The Science of Running

How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance

By: Steve Magness

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

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

Wealth of data and facts

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.

Great in depth Running Book

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.

Love it!

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.

Great scientific information for the serious distance runner or coach

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.

Detailed analysis

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.