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.

"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 reflected in the growth in the provision 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 sports 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"--

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.

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."

This text addresses the physiological demands of middle and long-distance running, and presents the reader with research on running physiology. It explores the limitations to running performance and the methods used to monitor it.

Training and coaching manual. Illus.