In Running with Joy, America’s running idol Ryan Hall, shares his 12-week journey leading up to the 2010 Boston Marathon via his in depth and personal training log. If you have ever wondered what it might be like to be a professional distance runner in America, this book tells all.

Hall discloses the highs and lows that accompany his line of work, and shares how his faith in God has allowed him to stay disciplined and true to his ultimate goal of seeking out joy in all that he does.

Main Topics Covered

Hall’s Relationship with God
What it Means to Run Joyfully
The Importance of Recovery
Training Environments
Slave to Performances
Day to day life of a Pro Runner
The Steps Hall Foundation
His Relationship with Sara and his family

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Prior to sharing his detailed 12-week daily training log, Hall describes his tug-o-war relationship with running, touching on his days at Stanford and the painful yet crucial lessons he has learned along the way.

Hall regularly discusses his unique bond with his wife Sara and their common passion for eliminating poverty via their charity called The Hall Steps Foundation.

Learn how you can run to raise funds as part of the Hall Steps Foundation

The Training Log

Each day Ryan lists his workout and sometimes the purpose of the workout. He tallies up his total mileage; however interestingly he does not provide weekly mileage totals.

While most often his training includes running twice a day with thorough pre and post run routines included, readers may be surprised to find how easy he runs his easy days and what kinds of intense workouts Hall’s body has been able to endure. What most recreational runners might be surprised to see is the amount of time he spends recovering and preparing for his next run or workout.

See Runners Feed’s Post Run Recovery Routine

Most days Hall describes how his body felt and gives his reasoning for why and how his body may or may not be responding to the given stimuli.

While Ryan describes his days leading up to a marathon as similar to that of a retiree’s, he also comments on his busy schedule made up of regular interviews (phone, email, in person), appearances (autograph sessions), and following Sara to her many competitions.

Read our recent interview with Sara Hall following her 1^st place performance at the 2012 USA National Cross Country Championships and her 3^rd place finish at the 2012 USA Indoor Championships

The training log ends with Ryan’s account of the 2010 Boston Marathon. Hearing the story unfold from the perspective of one of the frontrunners is gripping; especially after feeling as though you experienced each day of his marathon build-up.

This quick read leaves you feeling inspired, and baffled by this true American talent who won’t settle for anything less than JOY!

About the Author: Chantelle Wilder is the Senior Editor and Co-Founder of Runners Feed. She also competes for the New Balance Silicon Valley Club in the Bay Area of California. When she isn’t running, or editing she can be found enjoying the fruitful wines of nearby Napa Valley while challenging her husband to a game of Bananagrams®.

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