Happy Runner, by David and Megan Roche

Send us Fan MailIn Happy Runner, a 2-part book published by Human Kinetics (thanks for the book!), David and Megan explain the importance of being a happy runner (part 1) and outline the training principles they use with their running team SWAP (part 2). The acronym stands for “some work all play”, which is their goal when coaching their athletes. The book is written as a combined first-person perspective of both authors (we), but occasionally shifts to the perspective of either David or Megan, or their dog Addie who is very present in part 1 of the book. Addie represents unconditional love and support, which is what David and Megan believe we all need to have for ourselves.David and Megan are highly educated, and great runners. Both have numerous Team USA appearances and distinguished pedigrees in trail running. Part 1 - Happy Runner RulesThe first section is the longest, and all about mindset. David and Megan believe we need to live in the moment and be happy with our running in order to progress. They have 3 rules: Rule 1: Embrace the ProcessRule 2: Know Your “Why?”In order to enjoy your running, you need to know why you do it. In this section the reader is told to ask him/herself 4 questions:1)    Why do I run at all?2)    Why do I run each day?3)    Why am I racing at all?4)    Why do I have my long-term goals?Rule 3: Power Yourself with KindnessMegan and David believe that being kind to yourself and others will improve your happiness, and your running! Part 2 - Happy Runner Training PrinciplesThis section is all about the training principles used by David when coaching SWAP team members. There are 5 basic principles: Principle 1: Easy means EasyPrinciple 2: Learn to Run Fast before practicing Running HardPrinciple 4: Specificity Matters but less than you thinkPrinciple 5: Healthy Running is Active and Earned Each principle is explained, and David gives examples of many athletes who have excelled with SWAP. Even though David’s athletes train hard, he also explains that the body knows stress not miles, and stress comes from training and life! Everyone is different in the amount of stress they can handle, but incorporating some dynamic exercises, rolling and stretching, getting enough sleep, and eating enough can help increase the amount of running stress you can handle.As a final note in the book, David, Megan, and Addie want you to know that you are awesome, you are enough, and you should believe in yourself. Listen to the podcast to hear more details, and as usual, some of our own stories! If you are interested in purchasing a copy this book, you can help support the podcast at the same time by getting your copy through our affiliate link at: https://amzn.to/2N5Z1xoSupport the showAny feedback or suggestions on this review or any of our other podcast episodes would be greatly welcomed. Leave us a review using your favorite podcast player or contact us on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runningbookreviews/Twitter: https://twitter.com/reviews_runningInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningbookreviews/ Podcast webpage: https://runningbookreviews.buzzsprout.com  If you have been enjoying the podcast and want more, you can find some extras on our By Me a Coffee site! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/runningbookreviews