About the Book Ten years ago, Martinus Evans got some stern advice from his doctor: Lose weight or die. First defensive, but then defiant, Evans vowed that day to run a marathon, though his doctor thought he was crazy. Since then, Evans has run eight marathons and hundreds of other distances in his 300-something body, created his own devoted running community, and has been featured on the cover of Runners World. This book is a blueprint for those who may not fit the image of a traditional runner-that is, someone who is larger in size, less athletic, out of shape, or dealing with any kind of health issue that slows them down-to feel empowered to lace up their shoes and embrace the body they have right now. As Evans says, the incredible benefits of running-better sleep, strong muscles and bones, better cardiovascular and mental health, and a sense of community-can and should be available to all of us. This practical handbook contains specialized advice to make getting started less intimidating, covering everything from gear and nutrition to training schedules, recovery tips, races (its okay to come in DFL! [i.e., dead f*cking last]), and finding a running group. Full of essential advice and humor from a former newbie who fell off a treadmill on his first run (literally), The Slow AF Run Club is for anyone who wants to pick up running for the sheer joy of it-- Book Synopsis A practical guide and a celebration of running for runners of all sizes and athletic ability, from the founder of the Slow AF Run Club. Ten years ago, Martinus Evans got some stern advice from his doctor: Lose weight or die. First defensive, but then defiant, Evans vowed that day to run a marathon, though his doctor thought he was crazy. Since then, Evans has run eight marathons and hundreds of other distances in his 300-something pound body, created his own devoted running community, and has been featured on the cover of Runners World . This book is a blueprint for those who may not fit the image of a traditional runner--that is, someone who is larger in size, less athletic, out of shape, or dealing with any kind of health issue that slows them down--to feel empowered to lace up their shoes and embrace the body they have right now. As Evans says, the incredible benefits of running--better sleep, strong muscles and bones, better cardiovascular and mental health, and a sense of community--can and should be available to all of us. This practical handbook contains specialized advice to make getting started less intimidating, covering everything from gear and nutrition to training schedules, recovery tips, races (its okay to come in DFL! [i.e., dead f*cking last]), and finding a running group. Full of essential advice and humor from a former newbie who fell off a treadmill on his first run (literally), The Slow AF Run Club is for anyone who wants to pick up running for the sheer joy of it. Review Quotes Faced with the grim prognosis, lose weight or die Martinus Evans embarked on an impassioned crusade to do something no one thought his 300 pound body was capable of doing, run a marathon. With a gritty determination and will of steel, he didnt just finish one marathon but eight! As the founder of The Slow AF Running Club, running has changed Martinus life. And reading his story will change yours. --Dean Karnazes, New York Times Times bestselling author of Ultramarathon Man FINALLY! A book that centers the nontraditional athlete. Through powerful and humorous storytelling and thoughtful exercises, Martinus empowers would-be-runners to step outside and become runners. If youve ever doubted whether running was for you, welcome home. Martinus has created space for you! --Alison Mariella Dsir, author of Running While Black A rallying cry for runners whove been made to feel for any reason that theres no place for them in the sport, and a wake-up call for those of us in the running community who wish to help these runners feel welcome. --Matt Fitzgerald, author of 80/20 Running About the Author Martinus Evans has run eight marathons since his doctor told him to lose weight or die in July 2012. Since then, hes also coached hundreds of runners and been featured in The New York Times , Mens Health , The Wall Street Journal, Runners World, New York Post , LADbible, HuffPost , Magnolia , and U.S. News & World Report .