Science of Running

Analyze your Technique, Prevent Injury, Revolutionize your Training

Revolutionize your running techniques! Learn how to run better and faster, with more energy while avoiding injury. 

There is a science to running, and now you can learn about it too! Whether you are new to running, or have conquered a few marathons in your time, this runner's guide will show you how to train efficiently, find a suitable running regime, and master the art of running for life!

Inside the pages of this running book, you’ll find:

- Explanations on the anatomy and physiology of the runner.
- Easy-to-read descriptions of how running involves every system in the body.
- A scientific breakdown of what happens under the skin at every stage of the running cycle.
- Featuring anatomy of common injuries and exercise programs for both prevention and recovery.
- 30 key exercises and how to perfect precision to optimize their benefits.
- Bespoke training plans for runners at all levels.

Expert-led insights backed by scientific research will show you how to start running, how to run faster, and how to improve your flexibility and gait for running efficiency and safety. 

Included in the Science of Running are exercises and training programs that target each muscle to ensure you become a stronger, better runner. The clear CGI images show annotations to muscle mechanics so you know you are taking the right steps and perfecting technique.                                             

Learn the science behind your body’s energy systems, proper hydration and nutrition. 
From long-distance to marathon running, this sports book will completely transform your performance of injury-free running and help you to smash your goals one step at a time, proving the ideal running gift for the fitness fanatic in your life.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why not dive deeper into our successful Science of series, where you can discover the research and scientific theories behind exercise and sport. Explore the anatomy of yoga to perfect your practice in Science of Yoga; or redefine your daily routine with Science of Living. 
Chris Napier gained a Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 2007 and is now Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, with a PhD in running biomechanics and injury prevention. In addition to working on research projects, Chris continues to be a practising physiotherapist with Restore Physiotherapy and Athletics Canada. He has competed at the national level as a successful middle-distance runner, earning medals at the Canadian Track & Field Championships in 1996 and 1997. He is also an accomplished marathon runner with a personal best time of 2 hours 33 mins. Twitter: @runnerphysio

Jerry Ziak (contributor to How to Train) has been a competitive distance runner since 1986, a coach since 2005, and co-owner of the running specialty store Forerunners North Shore since 2013. His competitive running career began over cross country and on the track, where he specialized in middle distances ranging from 800m to 10,000m. He ran for Auburn University in Alabama, Boise State University in Idaho, and the University of Victoria in British Columbia before he settled down at the University of British Columbia. He credits the different coaching styles he encountered in these cross country and track programmes, as well as his childhood coaches, with helping him develop his personal coaching philosophy. Once he graduated from UBC, he used this varied experience to self-coach himself over longer distances on the road, ultimately achieving a time of 2:17:24 for the marathon. It was also during this time that he began to coach high school cross country and track as well as half marathon and marathon clinics. View titles by Chris Napier

About

Revolutionize your running techniques! Learn how to run better and faster, with more energy while avoiding injury. 

There is a science to running, and now you can learn about it too! Whether you are new to running, or have conquered a few marathons in your time, this runner's guide will show you how to train efficiently, find a suitable running regime, and master the art of running for life!

Inside the pages of this running book, you’ll find:

- Explanations on the anatomy and physiology of the runner.
- Easy-to-read descriptions of how running involves every system in the body.
- A scientific breakdown of what happens under the skin at every stage of the running cycle.
- Featuring anatomy of common injuries and exercise programs for both prevention and recovery.
- 30 key exercises and how to perfect precision to optimize their benefits.
- Bespoke training plans for runners at all levels.

Expert-led insights backed by scientific research will show you how to start running, how to run faster, and how to improve your flexibility and gait for running efficiency and safety. 

Included in the Science of Running are exercises and training programs that target each muscle to ensure you become a stronger, better runner. The clear CGI images show annotations to muscle mechanics so you know you are taking the right steps and perfecting technique.                                             

Learn the science behind your body’s energy systems, proper hydration and nutrition. 
From long-distance to marathon running, this sports book will completely transform your performance of injury-free running and help you to smash your goals one step at a time, proving the ideal running gift for the fitness fanatic in your life.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why not dive deeper into our successful Science of series, where you can discover the research and scientific theories behind exercise and sport. Explore the anatomy of yoga to perfect your practice in Science of Yoga; or redefine your daily routine with Science of Living. 

Author

Chris Napier gained a Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 2007 and is now Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, with a PhD in running biomechanics and injury prevention. In addition to working on research projects, Chris continues to be a practising physiotherapist with Restore Physiotherapy and Athletics Canada. He has competed at the national level as a successful middle-distance runner, earning medals at the Canadian Track & Field Championships in 1996 and 1997. He is also an accomplished marathon runner with a personal best time of 2 hours 33 mins. Twitter: @runnerphysio

Jerry Ziak (contributor to How to Train) has been a competitive distance runner since 1986, a coach since 2005, and co-owner of the running specialty store Forerunners North Shore since 2013. His competitive running career began over cross country and on the track, where he specialized in middle distances ranging from 800m to 10,000m. He ran for Auburn University in Alabama, Boise State University in Idaho, and the University of Victoria in British Columbia before he settled down at the University of British Columbia. He credits the different coaching styles he encountered in these cross country and track programmes, as well as his childhood coaches, with helping him develop his personal coaching philosophy. Once he graduated from UBC, he used this varied experience to self-coach himself over longer distances on the road, ultimately achieving a time of 2:17:24 for the marathon. It was also during this time that he began to coach high school cross country and track as well as half marathon and marathon clinics. View titles by Chris Napier