Nr. 1 Ironwar by Matt Fitzgerald
Yes, I know this is not a running book per se, but I think runners can get a lot out of it. Matt Fitzgerald is an amazing writer. He is able to combine the story of 2 of the greatest ironman triathletes Dave Scott and Mark Allen, with science on running form, running efficiency, mind-body connections as pertaining to running. I absolutely loved the conclusion of his book. Yes, the mind is important, but the ability to push through and suffer is somewhat determined by your genes. This is not to say that life experiences (e.g., childhood struggles) and training experiences (how much you practice suffering) are not important; they are, but not as much as what you are born with. It's a bit like the nature-nurture diathesis - we are born with a range of "suffering ability" and we can get to the top of that range by practicing, but we can't get further than that.
Nr.2 The Runner's Body, How the latest exercise science can help you run stronger, longer, and faster, but Tucker, PhD & Dugas, PhD, with Matt Fitzgerald.
This is a 2009 book, but I reread it during this past year. I love reading and understanding the science behind running. These guys present great info and clarify some of the misconceptions about running (e.g., cramps are caused by dehydration or lack of salt, we need a lot of fluids when running, etc). The book is much more than that, however, and I think it is an important one for all serious runners.
This is a great book about tapering, and provides research on the psychological and physiological effects of tapering.
16 comments:
Thanks AM! As soon as I read all the other books on my night stand (Run Faster is one of them...you'd think I would have read that one by now), I want to check these out.
Will definitely be checking these books out. Thanks!
Dave Scott and Mark Allen are actually suing Fitzgerald over that tri book. Another Matt book I like is: Racing Weight.
@Jill, I had no idea! He did such a good job in presenting both of them. Yes, Racing Weight is a good book too!
Hmmm...I think I just added some books to my Spring reading list! I've been debating purchasing Iron War and Tucker and Dugas have some great stuff!
None of which I've read:) Adding to my list!
The book I just read was excellent but very different from these. You Are An Ironman by Jacques Steinberg chronicles 6 athletes as they attempt to complete Ironman Arizona. I found it fascinating after watching Emily do her Ironman.
love matt's writing. he has some really great books out there, right now i'm making my way through run: the mind body method of running by feel. haven't heard of the 3rd book but it sounds like a read right up my alley, thanks for the share.
Oooh, the last two definitely need to go on my list! I also need to reread Racing Weight. I read it when I was pregnant, and then sort of put it away for the day when I could actually be my racing weight. ;)
The racing weight is a good book but not my favorite. It is too ambiguous for me. I did not really learn anything new from it. Maybe I expected some kind of formula that would tell me my racing weight...I always hear people talking about their racing weight, have no idea what mine is.
OK I definitely need to add these books to my free time list! #2 looks great. I had always thought that the salts thing was part of cramping (Besides hormones).?? But now I am curious. Also intrigued by #3, though I could not be more sold on tapering than I already am :). Could use some ideas on optimal time to start though!
Thanks for the suggestions! I will have nathan start reading those aloud to me, ASAP :)
OK, I didn't want to post this directly on my blog. Lets just say the young lady that passed me ended up having a pretty "crappy" day....if you know what I mean. It was quite shocking to see...being that it happened right in front of me.
I love Desi too! I hope now she gets some of the spotlight she deserves!! And as soon as I found out the men and women were racing together I knew we wouldn't be seeing as much of the women. I was disappointed in that as well.
Sending you an email a bit later. Boy do I wish I had time to read more! Hope you are having a GREAT day. Thank God for short weeks.
I read your comment about Shalane on Jenn's blog. I thought you may like to look at the pics from Houston. I have a GREAT shot of Shalane.
It's inspiring to read your stuff and see that kids + Running will still be possible!
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