A book by Futterman about ‘a band of misfits and the guru who unlocked the secrets of speed’. The misfits were running underdogs and the guru was Bob Larsen. A coach who studied running and led teams of athletes to success. American running over the last four decades is the backdrop. The evolution of running and training are the secrets.
Food is rarely mentioned in the book. But it has been responsible for the decline in American running success. Modern mass food production maximizes profit. Nutrition, wholesomeness, naturalness and human health are non-factors in the pursuit of profit.
Athletic performance can be improved with proper nutrition. But that may be the last secret yet to be ‘discovered’.