but not failing to point out their merits as well. A good book for someone who is just beginning to integrate themselves in the field and the tech.
THE CALL CENTER: SELF-SERVICE OR SELF DELUSION?.......2005-07-31
Chances are that you already have this book in your IT library. But, you probably don't have the 5th edition of the book. Author Keith Dawson has done an outstanding job of presenting the complete guide to starting, running and improving your call center.
Dawson begins by showing you his Six-Stage Model of Call Center Development, which is has to do with the way the call center interacts with the rest of the company. Next, the author discusses how you are going to have to find a place or location for your call center. Then, he covers some of the important factors that go into a call center successful design. Dawson next discusses how you have to be very careful in choosing the toll free and long distance services for your call center, because they will be very expensive. Next, the author also covers the automatic call distributor, which routes calls and manages information with respect to those calls. Then, he examines predictive dialing systems, which automate the entire outdialing process, with the computer choosing the person to be called and dialing the number. In addition, Dawson then examines the pros and cons of computer telephone integration. Next, the author looks at interactive voice response, which always captures information in an accurate manner. Then, he researches speech recognition system technology as an autoselector tool for the call center. Dawson continues on by exploring the Web as a tool to automate all of the call center functions without human interaction. Next, the author discusses some of the interesting new tools available, including CRM and the new theories of multichannel access for customer contact. Then, he gives some very serious thought about putting a video in your call center. Dawson then discusses that the best way to route a call to the agent most capable of handling that specific call, is routing based on an agent's skill or combination of skills, like language, training, experience, or any mix of those and other factors. Then, the author explains the importance of customer relationship management (CRM). Next, he shows you why order processing systems give you power over your inventory and pricing. Dawson next reminds you why display boards and readerboards are a stable versatile technology, and an inexpensive way to quickly improve call center performance. The author also explains why headsets are a key ingredient in every call center. Next, he discusses the on-hold messaging queue. Dawson also explains the importance of workforce management software, and how it is the art and science of having the right number of agents at the right times, in their seats, to answer an accurately forecasted volume of incoming calls at the service level you desire. Then, the author continues on by explaining why monitoring is a critical part of the process of teaching anew rep how to deal with customers, how to handle difficult situations, even simply how to follow a script and read a screen full of complex information. Finally, he goes into how to make call center careers meaningful.
With the preceding in mind, the author has done an excellent job of making you, the reader, understand the value of surefire ways to motivate your reps; realize the value on the front line; outsourcing; disaster and contingency planning; and, telecommuting agents. At the end of the day, you'll know whether the call center is self-service or self-delusion.
you don't learn anything.......2002-04-25
Buy it only if you are a beginner.
Illuminating Read!.......2001-08-30
This is a definite Must Read for any Call Center professional! All those questions about what system/technology does what and how are answered in one fact-based publication. If you want to avoid the headache of time-consuming hunts through web-sites and talking with marketing reps to learn which product works best for your company, this book is for you. If you are looking for a bubble-gum view of call center management, don't read this book because you just might learn the truth! By the way, get a Call Center Magazine subscription to continue the information flow started by reading this book.
A good general guide.......2000-11-28
This is a good book to people who want to have an overview at a glance about call centers features and problems. But, according to new economy habits, it is not a technological issue. So, if many points are discussed, such as human resources, real estate, organisation, hardware and products, none of them is focused in a detailed way. It is surely a very good introduction to people starting a new job in call centers environments, but do not expect too much by readin it.
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