Marcus Butler
9 December 2015: Legendary distance running coach, sports scientist and University of Canberra researcher Dick Telford AM shares his philosophy and insights behind his 30-year-long career in a new book to be launched tonight.
Professor Telford's book, Running: through the looking glass provides a closer look into the experiences, habits and advice that shaped his approach to coaching.
Prior to taking up his role as a long distance running coach, Professor Telford was the first sports scientist appointed to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
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Professor Dick Telford has captured more than 30 years of his experience coaching runners and as a sports scientist in his new book. Photo: David Flannery
"While developing an AIS Sports Science Laboratory in 1981, the first technician I employed was a young runner from Melbourne named Robert de Castella. He inspired me in my long distance running," Professor Telford, a professorial fellow at the University's Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, said.
"The collaboration of sports scientists, coaches and athletes in those formative years was a daily source of energy for me and it helped that Australia's Olympic medal count climbed from five in Montreal to 58 in Sydney."
Some of his most successful pupils include Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallists Michael Shelley (2014), Lisa Martin (nee Ondieki) (1986, 1990), as well as gold medallists in the 5000 metres, Andrew Lloyd (1990) and Kate Anderson (1998).
Running: through the looking glass has been written as a handbook not just for coaches and competitive runners, but also for anyone who's interested in coaching or athletics.
"I wrote this book as a coach who happens to be a scientist, rather than the other way around. All the perspectives and experiences which helped shape my philosophy as a coach are there and I hope readers may take a fresh look at their own practices.
"Much of the book was written on planes, in airports, cafes, libraries, trains and motel rooms in a lot of different countries. It's a book of psychology and physiology of elite athletes and fun-runners, famous international coaches and runners whom I become acquainted with over the years," Professor Telford said.
Running: through the looking glass is published by Echo Books.
