Run for Your Life

How to Run, Walk, and Move Without Pain or Injury and Achieve a Sense of Well-Being and Joy

By: Mark Cucuzzella MD

Narrated by: Mark Cucuzzella MD

The first running book by a leading pioneering running doctor and athlete, creator of the Air Force's Efficient Running program--the result of more than three decades of study, practice, and science that shows us in clearly illustrated and accessible text how easy it is to run efficiently and injury-free, whether you're in your twenties, sixties, or seventies--for beginning runners and experienced marathoners.

In Run for Your Life, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella explains the simple mechanics of how our bodies have evolved and adapted to run. Despite our natural ability and our human need to run, each year more than half of all runners suffer injuries. Pain and discouragement inevitably follow. Cucuzzella's book outlines the proven, practical techniques to avoid injury and reach the goal of personal fitness and overall health.
His book--the first running book to be written by a professor of medicine with the credibility of the Air Force behind him--gives us a straightforward, easy-to-follow look at the anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and/or clinical medicine with clear drawings and black-and-white photographs. The audiobook provides illustrated exercises (available on the bonus PDF) designed to teach healthy running, along with simple progressions, a weekly/monthly schedule detailing common mistakes, and cautions that allow the reader to tailor the training regime to individual needs and abilities.
The proceeds from RUN FOR YOUR LIFE will go to support Mark Cucuzzella's community work through his non-profit organization, Eastern Area Health Education Center/Freedoms Run. Learn more here: http://freedomsrun.org/CommunityGrant.aspx

Includes a bonus PDF with graphs, diagrams, training plans, and illustrations

Critic reviews

“This book offers something special for readers at nearly every level of physical activity.”
—Booklist (starred review)

“Cucuzzella, a physician, offers readers a path to health and a sense of well-being in this detailed fitness guide.”
—Publishers Weekly

“When Mark Cucuzzella talks about running, savvy runners listen.”
—The National Book Review

“A fantastic repositioning of how to run, and of what makes running fun and healthy (they can be one and the same). True to the Hippocratic oath, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella takes back the paradigm of running that has been fostered by major shoe companies and mass media, and he recalibrates it with the runner’s best interests at heart.”
—Joe Puleo, coach of the Marine Corps Running Team and author of Running Anatomy

“The principles outlined in this book were transformational. Not only did I run faster and better, but I was able to complete my third marathon pain-free. Most important, I felt the joy of running, and that's the type of joy anyone who runs—either around the block or a hundred miles—should have the chance to feel. Reading Dr. Cucuzzella's book will help you get there.”
—Mike Plunkett, MisFits columnist, The Washington Post

“Dr. Cucuzzella has long been a leading mind when it comes to healthy running and healthy living. He understands the comprehensive physiology behind the simple act of running, but he has also mastered the art of applying both science and passion to help runners understand how to maximize their strength, endurance, fitness, and enjoyment in a healthy, sustainable way. He’s an authentic source of information and enthusiasm amid a turbulent sea of flashy trends and biased product marketers. I expect Run for Your Life to become one of the leading running books of this era and to serve as a guiding light to runners of all abilities.”
—Brian Metzler, former editor in chief, Competitor magazine; founding editor, Trail Runner magazine; co-author of Natural Running and Run Like a Champion

“Beginner. Intermediate. Advanced. Runners of all ages and abilities will advance their knowledge just by getting this book in their hands. Runners will not want to put this book down.”
—Rod Dixon, Olympic medalist, two-time World Cross Country Championships medalist, and New York City Marathon champion

Great info but...

I enjoyed the book very much. Lots of good information. The book references the pdf too many times for me. I understand when pictures are referenced but sometimes the information could have been included in the audio. It felt lazy. Overall, however, I would recommend the book.

Long time runner

Dr Cucuzzella does an amazing job at guiding you through the phases of walking to running. His knowledge base is amazing and thoroughly researched with plenty of common sense! As a 3 time Boston Marathon Qualifier and runner for 35 years since age 11; I learn something new and reminded of basics of the sport every time I hear this book or him speak. We are blessed that he is so passionate and continues to improve our functional and mental well being!

Bring the fun back into running & movement!

I have been running & racing for decades (38 years) and burned out a year ago after a 10k race. I bought a bike & threw myself into biking for fun. I found joy in every ride until a rainy crash that shook my confidence. In time, I longed for the simplicity of "low equipment" exercise and the benefits, physically & mentally of regular aerobic exercise. Reading this audio book has revived my desire to run, this time for fun. The low carb lifestyle is already been my mode for 8 years but was surprised to find it embraced here. Delighted! I have begun running again!

Should be on every runners reading list!

Full of great insights and suggestions any runner of any ability can use immediately. I love how Dr Cucuzzella talks in layman’s terms and then also gets into some of the nerdy details. You can definitely see this is his life’s work and as a lifelong distance runner I am very appreciative for it. Thank you!

All you need to know about running and nutrition

Dr. Cucuzella will teach all you need to know on running safely and eating right. I have finished a half marathon with minimalistic shoes with fun and no injury.