Our Top Nerdy List of Athletic and Triathlon Books for Your Reading Pleasure
This Nerdy list of Athletic and Triathlon Books is to encourage everyone to pick up a good book. We can find inspiration, healing and strength. While we find a balance between training we can often forget about the most important muscle we own. The brain.
The brain is a complex web of neurotransmitters and things I’m not educated enough to discuss. However, picking up a good book is essential to a good balance. Training should be a swim, bike, run and brain discipline. We would like to hear from other athletes what books they like reading and may even create a GoodReads Bookclub so we can share our favorite books. None the less share your books in the comments below so we can add them to our list.
Finding Ultra by Rich Roll
Finding Ultra is a NewYork bestselling book where Rich Roll authentically walks you through his trials and tribulations from Alcoholism to Ultraman World Triathlon and Epic 5. This genuine book really gives a strong perspective on human resilience through our most trying times. Many athletes that have read this book can intimately on some level connect with Rich. This triathlon book sits on the top of the Nerdy bookshelf as part of its permanent collection. Listen to his Podcast. Watch the trailer below for more information. Find the book here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnEAG5JTfeU
North by Scott and Jenny Jurek
North by Scott and Jenny Jurek is for any Ultra nerd out there looking for a good adventure to escape to on the sofa or during a zone 2 spin on the trainer. What I loved about this book is that it is from the perspective of both Scott and Jenny. Let’s face it when we take on a new adventure and all the training includes our partners whether they compete or not. It’s a healthy and honest look at what it takes to in a partnership to compete in a challenge.
In the book, Scott and Jenny work together to get Scott across the Apalaichen trail that took 46 days and 2,189 miles. In these miles, Scott talks about how he finds his way during the journey. Jenny discusses the logistics of the race, the loneliness and her own set of challenges during this time. This is a heartfelt memoir and a good read as you decide on your next challenge. Watch the trailer below for more information. Find the book here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ctj7j8Gad0
Running Towards Stillness by Stephen Legault
This is a homegrown book by west coast Author, Athlete public speaker Stephen Legault. When I first met Stephen it was just before this book was published. During my quick conversation with Stephen, he shared his love for running. He discussed his training runs at Mt Doug and Finlayson Arm. This was also well before I knew I would actually run the Finlayson Arm 50k. Maybe this planted the seed in my soul.
His book is definitely for those who are planning on running the Finlayson Arm 50k or just love being out in that area. Most importantly, this book is a real authentic and genuine story about a man finding a new sense of himself through running. He explains how his healing truly began amongst the trails.
At the time I read this book I was running not far but I hadn’t even competed in Ironman or Ultra. Stephen’s story sparked my endurance interest but also began my search to nature while applying meditation. A wonderful read and another must-read. Find the book here.
How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger
The topic of food can be a touchy subject for most. There are so many different perspectives and pseudo sciences it’s hard to decide what is what. It is literally confusing on all levels. I like this book as it helps place the identity of food and science in focus. What are all these studies, where do they come from and how do I decide for myself what’s right for me. I can’t lie, it is geared towards a plant-based lifestyle but he explains the benefits of whole foods and how the body receives plant nutrients.
This book is great for people who are looking to adopt a more plant-powered approach to their athletic training. It also answers many of the questions we have about the effects of animal fats and proteins. It’s a giant book with a ton of information but the scientific approach is hands down some of the best out there. Watch the trailer below for more information. Find the book here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXGkk7UI-Ys
Finding My Voice by Mike Reilly
Anyone who has completed a full distance or any distance for that matter knows of Mike Reilly. It’s almost hard not to hear his voice in your head when you see the Ironman symbol. I haven’t read this book myself but it is definitely in my Goodreads Want to-read list. It is an intimate look at the iconic voice behind Ironman and how profound the sport touches humans all over the world. I’ll leave the trailer below but once I read this mega triathlon book I’ll give you my thoughts. Find the Book here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUTr7Adr5uo
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
David Goggins reveals his astonishing life story of surviving abuse, racism, poverty and more. He takes you on a journey from working as an overweight pest control tech then finding his way into the Navy Seals, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. However, that only scratches the surface of what he faces. David perseveres through mind-numbing, self-discipline and mental toughness completing multiple Ultra Distance marathons including the Badwater 135 and being the Guinness world record holder for the most pullups in history.
David explains his strategy to meet this level of success. Find out more from the book trailer below. I loved this book to its core and highly recommend it get the book here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAI5KtWVeDA
More Reading
This Nerdy list of Athletic and Triathlon Books is a very short list and we want your input. Are you an athlete with an extensive book collection and want to share some of your favorites? Send us a note and we would love to add your recommendations to the list.
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