This book is intended for coaches to develop strength and power the correct way. It may appear like many books by Westside, but it is completely designed for running any distance. It is a collection of 35 years of discovering the best method to build strength and improve power. Some methods are complex while others very simple but time proven. This book will explain problems that may have held your training methods back. A running coach should train not only technique but also strength and power. Furthermore, learn how to train optimally, and prevent most injuries. “The wisest man has something yet to learn” – George Santayana.
There is tons of very useful information for both coaches and athletes, for all distances of races, in here. Louie was a very smart guy.
He really could've used an editor, though. There are a number of sections that seem to be copied and pasted directly from other sections. Some of the graphs/tables don't match up with the descriptions, as if they were originally in a different location and the text wasn't updated. They're usually pretty minor, but there are a handful of them that make it difficult to understand the chapter they're in.
I can personally attest to the positive results for all running athletes when:
*Running volume is closely monitored. *Running athletes participate in traditional strengthening movements. *Running athletes further enhance their running development with special exercises that promote run specific musculature and energy metabolism.
This book is tremendous and should be part of the contemporary coaches library.
Louie's knowledge about strength is unparalleled but it seems to be a theme that it feels like no one proofread his books before publishing. Some sections seem like the exact same paragraphs were copy/pasted twice for some reason and other times there are glaring issues that just leave you scratching your head
Great insight into the westside style of training runners. Some great, specific examples of GPP as well as special exercises used for sprinters through distance runners.