Training for Young Distance Runners-2nd Edition

240 pages published: 2004

About the Book

Race your best this season with science-based training specifically geared for teenage runners. Your performance will soar when you follow the proven guidelines on designing customized daily, weekly, and seasonal programs.

Running experts Larry Greene and Russ Pate combine the latest research with what works in the most successful high school and college programs throughout the country. You’ll learn how to optimize performance through tempo running, interval training, technique drills, circuit and weight training, and flexibility exercises. And you’ll gain a competitive advantage by applying guidelines for choosing the best foods and nutritional supplements, developing mental fitness, and preventing injuries.

Training for Young Distance Runners has everything you need to build a winning training program for cross country, track and field, and road racing events. Get this book and get ahead of the pack!

About the Authors

Larry Greene knows all about the challenges facing young runners. He was the Florida state high school champion in cross country in 1977 and in the 2-mile run in 1978. He also finished 10th in the national Junior Olympic Cross Country Meet as a senior. Greene’s high school accomplishments earned him a scholarship to Florida State University, where he set the school record for the indoor 3,000-meter run and qualified for the NCAA championship meet three times.

After college, Greene competed and excelled as a distance runner. In 1984 he ran the fastest half-marathon in the world (1:01:27) and finished fourth in the 10,000-meter run at the U.S. Track and Field Championships. In 1987 he finished third in the half-marathon at the U.S. Olympic Festival.

Greene is a senior instructor in the department of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He received an MS in movement science from Florida State University in 1988 and a PhD in exercise science from the University of South Carolina in 1993. A former cross country and track coach at the youth and university levels, Greene served as the director of the Carolina Marathon Youth Cross Country Run from 1990 to 1993. His leisure-time interests include running, cycling, and cross country skiing.

Russ Pate has been an exercise physiology instructor and researcher since 1972. He is also a lifelong distance runner. Pate has a personal best time of 2:15:20 in the marathon, plus he has competed in the marathon at three U.S. Olympic Trials. A professor of exercise science and associate dean for research in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, Pate has focused his research on the relationship between physical activity and health in children and adolescents.

Pate has served as president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and as chairman of the Physical Fitness Council of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He also has been recognized with Scholar Awards from both organizations. In addition, he is a member of the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine.

Pate received a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Oregon in 1974. He received the T.K. Cureton Award, presented by the National Fitness Leaders Association in 1995, and in 1996 he received the ACSM’s Citation Award. In his free time, Pate enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with his kids.

Words of Praise

"Excellent teaching tool for young runners and their coaches. A comprehensive guide that goes beyond the basics of how to develop a successful training plan." Gina Procaccio Head women’s track & field and cross country coach Villanova University

"Anyone who has ever wondered when to begin, how much to do, and what types of activities should be part of a youth training program will find this to be an up-to-date, thoughtful, and effective guide." Don Kardong Senior Writer, Runners World Placed 4th in 1976 Olympic marathon

"This book covers every aspect of distance training for teenage runners. Filled with the latest science-based training advice, it certainly will help young runners achieve their performance goals." Paul Jorgensen Head girls and boys cross country coach Flathead High School (MT)

"Training for Young Distance Runners is a must read for all coaches. This book provides the reader with great scientific knowledge that is needed in creating your own coaching style." Beth Alford-Sullivan Head women’s track & field and cross country coach