John "The Penguin" Bingham

He has been called the Pied Piper of the second running boom -- and for good reason. Through his popular monthly column in Runner's World Magazine, John "The Penguin" Bingham has inspired hundreds of thousands of men and women to run for fun, fitness, and self-affirmation. What inspires tentative runners most is Bingham's personal track record.

Once an overweight couch potato with a glut of bad habits, including smoking and drinking, at the age of 43 Bingham looked mid-life in the face--and started running. Since then, he has completed twenty-five marathons and hundreds of 5k and 10k races -- and developed a whole new outlook.

	In his inspiring book, "The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Your Life" Bingham shares the story of his own transformation while encouraging others not only to run, but to experience the world as a runner. In the few months since it's publication, the book has become one of the top ten best-selling books on running. (Read more about "The Courage to Start")
	John's NEW book "No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running" explores both the why and the how of running for the rest of us. With information both practical (how to find the right running shoes for you, when to enter a race, what to eat before a run) and inspirational (focus on where you are instead of where you want to be, accepting the body you have, the beauty of being realistic about goals), John extends a trusted hand and expert advice to beginners and veterans alike. (Read more about "No Need for Speed").