Table of Contents

Part I. The Happy Runner Rules

Chapter 1. Embrace the Process

Chapter 2. Know Your Why

Chapter 3. Power Yourself With Kindness

Chapter 4. It’s Not All Puppies and Unicorns

Part II. The Happy Runner Training Principles

Chapter 5. Principle 1: Easy Means Easy, Not the Absence of Pain

Chapter 6. Principle 2: Learn How to Run Fast Before You Practice Running Hard

Chapter 7. Principle 3: Build Strength From Speed

Chapter 8. Principle 4: Specificity Matters, but Less Than You May Think

Chapter 9. Principle 5: Healthy Running Is Active and Earned

About the Author

David Roche started the Some Work, All Play (SWAP) team in 2013. He is a coach to some of the top trail runners in the world. He has been called one of the best ultramarathon coaches by several running media outlets. His athletes have won some of the biggest trail races, including the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run and the Hardrock 100.
Megan Roche joined the SWAP coaching team in 2016. She was also named the USATF Women's Ultra Trail Runner of the Year in 2016. As well as this, Megan is a four-time national champion, North American Mountain Running Champion and a six-time member of Team USA.

Reviews

"I've spent years in a tumultuous relationship with racing and running. In The Happy Runner Megan and David Roche share the secrets to reformulating your relationship not just with running, but with life."
--Amelia Boone, Spartan Racing World Champion

"In all my years as a professional triathlete I never had a coach who put my happiness first. I will be forever grateful that I found David and Megan. Find your happiness in The Happy Runner!"
--Charlotte Paul, Professional Triathlete, 2-time Ironman Champion

"The Happy Runner mind-set has really helped me to stop fixating on what I want to become and instead appreciate what I have. If we don't enjoy the process, strive in the difficulties, and embrace the mundane, we will be chasing a never-ending finish line, which can only end in defeat. Regardless of your profession or athleticism, this book will remind you that we are enough; we are awesome; and anything that we do on top of that is just extra icing on top of an already delicious cake."
--Keely Henninger, 2018 Winner of the Lake Sonoma 50 Miler and Chuckanut 50K

"Megan and David capture the essence of good coaching in The Happy Runner by challenging runners to zoom out and take the long view of their running. From this vantage point, motivation, goals and process all fall into place. By coupling these foundational elements firmly to compassionate self-acceptance, they empower runners to run more joyfully and more successfully. Their enthusiasm for sharing this proven route to more satisfying running is evident on every page, and their expertise shines through their athletes' success stories."
--Liza Howard, Four-Time Winner of USATF National Championships

"The Happy Runner is the best running book you'll ever read because it's about so much more than just running: love, death, and above all, happiness."
--Clare Gallagher, Winner of the 2016 Leadville 100 Miler

"This book has kept me in the most contented, thoughtful, and kind company through endless hours and situations. It constantly helps me to 'zoom out, ' giggle, smile, and run with total freedom in my heart."
--Meg Mackensie, Professional Trail Runner