The Science of Running Audiobook By Steve Magness cover art

The Science of Running

How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance

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The Science of Running

By: Steve Magness
Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne
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If you are looking for how to finish your first 5k, this book isn't for you. The Science of Running is written for those of us looking to maximize our performance, get as close to our limits as possible, and more than anything find out how good we can be, or how good our athletes can be. In The Science of Running, elite coach and exercise physiologist Steve Magness integrates the latest research with the training processes of the world's best runners, to deliver an in depth look at how to maximize your performance.

It is a unique book that conquers both the scientific and practical points of running in two different sections. The first is aimed at identifying what limits running performance from a scientific standpoint. You will take a tour through the inside of the body, learning what causes fatigue, how we produce energy to run, and how the brain functions to hold you back from super-human performance. In section two, we turn to the practical application of this information and focus on the process of training to achieve your goals. You will learn how to develop training plans and to look at training in a completely different way. The Science of Running does not hold back information and is sure to challenge you to become a better athlete, coach, or exercise scientist.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2014 Stephen Magness (P)2019 Tantor Running & Jogging Track & Field Running Training Physical Training
Scientific Approach • Evidence-based Content • Comprehensive Information • Practical Applications • Detailed Research
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The book promos clearly states this book is not for the causal runner with tips to finish their 5K.

However I was not ready to be overwhelmed with so much data and facts.

Ultimately every runner is different physiologically, psychologically and have different goals and events. Hence no one system fits all.

The idea is to review the science, figure out where the limitations to achieve one’s goals are and then develop plans to improve them, and test and repeat.

Unfortunately this books would be better as a physical copy that gets dog eared, highlighted and reread. Because there’s no way an audiobook is as easily referred back to.

One minor gripe: without much narrative stories and anecdotes, it a bit harder for the “lesson” of each section to get in. It felt more textbookish at times.

Wealth of data and facts

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Some parts felt dense and hard to understand without the given diagrams. However, it was a highly intricate look at the process of running in all aspects that’s what I wanted to learn. My only complaint is at times the author can be dismissive of existing information and science that is trying to understand the processes of running and just say “it’s individualized, don’t bother.” Even though science is a trial and error of generally truthful outcomes. It seems worth it to acknowledge the information as “this could be correct, but we’re still learning more;” instead of “this is actually not the case.”

Very technical and thorough

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Book is aimed at the competitive runner or running Coach. Good information about the science of different muscle development. Key reoccuring term is training for the goal distance and pace. Good information for the recreational runner to understand how and why to train.

This is not a book for someone trying to do their first or even 5th 5k. Not for the general fitness runner. This book is for someone who wants to win a race at any distance, train someone to win or delve into research

Competitive Running Science.

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This is one of the most detailed summary around the science of running. There are many examples of methods given. The authors left it to the reader to get what they need from the book without pushing methods on the reader.

Detailed analysis

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This book provides the tools to craft an intelligent, scientific, and individualized training program as opposed to blindly following cookie-cutter plans. While sometimes redundant, and technical throughout, this book isn’t meant to be a literary masterpiece. It is a manual for how to train better and race faster. I particularly appreciate the critique of VO2 max as a basis for training paces. This is one of several examples of how the book is largely based on evidence, not accepted dogma.

Great scientific information for the serious distance runner or coach

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This book is the perfect mix of research and research based practical applications for training. The boom is definitely targeted toward coaches, but would also be extremely valuable for a scientifically minded athlete. The material is very well organized and I learned a lot about every aspect of running.

Excellent review of research with practical applications

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I liked how the author explains how different types of runs and exercises affects the runner's development, both positively and negatively. The holistic approach of the different components of different techniques as well as the science behind it helped tremendously in understanding the what, why, and how of optimal training as a runner.

Comprehensive explanation of custom specific training plan

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Very thorough book that describes all things running. I especially like the second half which focuses on the training principles as I'm not into research as much as practical application of research. I wish there were more books like this on the subject.

Great in depth Running Book

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I have listened to this book several times and enjoy it every time! Particularly the sections outlining each race type and how to train for them.

Love it!

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Great amount of working knowledge. Driven for the pro level coach but there are still a ton of good points for a high school coach to utilize in their training. Very much science AND experience backed thoughts and philosophies.

Coaching Knowledge

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