This week I am on vacation and doing a ride that is going to stretch me, and I wanted some inspirational reading material for the week leading up to the ride. Strangely enough, these aren't cycling books, but both have been really inspiring. Both books are out in paperback, and also old enough that you can find them (as I did) marked down in a 2nd-hand book store.
1) Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham & Jenny Hadfield. This is a book on walking, run/walking, or running marathons. I am not a runner, so I can't speak to the actual training programs they provide. Although it all sounds very safe & sane. But, the attitude and approach seems really great to me. I found myself realizing that the same way of thinking is perfect for my evolution as a cyclist. And, I particularly recommend the several chapters in Section Four. Their descriptions of planning for and handling ride-prep, actual event strategy (& mindset), and post-event psychology/approach are really helpful & inspiring. And, the final chapter of that section is an incredibly inspiring examination of what achieving the long distance goal means for the rest of our lives. I would particularly recommend this section of the book to anyone new to cycling or taking on a new challenge...anyone who might be feeling hopeful but afraid.
2) Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox. Many of the details of this record-setting, open-water swimmer's life & swims are mind boggling, and fascinating. But, for me this week, absorbing her mindset and incredible positive, determined attitude has been extremely bolstering. I'm going to use the descriptions of many of her feats to motivate myself out on tomorrow's ride if the going gets tough. Like...if she can do that, I can do this!
