Lost Art of Running, The: A Journey to Rediscover the Forgotten Essence of Human Movement

I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that it explains a better way to run. Hope I can incorporate the ideas into real practice.

I love this book. So informative, historical on running too

Lots of interesting information.

This was the most interesting boring book I have ever read. Unfortunately, this book is full of 'filler'. If you had to write a guide called, 'How to make an instant coffee', and the objective was to clearly explain the steps involved in making a cup, you might start your guide like this... 'First, boil some water in a pan....' If you were Shane Benzie, you would start it like this, 'I was on a plantation in India when I met a guy called Raj....' OK, so the book wouldn't be a great read if it were just a list of procedures, but I feel that the book becomes quite boring as the author fills page after page with unnecessary tales of how he researched running.... His mantra could be, 'Why write an interesting and informative chapter in 4 or 5 pages, when I can do it in 30?' There is a chapter about him doing research in the Arctic.... All I can remember from this chapter is how he broke his leg and, like a superman did not go to the doctor for a week... Woaw.... But I have absolutely no recollection as to what the point was with regards to his conclusions about running technique, as each chapter is supposed to be about his journey of discovery. The book starts well, and I was pleasantly surprised, as it was a lot better than Born to Run, which was a hyperbolic, driveling yawn fest, that reminded me of a badly written magazine article. The information about technique was useful and interesting, but I really feel that this could have been far more enjoyable, more to the pont and seem a lot more informative if it had lost at least a quarter of its content, if not half. I really wanted to enjoy it and learn from it, but the constant introduction of new characters and situations gets overwhelming and repetitive. It obscures the interesting and useful information that the book contains.... I would read this book and find my eyes becoming heavy, or my mind wandering.... The techniques could have been accompanied with an anecdote and the points made clearly, but in half the time, and with half the pages. I guess the publishers insisted on a certain word count, or certain amount of pages in order for it to be sold. All of Shane's points could have been made in a 15 or 20 minute youtube video. His points are important, and with his help my running has improved.... I just wish I had been able to enjoy his writing as well as his advice about running.... 3.5 stars. But .5 is not allowed.

For anyone interested in learning more about improving running technique and performance, Shane is the authority. Having spent a week with him in Mongolia, I was able learn just a small fraction of the vast amount of knowledge that Shane has accumulated through his study travels around the globe. With this book, a reader now has Shane's hard earned wisdom readily available in an interesting, well written travelogue. The Lost Art of Running will also appeal to anyone interested in learning more about improving overall human performance, as well as running cultures around the world.

If like me you need some inspiration to get outside and run this is the book for you. I'm a retired runner, plagued by self-inflicted running injuries (reading the book, i now know why), who has missed the freedom and joy running brings and who has pedalled instead. Nothing wrong with cycling of course, its helped me keep my engine up but running takes you places bikes can't, physically and from my own personal perspective, spiritually. The inspirational runners stories and elastic technique that Shane Benzie has discovered have revitalised my running spirit and reminded me what running does for me. Also nice to hear how elite athletes think about their own performance and how Benzie changed their perception of their movement......"everybody has their own Everest" is, i think the quote. Scaling mine now....step by step....

As a biologist, a poor quality ultra runner and a lover of adventure books I absolutely devoured this book. I've always known when watching others I was missing some secret ingredient in my running, where they look fluid and connected I resemble a bag of spuds heaving its way along the trails, and the explanation here just makes so much sense. Long days spent hunched over papers and microscopes have not given me the best posture and my head just forward like a turtle. But I took this out on a run and kept telling myself head up, chest up, and it felt hard but I think it is buried there inside me. With so many running fixes if it is hard first time we give up but I really am going to try to take what I've learned here. Thank you!

I started running a year ago at the age of 50. I do short distances (5k) purely for fun and fitness but suffered one bad injury and enough niggles (aching hips, next-day early morning hobbles...) to cause me to consider giving it up. But I love the feeling of freedom running on trails gives me and decided to take a look at this book to see if it could help. From the word go it made complete sense to me. I have practised yoga for years and was already familiar with fascia and its role in movement, so when Shane started talking about it in relation to running it was like a light going on. I now find it funny that I thought about fascia and elasticity in relation to my yoga but had never taken those concepts into my running, thinking of my running movement in purely mechanical terms, if at all. I immediately started introducing Shane’s techniques into my runs and the difference was instant. No more aches and pains and a lot more power. It’s going to take a while for the changes to become habit but it definitely feels like a better more natural way to run. I particularly remember the part in the NHS Couch to 5k programme I initially followed where it tells you to be ‘less bouncy’. At the time this felt counter-intuitive to me and now I know why. I’m very happy to get my natural bounce going again! I’m never going to be one of the ultra runners described in the book but hopefully I’m now going to be a happier, less injury-prone veteran hobby runner! The book is a fun read too and a fascinating insight into a world I knew next to nothing about.

At the start of lockdown, I read Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall, telling the story of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and their phenomenal capacity for long distance running. It is a classic in its field. I have just finished The Lost Art of Running and it is a great companion read. Shane Benzie tells great stories of the athletes he has observed and worked with, each one developing a specific point about running technique. The main thrust of the book is that our sedentary western lives have led us to poor posture and the loss of our natural ability to move efficiently and elegantly. Benzie takes us through examples of the world's great distance athletes and how their strong posture and elasticity enable them to move more efficiently, faster and with fewer injuries. One of the strengths of the book is how well it explains the various techniques, moving from athlete stories to practical tips. A couple of weeks after starting the book, I have been concentrating on these in my own running and already I feel more bounce in my stride and a niggling injury I have been carrying for a couple of months feels better. This is a definite read for all runners, whether embarking on their first 5k or looking to improve long distance runs.

I bought the book after hearing Shane Benzie on the Radio talking about its launch and his ideas. Even before I got it I had already taken on board one of his ideas about keeping your head up and looking at the horizon. It struck a chord with me for two reasons. Firstly, it's something that deep down I knew when I got tired I had a tendency to fold over and look at the ground. It felt wrong but also a natural thing to do so this was such a useful thing to have someone highlight. Secondly, I am also a keen swimmer and another swimmer told me that my head was too far in the water (when doing front crawl). I've never had lessons and had always focused on pushing my head under. In fact it turns out that the correct position is to have the water just lapping your forehead about where your hairline (or would be if it was still there!). This had two benefits. Firstly I reduced the drag in the water from not being straight - something not that relevant to running. Secondly, and this is relevant I think, I just felt so much more in sync with my arms and legs. I felt long and powerful. This I think is directly analogous to the author's focus on the 'head issue'. Anyway when I got the book I was able to read more about Shane's ideas and a lot of them really chimed with me. Firstly, elasticity. As an aside, I actually don't think the Shane can have heard about the fascia for the first time as he claims at a lecture)- he would surely have come across one of the most common running injuries well before this - plantar fasciitis. That's a minor quibble. I am also not sure the science on fascia has quite been settled - I think it's still an areas of debate. Having said that the idea of running smooth, having rhythm, being relaxed is surely something all runners can relate to. Secondly, on foot striking. Many years ago I actually went to a 'running school' where they espoused landing on the front of the foot. I have to say it felt really odd and in my experience a definite no no - In my experience landing on the front of the foot is something that is likely to cause injuries. I then researched the subject and found that mid foot striking is generally the consensus - this makes sense. Of course the quicker the runner the more they will land towards the front of the foot (as sprinters do) but the feedback is from pace to position and not vice versa. Thirdly, I definitely concur about running shoes - the more padding the less you feel the ground. You want structure (a clear arch) rather than excessive protection from a running shoe. The other bits I will try to incorporate - having more height in the strike (and a slight lean from the chest to enhance the strike) in order to cycle your legs neatly underneath makes sense (my cadence is 183-5 so at least I am ballpark there in other respects). This was something I had previously been trying to minimise as I was worried about losing speed but I agree it makes sense. I had a couple of quibbles with the book. One, on p.177 a female runner (Elisabet Barnes) makes a blatant sexist comment about men, "...you mostly see men attempting this fruitless strategy [starting their run too quickly] and paying for it later." As well as being sexist (you know the editor would not tolerate a comment the other way as in - 'mostly women runners make this mistake') this is garbage. I know from both running and swimming that there is no gender distinction between slower athletes trying to beat you and over pacing themselves before falling back really quickly. Secondly, on p.180 he makes a mistake about posture by saying we should not sit "we could spend the day standing" and makes favourable comments about standing desks. This is absolutely wrong - any physio, osteopath or chiropractor will tell you 'there is no such thing as a bad position' - what you need to do is alter your posture frequently - so changing from sitting to standing and vice versa. Of course walking is excellent in this respect - of course we need to stop moving at some point during the day but absolutely standing is not per se better than sitting. Standing can and has been used as a form of torture - because you will get pain in your hamstrings, lower back ,etc. Lastly I just want to highlight one thing the book left out - strengthening your core. Shane touches on conditioning but in the context of the gym (I do do gym workouts but I would agree they don't help the running). I do mostly 10k runs and the single biggest improvement apart from form has come from bodyweight HIIT training. Not only has this raised my VO2 Max but it has massively strengthened core muscles especially the hidden muscles (not just the so-called 'mirror muscles' that people in the gym use. I work a 3 or 3.3 to 1 ratio (work to rest) for about 40 mins (this is a serious serious workout). I use burpees, squat thrusts, mountain climbers, press-ups, jumping jacks, high knees, crunches, bike crunches, russian twists, dynamic planks, side planks, 'climbing a rope', jumping squats, pop squats, lunges, curtsey lunges, etc. You get the picture. Perhaps this work is only good for shorter distance runners like me but it really helps me. May be it does not work for an ultra-runner? Edit - I wanted to add one more thing on stretching/recovery. This is so important to general health but also athletic performance but only touched on in the book. I stretch every morning for about 10 mins focusing on ‘tight’ spots for me - lower back & hip flexors (tight hamstrings are often the result of tight hip flexors). I also do dynamic stretching before exercise and slower/longer stretching afterwards. Lastly, I was surprised Shane did not mention the trigger point roller . Forget foam rollers - too soft. A trigger point roller will mimic a really good sports massage and will generate release in the muscle (or is the fascia?!). Absolutely crucial for running legs...

I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that it explains a better way to run. Hope I can incorporate the ideas into real practice.

I love this book. So informative, historical on running too

Lots of interesting information.

This was the most interesting boring book I have ever read. Unfortunately, this book is full of 'filler'. If you had to write a guide called, 'How to make an instant coffee', and the objective was to clearly explain the steps involved in making a cup, you might start your guide like this... 'First, boil some water in a pan....' If you were Shane Benzie, you would start it like this, 'I was on a plantation in India when I met a guy called Raj....' OK, so the book wouldn't be a great read if it were just a list of procedures, but I feel that the book becomes quite boring as the author fills page after page with unnecessary tales of how he researched running.... His mantra could be, 'Why write an interesting and informative chapter in 4 or 5 pages, when I can do it in 30?' There is a chapter about him doing research in the Arctic.... All I can remember from this chapter is how he broke his leg and, like a superman did not go to the doctor for a week... Woaw.... But I have absolutely no recollection as to what the point was with regards to his conclusions about running technique, as each chapter is supposed to be about his journey of discovery. The book starts well, and I was pleasantly surprised, as it was a lot better than Born to Run, which was a hyperbolic, driveling yawn fest, that reminded me of a badly written magazine article. The information about technique was useful and interesting, but I really feel that this could have been far more enjoyable, more to the pont and seem a lot more informative if it had lost at least a quarter of its content, if not half. I really wanted to enjoy it and learn from it, but the constant introduction of new characters and situations gets overwhelming and repetitive. It obscures the interesting and useful information that the book contains.... I would read this book and find my eyes becoming heavy, or my mind wandering.... The techniques could have been accompanied with an anecdote and the points made clearly, but in half the time, and with half the pages. I guess the publishers insisted on a certain word count, or certain amount of pages in order for it to be sold. All of Shane's points could have been made in a 15 or 20 minute youtube video. His points are important, and with his help my running has improved.... I just wish I had been able to enjoy his writing as well as his advice about running.... 3.5 stars. But .5 is not allowed.

For anyone interested in learning more about improving running technique and performance, Shane is the authority. Having spent a week with him in Mongolia, I was able learn just a small fraction of the vast amount of knowledge that Shane has accumulated through his study travels around the globe. With this book, a reader now has Shane's hard earned wisdom readily available in an interesting, well written travelogue. The Lost Art of Running will also appeal to anyone interested in learning more about improving overall human performance, as well as running cultures around the world.

If like me you need some inspiration to get outside and run this is the book for you. I'm a retired runner, plagued by self-inflicted running injuries (reading the book, i now know why), who has missed the freedom and joy running brings and who has pedalled instead. Nothing wrong with cycling of course, its helped me keep my engine up but running takes you places bikes can't, physically and from my own personal perspective, spiritually. The inspirational runners stories and elastic technique that Shane Benzie has discovered have revitalised my running spirit and reminded me what running does for me. Also nice to hear how elite athletes think about their own performance and how Benzie changed their perception of their movement......"everybody has their own Everest" is, i think the quote. Scaling mine now....step by step....

As a biologist, a poor quality ultra runner and a lover of adventure books I absolutely devoured this book. I've always known when watching others I was missing some secret ingredient in my running, where they look fluid and connected I resemble a bag of spuds heaving its way along the trails, and the explanation here just makes so much sense. Long days spent hunched over papers and microscopes have not given me the best posture and my head just forward like a turtle. But I took this out on a run and kept telling myself head up, chest up, and it felt hard but I think it is buried there inside me. With so many running fixes if it is hard first time we give up but I really am going to try to take what I've learned here. Thank you!

I started running a year ago at the age of 50. I do short distances (5k) purely for fun and fitness but suffered one bad injury and enough niggles (aching hips, next-day early morning hobbles...) to cause me to consider giving it up. But I love the feeling of freedom running on trails gives me and decided to take a look at this book to see if it could help. From the word go it made complete sense to me. I have practised yoga for years and was already familiar with fascia and its role in movement, so when Shane started talking about it in relation to running it was like a light going on. I now find it funny that I thought about fascia and elasticity in relation to my yoga but had never taken those concepts into my running, thinking of my running movement in purely mechanical terms, if at all. I immediately started introducing Shane’s techniques into my runs and the difference was instant. No more aches and pains and a lot more power. It’s going to take a while for the changes to become habit but it definitely feels like a better more natural way to run. I particularly remember the part in the NHS Couch to 5k programme I initially followed where it tells you to be ‘less bouncy’. At the time this felt counter-intuitive to me and now I know why. I’m very happy to get my natural bounce going again! I’m never going to be one of the ultra runners described in the book but hopefully I’m now going to be a happier, less injury-prone veteran hobby runner! The book is a fun read too and a fascinating insight into a world I knew next to nothing about.

At the start of lockdown, I read Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall, telling the story of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and their phenomenal capacity for long distance running. It is a classic in its field. I have just finished The Lost Art of Running and it is a great companion read. Shane Benzie tells great stories of the athletes he has observed and worked with, each one developing a specific point about running technique. The main thrust of the book is that our sedentary western lives have led us to poor posture and the loss of our natural ability to move efficiently and elegantly. Benzie takes us through examples of the world's great distance athletes and how their strong posture and elasticity enable them to move more efficiently, faster and with fewer injuries. One of the strengths of the book is how well it explains the various techniques, moving from athlete stories to practical tips. A couple of weeks after starting the book, I have been concentrating on these in my own running and already I feel more bounce in my stride and a niggling injury I have been carrying for a couple of months feels better. This is a definite read for all runners, whether embarking on their first 5k or looking to improve long distance runs.

I bought the book after hearing Shane Benzie on the Radio talking about its launch and his ideas. Even before I got it I had already taken on board one of his ideas about keeping your head up and looking at the horizon. It struck a chord with me for two reasons. Firstly, it's something that deep down I knew when I got tired I had a tendency to fold over and look at the ground. It felt wrong but also a natural thing to do so this was such a useful thing to have someone highlight. Secondly, I am also a keen swimmer and another swimmer told me that my head was too far in the water (when doing front crawl). I've never had lessons and had always focused on pushing my head under. In fact it turns out that the correct position is to have the water just lapping your forehead about where your hairline (or would be if it was still there!). This had two benefits. Firstly I reduced the drag in the water from not being straight - something not that relevant to running. Secondly, and this is relevant I think, I just felt so much more in sync with my arms and legs. I felt long and powerful. This I think is directly analogous to the author's focus on the 'head issue'. Anyway when I got the book I was able to read more about Shane's ideas and a lot of them really chimed with me. Firstly, elasticity. As an aside, I actually don't think the Shane can have heard about the fascia for the first time as he claims at a lecture)- he would surely have come across one of the most common running injuries well before this - plantar fasciitis. That's a minor quibble. I am also not sure the science on fascia has quite been settled - I think it's still an areas of debate. Having said that the idea of running smooth, having rhythm, being relaxed is surely something all runners can relate to. Secondly, on foot striking. Many years ago I actually went to a 'running school' where they espoused landing on the front of the foot. I have to say it felt really odd and in my experience a definite no no - In my experience landing on the front of the foot is something that is likely to cause injuries. I then researched the subject and found that mid foot striking is generally the consensus - this makes sense. Of course the quicker the runner the more they will land towards the front of the foot (as sprinters do) but the feedback is from pace to position and not vice versa. Thirdly, I definitely concur about running shoes - the more padding the less you feel the ground. You want structure (a clear arch) rather than excessive protection from a running shoe. The other bits I will try to incorporate - having more height in the strike (and a slight lean from the chest to enhance the strike) in order to cycle your legs neatly underneath makes sense (my cadence is 183-5 so at least I am ballpark there in other respects). This was something I had previously been trying to minimise as I was worried about losing speed but I agree it makes sense. I had a couple of quibbles with the book. One, on p.177 a female runner (Elisabet Barnes) makes a blatant sexist comment about men, "...you mostly see men attempting this fruitless strategy [starting their run too quickly] and paying for it later." As well as being sexist (you know the editor would not tolerate a comment the other way as in - 'mostly women runners make this mistake') this is garbage. I know from both running and swimming that there is no gender distinction between slower athletes trying to beat you and over pacing themselves before falling back really quickly. Secondly, on p.180 he makes a mistake about posture by saying we should not sit "we could spend the day standing" and makes favourable comments about standing desks. This is absolutely wrong - any physio, osteopath or chiropractor will tell you 'there is no such thing as a bad position' - what you need to do is alter your posture frequently - so changing from sitting to standing and vice versa. Of course walking is excellent in this respect - of course we need to stop moving at some point during the day but absolutely standing is not per se better than sitting. Standing can and has been used as a form of torture - because you will get pain in your hamstrings, lower back ,etc. Lastly I just want to highlight one thing the book left out - strengthening your core. Shane touches on conditioning but in the context of the gym (I do do gym workouts but I would agree they don't help the running). I do mostly 10k runs and the single biggest improvement apart from form has come from bodyweight HIIT training. Not only has this raised my VO2 Max but it has massively strengthened core muscles especially the hidden muscles (not just the so-called 'mirror muscles' that people in the gym use. I work a 3 or 3.3 to 1 ratio (work to rest) for about 40 mins (this is a serious serious workout). I use burpees, squat thrusts, mountain climbers, press-ups, jumping jacks, high knees, crunches, bike crunches, russian twists, dynamic planks, side planks, 'climbing a rope', jumping squats, pop squats, lunges, curtsey lunges, etc. You get the picture. Perhaps this work is only good for shorter distance runners like me but it really helps me. May be it does not work for an ultra-runner? Edit - I wanted to add one more thing on stretching/recovery. This is so important to general health but also athletic performance but only touched on in the book. I stretch every morning for about 10 mins focusing on ‘tight’ spots for me - lower back & hip flexors (tight hamstrings are often the result of tight hip flexors). I also do dynamic stretching before exercise and slower/longer stretching afterwards. Lastly, I was surprised Shane did not mention the trigger point roller . Forget foam rollers - too soft. A trigger point roller will mimic a really good sports massage and will generate release in the muscle (or is the fascia?!). Absolutely crucial for running legs...

This has to be up there with the top must have books in Running. I’d actually say it is the TOP must have books in the world of running. Shane Benzie is the Yoda of all things movement and in particular, running movement. This book really does resurrect “The Lost Art” of what we were designed to do in running. I’ve tried all the tips and advice he talks about in the book and it works. It’s not just a fad that you see out there. Shane has worked for years mastering the art and now it’s here for us all to use, practice and perfect. I could go on and on about how good this is, but I’ll stop there. Get this book and get ready to rediscover “The lost art of Running” Kipchoge watch out!! I’m coming for you 😎

Benzie sets about presenting a framework for his model of 'Tensegrity' and how it relates to running. The author carefully illustrates his gathering of evidence for a model of running based on myofascial elasticity. There is a lot of repetition and not a lot of hardcore biomechanics. Nevertheless, it is pretty compelling. Then we are presented with a host of very talented runners who, after seeking the author's advice, were able to run much better/faster/further/easier. Again, this all serves to whet the appetite. The final section of the book was the bit I was waiting for: exactly HOW can I improve as a runner using the 'tensegrity' model. What practical exercises can I use (just like the afore-mentioned talented stars who benefitted from Benzies input)? Well it seems that the 'tensegrity' model demands: running with the head held high! OK, I think I have heard that before. It also requires standing tall whilst running. Yes, certainly heard that before too. It requires not slumping forward at the waist, but instead leaning from the ankle. Hang on....I have read all this before in numerous other running guides. The 'tensegrity' model suggests an optimum of 180 spm and with neither a heel nor toe foot landing.....etc. So it seems that Benzies lost art of running is no different from many others' view of how we should be running albeit from a different perspective. I am convinced that his theory of the elasticity of myofascial tissue is real. But without any exercises, drills, or methodology that differentiates his approach to running from many others, it is difficult to see any practical value to the model. Perhaps the next book will give us more information of his training tricks...until then I recommend 'Running Rewired' by Jay Dicharry.

I must admit to being very much a running geek. As a runner of 40+ years and working in the industry I’ve probably read most of the books available on the subject. Naturally had to add this to my collection but was massively disappointed. The title drew me in but the content was simply a collection of the writers various travels around the world with no specific or evidence based material on the ‘techniques’ he discusses. No photos and no method or trIning advice as such on this methods. The methods themselves are also really common sense that most runners of a year or two experience would recognise. The quote on the back cover describes the author as ‘the Indiana Jones of running’ - maybe, but this one hasn’t found a holy grail, he’s simply enjoying the travels.

As a keen amateur runner I decided to finally take the plunge with some coaching, and following a physio's recommendation spent some time last year and early this being coached by Shane, so I was really curious to read his book. I haven't been disappointed at all. The book is really concisely written, with excellent background information on how Shane came to develop his coaching techniques. This then supported with accurate, understandable and easily applied training methods to help improve any and every runners form. I could hear Shane's voice as I read through the book and the level of consistency in what he delivers in his sessions and the book itself is remarkable.

I've read a number of running books in the past couple of years and this certainly addresses core tenets of running technique as well as anything else I've read. Foot strike, cadence, arms, head, general posture - all boxes ticked. However I didn't really buy the central concept of elasticity here. That almost felt like a tenuous "new" concept to try and gain a few more sales and to be honest I don't think the relationship between the core tenets and elasticity was ever really established. As a book about fundamental running principles it's recommended but I'm not sure its focal element really adds much to the mix.

uses terms that have not been proved to exist lile fascial frequency and quantum nerve endings. i have a phd in quantum biology so i would know if there was a quantum role in nerve endings. no peer reviewed papers. total waste of money - go check out science of ultra podcast!

I have mixed feelings about this book. The technical information is fascinating, although I did initially have issues visualising the posture suggested. There is a lot of detail about how the author came about the methods and techniques which didn’t really work for me. The concept of the Lost Art is complex on a physiological level and one could potentially become overwhelmed by the minutiae. I am using the detail that is summarised at the end of the book (something like p 253) with some simple diagrams and images that helped me understand the content of the previous couple of hundred pages. So far there is a definite improvement in my form and this is partly down to the “bow” shape, some “head, arms, chest and cadence “ and key coaching elements from other sources.

Brilliant read and has added a new perspective on how I view movement and running. The science and description utilising fascia to run speaks far more intuitively to me compared to the traditional biomechanical model. I even went out for a 15k run attempt - which would normally be interrupted by left knee pain at km 8 then be forced to switch into a walk by km 11-12, plus right ankle pain and right ITB pain post run. After trying to implement some of the tips, I didn’t get faster - but no knee pain at all, no ITB tension and no shoulder tension either. I will not become fast but if I can add distance without injury, at mid-40s that would be a true personal best for me. Will keep this as a reference and try to revisit often.

Fantastic book. A great read from start to finish, interspersed with epic tales from around the world involving a huge mix bag of humans. A nice, subtle injection of humour where needed too. Filled with novel advice, taking a different look at running form and makes one think twice when out on the trails about their posture, stride and “air”. Inspiring, educational and extremely well written - with a nice pace to it.

I loved this book! Admittedly I am a huge Shane Benzie fan since doing one of his one-on-one courses which has truly transformed my running. But the book is good for anyone who has an interest in running and particularly in a physically sustainable way. It is also very readable - fun and inspiring as well as informative. A perfect Xmas present for your running friends and family.

There is some good stuff here, but it is hidden amongst vast amounts of filler, anecdotes and stories of people he has trained. If that is what you want, all well and good. If all you want is to learn how to run better, then skim read the waffle and stories of getting up at 5AM - there is too much of it - and you will find some content of substance (but not much). It is not worth the full price, though. I got it on a Kindle Daily Deal at £1.49, about what it is worth.

I took up casual running in my 40s for fitness and found myself out of breath with achy knee joints after any run over a mile. I'd read "Born to Run" and was inspired by its promise but also so stiff that I struggled to get to a mile, and couldn't imagine doing a 5K without stopping to rest every few minutes. Maybe I wasn't born to run after all! For a couple of years I just tried to push harder. I eventually did get to 5k but had tired knee joints after I did any 5k+ runs. Then I saw "The Lost Art of Running" in my list of recommendations. A month after buying the book and practising its advice on beautiful running form, I did a few 5Ks without my customary struggle and without any joint pains. Wow. I hadn't expected running form to be so important. Critical aspects of posture such as head position and foot placement were explored by relating the principles of movement to the author's travels around the world looking at the best runners of our day. The relationship of our body's fascia and natural elasticity was brought together via a Buckminster Fuller inspired tensegrity model. The resulting science was then simplified into easy to use checklists (such as HCAC Head Chest Arms Cadence) and movement questions to ask while running to prompt positive body awareness. With hindsight it all makes sense. There were good reasons for my tired legs. Beautiful running form changes so much because it uses the body's natural elasticity (in the fascia) instead of forcing muscles and joints to bear most of the load. Today I decided to try my first 10k run and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it felt compared to my former 5k runs. I have none of my previous knee pain and didn't find myself out of breath. I'm so grateful to the authors for putting this book together, I hope you continue to revolutionize running for the masses. I'll never run like the guys at Iten training with Brother Colm, but I'm already running far better than I ever have in my life.

As someone who has been involved in sports all of my life, I realised a long time ago that the best purchase you can make in any sport is not the best kit but the best advice. So, as someone who has now taken up running as a serious pastime, I decided to research technique first and this book absolutely nails it! The stories of Shane’s dedicated research are written in a way that you just want to read more and more. I’m no reader but I couldn't put this book down and got through it in a couple of days. The whole books builds up an evidence based theory of how to run properly and describes it all in terms that anyone can understand. By the end of the book you will have the tools and knowledge to go out there and try new things to improve on your own technique. If you want to improve your running, don’t but those amazing socks that the “internet is going mad for“ at £30. Instead buy this book for a tenner, it will also look good on your bookshelf! Thank you Shane Benzie for sharing your knowledge. 😀

What a fantastic book! Having been told many years ago that running more than 5k risks serious injury, I was fascinated to read that evolution designed us to run and if you run properly injuries won’t be an issue. The book has inspired me to go further. Using the techniques Shane describes I am now running 10 and 15k’s with no after effects and at the same pace I run 5k! The great thing is we all have it in us. Now in my 50’s I was wondering if my running days were numbered but I now have the confidence to stretch myself and see how far I can go. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Reasonable read but you will not learn much about running or anything you with not have read in previous magazines/books

I thought running was simple, lace up and head out. However multiple injuries over the last 6 months led me to question if I was running correctly or if there is a 'right' way to move. This book has been a godsend for me and it's written is style that is both entertaining and easy to follow. After making some changes to my own movement after reading this book, I was running faster and easier in my fartlek/tempo sessions. I know myself I have a lot of improvement to do but thanks to this book, I now have a base to plan for my future running adventures.

This is a fast paced book with insights in every section and an eye-opening message. The author has scoured the planet for 10 years and has found that modern life means we have forgotten simple truths about how the body works and how we were meant to run. If you run or want to run and have hit a ceiling thinking the only way to get better is to try harder or buy more expensive kit this book is for you. Destined to become a classic.

The book is beautifully written with amazing content and easy to follow advice that if implemented, I truly believe will make every runner no matter of age or ability better at running and the experience more enjoyable. I started to incorporate Shane’s philosophy into my runs a few months ago and it’s given me real purpose to make improvements to my running technique every time I put on my trainers no matter how far and how fast I run. I also felt the inspiring stories really complemented the practical guidance. If you want to make yourself a better runner, I would recommend this book!

Boring. Nothing of interest. Disjointed. Waste of money and time.

Just finished reading this. WOW. It's so good because it's impartial. The author isn't trying to sell you anything, in fact goes to great lengths to prove things and gives advice without preaching. It's also really easy to read as the chapters aren't too long. Will definitely recommend this to anyone who cares about their running.

Brilliant book. I’ve being running for 40 years and never paid too much attention to cadence and bounce. With age comes wear and tear so I’m more aware now of having to look after myself. This book gave me some things to really think about

SO many great insights in this book. This book really has so many great techniques that you can put straight in to practice with really noticeable results. I have found I am running faster with less effort and less injury so well worth a read

This is probably the best book I have read about running, the only other thing I can say is everyone has to read it for themselves,you can't explain it in your own words,you have got to absorb his passion for running,and most of all the length he went to bring us The Lost Art Of Running.😎

Very protracted, just ended up skimming 90% of it. Some useful points, but not really anything new.

The simple matter of paying attention to you posture makes a tremendous difference especially when running. I’m no longer a sloucher

One of the best running books i have read. Common sense approach with plenty of anecdotal evidence. I am a 60 year old runner so need all the help i can get! I am already running with a better posture and hills are becoming easier. Also seeing a decrease in shoulder pain from looking at the horizon not the ground at my feet.

Great read. Logical and informative. I bought it for my partner and he has quoted from it throughout.

What a fantastic read. Now to work on my beautiful posture! Worth reading however experienced you are.

Gift for my son, who’s a keen fell runner- he was chuffed!

One of the best running books I’ve read.

The theory the book explains about running form really makes the reader reflect on their current form and the improvements that can be made. The book is well written and has a good mix of entertaining stories and scientific evidence

The book is very well written and flows easily.

To further my knowledge of good running technique.

I don't usually read much but this had me wanting to reach the finish line from the start. Very interesting and will hopefully help my running

Fascinating book opening up a world of technique. I recently did one of Shane’s workshops which was superb.Consequently running is now natural and light. I feel liberated, a new adventure begins.

Definitely worth a read