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A list of books I've read.....
Sunday, November 23, 2003
"A Rough Ride" by Paul Kimmage
Published in 1990, Kimmage is an Irishman whose father raced bikes so Kimmage and his brother grew up racing and all he wanted to do was to become a professional cyclist. He grew up idolizing the stars of cycling, but when he got to France, first as an amatuer, then later as a professional, he found out that what you read about in the papers and see on television are very different from reality.
Kimmage rode for a number of teams, including a stint on Fagor with Stephen Roche, and rode the classics and also rode the Tour de France twice, the second time as his last race, dropping out before arriving in Paris. He went in very innocent (and racked with the Catholic guilt) and tried to turn a blind eye to all the doping. Eventually, he did "charge up" three times, amphetamines, but it caused him great mental distress. After his retirement from professional cycling, he became a journalist and then an author.
This is a really good read, especially all the behind the scenes stuff and descriptions of the daily life of a professional cyclist. Very highly recommended if you are a cycling fan.
Kimmage rode for a number of teams, including a stint on Fagor with Stephen Roche, and rode the classics and also rode the Tour de France twice, the second time as his last race, dropping out before arriving in Paris. He went in very innocent (and racked with the Catholic guilt) and tried to turn a blind eye to all the doping. Eventually, he did "charge up" three times, amphetamines, but it caused him great mental distress. After his retirement from professional cycling, he became a journalist and then an author.
This is a really good read, especially all the behind the scenes stuff and descriptions of the daily life of a professional cyclist. Very highly recommended if you are a cycling fan.
"Going Long__Training for Ironman-Distance Triathlons" by Joe Friel and Gordo Byrn
A definite must-have if you race long. For those of you who like to write out your own training program, this book coupled with "The Triathletes' Training Bible" by Friel, will get you there. Even if you are like me and would rather not write out your own training program, you will still find plenty of good information in "Going Long". And for those you who have no urge to go long, you will find plenty of great information too. All triathletes should check out the "Training the Mind" and "Nutrition--The Fourth Discipline" chapters.
Disclaimer: I've known Gordo for a long time. I'd still recommend this book even if I didn't know him.
Disclaimer: I've known Gordo for a long time. I'd still recommend this book even if I didn't know him.
Monday, November 10, 2003
"Dojo Wisdom...100 Simple Ways to Become a Stronger, Calmer, More Courageous Person" by Jennifer Lawler
My friend Karen sent me this book for my birthday and it was a good, quick read. The author is a black belt in karate and takes 100 lessons from the dojo and applies them to real life. Some examples are:
* You cannot spar from five feet away. (You have to get in and be engaged in whatever you are doing.)
* Do not push when you meant to strike.
* Bring only what you can carry. (Both material wants and expectations.)
* Discipline is not punishment.
* Persist and you will find indomitable spirit.
* When you get fatigued, increase the pace.
* Act directly from will.
* Be a master of the moment.
* Accept hard training.
* Physical effort transforms the mind and spirit.
* No one fails who keeps trying.
* You cannot spar from five feet away. (You have to get in and be engaged in whatever you are doing.)
* Do not push when you meant to strike.
* Bring only what you can carry. (Both material wants and expectations.)
* Discipline is not punishment.
* Persist and you will find indomitable spirit.
* When you get fatigued, increase the pace.
* Act directly from will.
* Be a master of the moment.
* Accept hard training.
* Physical effort transforms the mind and spirit.
* No one fails who keeps trying.
