Science of Running: Analyze Your Technique, Prevent Injury, Revolutionize Your Training, Paperback

The human body is a machine that is designed to run--and every machine needs a manual. Explore the mechanics and physiology of every stride and reveal the new sports science that will take you from slow to pro.

Science of Running goes further than any other running book to interrogate the anatomy and physiology of the runner, showing how running involves and affects every system in the body--including the effect of oxygen on the muscles. The book breaks down the runner's stride scientifically, showing what's going on under the skin at every stage of the running cycle, highlighting common injury risks based on a runner's natural gait, and showing how to correct them. Takes a head-to-toe approach to 30 key exercises for runners, annotating the muscles, ligaments, and joints involved and showing how to perfect precision in those exercises to optimize their benefits.

Running is a dynamic discipline, so CGI illustrations employ a ghosting visual effect to show the movement of the body, and color-coding highlights how the muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints stretch and relax in motion. The book looks at the science behind nutrition and hydration and includes custom 360 training programs based on hard science--for morning joggers, 10K-ers, and marathon masters.

Science of Running answers all your running-related questions, from what's going on in your lungs during a sprint to the science behind the legendary "runner's high." Learn how to run faster, further, and for longer--scientifically.

Chris Napier earned 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 practicing 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