The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running

The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running is by Richard C. Blagrove and Philip R. Hayes.

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 for The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running:
PART I: The Scientific Bases of Training and Performance
1 Physiological Determinants of Middle- and Long-Distance Running
2 The Biomechanics of Distance Running
3 Common Overuse Injuries in Runners and Injury Risk Factors
4 Nutritional Requirements for Distance Runners
5 Psychology of Distance Running
PART II: Training and Event Considerations
6 Physiological Assessment of Middle- and Long-Distance Runners
7 Movement Screening and Physical Capacity Assessments
8 Training Volume and Intensity Distribution Among Elite Middle- and Long-Distance Runners
9 Tapering and Peaking for an Event or Major Competition
10 Running Coaching Case Study and Lessons Learned
11 Short-Term Nutrition Strategies to Maximise Event-Day Performance
12 Strategic and Tactical Decision-Making in Middle- and Long-Distance Running Races
13 Gait Retraining for Performance and Injury Risk
14 Strength Training for Enhancing Performance and Reducing Injury Risk
15 Specific Conditioning to Reduce Injury Risk
PART III: Specific Issues and Populations
16 Training Monitoring
17 Recovery Strategies
18 Low Energy Availability: Identification, Management and Treatment
19 Nurturing Young Distance Runners
20 Considerations for the Female Runner
21 Performance Decline in Master Endurance