Relying on Runners World (Runner's World - Magazine)

Member Name: simonpatenall

Product:	Runner's World - Magazine
Date:	21/09/01 (136 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Running Diary, Motivation, Tips

Disadvantages: Adverts

I look forward to the start of the month when my copy of Runners World hits the mat. If my motivation is low there is nothing better than reading other peoples running success stories to get you out pounding the streets, fields or treadmills.

Runners World is an easily accessible, entertaining and informative look at the world of running from all levels, from the beginner to the more serious club runner looking to win races rather than being happy not to come in last. The scope of the magazine is limited running, as the name would imply, but then you don't buy 4-4-2 or Angling Times if you are not interested in the sport. However it can get a bit obsessed with the Flora London Marathon in the spring, but so do most runners!

The magazine always contains a Tried and Tested section covering reviews of running products. These tend to be a bit light, but as all DooYooers know its is breadth of opinion not necessarily depth of opinion which is important.

One of the most useful sections is the training plans which cover most distances and most abilities from a training plan for a beginner to run-walk 5k with the Penguin to an experienced runner looking to do a sub 2hr 30m marathon. Both my girl friend and I have used these plans with some success. To back up these training plans are the Runners World pacers they are at several events each year to help people (whether they buy RW or not) round a race within a certain time and also special training events organised around the country at no cost to the entrant.

The piece-de-resistance is the runners diary, which lists by date and by region many up and coming races in the UK for the next 3 months including some triathlons and some special events like The Tough Guy or The Grizzly. An shortened version of this is available on-line.

On the downside the magazine is heavy on advertising, some of which is useful, but mostly like all adverts tends to style over substance. e.g. Nike adv
erts sell the brand instead of the shoes. Also it doesn't really cater for track athletes and cover track athletics in enough depth, some thing which would interest a lot of runners, but then I guess that would have to be at the expense of other sections of the magazine.

It can come in expensive at £3 an issue but if you subscribe on-line at www.runnersworld.co.uk it is £25 a year (opposed to £36) and they throw in a free runners watch. They also come with occasional freebies but they are not great -- but eh they free!

All in all my favourite magazine and a must for anyone thinking of taking up running, enjoys a jog or is a serious club runner.

PS: If you are thinking of taking up running buy some proper shoes (Sauconys are my favourite) as they are worth every penny.

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