Better Training for Distance Runners

by Martin, David E.; Coe, Peter N.

• ISBN13: 9780880115308
• ISBN10: 0880115300
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-03-01
• Publisher: Human Kinetics

Summary

Better Training for Distance Runnersprovides a prescription for success for today's competitive distance runners and their coaches. The book combines recent research, sound training principles, and proven program strategies to improve performance in events ranging from the 800-meters to the marathon. Runners and coaches will find it easy to apply the book's cutting-edge information about running physiology and biomechanics. They'll receive straightforward advice for conditioning and competing in the whole range of distance events. The book also covers many popular topics in running, including how to: accurately assess running fitness, gauge training intensity, adjust training loads to achieve peak readiness for competition, determine the most effective racing strategy for each event, and stay healthy throughout a running career. Authors Dr. David Martin and Peter Coe are the perfect team for translating lab findings to the road and running track. As one of the world's foremost researchers on running, Martin regularly tests elite runners to identify their best strategies for staying healthy and improving fitness. Peter Coe, father and coach of 800- and 1000-meter world record holder Sebastian Coe, has long been regarded as a master of devising training plans that allow athletes to reach peak fitness when it counts most. Together, Martin and Coe present the most comprehensive and useful resource on the art and science of distance runningthe formula that has produced many national championship, Olympic medal, and world record performances. Better Training for Distance Runnersbuilds upon the success of the first edition by providing loads of new information, such as the effects of altitude training and glycerin loading, the health problems experienced by women runners who may be too thin, and the best strategies for running road races and the steeplechase. It's an essential guide and a great read for serious distance runners and coaches who desire to excel in future seasons and events.

Table of Contents

The Biomechanics of Running

Kinesiology: The Study of Movement

Running-Specific Movement

Interesting Questions About Running Biomechanics

Evaluating and Improving Running Biomechanics

Summary: Using Biomechanics Effectively

References

Muscle Physiology for Running

Anatomic Aspects of Neuromuscular Integration

Generation of Muscle Tension

Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types

Effects of Training on Skeletal Muscle Performance

Summary: Using Muscle Physiology for Better Training

References

The Energy Dynamics of Running

Thermodynamics Made Easy

Energy Storage in Tissues: ATP and CP

The Four Energy Systems

Comparing Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism

Comparing Carbohydrates and Fatty Acids as Fuels

Metabolism of Carbohydrates

Metabolism of Fats: Aerobic Lipolysis

Interaction of Carbohydrate and Fat Metabolism During Exercise

Summary: Better Training Through Chemistry

References

Heart, Lung, and Blood Adaptations to Running

Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Performance

Physiological Indicators of Performance

Exercise as a Challenge to the Heart, Lungs, and Blood

Measuring Cardiopulmonary Fitness in the Laboratory

Summary: Training and Monitoring the Heart and Lungs for Better Running

References

Developing Running With Periodization Training

Goal Setting

Principles of Periodization

Periodization Using Multi-Tier Training

Constructing Your Own Effective Training Plan

Suggestions for Better Use of Multi-Tier Training

Using Altitude Training as a Fitness-Enhancing Stimulus

Keep a Training Diary

Summary: Building Better Fitness by Running

References

Developing Total Fitness

Adapting Muscles to Stress Loading

Flexibility: The Essence of Joint Motion

Body Composition: Importance and Measurement

Summary: Running Improvement Through Total-Body Conditioning

References

Preparing to Race

General Concepts for Race Preparation

The 800-Meter Run

The 1,500-Meter Run

The Steeplechase

The 5,000-Meter Run

The l0,000-Meter Run

Road Racing

The Marathon

Preparing for and Delivering Successful Competitions

Summary: Running Your Best Race

References

Managing Balanced Training

Fatigue: A Natural Consequence of Training

Muscle Soreness and Connective Tissue Injury

Overtraining and Staleness: Beyond Fatigue

Preventing Overtraining

Summary: Extending a Running Career

References

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.