I read Neely Spence Gracey’s new book Breakthrough Women’s Running on my way to Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon. My friend Cindy Kuzma is the co-author and she sent me this description: “[The book] is full of helpful advice on everything from goal-setting to postpartum running to adjusting your training when you hit a setback (plus it has training plans for everything from run-walk to the marathon).” [Check out my review of Cindy’s book Rebound here.]
A large portion of this book is on hormonal impact on training during menstruation and training postpartum. These are great resources for younger women and mothers. Since I am neither, I mostly skimmed the menstruation chapters out of interest and skipped the pregnancy/postpartum info.
5 Things Keys to Success from Breakthrough Women’s Running
“Dream Big; Start Small.” One of the main premises of Gracey’s training approach is to set “big goals” that excite you and process step goals to get you there. The key idea is that big goals motivate you and daily steps get you to your breakthroughs. Another thing I appreciated is that she reminds us that breakthroughs are different by individual and change at different life stages. She points out that sometimes a breakthrough is simply doing better than you think possible – so that you can expand your goals.
Nourish Your Body. Many runners fall into unhealthy eating habits as conventional wisdom for a long time was “thinner is better/faster.” Neely shares her own experience and other athlete’s stories with over training and/or under-eating. She shares information and recipes and recommends fueling strategies for training and racing.
Stay Healthy. To prevent injury, Gracey recommends prioritizing rest, getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet (and enough calories), cross training and focusing on a positive mindset. She provides some tools for improving mobility, at-home tools and professional resources to stay healthy and injury free.
Train Like an Athlete. This section focuses on strength training and cross training to strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of injury. I strength training and do core exercises now, but I wish I’d started sooner. This is a great resource for athletes who focus on cardio and running only to begin to add strength to the mix.
Focus on Mindset. Most runners know that success in running and racing is both physical and mental. Gracey talks about developing and cultivating a winning mindset and shares her own experiences. She provides tools and exercise to improve your mindset. One tip I used at Grandma’s was when you use a mantra, try using you versus I. She refers to studies that show that “athletes can push harder when they use second person self-talk.” It’s as if you’re being cheered on by a coach or friend. It works!
I enjoyed this book and think it’s a great resource for woman runners (and their coaches). Would you like to read Breakthrough Women’s Running? Human Kinetics will send one lucky reader a copy to read. To enter to win a copy, please leave a comment below telling me which section of the one’s I mentioned that you’re most eager to read. Bonus entry: Follow Neely and Cindy on Instagram and leave a second comment telling me you did. I’ll pull a winner in order of comment using random.org on July 22.
Don’t want to wait? Get Breakthrough Women’s Running from Human Kinetics and on Amazon (affiliate link). You can also follow on Instagram – Neely and Cindy.
I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday. Join us!
Have a great weekend!
Please note: I received this book in exchange for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.