Athletics Books

This book was written in 1993 (it is now almost 2000) and you may be tempted to think that this book is outdated. You couldn't be more wrong! Everything in this book is as relevant, if not more so, that when it was written.

The section on canting and alignment is amazing. On first reading I was sceptical. However, I have recently been correctly canted and aligned and am amazed at the difference. As an instructor and racer, I work a lot on my skiing technique. Being correctly aligned has shown the biggest single improvement in my skiing for years.

The techniques discussed in this book are also very very good. Most of them are now more relevant than when the book was written as they allow you to get the most out of the new generation of carving skis.

Buy this book, read it, read it again, be aligned and then ski better than ever.

As a PSIA Ski Instructor I would recommend folks be very careful about some of the canting information in this book. The book assumes that all bowlegged skiers are overcanted and while this is mostly true it is not absolutely true. Many bowlegged skiers (including myself) are naturally undercanted and the advice presented in this book is incorrect for us. This book seems to be the source for the 'if you are bowlegged, cant on the outside of the ski' common wisdom, and again that is simply not true in all cases. Canting solutions are individual and must not be over generalized. Instead, read the descriptions of what effects over or under canting can have and see which fits you. Then cant as necessary.

Also, I would say that this 'used to be' the definitive guide. After reading both this and All Mountain Skier by Mark Elling, I would definately recommend the latter. Ellings book is much more useful for actual practice. There is not much in here that is not better covered in Ellings book. Also, the technical information in Ellings book (on canting for example) is much more accurate.

What can I say that the book doesn't already say. A great book for beginning to intermediate skiers. Including several sections covering your equipment and proper fitting techniques.

As a full certified ski instructor with over 14 years teaching experience, and as a former club racer and High School coach, this is the only book I recommend to anyone (and everyone) that seeks to improve their skiing. In this book (and previously in his first book, How the Racer Skis) Witherell does more to define and clarify the skills necessary for achieving and mastering the highest level of skiing than the piles of PSIA books and manuals I accumulated during my five year progression from uncertified to full certified instructor. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL; Witerell also addresses the most critical, yet most overlooked, aspect of alpine skiing: THE EQUIPMENT. Most specifically BOOT FIT: fore/aft balance, and canting. In so doing Witherell attacks the "disease" that most skiers suffer from, poor fitting equipment (boots) that puts them out of balance and out of alignment and leads them to constantly struggle with compensating movements in a desperate and futile attempt to regain balance and compensate for poor alignment. So much ski instruction and (sadly) coaching only attempts to treat the symptoms (poor "technique": most often caused by compensating movements in attempt to try and correct equipment caused imbalance or alignment problems) and thus miserably fails the student or racer. When a student comes to a lesson for help with their skiing or a racer puts her trust in a coach they deserve to be taught and coached with, and given, the knowledge that is contained in this book.
Simply put for those that have knowledge of NASTAR handicapping, the information contained in this book (and two days skiing with Witherell) took me from an 18 or 19 handicap to a 7 or 8.
This book is even more critical and more cogent today than when it was first published 13 years ago considering today's shaped skis.
Buy this book. Read it. Address boot fit and canting. Read it again. Ski. Constantly play with your equipment, dialing it in. Ski. Play on your skis. Read this book again and again and again.
Skiing isn't as complicated as most instructors make it. Trust me. Trust this book. Warren Witherell and David Evard know what they're talking about.

If you buy only one book on skiing, this should be it. It is a joy to read, and re-read. Keep it on the coffee table at your ski condo and read any random chapter. You'll learn something.

Warren is the father of carving long before it became a fad. It is "how the racers ski" (which is also the name of his first book from the early 70's that is a classic).

The content if outstanding and the writing and presentation is equally as nice. Glossy pages, excellent photography.

I've given this book to more hard core skiers than I'd like to say.

The section on balance and alignment alone are worth the money. Buy it!

As a cyclist who is training for racing (or for a century/benefit tours something like that), and if you want to take your training seriously, you're going to need a training diary. I personally find Chris Carmichael totally obnoxious, in that everything he does is a plug for his CTS Trainright thing, but a diary is pretty much a diary, and you should get one anyway. However, next year I will be getting Joe Friel's diary, particularly because I use his Cyclist's Training Bible (which I highly recommend).

Any cyclist using a structured training program should use this diary to record your daily workouts. Great information also accompanies each entry.

First, being a diary it has lots of blank pages. Only about 43 pages have information.

That being said, if you are a serious athelete and you do not have a diary, get this one. You can adapt its pages for other purposes besides cycling. If you already do, borrow this book and see if you can do it better.

I used a modified format for my training diary that is almost exactly the same as this one. Various doctors and physical medicene therapists have often marvelled at my training notes, and I owe 80% of it to Chris Carmichael.

The end of the book has important lists that you should keep, such as bike measurements, equipment. It is very complete.

I find that this cycling diary is a usefull tool for anyone following a structered training program especially those using CTS for thier training. The format is easy to follow.

Great information. Training reflects those I used in a marathon training program that was sucessful. If you want a personalized program though, you will have to purchase it. Price for that training seems reasonable and there is an offer of free initial consultation with Carmichael Training Systems. All in all, this book is very useful.

This is a good source of endurance info. It has good information of skill and technique development. Marc Evans takes more of a 'whole athlete' view than some other endurance writers. There are better books on triathlon training, but this is a well balanced text on endurance.

This is a great book for those of you out there that feel a little lost in the world of triathlon training. Stop reading all those contradictory articles and just get this book. Dead serious. To get the full effect of the book you must spend hours studying it. But your racing and training will improve dramatically. The author covers everything from speed, endurance, form, the whole nine yards.

This is not a "hoo-rah" story of a bunch of pro's achievements, but an in depth discussion of endurance in general. There's so much information, that you could pick and choose only 1/3 of it and the book's still a bargain. I bought it when I first started doing short triathalons for fun and fitness, so I didn't use all of the serious training charts. What I did use the most was the discussion on running technique and nutrition's effect on endurance. The swimming and biking technique sections were also helpful. You don't have to be a triathalete to benefit from this book. It applies to hiking, climbing, biking, or any endurance activity.

Endurance Athlete's Edge by Marc Evans is the best book on the market for anyone who is interested in this form of training. Mutisports are one, if not the most challenging activities the body will ever endure. Marc Evans gives you the information you need to improve your knowledge in helping you last in this sport. If you want to win or just finish an Ironman race, you must get this book. Marc Evans Knows His Stuff, and is a leader on this subject. Thank you Mr. Evans for helping us all train right!

Progression charts, milage graphs, timing in minutes and seconds, pace guides; whatever happened to just "doing it?" Marc Evans is certainly into it but I can't imagine how he keeps up with anyone he coaches, considering all the analysis that has to be done to use his method (would a three-sport athlete have time to even look at these charts?). Maybe it due to computers or maybe the rise of internet coaching, but analytical coaching seems to be the rage these days. If that's what you want, this is the book to get; Evans will have you dialed in and on a schedule that will be the envy of those who make Boeing 747's for a living! Just remember to have some fun in the process, OK? By the way, outside of scheduling charts actual sport-specific training advice is fairly skimpy and generalized. You'd do better to get specific sport information from sport-specific books. Evans would probably agree that a face-to-face coach is better for that sort of thing anyway. As for me, I'll take the advice of one great cyclist: "Ride lots."

Learn some great exercises to improve your fitness level for skiing. Step-by-step instructions for each exercise are included.

This is a great book - for less than I'd expect from a quality hardback. It will give you the exercises and the knowledge - you need to provide the effort and motivation :-). A good value.

I have several gripes about this book:

1. The page layout of the 1st edition is terrible. The type size is too big, and the paragraph length is too long, making it difficult to just sit down and read. It looks like it was made using Microsoft Word, which detracts from the professionalism of the content. Cheesy clip-art doesn't help. This book would really have benefitted from a more professional editor and publisher.

2. Like another reviewer said, there are a number of typos, misspelling and instances of poor grammar. This again distracts from the "authority" of this text.

3. Some paragraph text was missing altogether, such as the "Ultimate Hangover Solution" in that section: it is about 1" of empty paragraph. So, it's unknown what the recommended "ultimate" solution for apres-ski hangovers.

That said, it does have excellent information about how to get in shape for skiing, and to improve your fitness while targeting skiing as a hobby/sport. There are good photos and diagrams, as well as step-by-step instructions for performing exercises properly. Hooge is a young author (in his early 30's); I think a 2nd "tidied-up" edition would really make this book worthwhile. Hopefully the 2nd edition (released in Oct 2006) will live up to this expectation.

I'm giving it only 3 stars due to the poor production; however the content seems pretty solid.

Be aware that this is a total fitness guide.
You need to be prepared to commit to a complete exercise program involving plenty of gym work as well as following a recommended nutrition program.
Great book, requires only your commitment!

Like the other reviews, this book has very few information about skiing, but it is very detailed and informative about land training before the skiing season. Actually many of the methods described in this book can be used for other sports or just for being a healthy person. So if you are looking for something for actual skiing techniques this is not your number one book. But for land training it can be...

I don't doubt for a minute that you completely missed the theme and messages of this book - you expose your true colors and attitudes towards kids with your "cross-eyed, overweight child" and "fat, blind kid" pejoratives. "Players must understand their skill level limits them" - I can hear you now getting that message (loudly, clearly and strongly, no doubt to toughen them up for the "real world" - yeah, right) across to young adults on a daily basis. What magic you must weave in the lives of these young people. If the generalizations fit, go ahead and wear them - clearly you have no use for any child that isn't contributing to that bottom line (for you) - WIN. Rest easy that your opinion is the dominant one in the youth coaching ranks, however - and thus the need for this book.

The reader from Trenton, Michigan missed the point of this book. Readers of that review should carefully consider the source and its use of hateful ideas and language. This is an excellent book for amateur coaches of kids. It teaches how to interact with kids and how to motivate them to do their best without resorting to screaming and put-downs. If you are a coach or parent, this will be both fun to read and useful to learn from.

As a high school coach for over ten years, I have always looked for new and unique ways to motivate my players. I hoped that this book would generate fresh, creative alternatives. Instead, I was served a 400-page liberal athletic manifesto. Don't get me wrong; I believe in utilizing positive motivational strategies and teaching techniques with my players. If like me, you believe that winning is actually an important aspect of athletic competition, you will find yourself at odds with the author from the introduction. Perhaps in the youth leagues, rules demanding equal playing time that foster an "everyone is a star" attitude are effective. At the higher levels, these ideas become highly ineffectual (too many chiefs and not enough indians). Eventually, players must understand that their skill level (or lack thereof) limits them to a lesser role as a reserve or practice player. While the author offers sound ideas for communicating with players, the techniques are just another by-product of sixties liberalism run amuck. I agree with the author that many children have enjoyed a less-than-successful athletic career based on poor coaching; and I'm sure I could have been a surgeon if only my Cub Scout den mother was better with her pocketknife. The truth of the matter is that most kids don't become good or great athletes because they aren't willing to put in the time and effort necessary to do so (while approaching every aspect of life in pretty much the same fashion). In my experience, most of the problems in youth athletics are caused by adults! The kids know who to pick; it's the adult looking to create "fairness" for the cross-eyed, overweight child who can't tie shoes without sustaining a career-ending injury that creates the problem - first by demanding equal opportunity, second by placing the child in a situation where there is little chance for success. When the fat, blind kid struggles and feels like a failure, this is the coaches' fault? It is if you believe in Jim Thompson's doctrine. I'll admit there are some good ideas for dealing with players on an interpersonal level. P.S. Don't let the Foreward by Phil Jackson fool you! (How many titles did his positive coaching win without Michael Jordan?)

I coach volleyball in grade school and junior high school, and I usually get the "B teams" (the leftovers who are not as talented as the girls on the "A" team.) Therefore, if there ever was a crying need for a book on how to coach these types of athletes, this book more than served its purpose for me. Actually, this book had a positive effect on me since it saved my coaching career.

Don't get me wrong, though, this book will turn around any coach's career whether he has an A or a B team. I coached a group of 13 and 14 year old softball players the year that I purchased this book. At the beginning of the season, the only team these girls could beat was themselves; in fact, that was primarily the reason they were losing was the fact that they were beating themselves! Well, after one mediocre game, I sat the girls down on the bench and instead of reading them the riot act, I took to heart a suggestion by the author. I emphasized all the positive aspects of the game they played just to show these girls that they were capable of doing some positive things. I did this after each game from then on, win or lose. Wouldn't you know it, these same rag tag girls lost the last the last game of the season: the city championship game by one run (to a team that annihilated them by 12 runs in the first game of that season.) This was an example of positive coaching, and I've used everything in this book to my advantage to become a successful POSITIVE coach. Thanks Mr. Thompson for turning my career around!

I got this book just as I was about to coach a new teeball team and found its insight very helpful. Not a book about what drills to use but about motivation, handling people and protecting peoples love of the sport. More cerebral than I would expect in a coaching book. I used much of the material in my business career. Now I am starting his next book, "Shooting in the Dark".

Amby carries on where George Sheehan left off. Great motivational essays at a great price. Amby and Joe Henderson are two of the best living running essayists.

Amby is a great runner, editor and human being. Give his book a go or give it to some runner you know...

I ran all through grade school and high school and am picking up the sport again after some years off. I found this book to be a great re-introduction after some time off. I think Amby describes it best as that book that has lots of answers to the questions you've been asking yourself for months (or years), and instead of buying many books to find the answeres, they are all in one small, relatively inexpensive book.

If you run, buy it, you'll like it, if you are thinking about running, buy it, it'll help you along the path towards your running goals.

This book is great for runners of all age and experience. I have never been much of a fitness nut, but Mr. Burfoot's book inspired and helped me to begin a personal running program. I have already recommended this book to many people and will continue to do so.

execellent book for the beginners. the principles are short, comprehensive, precise and right to the point. but for the intermediate and advance runners, this book has nothing new to offer other than repeat and remind of what you have already learnt.

If you're an advanced or intermediate runner, you probably
understand most of what is covered already. In my opinion,
this book is more for the beginner runner, or the runner who
is returning to the sport after a long layoff. However, even
respected runners such as Frank Shorter (1972 Olympic Gold
Medalist Men's Marathon), Joan Benoit Samuelson (1984 Olympic
Gold Medalist Women's Marathon), and Jeff Galloway have
endorsed the book. The author himself is the winner of the
1968 Boston Marathon. However, that is not the point. The
point is that this book is compact and easy to read. Someone
in elementary school who is starting out as a runner could
benefit from this book, even though it is probably intended
more for high school runners and older runners.
In the introduction, the author says the book is only to
cover the basics. If you want a tome on running that is
comprehensive, I suggest Timothy Noakes' book The Lore
of Running, which is nearly 1000 pages. The Principles
section is essentially a summary of what the topic he is
discussing. It is written in a nice sequential order,
even though you can use it as a reference guide. I am
deducting a star because it is brief, and doesn't contain
everything you need to know about running, but then again
that wasn't the point of this book, since it would be
redundant. I would recommend getting additional books on
running if you're a serious runner and are looking for
something more comprehensive. It lacks training schedules
for anything besides the marathon in this book, and getting
started towards running if you're not running already.
The breakdown of the book is as follows:
Introduction

Part I: The Joy of Running
For The Health Of It
The Real Runner's High

Part II: First Steps
Getting Started
It's Okay To Go Slow
Motivation
Aches and Pains
Blisters
The 10-Percent Rule
Running and Walking

Part III: Women
Safety
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Menopause
Special Concerns

Part IV: Equipment
Shoes
Apparel
Heart-Rate Monitors
Treadmills
Indoor Exercise

Part V: Nutrition
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Vitamins and Minerals
Before and after a Run
On The Run
Drinks, Bars and Gels
Vegetarian Diet

Part VI: Warming Up and Cooling Down
Hard and Easy Workouts
Progressive Training
Hills
Cross-Training
Groups
Long Runs
Tempo Training
Max VO2
Speed-Form Training
Burnout

Part VII: Weight Loss
Running Works Best
The Running Diet
A 24-Hour Program
Maximum Weight Loss

Part VIII: Weather
Heat
Cold
Dark, Snow, Ice and Rain

Part IX: Injury Prevention and Treatment
Overuse Injuries
Stretching
Ice
Pain Relievers
Shinsplits
Knee Injuries
Achilles Tendinitis

Part X: Racing
The Decision To Race
Goals
Mental Preparation
Tapering
The Start
Pace

Part XI: The Marathon
Commitment
Building-Up
Essential Element
Yasso 800s
Taper
Carbohydrate-Loading
Final 24 Hours
Early and Middle Miles
The Wall
Recovery

Part XII: A Lifetime of Running
Slowing Down, Feeling Great
Use It or Lose It

Amby Burfoot may be more known as the long-time editor for Runner's World magazine than for his 1968 victory in the searing heat at the Boston Marathon.

Burfoot merges his skill of a journalist with his many years in the sport to deliver wonderful essays on the peaks, valleys and rugged terrain of life. Though the starting line is his running, the course that is mapped out is accessible to those who never laced up a pair of shoes for a marathon or a jaunt around the block.

This is a gold medal performance by Burfoot, that comes straight from the heart.

I probably won't read the book, as I don't run. The birthday gift will be given June 14, so I won't hear about it until after then. I am giving 5 stars for the good delivery servicde.

Running has always been one of my favorite things to do. It relaxes me, clears my head, and gets me ready for the day. This is a classic about the world of running. If you run occasionally, or obsessively this is a must-have.

Burfoot's "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life" is so simple yet so thorough. It's such a quick read, but the depth and variety of each short, powerful chapter is incredible. I literally could not put it down.

I particularly connected with the chapter on traditions (the need for anchors in this fast-paced world). Amby talks about the draw of Manchester and it's annual Thanksgiving day Road Race, which he has done 37 consecutive times. This fall will be my 17th straight. Like Amby, I make the pilgrimage back to Connecticut (despite now living in Chicago) because of the opportunity to re-connect with family and friends for this one "magic" day.

As a father of three daughters, I also appreciated his perspectives on his children and how he came to the realization that they must choose their own paths. While I would love for my daughters to share my passion for running, I have learned through Amby that it is OK if they don't. Finally, the chapter titled "Materialism - what you really need you already have" is right on and should be "must read" for our entire society.

This is a book much like "Tuesday's With Morrie" that I will refer back to from time to time to put life - and running - in perspective.

Thanks Amby and see you in Manchester!

Todd Gothberg
Gurnee Il.<

The perfect book to lift the spirits and give you the motivation to get out and give it your best. It's a small and easy to read companion that is ideal for taking along to races and whipping out when the nerves start to set in. Every runner should have this in their kit bag or beside the bed.

I saw the reviews on this book and then checked it out from my library (with intentions to order it very shortly as it's a great reference). I'm only halfway through it, so basically at the fueling for a race and his concepts are fantastic so far. While you can tell where he is leaning, he doesn't seem to try to push his ideas and states that every person is different, but these are ideas to try to get yourself to this level. Also, instead of a focus on weight loss, his focuse points toward restructuring your body composition. A lot of the principals he brings up are carried over from other sources, and he discusses other diets out there and why they are necessarily appropriate for runners. I also love that he breaks down the types of sugars in various sports drinks, gels, and other options out there.

This is a well put together read that is full of useful info for the beginner to the advanced runner. I have been running for over a year and am in training for my first half marathon. I struggle to maintain a healthy running weight and this book really has helped me with that. I love all the advice on proper carb, fat, and protein intake. The book is easy to read and does not necassarily need to be read in any particular order. I would recommend this to any runner and have already.

This is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to learn how to best feed their body for running. As a beginning runner who's training for my first marathon, the information included in this book has been priceless.

As is the case with Runner's World, the quality of the writing is unique amongst sports-related publications. Most running books I've encountered so far generally have poor grammar and/or spelling, and tend to read more like grad school papers than informative books. Matt Fitzgerald's writing style manages to make the subject matter interesting and enjoyable.

References to websites and other resources for more information were also very useful. The section regarding supplements and where you can find out which ones are honest about their ingredients is fantastic.

Regardless of where you are in your training, I would highly recommend this book.

I'm about 3/4 of the way through this book and the advice that Matt supplies is extremely eye opening. I never knew drinking during your workout was so important.

This book is written from a very down to earth point of view. I felt like a coach or a friend was giving me advice. After reading most of this book I went ahead and ordered both the EFS (formerly E3 as mentioned in the book) sports drink and the Ultragen recovery drink. I'm completely convinced by Matt's detailed explanations that these products are really targeted to maximize your body's needs.

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is an avid runner. It will help you understand how certain foods and nutrition can help your body as a runner.

Fitzgerald offers a good overview of various nutrients and their role in race performance. The short coming of this book is that it doesn't offer specific menu plans. Great title, just falls a little short of being truly helpful.

This book certainly gave me a basis to build on and was very influential in my initial weeks of training. Highly recommended for the beginning runner who desires to know more. Easily understood and enjoyable reading. Highly recommended.

I've gone to a person who would hyperperventilate on a one lap run, to a comfortable 10 k runner in less then 6 months. I it ALL to this book. Not only did his workout plan keep me interested, and more imporatantly EASY while I progressed, but it taught me how to do it right, without a single injury. If I got meet the author, I would kiss him. Great book for bigger runners, I've recommended it to all my friends, who are currenlty doing their first 5 k race this weekend.

I love this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in taking up running - it has tips for beginners on up to expert runners.

Almost everything that you could want in a running reference!

Beautiful layout, and great pictures... very impressive for this type of book.

I've completed two marathons and used this book for my second marathon training program. This is a spectacular book. So good that I've recommended it to serveral friends.

What differentiates this book from most running books is the variety of programs for different race types (10k, 1/2, full) that are offered. Also, it provides programs in either miles or km.

I'm now training for my third and am pushing for a more challenging time. The book is my bible!

This really outstanding book has it all! If you want to train for a short race, a marathon or anything in between, this book is the way to do it! Colorful pages! Easy to read charts. Advice on just about everything any runner or would-be runner needs! Great book!

Greg's plan makes sense and you see immediate results. More importantly is how you feel about yourself. Early into the second week, you just start feeling trimmer, stonger, generally better! I highly recommend the Ultimate Lean Routine as a way of life and this book captures it all! Many thanks, Jill Bertolet

This is an excellent book. It's written simply and clearly, no real complications, and the author can really connect with the reader.

The workouts are expained in a an excellent way; the alternating of workouts is the most effective I have ever tried, and particularly the type of training applied to each workout can create incredible changes for the better WAY faster than any other workout system I tried. It's simple: with a test, you find the right rate YOU need wo do your cardio at (and no, it's not the same old stuff), and work at that rate, until you feel you have improved and then you can take the test again and work out at the newly found rate. Same for the strength training: you find your 10-rep max, perform 3 sets (a warm-up set, a work set and a blast set) and stretch in between sets - a technique that is most effective for increasing muscle strength and particularly for women, to get rid of cellulite in your thighs.

The dietary prescription may be too much work for some, not doable for some others and fast burners (see metabolic typing) will probably need a little more protein and good fats to feel full; but generally the dietary guidelines are good and a definite improvement over most people's diets. The fact that the diet part of the plan cannot really be personalized to the needs of the reader made it lose 1 star, I would have given it 5 stars otherwise. But it really is an excellent book. If you feel it's time you start working on improving your body shape and your health, or if you have been working out but you don't feel you are getting the results you deserve for your efforts, this is the book for you - you'll change for the better, really fast.

I used this routine last year for about 4 months, and found that I could achieve results that I had been unable to reach previously. Top notch stuff.

i liked the workout routines and overall it is a good book, but the diet breakdown was quite confusing with all the different percentages that you needed to figure out. not a simple plan.

This book is easy to understand and easy to follow. One does not have to follow every recipe. Just use it as a common sense guide, eat accordingly and follow the exersize regimen. It takes no more than one hour a day, sometime less than an hour. I lost 30 pounds of fat in 90 days following this program. I just wish that Greg Isaacs would write a follow up regimen for those who want to take his advice and move on to another level of health and fitness.