Summary: Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run by Martinus Evans is an inspirational and practical guide that reframes the narrative around running, welcoming and celebrating runners of all sizes and abilities. This comprehensive review delves into Evans’ personal journey, the birth and philosophy of the Slow AF Run Club, and the empowering potential of slow jogging and long slow running.
Book Review: Martinus Evans’ ‘Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run’ is a powerful testament to the inclusive and transformative power of running. It’s a guide that celebrates the joy of running and its benefits, available to all irrespective of size, athleticism, or health issues.
The book starts off with a narrative turning point in Evans’ life. Presented with a stern ultimatum by his doctor – ‘lose weight or die’, Evans decides to challenge the conventions and embarks on a defiant journey to run a marathon. Since then, Evans has run eight marathons and numerous other distances, maintaining his 300-plus-pound physique and shattering the stereotype of a ‘traditional’ runner.
‘Slow AF Run Club’ is filled with Evans’ humor and essential advice, derived from his own experiences as a novice who quite literally stumbled off a treadmill on his first attempt. He builds a safe space for readers, guiding them through practical aspects of running like gear, nutrition, training schedules, recovery tips, and races. The book speaks directly to those who feel outside the athletic norm and assures them that it’s okay to finish last in a race, reinforcing that the joy of running is paramount.
Author Bio: Martinus Evans is a trailblazer in the running world, going against the grain and challenging the stereotypes surrounding running. Following a direct challenge from his doctor, Evans undertook a journey that has led him to run eight marathons and countless other races, all while maintaining his 300-something pound frame. He has brought a new dimension to the running community by establishing the Slow AF Run Club and has been recognized for his work by featuring on the cover of Runner’s World.
About the Slow AF Run Club: Evans founded the Slow AF Run Club as a platform for runners who don’t fit the image of a ‘traditional’ runner—people who are larger in size, less athletically inclined, or dealing with health issues. It is an embodiment of Evans’ ethos: embracing the body you have and rejoicing in the act of running, irrespective of pace or distance. The club, much like Evans’ book, offers a blueprint for those who feel marginalized in the running community, making them feel welcomed and empowered to lace up their shoes and start running.
Slow Jogging, Slow Running and the Value of Long Slow Running: Evans’ ‘Slow AF Run Club’ strongly emphasizes the merits of slow jogging and slow running. While both terms might seem similar, they represent different running philosophies. Slow jogging is a relaxed, low-intensity running form that primarily focuses on maintaining an aerobic pace to avoid fatigue, making it an ideal approach for beginners or those building endurance.
On the other hand, slow running refers to a comfortable, personally adaptable running pace aimed at enjoying the run and relieving stress. It’s about running for the sheer pleasure of it and not just as a means to an end.
The book also champions the concept of long slow running, which is all about increasing endurance, improving cardiovascular health, and minimizing the risk of injury. It’s a way to strengthen one’s running capabilities over time while enjoying the process.
In essence, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run is not just a book but a movement that invites everyone to experience the joy of running. Martinus Evans redefines the running narrative and makes it an empowering journey that’s open to all. His work stands as a beacon for those who feel sidelined by mainstream running culture, providing them with the tools, advice, and community they need to embark on their own running journeys.
Related Content
- Running is Fun Slow
- What is Slow Jogging?
- March is Indoor Rowing Season for Concept2—come join me as I start rowing 10k every night through April 15!
- About Parkrun and the culture and how to participate and the benefits and what to expect and prepare and to bring
- Best books for slow jogging, slow running, and heart rate training