The Self-Coached Runner II: Cross Country and the Shorter Distances

""Careful planning for several months in advance of a race and constant vigilance as the schedules are followed'' are integral to proper training, according to Lawrence, an Olympic bronze medalist and track coach, and Scheid, an English professor and national-level runner. This training manual, a companion to the authors' guide The Self-Coached Runner for long-distance competitors, provides complete pre-conditioning and specialized training schedules for the gamut of short-distance racers from sprinters to cross-country runners; tables to help runners determine what distances they are best suited for; and tips on weight-training, sprinting, indoor-racing and hill-climbing techniques. Less proficient racers can utilize slower-paced programs geared toward progressive improvement, while advanced competitors are challenged with vigorous regimens. The authors emphasize the importance of applying the laws of biomechanics to racing but fail to provide a thorough explanation of the relevant principles in this otherwise comprehensive treatment. Illustrations not seen by PW. (March)