Programmed to Run

By Thomas S. Miller

Book Overview

Serious athletes in most other sports study and improve their sport-specific skills, but runners can rarely find the tools to help them hone technique. And yet, imagine the impact of improving your stride efficiency even a fraction of a percent per stride. Multiplied by the number of steps you take during a run or race, even the smallest improvement could have a huge impact on your overall performance. Programmed to Run is the only book on the market that focuses on running technique. Other running books virtually ignore the biomechanics of efficient technique, and those that do touch on the subject provide no guidance on how to assess and improve technique. Programmed to Run presents mental and physical techniques to help you improve your performance. It shows you how to improve your stride mechanics and focus your mind during training and racing so that you can reach your potential. Combining practical advice for improving running efficiency--something every runner can benefit from--with psychological principles for improving running technique, Programmed to Run shows you how to apply field-tested concepts to your own performance psychology to improve your physical performance. You'll learn how to - assess your current running technique; - improve your mechanics to become a more efficient runner; - use proper breathing skills; - increase your speed, power, and endurance; - focus your mind for better performance; - train your mind and body to work together; and - apply mental coping and training techniques. The book covers the biomechanics of running, including the recommended stride dynamics patterns, elements of efficient mechanical technique, supplemental energy sources, and breathing skills. It includes practical descriptions of efficient running biomechanics as well as sequential photos of runners demonstrating proper technique. It also provides a practical blueprint for preparing for competition, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social, logistical, environmental, and technical demands of specific events. Anyone who's willing to take the time and effort can learn economy of movement. No matter what level you're at, you can learn to run faster, longer, and with fewer injuries with the proper biomechanical and psychological skills. With Programmed to Run you'll be able to train your mind and body to achieve extraordinary results.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736037497
• ISBN13: 9780736037495
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

My favorite running book

This book is my favorite. I find myself referencing it alot. There's alot of good, solid training advice and some novel training techniques presented. I like the fact that the author is scientifically based and bases training on real testing vs hunches.

Lots to think about

The author through self exploration leads the reader to believe that it truly is mind over matter. I found the book to be well written, although at times a little too centred on the author's experiences. Overall a good read.

A complete guide to running

This is a great book with hands-on concepts for anyone that wants to improve their running performance. The chapters on technique are easy to understand and if you practice them, you will see results immediately in your running.The chapters on mental performance technique are equally good and hard to come by. If you race, you know your mind often falls apart before your body does. Miller gives you many resources to keep focused on running.I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to run faster and smarter!

A superb manual for self-teaching good running technique

Programmed To Run: A Biomechanical And Psychological System For Peak Running Efficiency by athletic coach and sports performance enhancement expert Thomas S. Miller is a thorough and practical guide to running faster and longer with less effort, by improving one's stride mechanics and mental focus for optimum personal performance. A superb manual for self-teaching good running technique, Programmed to Run covers everything from proper breathing to training the proper competitive mind-set for a good race. Programmed To Run is very highly recommended reading for everyone who regularly enjoys the activity of running, whether for active leisure, personal fitness, or in sports competition.