The 2005 sports survey conducted by the Singapore Sports Council reveals that running has become the most popular form of exercise among Singaporeans. Annual races such as the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon have also seen an increasing number of participants joining every year.
Running is one of the most affordable sports around and can be done by virtually anyone at any time. The only equipment that is required is a pair of running shoes. Generally, older adults who lead a sedentary lifestyle and those with an existing medical condition who want to pick up running as a regular exercise are advised to consult a doctor before they embark on this cardiovascular activity.
A useful gadget that may be worth investing in would be a heart rate monitor. This helps to provide feedback on the amount of effort one is putting in during running and is a good training tool for regular runners to measure their improved fitness levels.
There are many benefits of running, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, a strengthened immune system, body fat reduction (coupled with a healthy diet), increased strength and endurance, weight loss, increased mental alertness, improved general wellbeing and better sleep quality.
The following are some resources from the library on running.
BOOKS
All rights reserved,
Human Kinetics, 2005
Daniels' running formula
Daniels, J.
Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics, 2005
Call no.: R 796.42 DAN
Available at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library for reference and at some Public Libraries for loan
This invaluable guide offers new runners an overview on basic training principles and discusses in detail the various levels of training required, from base building to threshold training to interval training. Section three of the book offers training plans for new, seasoned and elite runners, tailored to their fitness levels and race goals. The last section contains specific competition training programmes for every race distance, from 800m to marathons.
All rights reserved,
Lyons Press, 2001
The ultimate guide to trail running
Chase, A. and Hobbs, N.
Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2001
Call no.: R 796.42 CHA
Available at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library for reference.
Anyone interested in getting started in trail running will find this a useful handbook that provides essential information on trail training, strength training, stretching, recommended equipment and nutrition plans. It also provides advice on how to avoid injuries and what dangers to look out for on a trail run. There is even a section for race organisers on the required logistics involved in organising a trail race, from selecting and measuring a course to applying for permits and arranging for aid stations.
See also:
You may also be interested in these books from the National Library and the Public Libraries. To check on the availability of the listed books, you can do a search on our online catalogue at http://www.nl.sg
Running and fat burning for women
Galloway, J. and Galloway, B.
Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2009
Call no.: 613.7172082 GAL
The complete idiot's guide to running injury-free
Martin, D. and Schaller, B.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Alpha Books, 2008
Call no.: 617.1027 MAR
Run faster from the 5k to the marathon: How to be your own best coach
Hudson, B. and Fitzgerald, M.
New York: Broadway Books, c2008
Call no.: 796.424 HUD
The everything running book: From Circling the block to completing a marathon, training and techniques to make you a better runner
Liberman, A., Pribut, S. and De Vito, C.
Avon, Mass.: Adams Media, c2008
Call no.: 796.42 LIB
The Marathon runner's handbook
Fordyce, B. and Renssen, M.
London: New Holland, 2008
Call no.: 796.424 FOR
Running: Getting started
Galloway, J.
Aachen: Hove: Meyer & Meyer; Roundhouse, 2008
Call no.: 796.42 GAL
ChiRunning: Revolutionary approach to effortless, injury-free running
Dreyer, D. and Dreyer, K.
London: Pocket, 2008
Call no.: 796.42 DRE
Run less, run faster: Become a faster, stronger runner with the revolutionary first training program
Pierce, B., Murr, S. and Moss, R.
Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale, 2007
Call no.: 796.42 PIE
Psychodynamic running: The Complete, definitive, madman's guide to distance running and the marathon
Gologor, E.
New York, N.Y.: SelectBooks, 2007
Call no.: 796.4252 GOL
DATABASES
Newspaper
Pick up running to slow ageing
14 August 2008, The Straits Times
Full article available from Factiva database
This article talks about how older people who run regularly not only keep disability and illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases at bay, but the cardio exercise is also good for longevity.
Legs, don't fail me now
Tan, C. 20 July 2008, The Straits Times
Full article available from Factiva database
This article highlights the trend of older people who pick up running in their 40s and above. Doctors advise these people to go for a health screening before embarking on an exercise regime and advocate moderation as the key to prevent injuries from occurring. Other recommendations include stretching before a workout and doing cross-training to prevent over-use injuries.
Journal
To Run or Not to Run After Age 50?
Dumas, R. Journal on Active Aging Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 6 Issue 6, p.70.
Full article available from EbscoHost database
This article provides perspectives from medical experts on the pros (health benefits) and cons (risks) of running for older people as well as tips on how to get started on a running programme. References and web resources are included at the end of the article for further reading.
Run to the Dark Side
Abel, D., Runner's World, Nov 2006, Vol. 41 Issue 12, p.43
Full article available from EbscoHost database
This article discusses the benefits of running before dawn and after dark, such as to accommodate a workout around one's working schedule, to help improve sleep quality and to enhance productivity.
All above articles can be viewed from the National Library Digital Library. Visit http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg Then search or browse for "Factiva" and "EbscoHost". You are required to login to the eResources before using the databases.
This is the online equivalent to the hugely popular Runners' World magazine published monthly in the US. It contains resources on training, races, running gear reviews, articles on injury prevention, nutrition advice and motivational articles. Reader with questions on running can also ask various experts ranging from coaches and doctors to sports dieticians.
This is a neat and informative website that provides reviews of running routes from all over the world, training tips for marathons and triathlons, reviews of running shoes and gear, a running event calendar, conversion calculators and real life stories contributed by runners.
Laid out in an online magazine format, this website is choc-a-bloc full of resources useful for beginners who want to find out more about how to get started in running as well as for seasoned runners looking for advice and training tips on how to improve their race timings. Runners can also seek help from featured running experts, read about race reviews and find out about upcoming running events in the US.
NEW ARRIVALS
Take a sneak peak at the new books in our libraries.
All rights reserved, Berg, 2007
A beautiful game: International perspectives on women's football
Williams, Jean
Oxford; New York: Berg, 2007
Call no. R 796.334082 WIL
This book looks at the international women's football scene and traces its origins and developments over the twentieth century. The case studies of women's football in the US, China, England and Australia provides a study in comparison and serves as a gauge of how well women's sports have become culturally and socially accepted in modern Western and Eastern societies.
This book can be found at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library for reference.
Olympic equestrian: A Century of international horse sport
Bryant, Jennifer
Lexington, Ky.: Blood-Horse Publications, 2008
Call Number: R 798 BRY
Bryant presents a good insight into the world of the Olympic equestrian disciplines, which were introduced at the 1912 Stockholm Games and discusses how the events have evolved in today's modern Olympics. She introduces the governing bodies of this sport and includes a chapter on the wellbeing of horses that are trained for these disciplines. The book also features pioneer equestrian riders who have made their mark in this sport and explains in vivid detail, the three main events held during the Olympics - eventing, jumping and dressage.
This book can be found at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and at other NLB libraries.
All rights reserved,
Blood-Horse Publications,
2008
Written by Sharon Teng
Reference Librarian
National Library Singapore
Reference Point Service
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