A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training - Power Speed ENDURANCE

This book brought the Crossfit concept full circle. Well worth having--great reference tool. It takes you through the lifts, shows you what works best for runners, bikers, and swimmers- Form and technique are covered also. And some training programs for different sports

I have a background in competitive bodybuilding and have been semi-retired since 2009. I'm a full time personal trainer and with that being said, I'm constantly on the lookout for new, educational material to help myself as well as my athletes/clients. While I'm not a Crossfit instructor, I enjoy learning about the CF philosophies and especially love reading and learning Brian Mackenzie's theories on running and endurance in general. I also enjoy watching Kelly Starrett's videos on MobilityWod.com. He's hilarious, quick to the point, and his information is always helpful. He shares his views in the mobility section, which is a highlight of the book.

11 months ago I took up running and over the summer I ran 3 different races; a 12K, a 5 miler, and a half marathon. Coming from a bodybuilding background, I had never been a runner or incorporated running into my routines even in short sprints or HIIT. I despised running and would avoid it at all costs. Something switched in me last year and my attention shifted to endurance training- and long runs/races. The problem I kept encountering was that I'd have one injury after another. First it was crippling shin splints (that I'm sure ultimately turned into stress fractures in both legs), then it was a tight IT Band and knotted up Vastus Lateralis muscle that wreaked havoc on my right knee and took me out of training for a few weeks. Then both knees started acting up... then minor pain in my achilles. Rest and ice helped, but when I was purposely training for an event, I found it difficult to sit still and take time off.

Brian Mackenzie's theories about doing less (running shorter distances) is difficult to wrap your mind around at first because the old school "way" is long runs scheduled throughout your week leading up to a race. The longs runs were difficult for me in the beginning, but I gradually built up my endurance and embraced the mental and physical challenges that the long runs provided me. 10-13 mile training runs were super important in preparing me for the psychological side of running, which was very alien to me. I'm planning to run a full marathon in June, and Mackenzie's principles will be at the forefront of my training. I'll definitely put more of a focus on my mobility, and strength training this time around and not beat myself up running so much.

I received this book last week, and have already read through it pretty thoroughly. I've also started implementing some of the ideas and strategies listed. Right now I'm working on my running form, which needs a lot of work. I can already tell the pages of the mobility section will be worn down and bookmarked in no time- it's invaluable information. I'm aiming to compete in a Triathlon in July, so the swimming and biking section will get dissected soon as well.

While I don't strictly follow a Paleo diet, I eat pretty close to it 90% of the time and find it a suitable way for me to eat. I don't consume bread, pasta or rice and I feel that my energy levels are perfectly fine while running. However, before a race I'll deviate a bit and have a piece of toast with jam and almond butter (this is rare for me), but it did seem to help with my energy levels, especially during the half-marathon. Eating in this way also helps me keep my body fat lower than if I were to consume a higher carb/grain diet. Brian Mackenzie is a proponent of the Paleo diet and he briefly describes it in the book.

All in all, this book is great! Fantastic photos, excellent explanations and advice, all you need to do is give it a shot and test the theories. I feel this book is appropriate for the novice as well as the seasoned athlete, and for the skeptics- you need to read and apply these principles probably more than anyone. Someone mentioned in another review that the form/exercise description on some of the strength training movements was sketchy (the deadlift, I believe). To this I'd say, check out multiple YouTube videos on powerlifting movements if you're unsure how to do them. Hire a personal trainer with a background in these type of lifts, or join a Crossfit class to make sure your form is correct and you stay safe. It's difficult to look at a picture and know how to properly execute a complicated movement like the Deadlift. But hey, don't take my word for it. Read, apply, and kick ass!

I've been following the Crossfit endurance program for the last 38 weeks and this book has now provided a simple, comprehensive reference guide for the elements of the program. It includes sections on the principles of Crossfit, endurance activities and all the various lifts and movements. So far it has saved me a few visits to YouTube searching for demonstrations.

I ran across Brian Mackenzie's material several months ago while recovering from a running injury and his methods made a lot of since to me. I've incorporated them in my training and Brian's methods have made a huge difference in my performance. I anticipated a good book from Brain but was totally blown away by the detail of the content as well as the expertise he pulled in to create, in my opinion, the best resource of its type on the market today. I highly recommend it and I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars!

Understandably, this book is 90% a rehash of general CF concepts. So if you are fairly familiar with CF already, then you can get through this book rather quickly. However, the concept is very interesting and I'll be giving it a try. As an avid cyclist for 20 years (with some racing thrown in), I am broken and have been getting weaker and slower the past year. My body is chronically injured and has deteriorated to the point of being unable to train at any reasonable level.

The book could use a few more workout schedule examples. If the books premise and training method works brings me back from broken, then I should have given the book 5 stars. I just don't know yet.

for anyone who does crossfit and wants to enhance their running, biking or swimming - and even their crossfit - this is a must read. well written, well researched, and great insight. highly recommended.

A must have for any endurance athlete. There is so much knowledge cramped together into one little book. This one combined with the upcoming Subtle Leopard from Brian's friend Kelly Starett and you will avoid so much physical pain in your life it's ridiculous!

I've been following [...] for some time now, but I never really understood the methodology of it until now. The book is straightforward with no BS. It gives practical advice and a proven system that works.

The drills are well presented and the key concepts are well explained. The book devotes a lot of space to injury prevention and treatment which will be appreciated by all athletes.

Here's the rub: This book does not re-write the principles of adaptation required for peak sports performance but repackages it in a different framework, namely, crossfit.

As all runners know there are certain key training runs: Long Run, Tempos, Intervals and Reps to name a few. These are repackaged as Run WODs. Similalry for the bike and swimming.

And ask any endurance coach worth his/her salt and he or she will tell you that 2 days of strength training will go a long way to making you a better athlete and preventing injuries. This is repackaged into the CrossFit mould as well. Mobility and felxibility training is repackaged as CrossFit WODS.

The truth is, and disagree with me if you will, but this is CrossFit's attempt to branch out into the rapidly growing market of athletic performance coaching in our gyms.

Power Speed Endurance A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training is one of those books you pre-order and then count down the days till it arrives at your door. I was able to get my hands on an advanced copy of the pre-order and I am extremely satisfied. I have been following the methodologies of CrossFit Endurance for awhile and I have a CrossFit Endurance Certification. That being said I felt like I had already been well versed in what Brian would presumably share in his text. I was wrong. This book goes so much farther down the rabbit hole that I can wholeheartedly say that this is what the next level looks like. If you are an athlete or a coach, like myself, and you are training endurance athletes you had better put this on your "read immediately cover to cover and start reworking how I do things" list... at the very top. The taste of what can be done with flipping the long duration model on its head have been reflected in things like Brian's work with Timothy Ferris in The 4-Hour Body, but they didnt scratch the surface of the immense resource that Brian and his work are for not just endurance athletes but every athlete. You are not just fed all the information you ever wanted for techniques, drills, progressions, programming, and the science behind it all. You are also given a well documented pictorial guide to perfect the relationship between the raw data and your personal application. I truly expect that the athletes and coaches who have not been paying attention to the movements of Brian through IAMUNSCARED.COM and CrossFit Endurance will be seconding guessing why they had not paid attention sooner. Cover to cover this book is every bit of what it was promised to be, a true bible and testament to the new and improved world of athletic performance and endurance. If you are second guessing what you are getting you are wasting precious time to be better from core to extremity, from top to bottom, and from biological to neurologically a more sound, fit, healthy, and uninjured version of your former athletic self.

Look, if you're a runner, swimmer, of cyclist - this book WILL blow your mind. Your form is wrong. There, I said it. You don't have to believe me, just read this book! It not only will show you, it will explain why your form sucks and best of all, it will show you a form for each sport that will keep you competing and a high level and keep you injury free. Brian MacKenzie will blow your mind...

Highly Recommend!

Very complex work. I find it partially useful, partially annoying. If you swim, bike, or run, this should be your technical "how-to". Please read my comments with I am NOT a big swimmer/biker/or runner, so I am not as enamored by it.

If you are into those - you must buy this book as it will be a classic one day on the core technical aspects and retraining of skills.

This book is a must read for any endurance athlete looking to train smarter, faster and stronger. I have been a strength and conditioning coach for over 20 years, am a Master Level Pose Coach and have seen more success in my athletes using MacKenzie's method of training than with any other program. The book provides everything you need for skill based training including nutrition, training guides and all of the pictures will ensure you do the movements correctly.

Brian Mackenzie brings a fresh perspective to Endurance training by utilizing the many facets of skill based development from biking, swimming, running and finally CrossFit. Brian further details the CrossFit components by breaking them down into Strength and Conditioning followed by Mobility and how each method plays an integral role in overall preparation. In addition, Brian brings together Nutrition and Hydration, two elements often neglected in many training manuals but critical roles to ensure peak performance. Lastly, Brian shares his knowledge and expertise on programming for the Endurance athlete. His step by step approach to breaking down the key elements of the training program can be examined and understood by the most novice of athletes to the most competitive. A must read for those interested in taking their Endurance training to a whole new level!

This book is a must have for all endurance athletes! The details, descriptions and illustrations are superb in every way. Once you get your hands on this book you cant put it down! If you are a coach, you definitely cant pass this book up. For all the valuable information in this book you would expect to pay twice as much for it.

This book is fantastic. It is mainly step by step pictures for all kinds of exercises. If you are a triathlete, cyclist or crossfiter you need this book. This book will help get you strong and prevent injury. It is one of the most complete books I own.

Pre-statements for this:

I have been coaching endurance athletes for 10 years, mostly runners with a few triathletes thrown in. I attended USAT and USATF level one clinics many years ago. I have dozens of all-americans, conference champions, school records and NCAA trophy teams in XC and Track.

Pros:

1) The sections on recovery and tissue mobility are worth the price of the kindle book. Myofascial release is given little attention in standard running/endurance texts though it is very important to overall muscle health and function.

2) The form sections are complete, but please refer back to the title of the review. I'll address this later, but it's a solid review of the pose method. Dr. Romanov's books are available, so for further info consult those...

Cons:

1) The standard Crossfit assumption is how runners just do LSD, paying no attention to mobility/strength/coordination/flexibility, etc. It's that we repeat the same general pattern, distances and exercises from week to week without viewing a runner as a total athlete. It's flat out insulting - majorly insulting - to most running coaches. Part of a "new way" of training is the intonation that the "old way" was flawed and poor.

2) There is nothing new - not even remotely so - in this book. "The runners of tomorrow will be strong. The runners will develop themselves through lifting heavy weight and running sand and hills; anything for a heavy, sweating effort." Percy Cerutty (the legendary Australian coach) said this... In 1955!!!!!

3) Periodization is the idea that you structure training from the least specific to your target race to the most specific work for your target race in a way that gets you to the starting line prepared in the best possible way to succeed at your target race. CFE removes this process. The same basic rules apply that CFE takes as their "new and true". You need different components at different times of year. You can't perform the same exercises more than a few weeks in a row. The body will adapt and plateau if one thing is maintained for too long. BUT, the difference is that it is planned in periodization to get you to the starting line to perform your best.

4) The lifts provided form an excellent base of strength for an endurance athlete. There are more specific/functional strength exercises you can/should perform as you get closer to race day. Yes, they will keep up your ability to perform in everyday life while extending your capacity as an endurance athlete. It's all part of that periodization thing. These variations in training can and SHOULD be planned, but CFE makes them random.

5) POSE pisses me off a bit. It has good intention, but once again there's the assumption no one runs correctly to begin with. I teach all of my athletes to pull with their glutes and hamstrings, maintain their foot strike over their center of gravity and those who don't do it to begin with are sure able to do it by the end. We build the strength in the weight room and teach through every day drills. I don't have a fancy name for it nor do I make a ton of money selling seminars, but it works.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Big words, decent ideas and a couple of big objections!!

MacKenzie is poorly informed about Running mechanics. Running 100m, 800m or Marathon requires quite different mechanics.
Sprinters do not extend the hip. Middle distance athletes do. Hamstrings are not Prime Movers, they are synergists to the Glutes in hip extension. Hip flexors are prime movers; how else can you flex your hip during swing phase? Try running as suggested in this book and you will move badly and get injured. "Engage your core"......what does that mean? What would Kenenisa Bekele say to that? There are some good points here but The Skill that is proposed for running is simply wrong. Running is not pulling, it is pushing. Running on a treadmill is not like running over the ground; the leg is pulled into extension by the belt, so studying gait on a teadmill is misleading. Athletes should be filmed running on a track, not a treadmill. This is poor science and inaccurate advice.

So now I've gone through the main training program in this book twice. I have really enjoyed the workouts. I love having someone tell me what I need to do so I don't have to think about it.

Pros: Solid training plan. I liked it enough to do it twice. I really believe in McKenzies minimalist protocol. My times have improved in the workouts and in my cardio. Good education on swimming and biking form.

Cons: Basically talks about the Prose method of running. Science showed how ineffective the Prose technique was over 15 years ago. Also, There are numerous mistakes in the workout section. For example, some of the swimming workouts have run distances. It would have been nice if someone went through and edited this. Lastly, the times for the cardio workouts are pretty generalized and set for a specific person.

Great book, a fast read. It touches on almost every topic around training: strength, running, swimming, biking, mobility in fairly good depth. I would consider this book written at an intermediate level for fitness knowledge. It wasn't crazy technical but provided some actionable items you could take to your training.

I don't know if would use this method to PR in long course events but I think it's a great plan for 5K running up to Oly Tris.

I've run numerous half-marathons and have worked with several coaches. But this book explained the mechanics of running to me better than anyone ever has. I'm faster and less prone to injury as a result of the new techniques I've learned from reading this book.

I raced track and cross country through college and I do triathlons now. This book has concepts that are great for beginners up to elite athletes. It is filled with information and drills/workouts and how to do proper form to avoid injury. Some material in here is debatable on like how to run "correctly" but that's for you to decide on. If you want to build your base and add strength I suggest looking through this book.

While this book takes the principals of CrossFit to the endurance relm and this procedure is original, sports help books like this have been around for decades.
The concept of CrossFit endurance is yet unproven so at best this is a good intro to CrossFit.
I love CrossFit and use the book to guide me through exercises unique to it. Further the endurance sports drills are helpful. I recommend this book to any endurance athlete looking to improve speed and strength. But the endurance aspect is missing in this book.
Would have been a 5 star review if the concept of CrossFit endurance was believable

While this book takes the principals of CrossFit to the endurance relm and this procedure is original, sports help books like this have been around for decades.
The concept of CrossFit endurance is yet unproven so at best this is a good intro to CrossFit.
I love CrossFit and use the book to guide me through exercises unique to it. Further the endurance sports drills are helpful. I recommend this book to any endurance athlete looking to improve speed and strength. But the endurance aspect is missing in this book.
Would have been a 5 star review if the concept of CrossFit endurance was believable

"Power Speed Endurance" is the first book to manual the concepts of CrossFit Endurance and (as far as I know of) the first book to publish strength and conditioning of the CrossFit variety in general. While the internet has made much of the information readily available there truly is no substitute for a book to lay things out in a clear to understand manner. While the book is not a tome of exercise science terminology not easily understood by the masses is IS tome of easily digestible VISUAL information. or in other words. PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES. full color and with a clear narrative. covering running, swimming, biking, strength and conditioning, mobility ****AS A SKILL****. I think that no matter where one falls on the spectrum of volume of S+C::Sport Specific work that as the endurance community paradigm shift continues (you can see this already in the upward movement of "minimal" running shoes) it will become more and more paramount to approach these sports AS SKILLS and to have strength and conditioning as part of a properly balanced program.

My past has been in the endurance sport realm...a soccer player, a mountain biker, a cyclist, a runner, a mountain junkie (hiking, climbing, etc). I wish I would have had this book years ago. Myself, like many endurance athletes, have put in miles upon miles upon miles on the bike and running. I have trained with the attitude of the more volume the better. In the last several years I have shifted that mentality with my own research and experience, but this book explains it all and WHY we need to train smarter, not harder. Endurance athletes are one of a kind...we just keep going. But over time that continued, "go, go, go" will leave us broken and away from what we all love to do. Brian MacKenzie and Glen Cordoza have developed a resource for all athletes and coaches that will make them better. They will feel better, they will perform better and their bodies will look like athletes, not broken down skin and bones. Power, Speed, Endurance: A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training is the whole package. It touches on every aspect of training for endurance sports in a safe, smart and effective manner. Thank you both for bringing to light the truth behind endurance training. If you don't have this book in your training resource library you are missing out! Get it NOW!

I have read many books on fitness I will definitely put Power, Speed, and Endurance at the top of my must read list.
* First off, the layout is wonderful the color tabs, pictures, and explicit details have been great
* Second, the Running chapter is written and illustrated so well I thought I was in the CrossFit Endurance course all over again
* Third, the Cycling chapter had some great hints that I have started using and improved my rides immensely, just by looking at a few pictures weird I know
* Fourth, the Swimming chapter one of my favorite pass times and the crawl has been covered in a very well straight to the point way
* Fifth, the Strength-and Conditioning chapter should take all of the ifs, ands, and buts about strength-and-conditioning out of the endurance factor and show that getting stronger will definitely help in all aspects
* Sixth, the Mobility chapter is still one of my favorites without it I think that many endurance athletes would be in a very stiff mess. Keep in mind all of these mobility exercises will not feel great but after you perform them and see the improvement you will believe
* Seventh, the Fueling Protocol chapter is great because if you do not understand the activities you do you will suffer in one way or the other due to not getting the nutrition you need at the point of breaking or even in the pre-event meals when and what.
* Eighth, the CrossFit Endurance Programming this chapter is broken down so well I think anyone will be very happy with the breakdown. He has gone into a great deal of detail hear leaving so many tidbits of information to help everyone on the schemes of programming.
Keep this in mind I have just thrown some tidbits here guys keep in mind this is one of the best laid out informational source for endurance training I have ever seen. I will say all that anyone needs to do is buy the book it is a great book.

Prior to the advent of the internet, software programs or even sophisticated email, I began coaching multi sport athletes using a periodization model based on much of Tudor Bompa's work. During those times I found that most athletes performed better on reduced volume training. In 2003 I stumbled upon a creative and fun GPP method known as CrossFit. Greg and Lauren Glassman connected the dots for me in regards to sport specific preparation and physical conditioning in general. I successfully overlaid a strength template on the CrossFit template (Max Effort Black Box) and have watched young to old excel with this approach.

With Power,Speed & Endurance Brian has put together an intelligent approach to preparation for endurance sports in a similar theme. His book goes into great detail showing the reader how to integrate strength, CrossFit and sport specific volumes and modern methods.

If I would have known what I know now, I would have trained those endurance athletes in a similar vain. If you are looking for a better approach to your endurance preparation this book is for you.

As a strength and conditioning coach, Power, Speed, Endurance by Brian MacKenzie, has elevated my game by giving me all the steps that I need to progress my athletes through perfect technique in pose running, biking, swimming, and lifting. It also offers a great mobility section that addresses common injuries amongst endurance athletes. As one who often works with the weekend runner, biker, or triathlete I can attest to seeing many of them with nagging overuse injuries. Brian MacKenzie, with the help of Kelly Starrett, gives clear details on how to address endurance athletes common injuries or tight muscles, such as tight heel cords, hips, bothered knees, rounded posture and more. I love that this book clearly defines what they should be doing to overcome their injuries by correcting their movements and mobilizing to prevent future issues or heal current ones. Plus, I think it's important to note that this book has a ton of high-res photos that show you exactly what good or bad movements look like, as well as help you to assess athletes.
While this book does bring in CrossFit to help minimize your overall weekly training time, the emphasis is still on technique, which is what I found to be the best part of this book.
If you want a book that's easy to digest, then grab this book.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a well-researched, well-reasoned and more popular approach to fitness and conditioning. Brian MacKenzie, the creator of Crossfit Endurance and co-author of "Power, Speed, Endurance," takes HIIT to it's logical extreme, virtually eliminating the use of "long, slow distance" (LSD) training for long-distance endurance events like marathons and triathlons. Instead, his training program
focuses on intense and heavy weight lifting like that found in Crossfit, and skills-focused sports-specific training. In other words, he's asking readers to really learn how to run, swim or bike correctly and efficiently, instead of spending hours in the pool or on the road putting miles under their feet.

This is often tough for the distance-obsessed to grasp, but in the book, MacKenzie first clearly lays out his theories, supported by brief personal anecdotes (this is actually one flaw of the book I think he could address by citing more academic research), then begins his, and his co-authors' sections on skills and drills for running, cycling, swimming and mobility/stretching and diet. MacKenzie closes out with his Crossfit Endurance programming, which brings all of these separate pieces together into a single endurance paradigm.

MacKenzie has smartly chosen a writer in Glen Cordoza, an experienced MMA author, to lay out his arguments and guides in well-reasoned, efficient and easy-to-digest format. He also worked with some well-known names in the Crossfit community for the various skill guides. And the consistency of effort and layout make it easy to flip through and find sections if a reader or athlete needs to go back to work on a specific skill. (For example, was having some trouble with my foot strike in running, and was able to quickly find some guidance on what the problems and solutions could be).

I would highly recommend Power, Speed, Endurance to any endurance athlete looking to increase her overall performance, any gym rat looking to expand beyond the weight room while maintaining strength, and any swimmer, cyclist or runner looking for a way to shave seconds or minutes off his times.

I followed CFE programming for about six months prior to a half marathon and PRd by 7 minutes. More importantly, I was able to maintain my (admittedly limited) strength base from two years of Crossfit training. I've started hammering these drills again this fall for a couple local 5K races after taking almost the entire year off from races. I'm psyched to be getting back into it and the timing of the book couldn't be better.

Finally, I've followed Brian MacKenzie and Crossfit Endurance for the past couple years as a writer for ESPN and Muscle & Performance magazine, and believe his focus, attention to detail and years of tweaking his endurance formula will work. It will work for nearly everyone.

Whether you are a seasoned triathlete stuck in the LSD rut of training, a CrossFitter who is looking to add endurance to your training, or the average couch potato just starting to scratch the surface, this book is for you. It is the most comprehensive, user-friendly, and current book out there covering endurance training. Most endurance books or plans just tell you to swim, bike, and run--miles or minutes or hours--but they don't tell you HOW to swim, bike, or run. This book breaks it down in a simple format, with useful drills and applications that will get you stronger and faster than your previous training has.

The book begins by explaining the "what and why," and includes some of the science behind this methodology, and how it is different than what most people have heard or practiced with regards to endurance training. The next chapters continue with breaking down running, biking, and swimming (each chapter is color coded for easy reference), describing common errors, and providing plenty of pictures, drills, and detailed information on mechanics and how to dial in correct form (really, they cover everything).

The "meat" of the book and the most extensive chapter is "Strength and Conditioning as a Skill," and it's easy to see why. After reading the first chapter (the "what and why"), you realize that the very reason CrossFit Endurance is different than anything out there is the strength and conditioning piece--CrossFit. This chapter literally breaks down EACH of the fundamental movements in CrossFit, in great detail (with excellent pictures and progressions). Nothing is left uncovered--they've included it all, and broken the movements down further into categories (power lifting, olympic lifting, conditioning exercises, and trunk stability exercises).

This book continues on to another key tenant within CrossFit Endurance: mobility (with Mr. Kelly Starrett, himself appearing in the pictures and the writing the text) for specific body parts (foot, ankle, and calf mobilization; upper leg, hip, and trunk mobilization, and t-spine and shoulder mobilization).

The last two chapters of this book include: fueling and nutrition, and a hefty chapter on programming, complete with templates and sample WODs to try.

I was very fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book, and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Tackling this project was no small endeavor for Brian Mackenzie, but this book is in-depth, easy to reference, and different than anything you will read on traditional endurance currently "out there" today. To the naysayers who say that CrossFit is a cult, or maybe that CrossFit Endurance is crazy--don't knock it until you try it. What have you got to lose? If you are still training the same way you have always trained, marginally or not improving any of your race times, and constantly find yourself injured, then this is the program for you.

I am an endurance athlete with the traditional long slow distance background, and since trying out the CrossFit Endurance approach, I have PRed in all of my running and triathlon events, feel stronger than I have ever felt before (both in racing and in how fast I recover), and best of all, since I've eliminated all the excess mileage and replaced it with solid programming focusing on quality, technique and form, I have more time on the weekends to spend with my family.

This book is a fresh approach and exactly what the endurance community needs to be seeing and hearing about!

If knowledge is power and speed thrills, then you will want to study every detail in Brian MacKenzie's new book entitled "Power Speed Endurance". At 416 pages this book is akin to a college textbook but more valuable in its content and it is bound to become the defacto approach to endurance training.
For anyone familiar with MacKenzie they will know that he and his CrossFit Endurance (CFE) program have begun to question and shift the paradigm in endurance training away from the long slow distance model (LSD) toward a skill based approach to training incorporating the CrossFit strength and conditioning ideology. This shift in emphasis allows for athletes to develop their technique, reduce their training volume thereby decreasing their likelihood for injury, move more efficiently, recover quicker and perform better.
From beginning to end "Power Speed Endurance" is full of insights that can only be gleaned from a practitioner as passionate about their profession as MacKenzie. He introduces the CFE model and philosophy in a common sense manner avoiding a lot of the technical jargon that can prompt a reader to get lost in the details. Recognizing that running is possibly the most dangerous sport out there, the first chapter is devoted to developing this skill through emphasis on the Pose Running methodology developed originally by Dr. Nicholas Romanov. This approach is not only sensible but easy enough to learn and follow. Included within the book are countless pictures, diagrams, exercises and drills to assist the reader in learning.
Doug Katona, the CFE cycling expert, handles the chapter devoted to cycling. Here the book covers everything from fitting your bike and equipment, to body position, pedal stroke and cornering. There are even sections covering Time Trials and the relevant mountain bike variations compared to road bikes.
The third and final technique chapter is handled by Chris Michelmore and covers swimming as a skill. Here you will get great insights into the freestyle stroke and backstroke as these are the two long-axis strokes. Simply put, these are the two strokes that allow for maximal distance to be covered with minimal energy consumption. Various drills, breathing techniques and body positions are dissected and explained so that readers can easily implement what they have read into their next training session.
Mackenzie then implements a chapter on strength and conditioning. This is where the CFE formula starts to put gears into the machine so to speak. By incorporating a Westside Barbell / CrossFit conditioning conjugate system, MacKenzie is able to demonstrate how endurance athletes can become stronger, faster and more powerful than their peers. This chapter is where readers will be introduced to a variety of power, strength and gymnastics exercises designed to correct any flaws that exist in their bodies.
Kelly Starrett, who also has a book coming out, devotes a chapter to flexibility. This chapter alone is a must read whether you are an endurance athlete or couch potato with chronic soft tissue issues. Take this chapter for a test run and you will surely be as supple as a leopard when you finish.
Nutrition, hydration and electrolyte balance are addressed in the same straight- forward style consistent throughout this book. Finally, the reader is given a guide on how to make sense of it all when it comes to implementing this training solution on a daily basis.
If you walk into your local book store you would need to purchase multiple books to get the collective insights brought together in this one title. If you are an endurance athlete with an open mind to less traditional training approaches and you want to set PR's at every turn, then this is the one and only book you will ever need.

This is a true innovator in the endurance world. An absolute must for athletes and coaches unscared of trying new ideas.
-The content is written very well (I will be able to dip in and out of each section with ease).
-There are quality pictures showing the reader exactly what the author means (in this case a picture shows a thousand words X20!).
-This explains the full package an endurance athlete needs (skill, mechanics, intensity then volume, restoration, mobilization, strength, conditioning, nutrition, hydration) which makes it worth it's weight in gold.

I recommend every coach read this and get their athletes to read it too. This will be a real game changer and your performance will improve.

Graham C BSc (Hons)
CrossFit Coach, CFE coach

As the world of sport performance changes remaining on the cutting edge of training is critical. Taking performance to the next level while addressing the "details of performance" as a focus sets this book apart.To interweave these elements correctly as the athlete moves closer to achieving their full potential leaves no stone unturned. This book is a training game changer. Multiple photos show proper movement patterns, common faults, and drills to address deviations from the standard. The extensive mobility section illustrates how to release performance breaks that hold back performance. Unlock "free speed" to achieve new performance standards. The fueling section breaks down and address fueling by component hydration, electrolytes, nutrition. The Programming section has templates to transition your training to CFE, and CFE training with specific biases, and for the Single Sport and Multi Sport athlete. The most complete training book to date.

I really enjoyed this book. It is very comprehensive. It goes into great detail about how to run, bike, and swim better. It tells many errors and how to fix those.

It also has a lot of information about the programming section of endurance sports. This book is great for all the athletes who aspire to take on an endurance feat and are scared to do it. Most endurance programs have you doing so many miles that it's hard to make it through the program to the race. This book gives great detail on how to make it through the race, do very well, and also stay strong and healthy throughout.

He also gives you the proper information for races like nutrition, hydration, etc. And finally, there is a wonderful section on mobility that is very important.

Detailed and color pictures are also wonderful. Good book.

As a CrossFitter and CrossFit Endurance coach, this book is exactly what I needed. There is so much information out there, and when you go through your certifications, yes, you learn it, but you'll still find that you have some unanswered questions. This book is very inclusive, and I know that I'll be referring to it often as I feel that not only myself, but my clients will benefit from the information. It covers running, biking, rowing, swimming and mobility, and Brian Mackenzie brought on others to help with some of those sections, all notable people in their area of expertise. So far this book has been a very great refresher, and as a coach it's good to always keep up with the knowledge that it out there. Highly recommend this book!

The title of my review should tell you exactly what this book is about.

If you were to google CrossFit or CrossFit Endurance I'm sure you'll find just as many sites that hate this methodology as you will sites that love the approach. The bottom line here is Brian MacKenzie and his team have set out in this book to make you a more efficient, more skillful, and less injury prone runner. If this is something that appeals to you then I'd grab a copy for yourself. The book starts out with an excellent story from TJ Murphy, if you're involved in the endurance community then you probably recognize this name. The book continues with the CrossFit Endurance methodology and theory. The meat of the book covers the skill of running, cycling, and swimming and is finished off with strength and conditioning and mobility. Overall this book is an excellent reference for endurance athletes of all levels as well as strength and conditioning coaches.

I'm not going to try and convince you that this method of training is "right" or "wrong" as I wouldn't try to convince you to vote for one political party over the other. Some people will just never agree. Fortunately for us we are able to test a new training methodology much more efficiently then we can test presidents. So that is what I'd suggest you do. Grab a copy of this book and really learn what the CrossFit Endurance methodology is all about, give it a shot, and find out for yourself!

Brian MacKenzie has been a foundational resource for a number of years. Only when the launch of crossfitendurance.com occurred was his particular brand of training available to the masses. With the publication of Speed Power and Endurance a text is now available. I evaluated this text as a teacher (I am a University Professor of Kinesiology) and as an athlete (I have been a CrossFiter for over 4-years).

From the perspective of teaching - the information provided in the text is exceptional and well organized. Brian and Glen have done a very good job of presenting a large amount of detailed information in a manner that is not confusing, well articulated and visual. All of these qualities are paramount to the success of instruction. The information is logical and sound.

From the perspective of learning - The method in which the science behind the model is presented is appreciated and I think under represented in other texts. I found the book easy to navigate and structured in a fashion that afforded the ability to refer to various sections without feeling lost. The information is presented logically and to a level of depth that I appreciated. I am experienced with the CFE model and like very much that I now have a reference/guidance tool within my arms reach.

I believe Speed Power Endurance is an excellent guide to training and highly recommend it without reservation.

This is an excellent book which covers all facets of endurance training. It discusses everything from mechanics and nutrition to mobility and training program design. While you may be able to find other running, swimming or cycling books, you will not find anything with this much information on ALL facets of training. If you are not familiar with pose running, this is your book. Do you know how to take care of your body through mobility work? That doesn't mean old school static stretching, but legitimate body work for preventative maintenance. If you do not, then this is your book. Even if you do, it is hard to remember everything and in this book it is all laid out for you.

Bottom line, you cannot beat this book as a quick reference for anything endurance. A first time runner, or a seasoned vet can understand and benefit from this book. I guarantee there are things in this book that you have never heard of that will make you a better endurance athlete.

Highly recommend!

Awesome book! This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive book on the subject that I have read. I attended a CrossFit Endurance certification in 2011 and this provided a much more in-depth analysis and explanation of the key concepts that we learned at the seminar. The book is clearly well thought out, organized, and tons of pictures from a variety of angles helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the system. We are in the process of implementing an endurance program at my gym and this will definitely be the go-to reference for my coaches and I. If you told me you could only buy one book on endurance training this year, I would send you straight to this out to get this one! Thanks to Brian and the CrossFit Endurance crew for developing such a comprehensive guide to endurance training!

What an amazing collection of work. This is a one stop resource for bike, run and/or swim from strength training, mobility and drills. This book is really more of a guide with detailed step by step photos and explanations.

The only resource you will need. Seriously must have!

Thank you for the work that was put into this collection.

Cherie Chan
CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff
CrossFit Verve affiliate co-owner
Previous CrossFit Games competitor
Sports Enthusiast and Coach

In his book, "Power Speed Endurance"' Brian Mackenzie has done an excellent job of bridging the gap between traditional endurance training and the CrossFit fitness model. He takes the time to acknowledge and explain the background of endurance training as well as the theory and research that led to the development of CrossFit Endurance.

For the beginning endurance athlete, the book is an excellent source of information and a great time-saver. The newbie will up and running in shorter time and will have the information to tailor a program that will be most beneficial to them. For the experienced athlete, especially one who is frustrated with their progress, or plagued with injuries, this book will be of tremendous help with a paradigm shift to training differently and continued performance improvement.

I have spent a lifetime in the fitness industry and "Power Speed and Endurance", by Brian Mackenzie is a must-read for anyone seriously interested in improving their fitness and athletic performance. I know for experience, both personally and with my clients, the advantages and disadvantages of traditional training techniques. Brian's approach is cutting edge and has saved, and improved many athlete's careers. The book is the best educational investment an endurance athlete could make.

Power Speed Endurance will shift the endurance training/racing paradigm. The principles of training examined and the training programs outlined provide an archetype for performance maximization. The bottom line is that the Crossfit Endurance template produces results. The underlying physiology is strong and the teaching/learning emphasis placed on fundamentals and mechanics is much needed in contemporary human performance. If you are looking to maximize your athletic performance or re-define your physical self, Power Speed Endurance is the wise starting point.

Dr. Brian Austin-Hickey
professor of exercise science
5 time member of the USA National Team (duathlon and masters track)

My entire foundation in Endurance Sports was learned from Bmack and the CrossFit Endurance principals presented in this book. These fundamentals have taken me further than I can ever imagine, having qualified for USA Triathlon's Age-Group Team USA for the past 2 years. This has allowed me to compete as part of this amateur/Age-Group Team USA at the 2012 and upcoming 2013 ITU Age-Group Sprint World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand and London, England respectively. This book is amazing and a must read for all endurance athletes!

As a former collegiate athlete I wish this book had been available for the coaches and myself to utilize during my playing days. There was always certain movements I struggled with and I never quite knew how to correct them. In reading this book I was able to identify some key areas of weakness and ways in which to correct them. The book has great illustrations to aid people and get them headed in the right direction. There is endless information and it will suck you in as its an interesting and easy read. I will be encouraging fellow athletes and coaches to obtain a copy asap so they can train better and coach better!

Good read, must buy for runners/Crossfitters. Ideas are solid. May take some adaptation but they work. Makes you truly look at what you are doing and how you should correct it. Provokes ideas you probably wouldn't have had.