Better Training for Distance Runners

No two authors are better qualified than David Martin and Peter Coe to address both the physiology and coaching of distance running. Martin has served as marathon chair of USA Track & Field`s (USATF) Men`s Development Committee since 1979 and as chair of the national governing body`s Sport Science Subcommittee since 1984. These positions have allowed him to coach, advise, and scientifically evaluate many of America`s best men and women distance runners. They have also provided him the opportunity to work with and learn from other top coaches and sports scientists around the world. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Martin is the author of four books, including The High Jump Book, The Marathon Footrace, and Training Distance Runners. He also is a contributor to New Studies in Athletics, the technical journal of the International Amateur Athletic Federation.

Dr. Martin is a regents professor of health sciences at Georgia State University, which has three times honored him as a distinguished professor. He is also a results statistician for the Association of International Marathons and the Association for Track & Field Statisticians.

Peter Coe has successfully coached domestic and foreign runners at all levels, but he is probably best known for guiding his son Sebastian to one of the greatest middle distance running careers of all time. Under Peter`s tutelage, Sebastian won two Olympic gold medals in the 1500-meter run and two Olympic silver medals in the 800-meter run; a bronze, a silver, and a gold at the European championships; and 12 world records. A retired engineer, Coe is a recognized international lecturer and a writer. He is author of Training Distance Runners and Winning Running. Coe was presented the Senior Coaching Award by the British Athletics Association and was named Coach of the Year by the British Milers` Club--an organization for which he served as chairman for several years.