I was given this book, in a digital copy, free of charge and received no other compensation. All opinions are my own.
I am so blessed to be working with Runner's World on a few book reviews. This is the first one called Running Strong. Dr. Jordan Metzl is a Sports doctor but also a runner/triathlete. He has always been an athlete but in college torn his ACL and was able to rehab his way back to being a runner.
The book is divided up into 4 easy to understand parts. Below I have shown the break downs along with the chapters in each section. I also made notes of which ones I have found very helpful.
PART I:
Chapter 1: right stuff
- Work out every single day
- Dynamic RICE and active recovery
- Strong kinetic chain is the basis for running
- Single isolated movements don't help but single leg exercises build strength and stability
Ch 2: Mechanics of Running
How running works and why it is important to have good form (reviewing a lot of what is talked about in Chi Running)
PART II: UH-OH: What's that's Pain?
This was my favorite section. It has a breakdown of what injuries can occur, how to treat them, how to prevent them and exercises to do to strengthen them. It is very helpful. I plan on referencing this section a lot in the future.
Ch3:Overview of injuries
Strain vs sprain is my main takeaway! Strain is a tendon or muscle and a sprain is a ligament. I never knew the real difference before.
Ch 4: Feet and Ankles
Ch5:Lower Legs
Ch6:Knees
Ch7:Upper Legs
Ch8:Hip,Groin and Glutes
I focused heavily on this chapter and learned a lot. I've been getting back into core work and i think it should help out the lingering issues I have been having.
Ch9:Lower Back
Ch10:Upper Body
Ch11:Blisters, Bonking, etc
PART III:GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR MACHINE
Ch12: Body Work-IRON STRENGTH WORKOUT
this is a must do In my future. The whole circuit is 50 min which is a bit long for me but I can definitely see myself going through all of the movements. I'm it is designed for a full body circuit workout with weights involving moves like planks, push-ups,lunches, arm work for a dynamic workout that will strength your core to help with injury prevention.
Ch13: Running Physiology
Ch14:Unleash your Biggest Weapon
This is all about mind training. I will be referencing this chapter as well.
PART IV:TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Ch15:Good Food
The only thing I personally disagree with the "saturated fat is bad" and the push of fat free dairy. I think it's important to include saturated fat in your diet. Healthy fats do exist!
Ch16: Good shoes and cool clothes
It talks about many types of shoes and also the importance of picking the right clothes.
Part V: Gender Differences
This is all about the differences between male and female. I found it interesting to read about how to keep running during pregnancy which I hope will be me one day.
APPENDIX
Training plans for 5k, 10k, half and full
Overall, this book is fabulous and a must have in any runner's collection. The information is broken down so that it is easy to read and understand and also easy to go back and reference.
One awesome advantage of this book is that it uses Blippar technology. You can download the app here and then you can scan the book when you see the Blippar image and see videos on what they are talking about. This is really helpful with the Iron Strength workout part of the book.
Want more information on where to buy the book and Dr. Metzl?
Buy the book here!
Hashtags: #RunningStrong, #ironstrength
Dr. Metzl’s social media contact info:
- Website: http://www.drjordanmetzl.com/
- Twitter (@drjordanmetzl): https://twitter.com/drjordanmetzl
- Instagram (@drjordanmetzl): https://instagram.com/drjordanmetzl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJordanMetzl