Includes bibliographical references (pages 342-416) and index.

Section 1. The Scientific Bases of Training and Performance -- Physiological determinants of middle and long distance running -- The biomechanics of distance running -- Common overuse injuries in runners and injury risk factors -- Nutritional requirements for distance runners -- Psychology of distance running -- Section 2. Training and Event Considerations -- Physiological assessment of middle and long distance runners -- Movement screening and physical capacity assessments -- Training volume and intensity distribution among elite middle and long distance runners -- Tapering and peaking for an event or major competition -- Running coaching case study and lessons learned -- Short term nutrition strategies to maximise event day performance -- Strategic and tactical decision making in middle and long distance running races -- Gait retraining for performance and injury risk -- Strength training for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk -- Specific conditioning to reduce injury risk permission for epigraph -- Section 3. Specific Issues and Populations -- Training monitoring -- Recovery strategies -- Low energy availability: Identification, management and treatment -- Nurturing young distance runners -- Considerations for the female runner -- Performance decline in master endurance runners.

"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 reflected in the growth in the provision 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 sports 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"-- Provided by publisher.