Mark Remy: The Runner's Rule Book

Remy, Mark. The Runner's Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know--And Then Some (New York: Rodale, 2009)

There are many useful suggestions in Mark Remy's Runner's Rule Book--and plenty of chuckles, too. The Runner's Rules of Thumb (pp. 145-149) and the Runner's Glossary (pp. 158-165) are my favorite parts of the books, and the "incorrect" definitions are particularly funny. The following Rule of Thumb is especially appropriate at this time of the year:

#22. Sick? If symptoms are above the neck, you can still run. (p. 146)

The only real disagreement I have is with his assessment of beach running as "overrated:"

What's not to like? [...] ...tiny, irritating granules in your socks and shoes, which will be there for the next 2 ½ months. (Rule 1.36, p. 39)

I agree that sand can be annoying, but a beach is one of the best places to run barefoot! Why would anyone wear shoes there, of all places?!

For "Save the Race Shirt for Postrace" (Rule 3.5, p. 133),

"Wearing the official race shirt during the race is like wearing a U2 T-shirt to a U2 concert. Not cool. Don't do it."

I would suggest a corollary:

It is permissible, however, to wear a t-shirt from a previous year's running of the same race.

For such a slim hardcover book, The Runner's Rule Book is a little pricey at $18; it might, however, make a nice present for any runners on your holiday gift-giving list.