Full Description
'Heads up - here's how to run like a pro' - The Times
'A fascinating book' - Adharanand Finn, author of Running With the Kenyans
'I'm convinced that Shane's insights were were instrumental in me winning the Marathon des Sables for a second time' - Elisabet Barnes, coach and athlete
'Shane is the Indiana Jones of the running world' - Damian Hall, ultra marathon runner
'You can't but help go out the door for your next run and try to put it all into practice' - Nicky Spinks, endurance runner
The Lost Art of Running is an opportunity to join running technique analyst coach and movement guru Shane Benzie on his journey across five continents as he trains with and analyses the running style of some of the most gifted athletes on the planet.
Part narrative, part practical, this adventure takes you to the foothills of Ethiopia and the 'town of runners'; to the training grounds of world-record-holding marathon runners in Kenya; racing across the Arctic Circle and the mountains of Europe, through the sweltering sands of the Sahara and the hostility of a winter traverse of the Pennine Way, to witness the incredible natural movement of runners in these environments.
Along the way, you will learn how to incorporate natural movement techniques into your own running and hear from some of the top athletes that Shane has coached over the years. Whether experienced or just tackling your first few miles, this groundbreaking book will help you discover the lost art of running.
Contents
Foreword by Adharanand Finn
Introduction: Bekoji, Ethiopia
Dyer Island, South Africa
Grand Union Canal Race, England
PART I: THE JOURNEY
Bekoji, Ethiopia
An introduction to fascia
Iten, Kenya
Uganda
Parkrun, Cardiff
Yorkshire, England
Chamonix, France
Amazon Jungle, Peru
University of Kent, England
Arctic Circle, Sweden
Sahara Desert, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco
Chamonix, France
Regent's Park, London
Aquatic Centre, Olympic Park, London
Orsières to Champex to Chamonix (the OCC)
Three-quarters of the way across America
Conclusions
PART II: THE FOUNDATIONS
Foot placement
Cadence
Stride length
Posture
The head
Arms
A natural lean
Breathing
The mind
PART III: THE PRACTICAL
Foot placement
Cadence
Stride length
Running downhill
Running uphill
Posture
The head
Arms, shoulders and hands
A natural lean
Breathing
The mind
Creating a dynamic take off
Final words of wisdom
Epilogue: Iten, Kenya
Acknowledgements
Index
About the Authors
