A science writer and recreational runner explores the science behind popularly held beliefs about shoes, injuries, nutrition, "runner's high," and more. Conventional wisdom about running is passed down like folklore (and sometimes contradicts itself): the right kind of shoe prevents injury--or running barefoot, like our prehistoric ancestors, is best; eat a high-fat diet--and also carbo load before a race; running cures depression--but it might be addictive; running can save your life--although it can also destroy your knee cartilage. Often it's hard to know what to believe. In Running Smart, Mariska van Sprundel, a science journalist and recreational runner who has had her fair share of injuries, sets out to explore the science behind such claims. In her quest, van Sprundel reviews the latest developments in sports science, consults with a variety of experts, and visits a sports lab to have her running technique analyzed. She learns, among other things, that according to evolutionary biology, humans are perfectly adapted to running long distances (even if our hunter-gatherer forebears suffered plenty of injuries); that running sets off a shockwave that spreads from foot to head, which may or may not be absorbed by cushioned shoes; and that a good sports bra controls the ping pong-like movements of a female runner's breasts. She explains how the body burns fuel, the best foods to eat before and after running, and what might cause "runner's high." More than fifty million Americans are runners (and a slight majority of them are women). This engaging and enlightening book will help both novice and seasoned runners run their smartest.
A breakthrough program for triathletes -- beginner, intermediate, and advanced -- showing how to balance training intensity to maximize performance -- from a fitness expert and elite coach. Cutting-edge research has proven that triathletes and other endurance athletes experience their greatest performance when they do 80 percent of their training at low intensity and the remaining 20 percent at moderate to high intensity. But the vast majority of recreational triathletes are caught in the so-called "moderate-intensity rut," spending almost half of their time training too hard--harder than the pros. Training harder isn't smarter; it actually results in low-grade chronic fatigue that prevents recreational athletes from getting the best results. In 80/20 Triathlon, Matt Fitzgerald and David Warden lay out the real-world and scientific evidence, offering concrete tips and strategies, along with complete training plans for every distance--Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman--to help athletes implement the 80/20 rule of intensity balance. Benefits include reduced fatigue and injury risk, improved fitness, increased motivation, and better race results.
Running is a fundamental human activity and holds an important place in popular culture. In recent decades it has exploded in popularity as a leisure pursuit, with marathons and endurance challenges exerting a strong fascination. Endurance Running is the first collection of original qualitative research to examine distance running through a socio-cultural lens, with a general objective of understanding the concept and meaning of endurance historically and in contemporary times. Adopting diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to explore topics such as historical conceptualizations of endurance, lived experiences of endurance running, and the meaning of endurance in individual lives, the book reveals how the biological, historical, psychological, and sociological converge to form contextually specific ideas about endurance running and runners. Endurance Running is an essential book for anybody researching across the entire spectrum of endurance sports and fascinating reading for anybody working in the sociology of sport or the body, cultural studies or behavioural science.
Running is a fundamental human activity and holds an important place in popular culture. In recent decades it has exploded in popularity as a leisure pursuit, with marathons and endurance challenges exerting a strong fascination. Endurance Running is the first collection of original qualitative research to examine distance running through a socio-cultural lens, with a general objective of understanding the concept and meaning of endurance historically and in contemporary times. Adopting diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to explore topics such as historical conceptualizations of endurance, lived experiences of endurance running, and the meaning of endurance in individual lives, the book reveals how the biological, historical, psychological, and sociological converge to form contextually specific ideas about endurance running and runners. Endurance Running is an essential book for anybody researching across the entire spectrum of endurance sports and fascinating reading for anybody working in the sociology of sport or the body, cultural studies or behavioural science.
The Science of the Marathon and the Art of Variable Pace Running encourages you to rediscover running by gradually slowing down, running at your own pace, and learning to accelerate. This book is about Veronique Billat's 30 years of research, life studies, and practical experience. This research takes place in real life and extreme racing situations; it does not take place on treadmills, rather in marathon races and the high mountains. It's about adapting new technologies to the needs of training and understanding the possibilities for the improvement of human energy. The key to long term success without injury or overtraining is to train with quality and not quantity. It is no longer necessary to train by running long distances in preparation for specific types of running races. Performance is not just about a result, but rather a road to true happiness. We invite you to discover this new way of running as it is a realistic minimalist-based training using your running mind-body feelings sensations and your lifestyle. The practice of marathon running is, above all, a serious endeavor for anyone 10 to 100 years old, that will let you dream immense possibilities.ReviewsI thought I knew everything I needed to know about marathon pacing before I read The Science of the Marathon. Whether your goal is to complete a marathon with a smile on your face or set a new personal best. Dr. Billat and Edwards fascinating and persuasive book will help you prepare with greater purpose and race with more confidence.--Matt Fitzgerald, author of 80/20 Running, Brain Training For Runners, Life is a Marathon, and many others. This amazing book covering 30 years of exercise science and human experience from Dr. Billat is designed for the coach, scientist, or running enthusiast who desires to understand the physiology and variability of individual banners. I learned some new and interesting things and the book reaffirms that doing accelerations and varying the pace spontaneously on runs is a good thing. I have never used GPS-watch and run by feel, so it is nice to hear that is not crazy. It's refreshing to read about optimizing fat metabolism as this is the evolutionary fuel of the human. At age 53, this book keeps me honest to do my strength training and sprints every day.Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, Professor of Family Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, author of "Run For Your Life" 2008Drs Billat and Edwards have put together a book that combines the best of sports science and in the field research. It's refreshing to see a book on running that connects the dots, delves deep into the science, but still bases its recommendations on how we should run as nature intended.Barry Murray M.Sci, Faculty at Munster Technological University, CEO of Optimum Nutrition For Sport, Irish National endurance runner Veronique Billat is one of the most innovative and important researchers currently active in determining the science of optimum training. I have found her work to be useful for boosting the performances of runners not only in the marathon, but all the way down to the 800-any distance at which aerobic capability matters. My runners swear by it. Richard A. Lovett, Coach, Team Red Lizard, Portland Oregon and Co-author of Alberto Salazar's Guide to Road Racing"Drs. Billat and Edwards did an excellent job writing this book. Dr. Edwards has been a huge help getting Brenda back to top running form. You don't have to be an elite runner to train like one. Brenda has benefited from the 30-30 workouts described in the book. I would recommend this amazing book to anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level."Carlos Handler, Coach, Brenda Martinez USA Olympic Track & Field Runner
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.
Featured in the book Born to Run, running coach Eric Orton offers a guide for every runner... Natural running is more than barefoot running. It’s about the joy of running that we were all born with and can reawaken. With a program focused on proper form, strength development, and cardiovascular training, Orton will help beginners, competitors, and enduring veterans reach “the cool impossible”—the belief that any achievement, athletic or otherwise, is within our reach. Inside you’ll find: * Foot strength exercises for runners to catapult performance, combat injuries, and transform technique * A total-body-strength program designed for runners * Step-by-step run-form coaching for performance and lifelong healthy running * A training program for building endurance, strength, and speed * No-nonsense nutrition for runners * Visualization and mind-training tactics to run and live the Cool Impossible * And much more… ATHLETICISM IS AWARENESS—awareness of form and technique, awareness of our effort level, and, most important, awareness of what we think. And with that awareness comes the endless potential for mastery and achievement beyond anything you thought possible. INCLUDES PHOTOS
TheÊRacing WeightÊandÊNew Rules of Marathon and Half Marathon NutritionÊauthorÕs first diet book: advice on everything from how (and how much) to eat, sample food plans from elite endurance athletes, delicious recipes, and science-based research. With a foreword by Dr. Asker Jeukendrup, the worldÕs pre-eminent sports nutrition scientist.
'A must read!' Kevin Portman, IRONMAN Champion 'This is a guide to staying in endurance sports for the long haul!' Kathryn Cumming, elite cyclist and coach 'The principles that RJ and Angelo explore in this book are critical to achieving your best performance and staying healthy' Matthew Back, IRONMAN Champion Maximise Results – Extend Your Career – Achieve a New Personal Best! Resistance training delivers results – and Finish Strong is the ultimate guide to using this training method to improve your athletic performance. Whether you are training for a 5K or an IRONMAN, you can experience the phenomenal benefits from incorporating targeting resistance and mobility exercises into your training calendar. Richard (RJ) Boergers and Angelo Gingerelli are two leading US health and fitness authorities who will introduce and break down the principles of resistance training in a clear, accessible way. Written by athletes for athletes, this expert guide will help you: – Optimize your training to compete at a higher level – Integrate weight training into your already packed schedule – Periodize resistance training around your training calendar – Structure individual training sessions for peak efficiency – Improve your performance, minimize injuries and increase your competitive longevity. The book will help you Finish Strong!
Are you a triathlete, runner, cyclist, swimmer, cross-country skier, or other athlete seeking greater endurance? The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing teaches athletes how to stay healthy, achieve optimal athletic potential, and be injury-free for many productive years. Dr. Philip Maffetone’s approach to endurance offers a truly “individualized” outlook and unique system that emphasizes building a strong aerobic base for increased fat burning, weight loss, sustained energy, and a healthy immune system. Good nutrition and stress reduction are also key to this commonsense, big-picture approach. In addition, Dr. Maffetone dispels many of the commonly held myths that linger in participatory sports—and which adversely impact performance—and explains the “truths” about endurance, such as: The need to train slower to race faster will enable your aerobic system to improve endurance Why expensive running shoes can actually cause foot and leg injuries The fact that refined carbohydrates actually reduce endurance energy and disrupt hormone balance And more. If you are looking to increase your endurance and maximize your athletic potential, The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing is your one-stop guide to training and racing effectively.
