Better Training for Distance Runners provides a prescription for success for today`s competitive distance runners and their coaches. The book combines recent research, sound training principles, and proven program strategies to improve performance in events ranging from the 800-meters to the marathon.
Runners and coaches will find it easy to apply the book`s cutting-edge information about running physiology and biomechanics. They`ll receive straightforward advice for conditioning and competing in the whole range of distance events. The book also covers many popular topics in running, including how to:
• accurately assess running fitness,
• gauge training intensity,
• adjust training loads to achieve peak readiness for competition,
• determine the most effective racing strategy for each event, and
• stay healthy throughout a running career.
Authors Dr. David Martin and Peter Coe are the perfect team for translating lab findings to the road and running track. As one of the world`s foremost researchers on running, Martin regularly tests elite runners to identify their best strategies for staying healthy and improving fitness. Peter Coe, father and coach of 800- and 1000-meter world record holder Sebastian Coe, has long been regarded as a master of devising training plans that allow athletes to reach peak fitness when it counts most. Together, Martin and Coe present the most comprehensive and useful resource on the art and science of distance running—the formula that has produced many national championship, Olympic medal, and world record performances.
Better Training for Distance Runners builds upon the success of the first edition by providing loads of new information, such as the effects of altitude training and glycerin loading, the health problems experienced by women runners who may be too thin, and the best strategies for running road races and the steeplechase. It`s an essential guide and a great read for serious distance runners and coaches who desire to excel in future seasons and events.
Chapter 1. The Biomechanics of Running
Kinesiology: The Study of Movement
Running-Specific Movement
Interesting Questions About Running Biomechanics
Evaluating and Improving Running Biomechanics
Summary: Using Biomechanics Effectively
References
Chapter 2. Muscle Physiology for Running
Anatomic Aspects of Neuromuscular Integration
Generation of Muscle Tension
Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types
Effects of Training on Skeletal Muscle Performance
Summary: Using Muscle Physiology for Better Training
References
Chapter 3. The Energy Dynamics of Running
Thermodynamics Made Easy
Energy Storage in Tissues: ATP and CP
The Four Energy Systems
Comparing Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism
Comparing Carbohydrates and Fatty Acids as Fuels
Metabolism of Carbohydrates
Metabolism of Fats: Aerobic Lipolysis
Interaction of Carbohydrate and Fat Metabolism During Exercise
Summary: Better Training Through Chemistry
References
Chapter 4. Heart, Lung, and Blood Adaptations to Running
Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Performance
Physiological Indicators of Performance
Exercise as a Challenge to the Heart, Lungs, and Blood
Measuring Cardiopulmonary Fitness in the Laboratory
Summary: Training and Monitoring the Heart and Lungs for Better Running
References
Chapter 5. Developing Running With Periodization Training
Goal Setting
Principles of Periodization
Periodization Using Multi-Tier Training
Constructing Your Own Effective Training Plan
Suggestions for Better Use of Multi-Tier Training
Using Altitude Training as a Fitness-Enhancing Stimulus
Keep a Training Diary
Summary: Building Better Fitness by Running
References
Chapter 6. Developing Total Fitness
Adapting Muscles to Stress Loading
Flexibility: The Essence of Joint Motion
Body Composition: Importance and Measurement
Summary: Running Improvement Through Total-Body Conditioning
References
Chapter 7. Preparing to Race
General Concepts for Race Preparation
The 800-Meter Run
The 1,500-Meter Run
The Steeplechase
The 5,000-Meter Run
The l0,000-Meter Run
Road Racing
The Marathon
Preparing for and Delivering Successful Competitions
Summary: Running Your Best Race
References
Chapter 8. Managing Balanced Training
Fatigue: A Natural Consequence of Training
Muscle Soreness and Connective Tissue Injury
Overtraining and Staleness: Beyond Fatigue
Preventing Overtraining
Summary: Extending a Running Career
References
No two authors are better qualified than David Martin and Peter Coe to address both the physiology and coaching of distance running. Martin has served as marathon chair of USA Track & Field`s (USATF) Men`s Development Committee since 1979 and as chair of the national governing body`s Sport Science Subcommittee since 1984. These positions have allowed him to coach, advise, and scientifically evaluate many of America`s best men and women distance runners. They have also provided him the opportunity to work with and learn from other top coaches and sports scientists around the world. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Martin is the author of four books, including The High Jump Book, The Marathon Footrace, and Training Distance Runners. He also is a contributor to New Studies in Athletics, the technical journal of the International Amateur Athletic Federation.
Dr. Martin is a regents professor of health sciences at Georgia State University, which has three times honored him as a distinguished professor. He is also a results statistician for the Association of International Marathons and the Association for Track & Field Statisticians.
Peter Coe has successfully coached domestic and foreign runners at all levels, but he is probably best known for guiding his son Sebastian to one of the greatest middle distance running careers of all time. Under Peter`s tutelage, Sebastian won two Olympic gold medals in the 1500-meter run and two Olympic silver medals in the 800-meter run; a bronze, a silver, and a gold at the European championships; and 12 world records. A retired engineer, Coe is a recognized international lecturer and a writer. He is author of Training Distance Runners and Winning Running. Coe was presented the Senior Coaching Award by the British Athletics Association and was named Coach of the Year by the British Milers` Club—an organization for which he served as chairman for several years.
"Better Training for Distance Runners is the complete manual for athletes, coaches, and educators. The book explains complicated issues and answers questions that lead to improved understanding of the art and science of distance running."
Keith A. Brantly U.S. Team Member 1996 Olympic Marathon
"The first edition of Better Training for Distance Runners helped me make it to the 1996 Olympics and I believe this second edition can help me medal in the 2000 Olympics. The book allows runners to focus on specific events in distance running and explains the science of distance running in a manner that all distance runners can understand and use to their advantage. This really is a great book. I honestly was inspired to get out and train after each time I picked it up. I have worked with Dave Martin firsthand and everything I have learned from him is right here in this book. Dave is putting his love for distance running in the hands of the general public."
Mark J. Coogan U.S. Team Member 1996 Olympic Marathon
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