Health statistics point out that more and more people are obese, and what they need to do as much as anything is exercise. Coinciding with this sombre news is the continuing rise in the number of new runners who take to the streets and trails each week. Runners World columnist John "The Penguin" Bingham has become a spokesman of celebrity status in running circles because he was a sedentary being before discovering the joys of running. In No Need For Speed he introduces the first ever Runners World book for beginners. Through cheerleading, coaching and philosophising, and a series of "Basic Truths" chapters, Bingham hopes to win new converts and grow the ranks of his Penguin Brigade (The group's only qualification: you enjoy running and you're not fast)

Author Biography

John "The Penguin" Bingham is a columnist for Runner's World magazine. He's a regular speaker on the prerace pasta dinner circuit and teaches the basics of running to adult-onset athletes at his popular Penguin Flight Schools. He lives in Chicago, where he rides motorcycles and plays the trombone.