Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Read Any Good Books?

I recently read a couple of books you may find enjoyable and informative:

Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald. Matt is a coaching colleague who I have always found to be level-headed with his training advice and have a firm foundation in research. Both qualities stand out in this book which hit the shelves in the last few months from Velo Press who also publishes many of my books. I never thought it possible to write an entire book on this topic. Writing a blog post on weight management for serious athletes seemed long when I did it some time ago. I was expecting a lot of meaningless fill with a book on the topic, but it is anything but that. I found every page to be sprinkled with ideas on how to manage your weight for better performance. And the book is extremely well researched. He often presents both sides of an issue and then explains why he sides with one of them. I find that an enlightening way to deal with topics so burdened with old wives' tales and misinformation. Matt has done a great job. I'd highly recommend reading it even if you don't need to lose any excess poundage. You'll come away with a better understanding of your physiology and also of food.

Trizophrenia by Jef Mallett. I don't usually read books like this but I have followed Jef's comic strips in our local paper (The Arizona Republic) and in VeloNews. In his comics he seems to frequently express something I've done or thought of myself while training. His book is no different. As a triathlete he has a good sense of what others in the sport are thinking. If you're a triathlete I'm sure you will enjoy the book. It's a quick read and will leave you contemplating what you do so seriously many hours a day while chuckling at the same time.

And a little bit of self-promotion... I'm currently working on a book which won't be out until next fall at the earliest (one chapter done!). I've received many questions from athletes over the years basically asking how to apply the principles described in my Training Bible books. This book does that. Based on a periodization model, you simply read the chapter related to the period you are just starting in your training and it will take you through all of the details including not only the period-specific workouts, but also testing, nutrition, mental challenges and common problems. And it will offer sample training plans for your race preparation. I think it's going to be a great book for helping you coach yourself more effectively.

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20 Comments:

At February 3, 2010 9:20 PM , Blogger Sean in DC said...

Congrats on the new book Joe! I hope it doesn't interfere too much with your training!

 
At February 4, 2010 1:35 AM , Anonymous Natterjack said...

I've just finished 'Rough Ride' by Paul Kimmage. It was great, a definite must read for any one interested in pro racing in the 80's.

 
At February 4, 2010 9:50 AM , Blogger Eric Johnson said...

mark verstegen's latest book "Core Performance Endurance" was excellent as well, guys.

it covers nutrition too, but the 2nd half is where it really shines.

he provides movements to activate muscles before workouts as well as movements to improve elasticity, power, and strength while negating potential muscle imbalances from endurance training.

i'm sure this information is out there in a variety of sources, but i've never seen it put together so well. great photos. very easy to follow.

we're all really excited to see your next book, joe!

 
At February 4, 2010 9:54 AM , Blogger ironfly said...

I just completed converting Bicycle Road Racing (Eddie B's book) to a digital format, the book has been out of print for many years but is still a great resource, this thing was my first training bible...

http://www.ifly.bz/Bicycle_Road_Racing__eBook-details.aspx

 
At February 4, 2010 11:44 AM , Blogger Mike Russell said...

I love Fitzgerald's writing style. I agree -- he is straightforward and has a talent to explain the difficult in a simple way. Thanks for the suggestions!

 
At February 4, 2010 11:52 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Joe,

congrats first on your highly informative blog.
In your new book maybe you could include some more information about the different fields of racing and how to apply your training methods to the needs of each field. I'm thinking in terms of adjusting the training-plan to the specific needs of long-distance-events, a criterium or the likes. Sample plans for these would also be great.

Greetings, Martin

 
At February 4, 2010 12:34 PM , Blogger Sefi said...

I loved "Runner as Hero: the inner quest of becoming an athlete or just about anything...at any age" by Jay Kimiecik

 
At February 4, 2010 1:56 PM , Anonymous Michael Bauman said...

You're absolutely right. Racing Weight is a terrific book. Indeed, its one of the most readable and useful how-to books I've ever read, and at nearly 60 years of age, I've read quite a few. It's a sensible, well-documented, and practical handbook on how to keep your weight in check both in season and year round.

Good stuff!

 
At February 4, 2010 2:24 PM , Anonymous Dave said...

Major. It's a Major Taylor biography. Makes you realize we have things pretty easy when it comes to riding our bikes. I would give anything to see one of those early 20th century 6 days at the old Madison Square Garden.

 
At February 4, 2010 2:35 PM , Blogger Roy said...

Can't wait for your new book Joe. Training & Racing with a power meter by Hunter & Dr Coggan. Highly recommend watching Bicycle Dreams...great and inspirational RAAM video...

 
At February 4, 2010 5:16 PM , Anonymous Boston Dave said...

Your new book sounds Great Joe! Looking forward to reading it.

VeloPress seems to hold the market with an excellent cadre of authors. I recently purchased, 'The Athlete's Plate' by Adam Kelinson, from Velo as well, and really enjoy his approach to nutrition.

Its the most comprehensive book I have found that gives the reader not only the information but how to use it. And, the recipes have been fantastic as well.

Accompanied by your Training Bible its going to be a great season!

 
At February 5, 2010 8:22 AM , Blogger hibernation said...

Check out Linchpin by Seth Godin... A great read for anyone, coaches in particular... Really get's you thinking.

 
At February 5, 2010 12:12 PM , Blogger Sara Cox Landolt said...

Best to you in your writing & rewriting! I'm looking forward reading to your new book.

 
At February 5, 2010 2:21 PM , Blogger Psyche said...

I agree, RACING WEIGHT is a great book, a really useful resource.

I recommend John L. Parker Jr.'s ONCE A RUNNER. It's a cult classic that has been out of print until recently. I would say it's the best novel written about running- ever. Happy reading!

 
At February 6, 2010 8:40 AM , Anonymous Glenn said...

Cycling Anatomy by Shannon Sovndal is my new read. Any thoughts Joe? It's nice to see in pictures some of the muscle groups that need attention for cycling.

 
At February 7, 2010 7:58 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did Eddie B write any books on Track Cycling?

 
At February 7, 2010 9:29 PM , Blogger scuba said...

I recently had an opportunity to listen to Dean Karnazes speak at the Triathlete Tri Expo in San Diego, very motivational. I picked up a copy of his book "Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner". It is a very easy read and after reading I am left with the feeling that my body is capable of great things and am only limited by my mind. Highly recommend.

Steve
long Beach, CA

 
At February 8, 2010 10:39 AM , Blogger Aaron said...

I'll look forward to your new book, Joe. The application of the concepts is always the hardest part, so a book that steps you through sequentially would be a great help!

 
At February 8, 2010 10:41 AM , Blogger Aaron said...

Oh and I just read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, which I found to be very motivating. I am looking forward to run days now, instead of just hoping they pass quickly!

 
At February 15, 2010 10:35 AM , Blogger Oz said...

Joe, any chance you spend some focus on cyclocross? I've loved your bibles for mountain and road racing. Now cyclocross is the passion. I've had great coaching and input from WholeAthlete in Marin, but I've always appreciated your blend of theory and practical application.

 

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