Book recommendation please

Lazare

Hi, can anybody recommend a good book on the science of distance running?

I started running last January and up until now have been concentrating on improving my 5k times. I want to change tack for 2017 and become a distance runner, with a view to running DCM 2017.

I'm interested in learning about what's going on in my body physiologically, the science behind muscle training and optimal nutrition etc.

If someone can point me towards some good reading on the subject I'd be much obliged.

Battery Kinzie

I read Faster Road Racing by Pete Pfitzinger, and really enjoyed it. I'm yet to follow a plan directly from it, but I learned a lot about when and why to do what type of run. Reading it has made me confident enough to be able to make a plan that suits me and follow it through, making changes as I see necessary.

It seems to be the standard book for starting off, though there are loads of other ones.

Lazare

Battery Kinzie wrote: »

I read Faster Road Racing by Pete Pfitzinger, and really enjoyed it. I'm yet to follow a plan directly from it, but I learned a lot about when and why to do what type of run. Reading it has made me confident enough to be able to make a plan that suits me and follow it through, making changes as I see necessary.

It seems to be the standard book for starting off, though there are loads of other ones.

Thank you, that looks excellent. Not sure though from reading the synopsis if it will cover the science behind optimal training??

I'll definitely pick it up though, cheers.

Battery Kinzie

Lazare wrote: »

Thank you, that looks excellent. Not sure though from reading the synopsis if it will cover the science behind optimal training??

I'll definitely pick it up though, cheers.

I suppose it depends how in depth you want the science to go. It tells you how each type of workout helps, i.e. increased capillary density, etc. It doesn't go hugely in depth, maybe 10 pages in total if I remember correctly, but it was enough for me to be honest.

If you're looking for something with a bit more science, 'Science of Running' by Steve Madness might be a good one to look at. I haven't read it myself, but flicked through parts of it before, but it looked a bit too much for me.

nhunter100

Lazare wrote:

Hi, can anybody recommend a good book on the science of distance running?

I have no problem with books, but I would personally seek out FB pages/ sites that cater for ultra runners. Like you I trained up to a 5k decided whilst it was great I wanted to go further. First distance 10km September 2013 and first marathon April 2014, 100km August 2016.

TFBubendorfer

You want science? I can give you science. 944 pages of it!

https://www.amazon.com/Lore-Running-4th-Timothy-Noakes/dp/0873229592

Tim Noakes is one of the most respected exercise scientists in the world and used to be a decent runner himself. He's also slightly controversial as many of his views contradict the "usual" advice (including advice he used to give out himself 20 years ago).

pconn062

If you really want science then try this: Magness

Goes into a lot of detail about the physiological aspect of running, cell development, muscle fiber types, the affects of fatigue and the CNS.

Quite heavy going at times but if you want science it's all there.

Tombo2001

Not book.....but (imho) there are lots of interesting discussions worth following on letrsrun.com

RegisteredMice

Reading this book at the moment...
https://www.amazon.com/Competitive-Runners-Handbook-Bestselling-Marathons/dp/0140469907
"The competitive runners handbook"
Really excellent book breaks down various types of runs for different runners.

Myles Splitz

For the science element of it best starting point is looking at any general school biology textbook and brush up on basic respiration (ATP, Krebs Cycle etc) most of that stuff can be googled

After that some good starting books of a scientific nature

The Lore of Running by Tim Noakes
Jack Daniels Running Formula
IAAF Marathon: A Scientific Approach by Renato Canova
The Science of Running by Steve Magness
Healthy Intelligent Training by Ken Livingston
Running to the Top by Joe Vigil

These would be some pretty good starting points for gaining understanding with most do a basic background into physiology before applying methods based on these premise.

While none of them are definitive for cracking the secret to running (here is a hint there isn't one keep it simple, progressive and consistent and its about 90% of the battle) each of them are a very good read in their own right

Lazare

Some excellent stuff there, thanks guys.

Ceepo

Lazare wrote: »

Hi, can anybody recommend a good book on the science of distance running?

I started running last January and up until now have been concentrating on improving my 5k times. I want to change tack for 2017 and become a distance runner, with a view to running DCM 2017.

I'm interested in learning about what's going on in my body physiologically, the science behind muscle training and optimal nutrition etc.

If someone can point me towards some good reading on the subject I'd be much obliged.

If you want book on the science of endurance training then this is a great book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1841260045/ref=pe_217191_31005151_3p_dp_1
It's not running book per-say but more to do with endurance training, very very in depth, but i would recommend it to you and indeed most of the people that post here.