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.