Ian Harries has been coaching athletes and in particular Middle and Long Distance Runners for the past 56 years.

During this period he has received the following coaching awards:

• British Athletics Federation Senior Award for Middle Distance Running & the BAF Club Award for Sprint and Marathon;

• Royal Air Force (UK) Physical Trainers Instructors Certificate

• Diploma in Sports Coaching in Athletics (Scotland);

• Athletics South Africa Level 3 National Endurance Coach Award;

• World Athletics Level 1 & 2 Lecturer in all Track & Field Events;

• Coached over 30 international runners some of whom have participated in 6 of the last 10 Olympic Games;

• Recipient of the IAAF International Athletic Foundation Meritorious Service Award to Zimbabwean athletics;

• 2003 Recipient of the Gauteng (Provincial Government) Award for Male Coach of the Year.

He has lectured extensively throughout Africa including South Africa. He has also lectured in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland & Northern Ireland), Eire, Finland & New Zealand. In 2003 he was the Guest Speaker at the British Athletics Federation/British Milers Club Annual Endurance Conference at the University of Birmingham in England. Topic: 'My Coaching of a World Class 800m Runner'.

This manuscript results from the writings and philosophies that have influenced the author over the last half century.