Book excerpt: Evidence-based Training for Track and Cross Country Coaches is designed to help make practice more effective by orienting readers towards the findings of research and in making training decisions based on science. It is written primarily for practicing coaches who need to investigate the research relating to a training issue or problem and to share what they learn with athletes. The book is also intended for distance runners themselves who also need to interpret findings from the track and cross country literature. The goal of this book is to help readers apply research findings into practice. This is an important goal because a vast body of information and ideas are contained in the relevant track and cross country research literature. Evidence-based Training for Track and Cross Country Coaches provides knowledge and insights that are relevant to virtually any practical problem related to training methods, nutrition, physiology, psychology, or biomechanics. Coaches who are able to locate and interpret research information that relates to the problems that arise in practice will be in a position to make sounder decisions than someone who relies solely on personal experience or other’s opinions.