Arthur Lydiard

About

Arthur Lydiard was a renowned New Zealand athletics coach and runner, born on July 6, 1917, in Auckland. He is celebrated for developing a revolutionary high-volume training system that transformed endurance coaching methods. Lydiard's approach emphasized building a strong aerobic base through extensive distance running, often around 100 miles per week, combined with hill work and speed training. This method produced world-class distance runners, including Olympic medalists Peter Snell, Murray Halberg, and Barry Magee. Lydiard's coaching philosophy was intuitive and practical, focusing on feelings-based training and periodization to ensure athletes peaked for key races. His influence extended globally, contributing to the jogging revolution of the 1970s. Lydiard received numerous honors, including the Order of New Zealand and the Order of the British Empire. He died on December 11, 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in modern distance running coaching. His methods have been applied across various sports, making him one of the most influential figures in athletics history.