Aimed at both athletes involved in competitive middle-distance running and their coaches, this invaluable volume, based on the author’s 40 years of experience in athletics, is essential reading for all those who wish to improve their performance. Throughout the book the author adopts a practical coaching approach based on sound principles and on the belief that nothing be left to chance and that "perfect preparation makes for perfect practice."

The popularity of distance running as a sport, and a recreational activity, is at an all-time high. Motivated by the desire to achieve a personal best, remain healthy, or simply complete an event, distance runners of all ages and abilities actively seek out advice from experienced coaches and sport scientists. This is also reflected in the growth of programmes of education for young coaches and aspiring sport scientists in recent years. There are a multitude of different approaches to training distance runners; however, the basic principles and ingredients required for success are applicable to any distance runner. The science that underpins the training and physical preparation of distance runners has developed considerably in recent years. The most experienced and successful coaches in the distance running community rarely have the opportunity to share their tried and tested methods of training. Similarly, the novel work of sport scientists is often only accessible to elite runners, their support teams and academia. The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running links together the science and coaching artistry associated with preparing distance runners for events ranging from 800 m up to ultra-marathon distances. It combines the latest scientific evidence, published by world-leading sport scientists, with the sound training principles and strategies adopted by experienced coaches. The book translates cutting-edge scientific research from the fields of physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition into practical suggestions for achieving success. Important topical issues and contemporary practices related to health and performance are also addressed. This book is an essential addition to the library of any distance runner, coach or sport scientist.

Explains the practical aspects of exercise physiology and modern coaching, including energy systems, the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, VO2 max, running economy, muscle fibers, and more. In addition, it covers how these ideas should inform both your day-to-day workouts and the underlying philosophy that forms the foundation of your training program.

Nine classic short stories portraying the isolation, criminality, morality, and rebellion of the working class from award-winning, bestselling author Alan Sillitoe The titular story follows the internal decisions and external oppressions of a seventeen-year-old inmate in a juvenile detention center who is known only by his surname, Smith. The wardens have given the boy a light workload because he shows talent as a runner. But if he wins the national long-distance running competition as everyone is counting on him to do, Smith will only vindicate the very system and society that has locked him up. “The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner” has long been considered a masterpiece on both the page and the silver screen. Adapted for film by Sillitoe himself in 1962, it became an instant classic of British New Wave cinema. In “Uncle Ernest,” a middle-aged furniture upholsterer traumatized in World War II, now leads a lonely life. His wife has left him, his brothers have moved away, and the townsfolk treat him as if he were a ghost. When the old man finally finds companionship with two young girls whom he enjoys buying pastries for at a café, the local authorities find his behavior morally suspect. “Mr. Raynor the School Teacher” delves into a different kind of isolation—that of a voyeuristic teacher who fantasizes constantly about the women who work in a draper’s shop across the street. When his students distract him from his lustful daydreams, Mr. Raynor becomes violent. The six stories that follow in this iconic collection continue to cement Alan Sillitoe’s reputation as one of Britain’s foremost storytellers, and a champion of the condemned, the oppressed, and the overlooked. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alan Sillitoe including rare images from the author’s estate.

This is the long-awaited reprint of Percy Cerutty's seminal book on athletic training: 'Middle Distance Running' in which he outlines his ideas for the development of strength, stamina, technique and personality. He includes a chapter on youth training (under 18 years of age).First published in 1964, this book has been out of print for more than fifty years and we are delighted to be bringing Percy Cerutty's coaching ideas to a new audience. This book is packed full of information for the aspiring middle distance athlete. Percy Cerutty was Australia's world-renowned coach in the 1960s. He was coach to arguably Australia's greatest middle distance runner - and possibly the most esteemed middle distance runner of all time - Herb Elliott. In a recent media interview, Herb Elliott said of his coach: Percy grew to be, in my view, the greatest middle distance coach in the world through his own hardships in his life. ..... People say, you know, "You were naturally gifted and so you would have been just as good without Percy." And they can say that if they wish - I know that I wouldn't have been as good without Percy.

This text integrates scientific principles about how the body adapts to training with practical information on designing individualized training programmes for middle- and long-distance runners. It covers the biomechanics and biochemistry of running and goal-setting for competitive runners.