Description
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.
Table of Contents
PART I: The Scientific Bases of Training and Performance
1 Physiological Determinants of Middle- and Long-Distance Running
Philip R. Hayes and Daniel A. Gordon
2 The Biomechanics of Distance Running
Brian Hanley
3 Common Overuse Injuries in Runners and Injury Risk Factors
Christopher A. Bramah
4 Nutritional Requirements for Distance Runners
Matthew Cole, Richard C. Blagrove, Meghan A. Brown, Jennie Carter and Justin D. Roberts
5 Psychology of Distance Running
Stacy Winter and Carla Meijen
PART II: Training and Event Considerations
6 Physiological Assessment of Middle- and Long-Distance Runners
Andy Galbraith
7 Movement Screening and Physical Capacity Assessments
Louis P. Howe and Paul J. Read
8 Training Volume and Intensity Distribution Among Elite Middle- and Long-Distance Runners
Arturo Casado and Leif Inge Tjelta
9 Tapering and Peaking for an Event or Major Competition
Kate L. Spilsbury
10 Running Coaching Case Study and Lessons Learned
Steve Macklin
11 Short-Term Nutrition Strategies to Maximise Event-Day Performance
Justin D. Roberts and Matthew Cole
12 Strategic and Tactical Decision-Making in Middle- and Long-Distance Running Races
Andy Renfree and Brian Hanley
13 Gait Retraining for Performance and Injury Risk
Izzy S. Moore, Tom Goom and Kelly J. Ashford
14 Strength Training for Enhancing Performance and Reducing Injury Risk
Richard C. Blagrove and David R. Hooper
15 Specific Conditioning to Reduce Injury Risk
Stuart Butler
PART III: Specific Issues and Populations
16 Training Monitoring
Mark R. Homer and Charles R. Pedlar
17 Recovery Strategies
Glyn Howatson and Tom Clifford
18 Low Energy Availability: Identification, Management and Treatment
Jessica Piasecki
19 Nurturing Young Distance Runners
Richard C. Blagrove, Philip E. Kearney and Karla L. Drew
20 Considerations for the Female Runner
Georgie Bruinvels, Esther Goldsmith and Nicola Brown
21 Performance Decline in Master Endurance
