I have found that one of the best ways to get or stay inspired about running and triathlon is reading a good book about the sport. During this time of year I find it especially helpful since the cold, dark, dreary days don’t make me want to get out and swim, bike run as much as the long days of summer. I really enjoy reading magazines and regularly read Runners World, Triathlete and Women’s Running but I don’t think they are as inspiring as a full length book/memoir can be. Here are some books that I have loved reading and have sparked my dedication to train in these cold dark days:
Chrissie Wellington’s A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey
Such a great book about the love of sport and her journey undefeated ironman champion. I would have loved more detail about what she did for training during her time with Brett Sutton, but I love to read about other people’s training and this might be a highly guarded secret anyway.
Matt Long’s The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter’s Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete
If this book doesn’t inspire you to get after it nothing will. If you are at all feeling bad about yourself for being injured or not doing as well as you would like, this book can help put things in perspective.
You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend WarriorsChased Their Dream of Finishing the World’s Toughest Triathlon
Maybe a little less inspiring but really cool to read about age groupers experience in getting ready to race Ironman Arizona.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, andthe Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
