After reading this book you'll have what it takes to run faster with less perceived effort. This is a collection of thoughts on mostly eastern philosophy and how they relate to long-distance running and how they can help one to become a better "runner." It's also the story of one man's running life in Japan. Basically, the story of a middle-aged plodder who became a handy Masters' runner, learning from this philosophy on how to obtain self and get faster, stronger, healthier and happier. It is hoped that this book will help and encourage budding athletes to take on and successfully navigate the challenges of the tough sport of distance running.It shares practical knowledge and practical philosophy from which all runners can benefit. Whether you're a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon runner (novice or long timer) this book will show you how the mental joy and physical benefits gained from training and running gives happiness and how, by doing this right, we can be a model to inspire others. This is not your average runners' guide. It was written in a more holistic manner as this more closely reflects how the writer came to learn and love this sport. Scott believes that if we want to be better runners/people, we need to explore things in their varied glory. This book was assembled with the intention of giving the beginner runner a foundation on which to build their running life. It supplies enough information, but no more than is necessary to achieve the goal of motivating and driving improvement.About the author: Scott Andrew Brown is a University lecturer in Japan, a writing and presentation teacher. An expat Australian, with more than 30 years living, teaching and learning experience in Asia. A current resident of Osaka, Scott lives there together with his wife Emiko and two teenage sons. Now in his mid 50s Scott began running and entering long distance races at 41 years old, becoming a student of the sport and successful Masters' runner and online running coach (Samurai Running Japan).A keen student of biology, physiology, and eastern philosophy, Scott has combined these interests with his love of running and writing to put together a book intended to inform and motivate readers to take their own journey of self-discovery. The book "Samurai Running" is a loose biography of his experiences living and running in Japan with stories of a philosophic bent aimed at guiding the reader to their own self-actualization. It also gives practical tips on what to do to avoid running injuries and what to do when you can't. It offers practical advice on training for races and hands on guidance on how to get faster and run longer without getting injured.Reader's Review. "You don't have to be a long distance runner to benefit from or enjoy reading Samurai Running. In this compact account of how author Scott Brown became a runner, he offers a thoughtful study of the ways in which running has enriched his life and what it can do for you. In a measured, philosophical tone, Brown reflects on running culture in Japan and his ideas on the nuts and bolts of running and self-improvement. Through the lens of a runner, Brown examines concepts like preparation, expectation, self-care, and more specific runner concerns like how to to overcome Iliotibial Band Syndrome (a common knee injury). More fundamentally, especially if you're not a runner, this is a book about how balance, clarity, and an honest approach to ambition can improve anyone's life. Whether you're a runner or not, everyone faces challenges in life. We all have aspirations, hopes, and goals. Even if you're not an athlete, you'd probably welcome better health and fitness, and greater balance at home, work, and in society."