Athletics Books

Not what I expected at all. Less auto-biographical and more how to set goals and achieve in life.

I was looking for something that got behind the public persona of Michael Johnson ... but this was touched on only a little with no real insight into Michael Johnson the man. I managed to read this book cover-to-cover in about 2 hours.

If you want a good introduction on setting goals and motivation then by all means buy this book.

First, this is a self-help book. Why is Michael Johnson writing a self-help book rather than just writing about what he knows and about his life experiences? I don't know. Johnson is not an expert on living life. He is an expert on running fast. The best part of the book is near the end when he talks more about his quest for the 200/400 double gold in Atlanta, rather than pontificating on life in general.

Second, the book is not very well-written. It has lines like, "I don't play much golf, but they tell me as you get better it gets harder to improve your score. All things in life are like that. (That's a paraphrase, not a direct quote.) So...if all things are like that, why pick an example you know nothing about? Most of the book has this contrived feeling to it.

Johnson also repeatedly pounds the same points about how hard you have to work and how you need to set goals etc. He uses the same examples over and over for life goals, including losing weight, getting a A in school, selling a lot of cars or carpets, or "being a successful businessperson". He tends to think pretty small outside of the realm of track. Is he incapable of imagining any nobler goal than these mundane examples? Things along the lines of contributing to our scientific knowledge, creating art, starting a charity, or inventing something useful to mankind never show up in the book. Or how about just mentoring a kid or cleaning up a park? Johnson constantly talks about approaching your personal best, yet he is unable to consider anything as successful unless it is quantified. For him, accomplishment is either winning something or getting money. It has to be measurable. You even see traces of this attitude when he talks about interpersonal relationships.

Johnson states that when he doesn't think he can beat the best in the world any more, he will retire rather than continue to compete, because someone who hangs around past his prime and can't win any more is pathetic. That doesn't sound to me like someone who competes for the love of the sport. I'm no expert myself, but I'm pretty sure there's more to life than winning.

Most athletes dont write their own stuff by themselves. Usually they have a professional writer help them out be cause most athletes, (and im not trying to be judgemental against athletes, im an athletes myself) aren't as good writers as others are. And i'm sure Michael Johnson did have help in rearanging certain grammatical errors and reorganizing the structure of his book, but overall it is a book that Michael Johnson wrote himself. It is one of the very few books that you can say written by a man who is not a writer that you can say "WOW" too. This wonderflly done piece of literature is a great read for student athletes and yound men and women who are aspiring to become something great in whatever profession they are in.

I would also like to say something about the author of the very terribly written review about Michael Johson. First of all, do not pay any attention to the review for it almost doesn't represent the book in any way. These reviews are meant to be a review of the book, not anything else. secondly, if any thinks Michael Johnson faked his hamstring pull, you should take a good look at the athletic doctors report on Michaels injury during the 150 meter race between Donovan Bailey. It will say that there was definate "tearing" in the muscle. Don't make pre-conceived ideas about an athlete who injures him/herself.

Michael Johnson is not only an athlete, but an intellectual as well. He spells out how it took him six years to improve his 200 meter race 1.7 seconds. What is 1.7 seconds? It is the difference from being a good athlete and a world class athlete. This book teaches everyone how to improve themselves in order to achieve their dreams, whether it is in athletics, business, or education. I read this book in a matter of hours, it is a quick read and has invaluable insight into how to slay your dragon--a term Michael coins referring to how to reach your goals. If you have a dream and want to reach it, but have fallen short of victory, this is a must read.

I am a high school English teacher and plan to use bits of this book in my classroom to help my students learn to establish goals and achieve them.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

When I bought the book at a used book store, I had no idea what it was like. I just wanted a book for my 13 year-old son to read and maybe enjoy. We had been to the '96 Games and had seen the 200M race so I thought he could relate even though my son hates to run. I had him read a few pages out loud each day so I could hear his pronounciation but within a few days I began to realize what this book has to offer. I also noticed a change taking place in my son as he read the words. I really can't do justice to the book but I can tell you the message Michael Johnson has for young people has the power to change lives. I am grateful to Mr Johnson for what he has given my son.

I purchased this book for my 9th grade classroom library. Chris Crutcher hits the controversial topics so well. Though I haven't read all of his other works, this seems to be a great follow-up book to revisit his characters. Another Crutcher book to open up the mind and start conversations.

In this collection of six short stories based on characters from Crutcher's books, he reminds me again of why he is one of my favorite YA authors. And also one of the most-often banned. He uses the world of high school sports to address issues faced by young adults in a sensitive and realistic way. As his heroes get on with the task of growing up in a difficult world, they deal with just about every -ism there is.

Crutcher's books provide excellent talking points for conversations that parents, teachers, and any other concerned adults should be having with the kids we love.

This really is a wonderful collection, one that anyone seeking to understand the mind and actions of a teenage boy or even girl should read. Chris is simple, straightforward, and always fun to read. I'd highly recommend this to any student and even some teachers.

Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher is a collection of six short stories revolving around six different characters. More than a mere collection of sports related stories this book looks at everyday situations and problems about teen life. Weight problems, pushy parents, uncomfortable situations, racism, homosexuality and death. Packed into less than 200 pages Crutcher is able to captivate readers through this book with his humor as well as his insights into the young adult mind. My favorite story of the six is "The Other Pin" about a guy named Petey who is "volunteered" by his best friend to wrestle Chris Byers who has a habit of not just beating all opponents but humiliating them in the process. If that wasn't bad enought Chris Byers is also a girl. Though some of Crutcher's stories are emotional and heart wrenching all are worth the read.

In ATHLETIC SHORTS, Chris Crutcher presents original short stories involving characters from his previous novels. In the book's forward, Crutcher explains, "In my travels around the country and in letters from readers, I am constantly asked what happens to certain characters in my books. So once in a while I check in" (pp. ix-x).

Each of these short stories involves a central character from a previous novel, but, while Crutcher may have intended a particular story to be a prequel or an afterward, the stories remain independent. So a person who has not read RUNNING LOOSE will still be able to understand the storyline behind IN THE TIME I GET, in which Louie Banks looks into the eyes of a friend dying of AIDS and realizes the value of time. Additionally, after getting a taste of Crutcher's novels through his short stories, readers may well be inspired to go out and acquire the novels themselves.

Athletics are the uniting theme throughout these stories, but they also give Crutcher a medium to introduce physical, mental, and emotional challenges for his characters. Sports allow a safe setting for conflict and failure, while also providing a site for characters to achieve and excel.

Thumbs Up! Award Winner, 1992

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

If you want to read an inspiring book on the power of the mind in sports, then this book is for you. It is not too packed with information, but it underlines many of the important points in mental coaching. Great stories and examples make it an uplifting read. The only thing missing was a step-by-step instruction guide to mind management - practice makes perfect.

Mind Gym is a great book! I highly reccomend picking one up. HOWEVER, Amazon sent me 2 books with damaged covers and ripped pages. Get the book, just not from Amazon.

a solid read, but i was expecting a book that got more into the intricacies of sports psychology, but this book seems to focus more on your thinking off the court then on it.

Training tips and exercises are paired with the psychological aspect of sports. Put your game into perspective.

I have read several books on the mental game in sports and this is by far the best. I work with collegiate and professional athletes and recommend this so often that Gary Mack should send me a commission!!!

I'm a big fan of this book, and I think it's excellent for a beginner. I've used lots of machine weights, but I'd never really used free weights before. The book has given me lots of confidence in working with free weights and pushing my workout boundaries. I like the variety in exercises provided, and I appreciate the 30 day plan that lays out a month of workouts that alternate between upper and lower body. The author makes sure every workout balances the weight exercises so that you're working a complete set of muscles.

The one downside to the book (and the reason for only four stars) is that the book does not have information for advancing further in the weight lifting. If you want to keep lifting dumbbells, it's fine, but I'd also like to move into bar weights. While I don't expect the book to cover these as well, I do wish the author had made some further recommendations for continued weight lifting.

I really thought this book pretty good for someone that was just looking to tone up and learn a few new excersises. It is noto for a workout buff that already has alot of knowledge though. It has alot of stuff in that most people would already know or do in the gym so you really wouldn't be learning anything. Overall, I did like it though becuase I was not very knowledgable on dumbell work outs and I really enjoy doing them.

I have many weight training books for women but this book is always in my gym bag and has gone with me to many gyms over the years. My copy is very loved and very used. The layout of this book is easy to follow. The first chapters concentrate on motivation and getting you prepared for weight training.

The stretching, ab and weight exercises have gray edges so you can reference them quickly and not fumble through the book. My favorite feature is her recipes. A workout recipe consists of your instructions for the day. It gives the number of the exercise and with that number you go to the gray pages to look up that exercise.

Each exercise has one to two pages dedicated to it to instruct you about how to do the exercises. The reader will be informed on form and technique. She also gives a chart of how many reps to do for beginner, intermediate and advanced.

The charts and other great features in the book are very easy to follow. Charts/features in the book include:

-Prices for different types of dumbbells (she tells you how to build your weight set for under $100)
-BMI chart
-Aerobic calorie burn
-body evaluation log (body measurements)
-daily dumbbell workout schedule
-exercise readiness questionnaire
-FAQ section.

I don't prefer machines when it comes to weight training. I want the resistance and the strength I get from the combination of me and the weights. The day by day plans are easy to follow and sometimes it doesn't even take me 30 minutes. I feel great and accomplished when I finish a recipe. I can do this at home or at the gym and don't need any fancy equipment.

I've fallen in love with the fantastic books (smart girls and muscle your way) and I've just discovered that judith has a health and fitness blog with a wealth of information. Not only that, but you can ask her questions about her books and fitness and she'll write you a personal response! Check it out at

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Get started weight training and keep at it with this great workout guide for women. Learn various exercises and be inspired to stick with it.

If you are at the very beginning of your training and have never done sports before in your life then this is a good book for you. If your looking for more of a stratigical more informational book then dont bother. It does give te reader a little insite on the MMA life style and mentality. It is also chock full of quotes form famous people and photos. It takes up alot of the books volume actually is photos and quotes. But mostly about what muscles to target and many ways build them. Has a chapter on nutrition, endurence and a small incomplete chapter about enjuries and mentality. If your looking for something more indept, try something else.

This book contains everything you need to know when it comes to fitness for mixed martial arts and combat sports. Almost every single exercise that has existed in the history of the world for every single part of the human body is in this book. There are many combat sport-specific drills, but there are also your typical gym fitness routines. Even if you're not a mixed martial artist and don't have any plans to be one, this book will still serve your needs as a fitness enthuasist. There is a chapter for every muscle group, which contain about 15-30 different exercises each. There are also sections on diet and nutrition, cutting weight, and flexibility, there is the beginning section explaining the philosophy behind being a warrior and why hardwork and preserverance is important. When I say this book has everything, I'm not kidding. Once you have this book, all you'll need to get in shape from this point on is hard work and disipline, such as getting off your butt to go to the gym and staying away from pizzas and bacon cheeseburgers. There are too many exercises in this book, you can't do all of them. Just pick out 5 exercises and let that be your fitness routine for the next three weeks and pick another 5 exercises for the three weeks after that, changing up the routine every three weeks, you should get results in a few months because of muscular confusion(your body constantly changing to adapt to different physical activities).

This book has a TON of great exercises. Yo may not have access to al the machines and tools to do all of them but you can still utilize plenty if these exercises. A great tool for MMA fighters as well as average Joe's trying to get in better shape.

Few trainers or coaches have the education to train someone when it comes to MMA, BJJ, or martial arts in general. This book will serve as a complete guide to exercise as a "warrior" ready for battle as opposed to a body builder or weekend warrior. Although you do need "fancy equiptment or tons of space for a few of the exercises; the majority of the exercises can be completed at home or at a local track. The nutrition section is easy to use as well on the section on how to porperly go food shoping. This is a must have for anyone willing to kick butt on the ring or mats.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Martin Rooney has effectively given us the conditioning road map. The book is of the highest quality, the photographs are excellent, the editorial succint and clear. For anyone who want the conditioning edge, this is the book.

Fighter or not TFW provides a broad range of excercises and drills. The book follows a logical path giving an overview of MMA and then gets into Warrior Anatomy covering warm-ups, training by bodypart (don't confuse this with traditional body split training) and then goes on to cover specific programs, nutrition and injuries. You can follwo the programs or mix it up and simply focus on the areas that you need to work.

As for the weight training aspect, I'm a RKC Kettlebell instructor and consequently the Kettlebell is my tool of choice. I simpy us kettlebell drill and lifts to replace the conventional weighted drills.

The most valuable aspect of TFW is the way it translates many conventional drills into a MA context.

Most important, once you've read the text, looked at the pics...Go Train!

This year our baseball team (comprised of 13-16 yr olds) decided end of year trophies would be a little juvenile for the boys. The coach let me know about this book and thought it would be a good idea to give each of the boys one for the end of the season gift. We did and it was very well received! An amazing book for anyone that aspires to do something more with their life!

Well written and very easy to read! I highly reccomend!

This book provides an excellent insight into the life of Lou Holtz and his motivational attitude on life. His dry humor will make you laugh, his thoughts inspiring, and make you think W.I.N. for those tough decisions in life.

Lou listed some great stories.

In fact that is one reason why this is a great book, because Lou is an AWESOME story teller.
Listen to the audio book as you read, Lou narrates this book very well.

Lou has lived an amazing life.
He just got it done, no matter what he does.
Anyone can pick up some great tips about being more successful from this book.

Paul

This is an excellent read! You won't want to put it down and it will make you do some self examination.

An inspiring memoir full of famous personalities from sports and politics. Lou's humble beginnings and deep-rooted faith in family and religion took him to the top of the college football world and into the circles of many of America's most famous leaders. This is quite a guy.

I have run a few half marathons and decided to read this book as I began to consider running a full marathon. Regardless of what type of runner you are (beginner or agro athlete) this book contains inspirational stories ranging from everyday runners to elite runners. There is truly something for everyone in this book whether you want inspiration to run around your neighborhood block, a local 5K, or train for a full marathon. Highly recommended.

My running buddy told me about this book. We are both running our first marathons this year. This book made me laugh and cry and yet continued that "fear of the unknown" for my first marathon. The short narratives made it an easy read and a quick one, too.

The different stories show how common people took up running. There is wide range of marathon finishers and therefore it is easy to find somebody in the book you can relate too.
What this book does best is inspire those who contemplate running a marathon. I took up running a few months ago, slowly building up my mileage. The incredible stories in the book show me that indeed it is possible to run 26.2 miles, or even more for ultramarathons. At one point it becomes a matter of mind over matter. Beyong running, this book is about the incredible abilities that lie within each one of us if we give ourselves the right training and believe we can achieve what we've decided to do.

I can only read one story every few days or else I start entertaining thoughts of running a marathon! Read one story at night before bed and you're sure to get up and run in the morning. It reminds you of all the good things about running- clearing your head, planning your day, getting away. It temps you with the pride and success you feel when you've accomplished something great- a marathon a hill or a problem in life.

Interesting book for the first time reader. Not something that you will pick up and read over and over. As you get through several stories they actually get a little monotonous but it is still an interesting read. If you don't have to spend the money and can get it at the library, I would recommend that first.
Also, the dates of some of these runners stories are quite aged. Much of the book is like a history lesson where marathon running has come from over the past 70 years. Again interesting, but didn't do much for me.

A thoroughly enjoyable and motivating read. This is a remarkable collection of exclusive interviews with the best American sports coaches of the last 40 years. The author has packed a voluminous amount of wisdom, inspiration and facts into what amounts to a road map to a good life. "How to Succeed in the Game of Life" is a brilliant compilation of advice that offers inspiration at every turn.

Game of Life is an insightful book on the thoughts of many of the world's best known coaches. It provides a biography on each of the 34 coaches (which I recommend reading first to gain a better appreciation of the field and achievements of each coach) and asks them a number of questions that can relate to both on the field and life in general. I have gathered a number of relavant quotes that I will use both personally and professionally. A highly recommended read for sporting buffs and managers.

After buying a copy of this book for both myself and my father I was thoroughly impressed. The book was both an easy read yet very informative. I gave a copy of the book to my father, who is not one to read a book, and he was so taken back by how interesting he felt the content was. He picked up the book in the morning and had it finished by mid afternoon. He must have called me 15 times to tell me how inspiring he felt it was and how he was amazed at "all the tricks it taught an old dog"...He thought he had heard all there was to hear about inspirational quotes. We were both pleasantly surprised with how well written the book was. Both my dad and I would highly recommend this book with two thumbs up.

Having read only excerpts, I was shocked to read that Tony Dungy was hired as head coach by the Indianapolis Colts in 2002 by owner Robert Irsay. Irsay had been dead for five years (longer than that mentally). Hopefully the rest of the book does not contain such shoddy information.

This book went through various questions about succeeding in life and listed all the responses from each coach. It was interesting but somewhat repetitive in that many said basically the same thing. I enjoyed reading this book because it had a lot of good advice from a lot of successful coaches. The advice I remember most is to work harder than anyone else, never quit, always be honest, do your best, failure is opportunity for a comeback, and be passionate about what you do. All of them agreed that making a lot of money does not mean you are successful, but money can be a by-product of being successful. The last chapter included short summaries about each coach. My favorite chapter was the one of their favorite quotes.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy, or who is looking for some advice or inspiration about success.

Karen Arelttaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

This book is great for getting you off the couch and out into the running world! The author includes her own personal stories of her running adventures and makes you feel like you can do anything. And best of all, it's written by a woman for women: young and old, fat and skinny, runners and non-runners alike. I started with the beginning running program and I can already run 5 minutes at a time! That might not sound like a lot to most people, but I have asthma and I never thought it would be possible. I'm hoping to try my first 5k next year!

I was so looking forward to getting this book. And I was disappointed. It is ok but not quite "a complete book of running" I had taken about 9 months off of running due to pregnancy and was hoping to get motivated again. This book just kind of fell short. I think a "complete book of running" should include some routines, that could help all levels of runners (not just the marathoners that are mentioned) and more specific diet advice. More advice on building endurance etc etc. I think this caters to marathoners and just the novice beginners. I have seen better articles written in fitness magazines!

I am presently training for a half marathon and was looking for a book to hone my skills and improve my technique. A fellow runner pointed out that I was not holding my arms properly and suggested reading this book to prevent further injury. I like the use of photos instead of drawings. I like the motivational writing.

This book has gotten me motivated to think about running in another marathon. I ran in one about 6 years ago and trained with a team. I love to run but have never been too serious about it. This book has good information for people who are getting back into it. I bought the book because I wanted the marathon training plan in it, but found it to be so much more than that. I wasn't planning on reading the book cover to cover at first, but overall it has kept me interested to do just that.

I am by no means an advanced runner. I run a couple half marathons a year and I average a 9 min/mile pace. This book would have been great years ago when I first started running and training for 5K races. It covers the basics and has some nice pieces on clothing, gear and injuries. I found this book to be comprehensive, but lacking on depth on certain topics, expecially injuries. I think this is a great book for those who are just starting to run or considering their first 5K, 10K and half marathon. However, for those of us who already have miles under our belt and the blisters to prove it, this book may not provide any additional insight that we don't already know.

I am so glad that Kingsbury decided to continue the saga of the Reynolds family. Although I didn't enjoy this as much as A Time to Dance, I thought it was a great book. The one negative that I will say is that it was predictable. Overall it is another great by Kingsbury.

A Time to Embrace was a wonderful sequel to A Time to Dance. In this book Kingsbury shows us the importance of trusting in God through all of the seasons of life. A Time to Embrace stresses the concept that God's ways are not our ways. We need to trust Him no matter how devastating our situations are.

I found this book very real to life and inspiring. Although the average person doesn't often find themselves in such extreme circumstances as John and Abby in this book, individuals can relate to such situations in their own ways. I would recommend A Time to Embrace to anyone who might be doubting their faith in God or having difficulty understanding uncertain circumstances in their life. It will help uplift and refresh your spirits.

While I thought this was a good book, I felt that it was just another Kingsbury predictable story. There's always some grand tragedy in all of her books (I've read 90% of them), things always resolve themselves in a good way. A character is given a 1% chance of living and always does. I'm a huge believer in trusting in God and following his plan, but most things in her novels are wrapped up in pretty little packages.

I was also bothered by the times where she practically rewrites A Time to Dance since I already read it. I skipped over those parts (and there were too many of them to count). The plot lines are typical, someone is struck by tragedy, someone loses their faith, someone reconciles with someone else, and faith is gained again. It has happened in all of her novels that I've read so far. I, like most others, thought the Kade story line was irrelevant. No need to cram in every moral lesson in one story.

My husband said, "If it's so predictable, why read them? Haven't all of her stories been this way?" I'm the type that just can't stop reading a book and will push myself to get through it. I just read these because my mom bought them for me, and I didn't want to look ungrateful. I'm taking a break now!

The book is ok, but definetly not the best. Try the first couple of books on the Redemption series. No need to finish the series, though. It's just like all of the other books.

This book is a classic Karen Kingsbury. It is a tale of life today and how God can overcome anything. It is very faith inspiring.

I am a huge fan of Karen Kingsbury. As with all of her books, I found this one a real heart warming story, strong on faith. I have read many, many of her books and loved them all.