“Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson. It’s not triathlon related but a climbing survival story, it’s the most inspirational thing I’ve ever read.
I’m just curious what gave you the idea to read his book in the first place?
Was a fan of his radio show. I was actually interviewed on the program once when I was doing PR work a few years ago.
Anyway, it was an awesome book. Definition of the Nietche ‘ubermench’ or a hero from an Ayn Rand novel.
Oh I see. I thought there was a chance that you were saying it ironically. I probably would have done that if I had thought of it first.
I was thinking to myself, “what the hell kind of inspiration could I get from a felon and rabid conservative.” But after reading a bit about the book it sounds pretty interesting. I may give it a read if I can find it at the library.
I don’t say things ironically. I wear contacts, not rectangle ‘emo’ glasses, and I own zero vintage t-shirts. My bikes have gears.
That book will change your life. You will NOT regret reading it. Maybe get it from Amazon for $5.
And he’s a felon in the same way Nelson Mandela is a felon.
I don’t say things ironically. I wear contacts, not rectangle ‘emo’ glasses, and I own zero vintage t-shirts. My bikes have gears.
That is the post of the day.
the perfect mile by neal bascomb.
it chronicles the three men trying to break the 4-min mile: roger bannister, jon landy, and wes santee. it’s awesome and shows the passion and dedication athletes have to reach goals.
I met him at the Triple Lakes Trail marathon when he did his 50 in 50 campaign. And a bunch of folks who paid a lot of money to hang out with him (while I got paid to do it). I say douchebag because he sells himself as the best ultramarathoner out there, bar none. He is not. Race results will even tell you that. Hell, someone else was doing the 50 in 50 that same summer, and started before him, with no huge sponsors like Dean had, or logistical support. He was a nice guy though. I’m not pro or anti Dean, I just think his marketing machine is bigger than his performances. Could I go head to head with the guy for even a mile? Nope. Not even gonna front.
I cant believe no one has said this yet, Between a rock and a hard place. Best book ever. Ultra marathon man is great too, but we all know his story. About the bike makes you feel the urge to train. I also love the book “the barefoot runner” about abebe balik, the first ethiopian to run the marathon in the olympics, and he won, barefoot. Enjoy!
Maybe not what you’re not looking for but the mental athlete or sport Psychology for cyclists are good motivational mind-work books.
I was waiting for somebody to say Between a Rock and a Hard Place. That was an amazing book. Ultramarathon Man, Not about the Bike, Every Second counts, Pre, and Swimming to Antarctica are other great ones, too.
I saw a t-shirt once that sad: “I wish my lawn was emo so it would cut itself.”
HAHA, harsh…but funny!