Winning Running

by Peter Coe, Peter Coe

Sustained success over years at the top of international competition does not come easily in track athletics, and some distances in particular demand higher commitment and total body fitness of the athlete. This is just one of the many aspects assessed in this informative and important new book by Peter Coe, the coach behind his son's success in nine World Records and three World Bests. The 800 and 1500m events are analysed in detail to provide an understanding of what is required to race and win. All vital components of event training are included from fitness testing; mental conditioning and multi-pace training to post-event analysis. For anyone involved in coaching middle distance running this book will help separate the winners from the losers and develop the conditions for successful running. There is a foreword by Sir Roger Bannister.

Genres: Sports

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[EstelleLiterature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by someone close, who used it in his twenties for middle distance running. I don't run middle distance, but I read this book for the following reason.

Like yoga, running is a multi-billion dollar industry today. The impact of money shows in the content and tone of contemporary books, depending on what they're putting forward, based on the industry's demand. This particular book was written by the father (and coach) of a prominent British runner, who wanted the best for his son, not just as a runner but as an overall human. The book reflects it.

Despite its importance on performance, this book advocates moderation to remain humane. The three chapters I've found particularly insightful are:
1. Health
3. Mental conditioning
6. The principles of training

This book brings a spiritual dimension and philosophy of living absent from other books on running.

[Jwt Jan50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The youngest ran track in high school, but initially opted for football in college. He was considering switching to track and asked me to give it some thought. This is well written for the 'serious' runner or for those contemplating trying to get to the next level. Incredibly demanding and daunting. If you're in that category, or have someone you know who is, this is excellent.

[Danny Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing to come across such candid information pertaining to the training of one of the greatest middle distance runners of all time. That being said, parts of this book read like a textbook and may not be appropriate for people without a firm foundation in physiology and exercise physiology. The information presented is sound and it is cool to see the mesh of science and coaching.

[Callum McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to finally get an insight to Coe Seniors training philosophy, you don’t come across it very often these days as it seems to only be feasible for very small training groups

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seldom read, compact classic, is a must have for any competitive distance runner. Although middle distance focused it is invaluable for any runner and is fairly straightforward and simple.