I am excited to announce Jim Hiserman‘s new book next week. Some of you may know him from his other of 3 books:
- The Art of Long Hurdling: A Guide to Racing and Training for 400 meter Hurdles
- Program Design Method for Sprints & Hurdle Training
- Strength and Power for Maximum Speed
Integrating Neural Training with Metabolic Training for Developing Distance Runners
If you are a regular disciple of Speed Endurance. Com then you already know the importance of increasing maximum speed in order to improve an athlete’s “Speed Reserve”. It may come as a surprise to many runners but high volume distance training does not improve maximum running velocity. Maximum and near maximum velocity sprint work is an effective tool to boost max speed, and so is explosive/ reactive strength training which utilizes movements that mimic various parts of the running gait. In addition, it has been shown that maximal strength training can improve running velocity as well.
In fact, research has shown that maximal speed is highly predictive of endurance performance. This involves increasing both stride rate and stride length through specific training. High velocity sprint work, weight training and jump training can provide this specific training.
Utilizing maximal sprint training improves force production of the leg muscles, enhances coordination of the muscles at higher speeds and increases lower leg power at ground contact. Incorporating max strength and explosive/reactive strength training into the weekly training plan, along with sprint training, allows endurance athletes to increase their maximal running velocity and efficiency over all distances.
Of course a balanced distance running training plan would emphasize training at vVo2Max along with training to lift Lactate Threshold and enhance the “Lactate Shuttle” ability of athletes.
When planning on a comprehensive program to develop young distance runners, coaches would be wise to attend to the development of Posture and Running Mechanics, plan for methods to Monitor Stress-Recovery Balance and develop the overall athleticism of young runners using training modes that develop all three muscle fiber types.
Methods that make it easy to individualize training speeds and volumes would also be high on the list for planning a productive program aimed at fully developing the young distance runner as well as keeping them injury free.
Integrating all the above categories involves knowledge of both Neural and Metabolic Training methods which might be intimidating to many coaches. Coaches who are interested in fully developing their young athletes with all the tools necessary for consistent improvements in distance races may want to keep checking the Speed Endurance website for the introduction of DEVELOPING DISTANCE RUNNERS: integrating Neural & Metabolic Training Methods…a Total systems approach for Development of Distance Runners.
A recent review for this complete guide for developing young distance runners stated:
“In this book, Jim Hiserman, outlines a comprehensive training program that encompasses the total distance running athlete. He refreshes the theories that surround many of the traditional methods employed in the past by some of the most successful coaches. And then includes, through extensive research, some of the latest techniques that have been adopted by today’s top trainers. In the end, it provides the rookie coach with a base of knowledge that can be successfully utilized with athletes of all abilities. And for the veteran coach, this book furnishes an opportunity to aid in their continuing professional development.” — Coach Joe Mangan/ Indiana Univ., College of San Mateo
Jimson Lee
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