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Home > No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running
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No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running
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By John Bingham
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 (34 Reviews)
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List Price: $15.95
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Publisher:
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Rodale Books
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Date:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Paperback
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Pages:
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240
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| Product Description: |
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"You don't have to run fast to be a real runner!"
John Bingham, "the patron saint of the back of the pack," commands "The Penguin Brigade"-- those thousands of dedicated runners who have learned that the greatest joy in their sport comes not from how fast they go or how thin they become, but from simply having the courage to take the first step.
Now Bingham shares the wisdom that took him from couch potato to columnist for Runner's World magazine. No Need for Speed explores both the why and the how of running for the rest of us. With information both practical (how to find the right running shoes for you, when to enter a race, what to eat before a run) and inspirational (focus on where you are instead of where you want to be, accepting the body you have, the beauty of being realistic about goals), Bingham extends a trusted hand and expert advice to beginners and veterans alike.
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Customers' Reviews:
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 I used to hate to run (and didn't), January 29, 2003
By Vincent Fisher (California, USA)
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I used to hate running because I wasn't very fast, it hurt, and it was boring. Bingham's book changed all that. I'm 38 now, I still don't love running as much as the author, but his advice and words helped me incorporate running into my life. It also gave me the encouragement to train and run regularly and tell people that I am a runner. It encouraged me to enter races, not to win, but to get the feeling of being around other runners. Finally it encourgaed me to train for a goal - a marathon. With this book and "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" (Whitsett) book I began a solo sixteen week training program to enter and finish a marathon. That was the goal, just to finish and become a marathoner. I finished the 26.2 miles in just under 5 hours. I was 890th place out of 1100 runners, but I felt like I'd won a gold medal. This book taught me that "you don't have to run fast to be a real runner." I may or may not run another marathon (1/2 marathons are more tolerable), but I will keep running as part of my lifelong fitness plan, because I am a runner. Bingham's first book "The Courage to Start" is also a great book and I frequently re-read both of his books. In "The Courage to Start" he states, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." If you want to start feeling better about yourself and start taking steps to become a runner, there is no better book.
80 of 82 people found this review helpful
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 Fun, inspirational and interesting, September 23, 2003
By Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)
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This is a fun little beginners guide to the joys of running. In fact, this just might be the best and most complete book on running since Jim Fixx's mammothly successful book 25 years ago. What I like best about the Bingham's book is that it has something in it for every beginning runner, from the casual jogger to the total coach potato. Each chapter focuses on a special area of the sport: injuries, mileage, women's running, seniors, masters runners, even children developing into competitive athletes. The title is instructive: there is an emphasis on competitive running, with the focus primarily in 10K road races to the marathon. Several of the elite and most popular marathons are discussed at length, incuding Boston, L.A., New York and Chicago. There are some useful tips on how to increase your weekly mileage, avoid injury, carbo loading before the race and recovery afterwards. Having completed marathons, I can tell you that it's easy to do than you think and once you start completing the 26.2 mile courses, you'll be hooked for as long as your body will hold out. Running is a joyous activity and one which brings many individual rewards. If you're a serious, addicted runner, you'll love this book, but the beginners will also reap great rewards because the book it geared towards the novice. It's well-written, fun to read and instructive. Highly recommended.
36 of 37 people found this review helpful
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More Than I Expected, April 30, 2005
By didaskei (Texas)
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Bingham's book is much more than I expected. I am a 32 year old who has run off and on since high school. Over the last few years I have been prone to injury and decided that I needed to rethink my running habits. What I expected from Bingham was a brief book with some good motivational passages and some practical tips for adult runners.
What I received was a brief book *packed* with great information. His injury prevention section is far superior to the one found in "The Runner's World Complete Book of Running" and so is his beginning runner's workout advice. He also includes highly practical advice and examples for cross training.
If you are not a profesional runner, but an adult with all the responsibilites that go with it (kids, job, spouse, community involvement) this practical book will keep you moving.
He also has some nice motivational material (but nothing to cheesy).
I gave the book 4 stars because of some annoying typos and a few places where his advice doesn't quite make sense (particulary on how to do leg lifts). The fault lies with the editor more than the author.
If you are an adult with lots on your plate who wants to stay physically active, you need this book.
31 of 31 people found this review helpful
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Motivation for beginners, April 21, 2002
By A Customer
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I was working out at the gym but too self conscious to start running. This book motivated me to hit road. I bought running shoes, read the whole book and went running the next morning. Highly recommended, the pounds are falling off already.
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
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BEST RUNNING MOTIVATOR, July 5, 2006
By cschomaker (FL, USA)
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Of all the running books out there, from by-the-numbers training plans to dense physiology tomes, none provide the uplift and motivation needed by average "non-athletic" mortals better than the two written by John Bingham. In his newest, Bingham, long associated with his "Penguin" philosophy through Runner's World Magazine, inspires with his personal story. Only this isn't an Olympic athlete's heroic quest, but an average, vice-ridden everyman's transformation from overweight couch potato to athlete. In a conversational, non-preachy tone, Bingham writes for the majority of runners and fitness walkers-- the back two-thirds of every road race.
No Need for Speed contains much useful and up-to-date advice for beginning and intermediate runners and walkers, of course, including equipment, training and technique. Frequent sidebar entries from real citizen-runners also share lessons learned by average joes and janes while morphing into athletes. But by far the BEST thing about this book, and the most encouraging to newer, older, heavier, and/or slower runners, is that Bingham manages to legitimately drape honor and glory to "back of the pack" athletes. You don't have to be lightning-fast or whippet-thin to call yourself a runner. To anyone stuggling to get in shape, survive a road race (or finish it in less than a day), and feel good about being in the game, Bingham's words are priceless.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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Inspiration, Perspiration, Dedication, and Celebration, May 31, 2002
By Serge J. Van Steenkiste (Atlanta, GA)
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Although John "The Penguin" Bingham is targeting would-be and beginning runners, his practical and inspirational message is also relevant to experienced runners. Bingham expertly helps would-be and beginning runners make the jump, start running at their own pace with the right equipment, accept their highs and lows in their sport practice, and celebrate their big and small running accomplishments over time. Bingham's message is especially convincing because he had led an unhealthy lifestyle for many years before he discovered the joy of running. Bingham also reminds his core audience that running is a life philosophy that is based on the best possible balance to strike between mind and body. That quest is nothing new. For example, the Ancient Greeks and Romans respectively used the expressions "Nothing too much" and "A sound mind in a sound body" to describe the achievement of a harmonious state. Bingham finally echoes the words of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games: "The essential thing ... is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not triumph but the struggle." As a side note, would-be and beginning runners can also find inspiration in the movie "Chariots of Fire" and Vangelis' memorable accompanying music to keep faith in their performance, whatever it is.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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Excellent resource!, July 1, 2002
By Teency (Dallas, Tx United States)
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I am an adult-onset runner! This book is so informative. It answers every question you may have as a new runner, and address all your insecurities about running. Bingham also has a sense of humor!
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
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Choose To Change, June 6, 2002
By woodspoet (Texas United States)
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Everytime that I read John Bingham's monthly articles in Runners World, there is new found inspiration. The same is with his books and this newest one has a load of helpful advice and tips. Mr. Bingham has the right attitude about his passion of running and I feel that anyone can wake up as he did at "middle age" and make a decision to choose to change. Change your habits and incorporate exercise in your daily routine. This book title sums it up, no need for speed,just make the effort and the results will come. So in reading this book, I hope that it will give you that extra push to a lifetime commitment of exercise. Thanks to Mr. Bingham, he has helped quite a few people on the first step through this book and his monthly columns.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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 Different title but same book as another one by J. Bingham, May 27, 2008
By Meghan O'Connor (Commack, L.I, N.Y)
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I recently returned this book because I have the book "Courage to Start" by the same author John Bingham. I felt like I was reading "Courage to Start" all over again just a different title.
The book is good and I like all the fun stuff that Mr. Bingham writes in this book - I was laughing a lot and I could relate to a lot of things that is in this book.
It really does give you a good motivation jump start but it did not give me anything new from what "Courage to Start" did.
If you have "Courage to Start" and you need some additional information re-read the book. If you do not have "Courage to Start" this would be a good book for you.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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 Bingham returns to the same well yet again..., November 25, 2007
By Noah Barfield (Bainbridge Island, WA)
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No Need for Speed is just a recap of his earlier book, The Courage to Start. Unlike The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed has two whole pages of actual useful running advice, as well as a handy 12 week training program (again, two pages).
So, this book really only has four pages of new, relevant material. I'm not sure it's worth buying. Check and see if your local library has a copy.
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
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Excellent for new runners and lifelong runners, January 10, 2003
By A Customer
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"No Need for Speed" by John Bingham is an excellent book for all runners. It has helped me to put into words why I run so I have an answer for all of those people who think I'm crazy. In addition, the chapters on Inspiration happen to be some of the neatest, most motivating chapters I've ever read concerning sports in general.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Wise introduction to running, December 22, 2005
By Ryan P. Hilderbrand (Chicago, IL)
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This is the first work of John Bingham's that I have read, and it was absolutely amazing. He gave me a very realistic, very wise introduction to the sport of running. I tend to overdo things when I get excited about them and burn out after three or four weeks, and thankfully I have a companion with Bingham. His advice has given me the strength and courage to persevere and enjoy the sport of running. A must-read for those beginning to run.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Adult On-Set Atheletes, May 12, 2002
By Fred Dickson (North Little Rock, AR United States)
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I don't know if John coined this phrase or not, but if it describes you, there is plenty of good advise and counsel in this book. It gave me a new perspective and more realism to my running goals. I think you could apply this to about anything you do.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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a true penguin classic, March 12, 2003
By zinnia (UT)
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I read this book looking for more inspiration from the legendary John Bingham. He didn't let me down - the book is styled in Bingham's trademark realism and acceptance towards running, plus the encouraging words of other runners. As an amateur musician, I appreciated and laughed at his music analogies, although non-musicians would find them equally clear. His philosophical style is both witty and profound, but always good-natured and likeable. I hope he writes another book.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Just what the chubby girl ordered!, May 19, 2007
By Donna J. Lazzell (Broomfield, CO)
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Bottom-line...if you're out of shape and always dreamed of running, but could never figure out how to begin, then this is the book for you. John is kind, gentle, honest, and he gives all the right information to feed your motivation, no matter how far back in your mind and heart it may be.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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Tri Prep, November 9, 2006
By Happy Yogi
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I am planning on running (swimming, and bikeing) my first Triathlon this spring. I've read many books as I prepare. This book has been great with motivation to keep going. The walk/run approach is really great. I know it isn't new, but it helps to keep reading it in more than one place. Most of the books I have read agree with this author, however this author has been easier to read. Along with all the helpful instructions there is a humor that I have enjoyed.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Essential reading for the beginning (or returning) runner, November 8, 2006
By Joseph C. Helton
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I've recently started back to running and needed something to read to help motivate me. I'd already read Dean Karnazes' book and was looking for something that would talk not just about the practical aspects of beginning to run, but more about the life change that is necessary to successfully make running a part of your life. This book talks about that, and focuses on it, and encourages the reader. We limit ourselves by our self perceptions, and this book will help you break through a few of those. Recommended.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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No Need for Speed got me running!, November 9, 2006
By freelance artist (Lemon Grove, CA United States)
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I love this book. I find it inspiring, helpful and I can really relate to the personal stories of perserverance against all potato chips, TV programs and 43 years of slothfulness....It gave me the courage to keep going as younger, fitter, faster runners sprint by me. And I can now be content just to run, even though I may never break a 10min mile....it's the process not the goal that matters.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Fantastic book for beginners!, November 2, 2007
By JKling (New York)
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I was NEVER an athlete. I started walking before I turned 40. Walking got boring after a while and I decided to add a bit of jogging to the walk. I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend. It was fantastic! Funny, motivational, and inspirational. It's been 2 years now and I'm still running and looking forward to a half-marathon in my future! I bought this book as gifts for others who wanted to start running and they loved it too.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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For me, didn't live up to the hype, May 20, 2010
By altoid77 (Green Bay)
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I've been running a grand total of 8 weeks, following a plan from Runner's World. I've stumbled upon John Bingham's column there and thought "No Need for Speed" would be fabulous to read for me, a slow beginning runner.
There's some funny stuff in there, and it's a fast, engaging read. I picked it up from the library last night and read it in a couple of hours. But not only is it geared for beginners, it's geared to beginners who've done little to no research on starting to run and who may have not even bought a pair of running shoes. If you're that kind of runner, then I definitely recommend this book with 5 stars!
But what he touts as info on what and when to eat are more like general discussion on needing to change your perspective on food rather than helpful guidelines as to how to actually change bad habits. Good change begets good change is kind of the gist of it, but even he doesn't lay that out that simply.
There was some good reminders about patience, to remind me to slow down and take joy in the running I'm doing rather than being frustrated by not yet being the runner I want to be. It actually convinced me NOT to run this morning, but to crosstrain instead and give one ever-so-slightly aching knee a rest. But since I've been doing my research about how to run for over 2 months, this book wasn't as helpful to me, so I can't rave about it the way so many have.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Great Tips From a Guy With a Sense of Humor, May 14, 2010
By J. Curtis (Fort Huachuca, Arizona United States)
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I'm a beginning runner just ending my 5th week of training. When I started out, I picked up a lot of literature on the topic to learn new things that may help me progress. "No Need for Speed" was one of those items.
The author has a very laid back writing style that I found appealing. He also has a sense of humor and knows how to laugh at himself while giving helpful advice to others. I found it amusing how he refers to himself as a "penguin" because they waddle when they try to go fast.
I could really relate to his story about how he used to be unhealthy, overweight, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, and didn't even like the thought of exercising, let alone going out and doing it. He shared how he got into walking, biking, and then running, which led to 5Ks and marathons.
He shares stories of his times trying to complete races but having to stop midway through because of an injury. He was embarrassed to have to stop until he met with the others who had to stop as well and they cheered at him for being smart enough to quit before he caused a permanent injury that may end his running career. He uses this background to show the reader it's okay to stop when you're feeling pain. You don't have to push yourself through it. He uses his personal stories for background a lot to illustrate a point he wants to make, and I think it really adds character to this book.
He gives a lot of good advice that people should take to heart, such as accepting and enjoying the body you have now, not the one you're aiming for in your mind. He says to enjoy where you are in your progress rather than focus on where you want to be. That sort of thing.
John Bingham is a very smart, humorous, and insightful person. I recommend his book to anyone who's interested in getting into running but not sure where to start or if they'd even be any good at it.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Quick read, breezy but worthwhile, March 2, 2009
By K. Ford (Minneapolis)
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The Penguin's No Need for Speed is not an in depth book but it'll get you up off the couch and into those running shoes.
For my taste, he repeats points too much, saying an idea three or four times when I got it the first time. But the point of the book is to convince you to get out there running and not to worry about looking too dumpy or running too slow or even walking rather running.
The point is to motivate you and reassure you. So I suppose telling an idea two or three different ways with an illustrative story thrown in for good measure makes sure it finds the right message to appeal to a reader. Anyway, it's a fast read and a fun read with some practical advice for the beginner about buying shoes, putting together a schedule, etc. And having fun.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Fantastic beginners book, April 11, 2005
By Mohan Apte
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A great book for all those who are new to running, and even for intermediate runners with some experience.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Beginners stop here, then get running!, January 16, 2004
By A Customer
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I have a been a casual runner for years and bought this book as sort of a refresher and reference book. It is great for beginners and includes everything you need to know to go for a great start toward a love of running. You don't have to be fast to enjoy the sport. It's true.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE, May 24, 2012
By KD2011
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I have been running on and off for the last 13 years. This book taught me that I was going about my running program ALL WRONG! I could totally relate to so many items in this book....(1) not wanting to appear to be struggling by cars that pass by, (2) overachieving mentality that left me injured/frustrated, (3) listening to others ideas of what my running program should look like (just to name a few) ... Do yourself a favor and buy this book if you have EVER thought about running or, more importantly, have ever QUIT running due to injury/frustration. Along with the book, to save shipping, go ahead and get the Runner's World Training Journal (by Amby Burfoot). I have these two items and they honestly have CHANGED my life. I have no doubt that I am officially now a RUNNER for life.
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Excellent book!, July 21, 2011
By M
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This book has become my running buddy with helpful tips and encouragement that keep me going. Highly recommended for all runners!
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Great intro to running for beginners!, April 21, 2011
By T. DeBrock (Atlanta, Ga United States)
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I've been a runner since 2003. I happened to catch John 'the penguin' Bingham giving a speech at the Team in Training pasta dinner the night before the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll marathon in 2004- my first big race. I've been a huge fan of waddling and the Penguin ever since. No Need For Speed is an EXCELLENT book for anyone who is new to running or cautiously toying with the idea of taking up running. I wish I had read this book in 2003 instead of 2011! There are so many useful tips, motivation, and inspiration in this book. John takes you through all the major steps a beginner should take as they start the journey to becoming a runner. He provides insight into what will aid you in running as part of your lifestyle vs. attempting the sport and over training to the point of quitting before you even start. His main goal is always to stress that no matter your pace, where you finish during a race, whether you walk or not, as long as you are repeatedly on the road, trail, or treadmill, if you are out there and moving, you are a runner!
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good book, January 5, 2011
By Bill Verity (Morrisonville, NY USA)
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I really liked this book. I am a beginning runner and while I was past some of what was being talked about, I did enjoy being reminded to simply run for the enjoyment.
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Great Read!, November 12, 2010
By Eleanor
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Just about finished reading this book, and I have a different perspective on running. I am training for my first marathon and am enjoying the long runs more. For me if was worth the purchase!!
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new runner great book, July 19, 2010
By jsprdh
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I just started running this year, and was looking for a good book to teach me things about running from a beginners perspective and then on to more advanced levels. This book delivers all of that and more. It is well written and makes a lot of sense.
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Great and positive guide for a novice runner., May 7, 2010
By Davor Begecki (Birmingham, AL)
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This is an oustanding book for beginner runners. I hated running but it is the simplest excersise to do. I have been using advice in the book for the past three weeks and everything going great. The advice is common sence approach to running that helps you build a good running base and psychological base for longer distance running. The book is filled with great motivation to get you out and running and it is lite in programs because the author feels you should build up a base at your own pace. Overall an excellet book for people not used to running but ready to try.
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Great for beginners, June 8, 2009
By Fernando Lucena (Stamford, CT)
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Fun to read and certainly going to the point. No Need For Speed is a guide not to rush into running and taking it easy. It makes you understand the statement about everybody that ends a marathon is a winner.
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No need for speed, July 11, 2008
By book worm (New York City)
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Excellent book. You can relate to the writer, he has a food sence of humor while still giving you important information on how to run and the runners lifestyle.
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Bingham is awesome!, March 17, 2009
By Colette M. Smith
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An excellent read for anyone entertaining the idea of adult onset athletisim...Hmmm, anyway it is very inspirational for runners, walkers, hikers, joggers, what ever your fancy John Bingham writes at a level that is so easy to "get"....
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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