The art of running is to be found in the process – in the act itself. The beauty of this art is that it can be recreated in every step. The past doesn’t matter, it’s the next step that counts…

We all think we know how to run. After all, it’s as natural as putting one foot in front of the other. Too often, though, an activity which should be pleasurable and fulfilling instead leads to frustration and injury. Physical and mental barriers can stop progress far short of full potential, whether you’re a regular runner or new to the sport.

Master The Art of Running is based on the proven principles of the Alexander Technique, which encourage good use of the body and greater awareness of the way it functions. Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields show the reader how to achieve and maintain fitness without injury and how to overcome self-imposed limitations to enjoyable and successful running. This perspective on the sport as an art explores areas rarely touched on in conventional training manuals. A variety of personal accounts and more than 40 carefully selected photographs enhance this practical and inspirational guide.

 

Whether you are a novice or an experienced runner, Master The Art of Running will give you real insight into the sport and how you can transform your training and performance.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS :

Malcolm Balk from Montreal, Canada is a qualified Alexander Technique teacher as well as a Pose Method and Level 4 track coach who specializes in working with runners of all standards.

Andrew Shields is Sport and Health Editor of Time Out magazine in London, and a coach with the London Active Partnership. He has twice been runner-up in the British Sports Journalism Awards.

REVIEWS OF THE BOOK :

‘This book is a valuable piece of work quite simply because it gives us an insight into a very common activity nowadays. Any Alexander Technique teacher is likely to have pupils who are runners and would like to improve their performance. Teachers wanting to learn something about the mechanics of running, those who would like to challenge themselves and get fit, or those who simply want to read someone else’s experience with the Technique, can enjoy and learn a great deal with this book.’ STAT (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) News, September 2000

‘There can be no denying the Alexander Technique is effective. This book begins by explaining what’s involved and how it can be applied to running… with detailed text that is a mix of "how to" and case studies, many involving the world’s best runners.’ Athletics Weekly, December 2000

‘Your new-found awareness allows you to discover the movements of your body that are predisposing you to injury.’ Health & Fitness, March 2001

‘If you wonder how many calories it burns, Alexander Technique isn’t for you. But if you want to eliminate tension and learn good body alignment, it is.’ Marie Claire Health & Beauty, March 2001

‘Everyone assumes they know how to run but few have been taught.’ The Times, September 2000

‘You don’t have to be a marathon addict to enjoy running. Run when you feel like it, even if it’s just a gentle jog through the park. But it’s important to know how to do it properly.’ B Magazine, November 2000

‘If a runner told you that they’d been injury-free for 15 years you’d want to know their secret. Fortunately, Malcolm Balk wants to let us in on his.’ Runner’s World, November 2000

‘Balk and Shields hope to revolutionize the way people run by teaching them how to undo the bad habits they have been practising for years.’ Daily Telegraph, June 2000

‘The habitually injured, the disillusioned and the diehards have a lot to learn from The Art of Running.’ Sunday Times, July 2000

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