Athletics Books

Bought it to prepare for the US Sr. Nationals in taekwondo, although it applies to athletes in many disciplines. An eye opener. I was still running miles, using the stairmaster, etc. Have done this since wresting in high school in the mid 80's.

Jason clearly explains a much more effective and rational training protocol, and also covers topics like making weight, diet, and stretching. A great value, clearly written, with lots of practical and specific, detailed advice.

I purchased this book because I liked the previous writings of Jason so much. A few years ago, I read his book "Tap Out" and since then I modified my training with excelent results.

I was very excited when this "new book" arrived and was expecting to move to even more advanced traininglevels.

It turns out than the new book is the exact same text as the previous one I got a few years back.

So, for the trainingprogram itself, I still give 5 stars. However, buying a book I already have was very disappointing.

Fit to Fight by Jason Ferruggia is an excellent book with tons of great training advice for anyone thinking about fighting MMA, or just trying to get into great shape. Some of the things I enjoyed most about this book were the diet and nutrition sections as well as the various training plans and versatile exercises that can be customized to any program for beginners to expert. This book was also a very quick read which made it that much more enjoyable.

I'd take the reviews for this book with a BIG grain of salt. Jason Ferruggia is one of a cadre of online strength training "experts" (typically self-taught amateur personal trainers) who are very adept at marketing themselves and each other. The "reviews" for this book have a very suspicious sameness to them in terms of both content and tone ("Jason has outdone himself!)". I'm not endorsing or rejecting the book itself. Just warning the unwary reader think twice about purchasing it based on the reviews posted here.

This is a good book, with some good ideas as far as different workout ideas. My review is simple and to the point. My biggest complaint is that the author offers little to back up what he says. Most of his arguments are based on the "trust me I'm a pro" concept. Which is great for picking up pointers but not so good when trying to compare this book to others. For example their is a whole chapter devoted to what supplements work and which ones are bogus. However, he never gives any real reasons as to why the supplement s that are no good are so bad. Overall I would say this is a nice book to have but there are others which are far better.

To many fans of college basketball, the ACC can be defined most seasons by what happens within the confines of the state of North Carolina. With four teams growing up within 50 miles of each other, and each one featuring a host of truly unique and competitive individuals as their coaches, the North Carolina teams have continually dominated the scene in college basketball for the past 50 years.

The book follows the story of Duke, North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest from their days in the Southern Conference to the formation of the ACC, right up until today. Each era is defined by the men who coached and played for each of these teams throughout the years. The book provides an excellent history lesson on what has become the center of power in the most competitive conference in college basketball.

I have been a fan of ACC basketball for the last ten years and this book helped me to learn the history of the most storied teams within the league. If you are a fan of NCAA basketball, this is an excellent book and should be highly recommended.

Four Corners is a thorough history of basketball in North Carolina--a very interesting subject for basketball fans everywhere (it is home to more dominant programs than any other state in the country)--but unfortunately Menzer's book is like the four corners defense in that it really slows things down. He is not a particularly good writer and his anecdotes often fall flat because he does a poor job of explaining the story. Another problem is that he relies on very few sources, so his book is terribly biased and its stories are limited. For instance, Menzer relies on Billy Packer to essentially tell Wake Forest's story. While Packer is amusing, he is arrogant and is only one person so Wake's history is not three dimensional at all and really doesn't seem particularly interesting. Despite these flaws, which would prevent me from recommending this book to anyone who doesn't love college basketball and particularly the Carolina schools, this book is a good companion for a fan and will give them some interesting historical context that will allow them to appreciate their team that much more. Also, it will provide some nice trivia for those who like to bring up obscure facts during arguments about who is the best player, team, coach, etc. in the history of these programs.

Borrowed this from the library and brought it back late because I read it twice. I am planning to get it again and read it again. I have grown up with ACC basketball, but I never had the whole historical context laid out for me. This book does that. It is well written (thank you, but I understand "Duke continued their run" just fine) informative, chatty, and obviously written by someone who loves, lives, and breathes his subject matter.

Four Corners by Joe Menzer is an outstanding review of the modern era of college basketball in North Carolina. It is a must-read for the Carolina hoops fan and a good selection for any college basketball aficionado.

The wit and insight of Four Corners puts Menzer on a path trod by the likes of Frank DeFord and other greats of sports journalism. His style is well-structured and clean, without dips into slang and minutia that too often mar sports writing.

Four Corners is definitely Five Stars. Joe Menzer wins this year's "Sixth Man Award" for North Carolina college basketball.

I have started my summer reading and so thoroughly enjoyed Menzer's Four Corners. I played womens's basketball and have always enjoyed the game. I never really understood the ACC rivalry. Thanks to Menzer's book, I do now. I so enjoyed this. A must read!

this book is really, really great. A lot of the stretches are common, theres not a lot of new ones, just with little twists and new techniques. The real jem is assisted vs unassisted stretching, dynamic vs static and combining. balancing you strong and weak muscles. You'd never think you could sweat from stretcing. it gives great advice for athletes such as soccer players have strong calves and weak shins, so emphasixing shins is more important (lifting toes and holding it). I would highly recommend it.

There are no new ideas or stretches here. Although doing these stretches regularly will work - I was looking for something a little more groundbreaking.

This is a pretty good book with tons of static and dynamic stretches for all muscle groups. It also contains several different stretching "routines" at the end of the book, which appear valuable.

The content is basic, but thorough, and I learned at least a few new stretches, which is why I bought the book.

My only complaint is that lots of the directions seem to be pretty vague and cryptic.

Pretty solid book.

I'm middle aged and was ordered by my doctor to exercise. I have to stretch to keep my lower back and shoulders and neck loose and to recover from aerobic exercise. The stretches in this book work to keep me flexible and loose. The descriptions are clear. I find the sets of stretches described in the last portion of the book useful: I do the 10-minute series after using the elliptical trainer and do the 20-minute series on my day off from aerobics. The book is inexpensive and you get very good value for the money.

Athletes stretch before and after exercise sessions in order to warm up their muscles, prevent injuries, and cool down after their exertions. Personal trainer and fitness educator Jay Blahnik blends the best of yoga, Pilates, martial arts, and sports training in Full-Body Flexibility to create "user friendly" stretching sequences that anyone can safely use for warm-ups and cool-downs, as well as during the course of performing challenging workouts on their own. Blahnik operates with three key stretching principles in mind: Variety (challenging muscles with multiple techniques to attain maximum flexibility); Strength (ensuring that muscles can support the body throughout the entire range of motion); and Balance (developing equal strength and flexibility in opposing muscle groups on both sides of the human body). Offering 10, 20, and 40 minute fitness routines; sport-specific sequences; and specialty stretch sequences, Full-Body Flexibility is an ideal and recommended introduction for even the most novice of beginners, while also holding much of value for even the more experienced athlete and fitness enthusiast.

Betsy L. Hogan
Reviewer

This is one of the best sports books I have ever read. The author does an excellent job of presenting alternating points of view without bias. I really felt like I was there, on campus with the players and students and fans, captivated by everything going on in 1969. The book is entertaining throughout and even inspirational at times. It would make a great gift for a teenager or high school athlete with college in their near future.

I was a grade schooler in Colorado when this game was played but I still remembered it when I saw the book. I grabbed a copy, and much to my wife's dismay, I couldn't put it down. Finished it off in a couple of days and have loaned it to several friends, each of whom has thoroughly enjoyed it! While I remember the game and the subsequent tragedy involving Freddie Steinmark, this book provided interesting background and history on the coaches, the teams, and the game as well as great insight into the changing socials conditions of the late 60s and the seeds of integration into Southwest Conference football. For those of you who are true college football fans, this is a MUST READ. But for those of you who aren't football fans, the surrounding social events will be of interest to you as well. I've heard the author has another book coming out shortly on the Wisconsin football team and the members of that team who ended up serving their country in World War II. I will be watching for its release and recommend that after finishing "Horns, Hogs and Nixon Coming," you look for his new one. Mr Frei is a talented author!

I was seven years old when Texas and Arkansas met in their 1969 battle. While I remember little of the game, my father was a big college football fan and I do recall sitting down with him to watch it and seeing shots of President Nixon arriving at the game. As a typical seven year old, the game was all I cared about and I had virtually no appreciation for what our country was going through. The author does a great job of describing the social setting including war protests, the draft lottery and racial unrest (as reflected by a controversy surrounding the playing of "Dixie" by the University of Arkansas band). Horns, Hogs and Nixon Coming is a great recipe mixing one part football and one part history to create a gourmet masterpiece. If you have any interest in football or American History you will enjoy this book. If you like both subjects, it surely will be one of the best you have ever read.

Frei has an amazing way with words. He has been able to paint a picture that with such clarity that I could almost smell the Fall air... This book falls into the category of books that makes you lose sleep as it becomes impossible to put down ("... I'll just read one more chapter... and THEN I'll turn off the light...")

Any football fan or anyone who is a student of the 60's will appreciate "Horns, Hogs and Nixon Coming." If you're both, you'll be twice-blessed!

Mr. Frei, thank you for an exciting and well-painted story! Please continue to supply us with historically accurate sports-related stories.

P.S. I felt compelled to provide a review about this book after reading the one and only "yawn" review written about this book. I'm certain this review was provided by someone whom thinks he/she is an avid Denver sportsfan and didn't appreciate one of Frei's columns or something. I'm doubtful that "reviewer" ever opened the front cover to the book...

Having spent 4 years as a manager for the Longhorns, I search out books on UT sports. Imagine my surprise in finding one with my picture (in the team photo) on the back of the dust jacket! Seriously, a well-researched, well-written book. How do I know? For starters, I was there at some of those conversations, both as an observer & participant. Many of the incidents Frei describes brought back many memories. I knew the Texas players & coaches very, very well. Some of them I still see on occasion.

I particularly enjoyed Frei's delving into more than just the game itself. For those of us in college during the late 60's, it was a tumultuous time. Sports often was a "safety-valve release" for the on-campus tensions that raged around us. Gathering in stadiums across the country was one way of forgetting about the social unrest threatening to tear our country apart. Frei made all of those memories come alive.

I commend Terry Frei for his book. Sure, he could have gone for pumped-up sales by getting into the "dirt" (& every sport has it!), but instead he chose to do a more serious work. I congratulate him for that. The book both gets across the intensity of the game - & of the rivalry between UA & UT - & its connection with the times. I heartily recommend "HHNC" to all sports fans. It will be enjoyed by all who love college athletics, especially football.

This book should be required reading in all high school classes. It is
a testament to the courage of the writer and his team of athletes.
Their acceptance of a coach who had the courage to come out to his team and the community is inspiring and these young athletes show they are far more mature and understanding than the school administration.


This is an well written, absorbing story which I found hard to put down.
I have purchased about 10 copies to give to young people that I know.

I am no fan of athletics or stories about same, but I found Eric Anderson's book an engaging memoir. He keeps the whining down to a minimum and provides instead a truly inspirational piece about an individual who would just not give up on attaining his goals, no matter what obstacles were strewn in his way. Sometimes I found myself skeptical at how easily and immediately accepting his friends, family, colleagues and students were of his homosexuality, but I am inclined to give Anderson the benefit of the doubt. He strikes me as an honest man. His life could certainly serve as some sort of model for young folks of all and any persuasions or predilections: perseverence is the key to success; hard work is unavoidable.

I would liked more about Eric's personal life, but perhaps that would have thrown the book out of focus, because TRAILBLAZING is as much about the talented young runners as it is their hard-headed, hard-working young coach. And if we are lucky, Anderson might even be penning a sequel that gives us further details about his life and loves. Let's hope.

I am usually loathe to read biographies of individuals under the age of 40. As Benvenuto Cellini once wrote:

"All men. . . who have done anything of excellence, or which may properly resemble excellence, ought, if they are persons of truth and honesty, to describe their life with their own hand; but they ought not to attempt so fine an enterprise till they have passed the age of forty."

Coach Eric "Gumby" Anderson, however, is an exception to this admonition against youthful indulgence. While he glosses over the more personal aspects of his life, like coming out to a gay-friendly mother, his professional struggle to coach track at the high school level is more than worthy of book-length treatment.

Coach Gumby lives in less than an accommodating part of California (Orange County), though it is still probably more "socially progressive" than most other areas of the nation. He demonstrates that a steadfast commitment to pursue one's life calling -- the unyielding exercise of individual volition -- can overcome those orthodox cultural hurdles rooted in misinformation, fear, and the anti-social desire to exert power over other persons.

All persons - gay or straight - who yearn for a civic community where individuals are judged according to their unique merits and talents, as opposed to their "identity," shall find a superlative instructor in Coach Gumby. There is still much work to be done, and his story shows that genuine progress comes from courageous acts of individual initiative and persistence.

The human quest for freedom against the incursion of others' belligerence pertains to all, regardless of sexual orientation. I know that I am a much richer person for having read "Trailblazing," and I strongly encourage all parties to learn from, and empathize with, Coach Gumby's successes and failures (many of which were the product of others' shortcomings).

Eric Anderson's book gives us a powerful and up-close look at sports in society and the importance of teamwork. Combining a rigorous account of the fast-paced high school distance races he coached to victory with a compelling and shocking journey, Anderson clearly illustrates homophobia is still very much present in our culture and that sport, when abused, reinforces and perpetuates discrimination and male dominance. His powerful journey urges us to form new perspectives on sport, the system that creates and manages it, and the ludicrous racist, sexist and homophobic beliefs which plague our society today. This book is truly a gem--a must read for every high school and college student and for anyone interested in sports, sociology or humanity.

I currently have a class with Gumby (Soc of Sport @ UCI), and reading this book was one of the requirements. However, it wasn't just another class textbook--in addition to being educational, it was extremely inspiring. I have not been exposed to many gays or lesbians (maybe a few lesbians and bisexuals here and there, but I was never close to them), in fact, I have been exposed to more conservative, anti-homosexual, and heterosexist views for most of my life, so many of the things Gumby brought up in his book were new to me. For instance, I never really thought about how hard it must be not just for a person to come "out of the closet" but how it would affect his close ones. Though I'm not close to Gumby, I learned a little more about how and why he thinks certain ways, mainly due to his treatment and experiences before and after "coming out". In addition to learning about issues on homosexuality, heterosexism, and how hegemonic masculinity can be, I learned more about how these issues are dealt with in the school administrative and sports arena through Gumby's experience. If you are interested in these sociological issues, or just want inspirational/motivational support in coming out as a homosexual, then READ THIS BOOK! It has definitely changed my view on homosexuality forever.

I enjoyed how he would explain a concept then relate it to the business world, and finally give an example of how the concept helped on the court.

I have enjoyed this book and have given it to friends and family on several occasions. This is not a book about basketball, but uses the sport to illustrate leadership priniples. Each chapter discusses a leadership concept and is broken into three parts- Coach Smith's insight, a player discussing how the concept affected him, and a business angle. This is easily in the top five books written about leadership!

This book is more than your typical sports book. Sure, it's filled with stories about games, seasons, and individual players. Each chapter starts out with Coach Smith explaining a particular aspect of his coaching methodology. A Player's Perspective follows outlining how the particular aspect and Dr. Bell relates the aspect to the modern workplace. This book is all about building teams.

The Carolina Way can be summed up by these words: Play Hard; Play Together; Play Smart. For example, Coach Smith talks about recruiting players that will fit into his system. Dr. Bell then takes those ideas one step further and relates the recruiting to hiring workers. Another example is Dean Smith held regular one-on-one meetings with each of his players to discover their goals in life as well as basketball. Dr. Bell then outlines how you can pattern employee reviews around these same principals.

I personally got a lot out of this book and plan on implementing some of the strategies in my own team.

Dean Smith is without a doubt one of the best college basketball coaches in the history of the NCAA. I think the win total speaks for itself, and in this book he tells just how he has made it to that milestone. He gives details on his philosophy and past players weigh in on Smith's coaching. This is good for any young coaches out there, or just basketball fans in general. This book is a must have for anyone that loves basketball.

Dean Smith's book The Tarheel Way was a great read. This book is for kids 12 and up. Unlike many sports books it relates sports to the real world. Dean Smith and his co-writers do a great job of that.

Dean Smith's book talks about the way he ran his basketball team. Dean Smith was all about life lessons and how basketball related to the real world. He does a great job of explaining the recruiting process in his book. He also talks about players leaving early for the NBA and he is ok with that because it gives them financial security for life. He also emphasizes how basketball gives students life lessons that they can carry on in life, or in there work place. Dean Smith had a great understanding of the game of basketball and in life in general. In his book, it is forwarded by people like Roy Williams who have nothing but great respect for him as a coach, and is a person. If you are interested in how a college basketball team is run, Dean Smith's The Tarheel Way is a must read for you.

A historical, enlightening, and sweet rendition of what basketball can do to the spirit of individuals, families, and a small town, this one in Kentucky.

Great book. My great uncle is Howard Crittenden and my second cousin is Jimmy Webb. I just saw Uncle Howard on Saturday and he looks great. I got pictures of him at our family reunion.

The author, a junior college professoress, is a good writer, but her knowledge of basketball, and the absence of a proof reader, makes this otherwise neat book sometimes excruciating. The faux pas range from some gratuitious editorializing to innocent, perhaps, but nevertheless excruciating misobservations, e.g., e., she thinks that a basketball backboard, sometimes bankboard, or the area of the net, basket, or goal, is properly described as "goalposts." Her efforts to be adjectivially writerish are sometimes downright absurd, i.e., Doodle Floyd's shooting "lighting" up the scoreboard with "windmill" hookshots from all parts of the floor. Nonsense, he may have shot them from all around what used to be shaped as a key, but not all over the floor, for crying out loud ! Sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh -- betcha none of them were from behind the ten second line! In numerous little ways the authoress gnashes a minimally knowledable person of era basketball. e.g., at the time the ball could be taken out rather than a freeshot taken when a foul was committed, at least in, I think it was the last two minutes of a game or half. In a game in which Cuba was behind, the author seems surprised that the opponents took the ball out of bounds rather than shoot free throws when fouled. Of course they did ! The reason they were fouled was to obtain a turnover. If the team fouled missed a free throw there was a chance for a turnover. A team ahead likely would be interested in freezing the ball. Of course, for crying out loud, they would take the ball out of bounds rather than shoot a free shot. Several times the authoress comments on players shooting a "jump shot". No, not likely. They may not have shoved it up two handed from the waist or chest, and they may have shot running one hand shots, or one hand set shots, maybe be from the waist, and maybe with a pumping motion, but if she thinks they were shooting "jump" shots in the form of modern jump shots, that notion is almost as erroneous as that of players posting themselves under the "goalposts". Describing the Cuba gym, she mentions a "box" office adjoining the coach's office. A what ? Was this an office for boxes ? It would hardly have been a press box one wouldn't think. And then there was a player who drove for lay up and missed although he "tossed" it up. And, a shot is a shot, not a throw, unless someone throws it instead of shooting it. I wonder if there are some films somewhere which show these boys of the mid-century as they were. playing as they did ? Or if the authoress has any idea of how the game looked then ? Aside from not knowing what game must have appeared like, the authoress has produced a neat book in which one can grasp the tenor of life as experienced by its participants. Yet, I hungered for more of the very genre of insights she provided, such as pictures, verbally and actual pictures, of the participants away from the court. I would like to have seen more of this, the front of Harper's, a picture of the ball court there, the community as it was. And I searched the pictures that were vainly trying to grasp the Cuba gym. And I wonder if they dressed in a dressing room with showers, or in a class room ? Did they have JV preliminary games ? Or junior high games ? They gym was suggested by the authoress to be under regulation dimensions. Personally, the smallest gym I ever seen (not saw) was a junior high gym at Flint in Morgan County Alabama, the ceiling was in play and was just a few feet higher than the top of the wooden backboard, the end boundaries were painted half on the court and half on the wall at one end and on the stage at the other, and at the stage end the out of bounds line actually went up the steps on one side. Basketball courts vary in width and length, but the foul line is always ten feet from the goal (not the "goalpost"). Courts vary in length and width. I don't think there was any such animal as an unoffical court. Nevertheless, the authoress has provided a good story and an absorbing read about a happy collection, a synchronicity of capable youths and a coach who both taught and allowed the ablity of these boys of the mid-century to flow out of them. A remarkable story.

This is an excellent, easy to read, true heart warming story that is a real inspiration. It is a classic, a book that every parent, teacher, coach and team player will enjoy and learn from.

Basketball was a passion in Kentucky & every highschool, no matter its size, organized a team to play game after game, traveling miles in all sorts of vehicles & weather. In Cuba, Kentucky, an isolated rural town around which three rivers poured & flooded, a group of rambunctious 8th grade boys became inspired by Coach Jack Story's dream of winning the 1952 state basketball championship & the American Dream.

To a lesser degree yet with as much passion, the girls in the school fought & conspired to form a cheer leading troupe. In their long skirts & neck high Peter Pan blouses, they added their energy to the fever pitch.

Marianne Walker has told their stories with enthusiasm including insights from a time before over-the-counter medicines; when most everyone raised their own food; many were share-croppers & there were no funded school programs; school bussing & television. In a time when radio was king, not everyone had telephones & sports writers were the revered messengers of the marathon games for which just about every person would turn out. Fascinating read! Do check out my full review.

This is an amazing book.
It is a deeply personal and detailed account of Nadia Comaneci's life by 'Little Miss Perfect' herself and offers a wonderful insight into what 'makes her tick'.
I am reading it to my class of 9-11 year old students and they are similarly enjoying it too.
I thoroughly recommend this book.

For anyone looking for photos, explore here:
nadiacomaneci.com

We are taken on a journey through Nadia's life, we feel we are spectators and are there with her every step of the way, at her baptism ,at the olympics,in the gymn and at her home.The reader ends up by feeling he knows her well. As we embark on this voyage we see she makes mistakes as we all do, she admits she was defensive on a Tv show after defecting to America, that as a consequence of her parents' divorce she overate. She does not make excuses but gives an honest account. This honesty and frankness also extends to the admission she made in 1980 that Yelena Davydova simply performed better on the day and that her victory was not a result of fixing as Bela Karolyi would like people to believe,she also admits that her first routine on the bars which earned a 10 was not perfect and that throughout the olympics she felt the judges were being too good to her. We also meet a decent woman who does not want to live off the income of a romanian widow and her son. But she does not give much credit to other gymnasts. She rightly pays tribute to Yelena Mukhina who broke her neck and was paralyzed as a result, but says so little about her. She mentions that she was not sure exactly how the accident occurred, which I find hard to believe because the whole world knows.The only other gymnasts she really has time for are Lyudmilla Tourisheva and Mary Lou Retton, the former was her idol, the other was great. What about Teodora, Olga Korbut, etc? I feel she was overrated and certainly overrated herself, for she argues that before 1976 few gymnasts took risks, the comaneci salto was never attempted before by anyone and was the first big release at the 76 olympics. It is true that through out the 1950s and 60s a lot of gymnasts were women. Bar and beam routines in particular were considered elementary but in those years there were innovations, at the 1952 olympics Maria Gorokhovskaya dismounted by standing on high bar and pushing into a back tuck salto , the rachodla salto between bars appeared in 1966 to give only 2 examples but from 1972 onwards routines get riskier. The so called comaneci salto had been done before by Karin Janz in munich. She first performed in 1971. Annelore Zinke also performed it in 1974.Barbara Myslak (Usa)performed a whip cast flip from high to high bar in 1974 and around the same time Denise Cheshire (Usa) also innovated a snap flip high to high bar these latter 2 examples would suggest that Olga Korbut and not Nadia really inspired gymnasts to higher, more dangerous levels and made salto releases obligatory. What about olga korbuts flip on bars? This is never mentioned and Olga was performing this release in 1976 as were at least 20 others, so it is wrong to say Nadia's salto was the first release at montreal. Lastly the so called dismount named after her, the only new element Nadia introduced was the half turn. There were gymnasts performing back saltos as dismounts, Angelika Hellman performed a back tuck dismount from bars in munich, Olga performed a salto back stretched with take off from bar and Nadia chatarova of Bulgaria performed a double back tuck dismount in montreal this last element together with olga korbuts back flip on bars and her dismount were much more difficult than Nadia's comaneci salto and dismount. People were doing half twists but in conjunction with hechts. Half twists were not exactly a novelty.The Comaneci salto is just simply someone else's somersault performed in different take off position. She argues that it is not attempted by many because it is difficult ( are not all saltos on bars) and that you cannot be the slightest bit out when you attempt it but you can in other saltos( hard to believe).

Nadia's book exceeded my expectations with her insightful words of philosophy and colorfully poetic descriptions.

Her autobiographical account, packaged with thought-provoking questions and comments aimed towards her readers, struck several deep chords in my life-pondering mind. There is plenty of food for thought which would particularly hit home for readers who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Nadia's experiences, hardships, successes are truly inspiring pieces of her world that many readers could relate to and possibly find light in their own circumstances.

In a way, it was a good thing that there were no pictures included because I could focus more on the intellectual aspect of the story than the visual. At the same time, it would have been a great idea to include a few early photos along with some recent ones of herself, since she does mention that she hopes people will be interested in who she is now and not so much on the little girl she used to be.

As far as gymnastics tips, Nadia gives them in the form of using one's pyschology for greater benefit. She also includes a list for success in life towards the end of the book. Naturally, even I was curious enough to expect, and miss, a bit of flexibility or skill-specific boosting advice from her perspective.

This story is indeed a fantastic motivational tool for others. Those who say otherwise have simply not taken the time or effort to read into what Nadia's story offers or pinpoint the wonderful wisdom she provides.

Since I was a gymnast for many, many years, I have read quite a few gymnastics books, but none had impressed me too much until I read this one. Perhaps it is because Nadia not only talked about her gymnastics, but also about the conditions and struggles of life in Communist Romania. It is not only a biography, but also historical as well.

The book was very clear and easy to read, so younger gymnastics fans should have no problem getting through it. It was also very interesting (something I truly did not expect) and a page turner. It answered many questions gymnastics fans have had through the years.

Nadia's story is very impressive, and, at times, even heartbreaking. It's hard to believe that, by reading this book, you'll eventually "feel" for probably the most successful gymnast in the history of the sport. Her life wasn't always as glorious as you may think.

I'd suggest gymnastics fans read this book because it's simply very good and very well written, and also very, very interesting. Also, if you're simply interested in learning more about how life was like in a communist country, this book may just be the book for you!

Of the 10 reviews of this book, which readers give an average of 5 stars, I'm noticing that only *two* people have actually used this method to run a marathon! (My review makes three.) It's fine to skim through the book, look at the schedule and think, Wow! That looks do-able! Five stars! But to actually run 26.2 miles using this method? Here are my thoughts:

First, the positive. I did it! I ran my fifth marathon last week using this method, but it was my first in 14 years and my first since kids. There was no way I could do the traditional 6 day a week training, so I was willing to give this a try. I had never done any kind of core or strength training at all, and I'm now completely sold that it is a key piece of marathon training. In the old days my back would often be the sorest part of my body after a long run, but no more, and the arm strength exercises gave me a big boost on hills. Running only 4 days a week also kept running a lot of fun, and I was always excited to get out there and go - definitely not the case when following a 6 day a week schedule.

The negatives of this book: first, the training charts in the back for all but the advanced plan show 1 core weekout a week, on
Friday, but the text description of the training says there are 3 (Tues, Thurs and Fri). I had been following the chart only and didn't notice this until a few weeks before my race, so I probably didn't do enough core exercises, which gave me something to worry about during the taper.

Second, the periodization is very different in a 4 day a week program. Normally you increase the long run milage one week and decrease the next (like 12, 9, 14, 10, 16, 11), so the build up is gradual. In this program, you increase the long run 3-4 weeks in a row (like 12, 16, 18, 20, 10). I found this really tough to do when the milage got longer, and as a result my long runs were often incredibly slow. As was my marathon time. Because the mid week runs were so light (I followed the intermediate plan), and my long runs so slow, I just didn't have the base of running to step up my pace by 1-2 minutes per mile during the race, although this book claims it will happen. More specifically, my long runs were between 9:30 and 10:00 per mile. I ran the marathon with a 3:50 pace group, which is 8:47, and at mile 24 simply fell apart, which I have never done in a marathon before - I've always run negative splits.

On the other hand, I finished in 3:52 (although I don't really consider that an "intermediate" time), and the training schedule never really took over my life as it had in the past. I never felt overtrained, and there were only a few times where the really long Sunday runs cut into my family time.

So, I think if you are very busy and yet want to *finish* a marathon the intermediate schedule is a good program. If you want to run a faster time, I'm not sure it can be done on anything less than the advanced program. Personally I think if you follow the beginning program without making the mid week runs a little faster or challenging, you may finish but I would bet you will have a pretty miserable race.

I wish the author would give more specifics about how the plans connect to various time goals! He says the right plan will "reveal itself" to the reader, but I think that might not happen until after the race!

What a wonderful book. I used this book to train for my first 1/2 marathon, after I had knee surgery 2 yrs ago @27yrs old. My husband and I loved it so much he used it to train for his 2nd full this weekend. I've been using it to train for my next half this weekend as well and plan on taking off at least 10mins from my first 1/2 just 3 months ago. We so enjoy the book and it's easy reading style. We are looking at his 12 week triathlete in hopes of entering a triathalon sometime next year. I've personally contacted Tom by email to ask questions about my knee surgery and his training schedule. He personally answered them and offered additional advice. He seem geniuely intersted in my race performance. I think I come upon a gem in training, thanks TOM!

I borrowed this book from my cousin when I watched him run the Boston Marathon last month. I read the book needing some advice for a marathon I plan to run in October. It made me want to go running as I was reading it. Rather than make copies of lots of pages, I just decided to buy another book for my cousin so I can keep the old one.

I am currently training for my 8th marathon. Tom Holland's book was able to fit my training needs. If this had been my first marathon, it would still have met my needs. Great book. I recommend it for others.

I started running consistantly about 1 1/2 yrs ago (37yrs old). I set a goal of running a 15k race which I did in about 1:20. I wanted to improve my time as well as attempt some longer runs so I read a few other books / magazines before buying this one. Most of the others I read seemed to be more geared to the "elite" runners which I am definetly not. I appreciate Tom's knowledge and his ability to help the novice as well as the experienced runner. I also like Tom's approach to overall fitness, recovery and avoiding injuries. I have had the book for a couple of months and I have improved my time slightly but the greatest benefit for me has been helping me run further (I ran my first 14miler averaging 9min miles - which I am happy with) This is a great book for someone wanting to go to the next level.

This book is sure to create quite a bit of discomfort for those emotionally wed to the traditional notions of bicycle training and fitness. Most cyclists are familiar with the traditional concepts of base building with long base miles followed by a build and a peak cycle with progressively harder interval efforts. This book turns a lot of that traditional orthodoxy on its head, and in the process is sure to generate some backlash (just read that previous-now deleted-review).

I read up on Ross. He's not some hack, but was the team doctor for the Jelly Belly professional team. Even more important, everything he discusses is cited and footnoted and based on current research by current sports med luminaries such as Veronique Billat, who is currently one of the most prolific and ground breaking scientists in the sports med field. And it's not as if the notion of High Intensity Training came out of left field. Dave Morris, another influential researcher and coach has been successful with the HIT approach for a long time. Ross and Billat simply add a new twist and a level of precision to techniques that have been proven to be successful for many athletes.

My criticism of the Ross book, and applying Billat or Larsen to training protocols for that matter, is that it applies what I feel is an unnecessary level of complexity and rigidity to interval training. For example, an athlete has to go through two maximal intensity ramp tests: one to determine their max power, and then another to determine their max time at max power. The interval durations are then set at exactly that max time with equal rest intervals. I tried this approach with one of my athletes and we got a TMax of 1:50. Why not just 2 minutes at maximum RPE for that time duration? It seems to me to be a distinction without a difference, as they both will target anaerobic capacity and VO2 max when used with 1:1 work/rest ratios. Just picking the arbitrary 2 min time duration just seems a lot simpler, and you don't need an ergometer to perform two elaborate and grueling step tests. It also eliminates a lot of creativity you can have with slightly different work durations and rest intervals.

Endurance training has its schools with its own gurus and acolytes, and is very cliquish in that sense. You'll have the Coggans and the Friels with their devotees who scoff at anything outside their sphere of devotion. Nevertheless, this is important reading for the serious coach or self-coached athlete who wants some insight into alternative and cutting edge training methods.

I've read quite a few books on training. This one lays it all out simply and in a concise and easy to use manner. If you're a cyclist interested in racing, BUY THIS BOOK!

I am an anesthesiologist and avid cyclist. In the past I've used more traditional training programs to prepare for the racing season with good success ( winning or placing in our state USCF road race championship as well as success in local races as a 40+ and now 56 yo masters and/or cat 4/5 racer). This year I've tried the training program outlined by Dr. Ross in his book and I would give it a mixed review. My results this year have been decent, but I can't say they've been better than in past years.
First the positives. The book is well referenced and thus gives the impression that the principles outlined are based on well designed peer reviewed studies and papers published in respected medical and physiology journals. The efficiency of a program based almost exclusively on interval training is appealing. It certainly takes less time over the course of a week and suits my limited race schedule (only 4-5 races in the year) and work schedule. The intervals are always hard, but that's how you improve.
Now the negatives.
First, the most obvious drawback is that most athletes like to train with other athletes for cameraderie and motivation, and Ross's program of 4 days of intervals followed by 3 days off isn't something you can easily talk your bicycling buddies into. So you're on your own which decreases the fun and the competitive push that comes from "beating the other guy to the sprint point". Ross does mix (and recommends) "racing" into the 4 days of training later in the year, and I interpreted this to mean I could substitute a "hard group training ride" to keep from going nuts with only intervals.
Second, Ross includes weight training prior to the race season but then makes no mention of it. Most training programs recommend continuing with a maintenance weight program during the season. I think with this book you have to "fill in the blanks" a bit and modify the plan with some common sense such as continuing some maintenance weight training.
Third, I just can't take three days off in a row without training. I get cranky and my legs ache and twitch. I have also found that on the first day back after three days off my performance is definitely subpar (although the next day can be superlative). Thus (again this goes against Ross's ideas) I at least spin, do some weights, or walk around the lake with my wife.
In summary, (based on my personal experience only) if you're going to follow the program I think you need to use some commonsense and modify the schedule to fit your needs. Some previous experience with training programs would be helpful. I'm not sure this book is a good choice for someone just beginning on the bike.

Do you know what happens to your body when you're cycling? Find out the science behind the sport and important tips to improve your endurance.

Okay, first of all, 90% of this book is just a rehash of Morris's better-written Performance Cycling. See my review of that for more specific criticisms than you're going to get below.

What seems to be happening here is that about every 2 years, some amateur coach looks at a few lab studies and cries "Eureka! High intensity training is more effective than low intensity training!" Then they write a book, which quickly goes out of print.

Ross basically wants to you to do a modified Conconi test to figure your Critical Power which he (and no one else) defines as the power you can sustain for somewhere between 50 seconds and two minutes, depending on who you are. Then he bases his whole philosophy on that rather arbitrary number. Essentially, you will have to do intervals at some percentage of that power output for 4 days in a row, then take 3 days off.

He seems to think that long endurance training reduces type1 fiber size and that this reduces your endurance. So in his world, training endurance makes your endurance worse. I think the actual theory is that the reduction in fiber size allows for more efficient oxygen diffusion, but why get bogged down in all that complexity? He also still seems to think that lactic acid causes muscle fatigue--an embarrassingly outdated notion. Of course, there is also no discussion of things like Intensity Factors and Training Stress Scores that have become so important with the advent of power meters.

The idea here is that coaches like Michele Ferrari and every pro endurance athlete on the planet are just wasting their time and that they'd be much better off reducing their total training volume to about 3-4 hours/week. Of course, neither he nor Morris seem to have ever actually coached a top athlete (for obvious reasons) so there is no real-world basis for this belief.

You should do a search on "Understanding Intervals Stephens" (I'd give you the U R L, but Amazon blanks them out) and read the article that comes up. While admittedly outdated and perhaps even a bit naive, it's probably a fundamentally correct explanation of why Ross/Morris are wrong.

If you really want to reach your potential, it's not going to be this easy. You're going to have to study Friel's book, buy a power meter with Cycling Peaks software, and put in a whole lot of time. I wish it weren't true, but if you're going to succeed in an endurance sport, you're gonna have to, well, work endurance...