It's Not About The Bike

[Aquajock]

All of the New Year's Resolutions that have been posted, as well as the numerous posts from people here who are beating their way back from surgeries, illnesses, lapses in exercise consistency, etc. have made me think about the book I just finished reading, Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike".

For those who haven't read it or heard about it, this is Armstrong's autobiography that takes him from his formative years (which were quite difficult) through his training as a competitive cyclist, through his diagnosis and incredibly caustic treatment for metastisized testicular cancer, through his SECOND win of the Tour De France.

I found it absolutely fascinating, especially for the element of just plain day-in-day-out, unspectacular, WORK that was involved in getting better, and better, and better. Nothing flashy or fancy or flaming-sunrise about his survival and comeback to be an incredible champion, just do-what-you-can, good-days-and-bad-days WORK.

For those who need a good, motivational AND realistic read, that's my pick!

A-Jock

 

[trevor]

Hey there A-Jock,
I am so glad you mentioned Lance Armstrong. The guy is incredible and he just got Athlete of the Year again. Which he truly deserves!
He actually visited the hospital where my youngest was born, just down the road from our house. The hospital has a cancer wing which was built by money donated by Pat Sajack and his wife, who are locals. Anyway, Armstrong's visit was to promote that facility. I am still kicking myself for forgetting about him coming. Would love to have met him.
Can't believe him and his wife are splitsville.
T.

 

[Debra L]

"Every Second Counts" is also a good read. Lance talks about the pressures of being an elite athlete, the demands on his time & what a toll it takes on his family. The book ends just after this year's Tour while Lance & his wife were attempting a reconciliation.

But I agree with Annette, "It's Not About the Bike" is an inspirational read for anyone who's life has been touched by cancer.

Debra

 

[bethmeira]

I have been trying to get a copy of this book from the library for such a long time and it's always checked out. He is such an incredible athlete and deserves more attention than what he gets. I don't think any over paid NBA or NFL star could compete with him.

Beth

 

[Runcrazy]

Thanks for recommending that A-Jock. I love those kind of reads!

 

[Connie1]

Thank you for the recommendation. I always need a good book!