VOQ Training for Cross Country & Track: A Coach's Year-Round Guide to Maximized Performance, Extended Peaks, and Injury-Free Distance Running via the Inverted Pyramid's Volume-of-Quality Training

I went into this book wondering, "who is this guy and why the heck should I read this book?" He wasn't a big name high school coach (that I had heard of) or pro coach or former olympian. But I decided, regardless of this, I would give him and this book a chance. I am very glad I did. If you were like me and considering not giving this book a chance because the author is not a big name, rethink that because this is an excellent book. Its based on the inverted pyramid model and in the first four chapters, you will learn how to incorporate this model into a summer, cross country, winter, and track seasons. He gives specific examples from his own experiences as a coach and explains all of the workouts he uses in the appendix. He also explains how this can be applied to collegiate athletes and self coached athletes. The other chapters are devoted to planning out the season, motviational tips, and warm ups and cooldowns. Very excellent book and a must have for all high school and track coaches. My only complaint is that the author needs to sell his supplemental VOQ training book!

Very few training guides come out that have anything new to say. Most training/coaching systems focus on "building a base" with long, slow distance. If you're one of those people who questions how hours and hours of slow running can prepare an athlete for running fast in races that last just minutes, then this book is for you."Volume of Quality Training" flips the LSD system around with a program focused on fast training for fast racing throughout the competitive seasons. The author presents a logical, systematic approach centered on maximizing the amount of quality running around race pace or faster. A practical, easy to read guide, this book is a fresh approach that leaves the dinosaur training models far behind.

Good info for a high school cross country coach. Easy to read and understand. Author appears to be credited, with a wealth of running knowledge. Enjoyed this book. Good ideas for practice plans. TRACK info too for coaches and distance runners. I recommend this book. Author also has a nice website to visit.

Dan Kaplan has taken all the elements of sports science that running literature is stuffed with and produced a system which is simple to understand and easy to follow.VO2 max, Lactate Threshold, Aerobic Endurance are all taken care of and there's no confusion of "what will I do today?"Follow the system and achieve your goals, keep the science and long winded explanations for when you have more time.Brilliant work Dan, I wish you well in all you do.John

Nice to see another point of view than the traditional "build your base and then add speed at the end..." Reenforced what I've learned through my years as a sprint coach. Nice to see these ideas put in place for distance runners. Thanks for having the guts to share.

Good book with some good ideas but the program requires a tremendous amount of commitment for all those involved. If you are a coach with an uncommitted program or if you are unwilling to meet with kids at least 4 days a week year now, this isn't for you.

Interesting concepts, needs research to verify hypothesis.

Good basic understanding

Useful book, with practical advice on training programs and managing athletes.