Life Changing Book:  The Art of Racing in the Rain
350923
At first you think it's going to be a strange book, it's written from the viewpoint of a dog afterall.  But once you read it, you realize why so many people are reading it.  A lot of us will read many books in our lifetime, but we can count about ten that really inspire us and that we will remember the rest of our lives.  This is one of them.
4005434
I had the pleasure of receiving of a copy of "Facing The Blitz: Three Strategies for Turning Trials into Triumphs" by Jeff Kemp from Bethany House. This is by far one of my most favorite books. Jeff Kemp has done an exceptional job creating a book that merges one of America's most favorite past times with a topics that most people find difficult to address - personal trials. Creating a platform discussing the importance of overcoming obstacles then relating it to football, illustrates the commonality we all share, which is life isn't easy, but all that matters is how you choose to get through the hard moments and enjoy the good times.

The book is broken down into three strategies. Within each strategy are several chapters. Each chapter begins with a personal story, transitions into the heart of the chapter and concludes with the ending of the personal story. This method allows the reader to relate Jeff's experiences on and off the field to their own experiences. My favorite part of the each chapter is the personal application found at the end. It allows the reader an opportunity to work through their own obstacles and create a "play by play" on how to triumph over trials.

Jeff Kemp has intertwined his book with personal success and failures as well as remedies on how to be victorious. The ease and simplicity in which this book was written allows for practical understanding and application on victorious living in the midst of life's most difficult moments.
1278257
Carroll Smith's Engineer to Win Is one of my all time favorite books. His writing style gives you the information your after clearly and well defined and often humerously. In the racing world NOBODY WANT TO TELL YOU ANYTHING!! Even the guys selling stuff arn't willing  to talk to you besides getting your credit card info. It is almost as if he is every racers crazy grandfather That has all the answers and is completly willing to give you all the info you need. He also throws in great advice and life lessons along the way. just read 'The Painting of metal objects' paragraph In the Tools and Tips section. I am a little curious as to how many drivers he has beaten over the head or had brains tested. A great read. My father gave me this book (he's an engineer) and said " Read this book and you'll kinda be and entry level engineer" its that good. You will not be disapointed!! Every Car Part Manufacturer should have read this book twice!! you can spot the ones who haven't.
2136967
A fantastic book and on the "top two" of my recommended reading list for beginning triathletes.  If you are going for detail and want in-depth and technical information on how to develop a training plan, go with the Triathlete's Training Bible.  If you want a solid overview of the sport of triathlon, this is the book for you.
Swim, Bike, Run is written in a very straight-forward style and gives sound, practical advice.  I am an avid reader of "things triathlon," so I've read just about every book out there.  The most telling insight into how much I value this book is that this is the book that I consistently return to and read the night before a race.  I also look to it for a "refresher" when I want to improve form/technique and when I am evaluating how my training is going mid-season.  The swimming section is particularly effective and the illustrations greatly helped me on technique issues.
A great read and highly recommended.
1496273
Lance was my first triathlon coach 10 years ago. I never would have completed that first race, or gone on to bigger and longer events, without his coaching. Lance is a fountain of knowledge, information, and lessons when it comes to triathlon. He's a disciple of Dave "The Man" Scott, a 6-time Ironman World Champion. Lance is committed to helping people of all abilities, from beginning triathletes to experienced age-groupers, live more fulfilling lives and breaking down the barriers holding them back. His book is packed full of useful tidbits! It addresses swimming, biking, running, and transitions... the main components of a triathlon. Just as important and helpful are his lessons on training/preparation, overcoming obstacles, and applying your racing experience to other areas of your life. Lance has managed to squeeze 20+ years of experience into 100 six-word lessons. Whether you're new to triathlon or a seasoned age-grouper, these lessons will motivate and inspire you.
821099
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques is one of the best books I have read on the subject of performance motorcycle riding.  It covers the subjects both from the technical as well as the practical.  It is well illustrated with photographs and graphics and is written with some humor included as to not make the material covered as dry as it could have been!

The book breaks the wide subject of performance motorcycling down into small "bite size" chapters that fully cover the subject material without become overwhelming.  The book contains many practical exercises that allow the reader to safely explore practicing riding skills basics.  It uses examples of how riding is done on the race track to explain how to get the most enjoyment, safety, and performance out of a motorcycle on the street.

I have practiced and applied the techniques described in the book and found that the information is real-world and actually works.  I found from reading the book that I was not looking far enough into turns.  I practiced the method for taking turns that was described in the book and gained not only faster speed though the turns but also a better and more stable line through the turns.  I now find myself riding faster and much more smoothly than before.  Another thing I picked up from the book was shifting.  I never thought too much about the importance of shifting gears quickly.  With a little practice of the technique described in the book I am now shifting faster and smoother than ever.  The results are, the bike stays under power more, my shifts are quick and precise, and again I am smoother and quicker than ever.

This book is well written and illustrated and provides practical and useful information that can improve your riding skills and safety.  I highly recommend Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques for anyone who rides and wants to improve their skills, safety and enjoyment of the sport!
4949658
The book was a terrific read and a great primer in how to execute a race of this magnitude.  I was also in that race as a crew for a woman's relay team and have first hand knowledge of the heat they endured in the desert and the winds that smacked them in Kansas.  That they set a record under those conditions and with losing a rider for a big chunk of time makes it even more impressive.  Don does a great job of relating the rider experience through all that.

Another book which has just been published titled, STEP ON IT,  by Michael Shonstrom, recounts the experience of an equally mature woman rider on a 4 person team that raced RAAM the same year.  I recommend them both to anyone seeking insight into what it takes to do these races.
2980196
Nadine Lajoie's book will amaze and inspire you to go for your dreams.  Nadine walks us through her life story and clearly illustrates how she overcame her fears, setbacks, negative feedback and physical injury to continue on her path to become a Champion Motorcycle Racer, Author, Speaker, Singer and accomplished Pianist.

"Win the Race of Life...with Balance & Passion at 180 MPH" is a delight to read and includes fun exercises that the reader can use to help them figure out what their dreams are and how to overcome the obstacles they will encounter on their journey towards their dreams and goals.

I was personally inspired to continue on my path and after reading her book, I got excited and have a new perspective on how to approach my dreams.

I encourage anyone who has a passion or dream, to purchase and read this book and also visit Nadine's website to see her in action as there is some great video footage of her racing.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Win-the-Race-of-Life-with-balance-and-Passion-at-180-MPH/dp/0982239475/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Win the Race of Life... with balance and Passion at 180 MPH</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Win-the-Race-of-Life-With-Balance-and-Passion-at-180MPH/dp/B00513NA9O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Win the Race of Life...With Balance and Passion at 180MPH</a>
805533
I bought this book along with the cookbook and Racing Weight. This book is written very clearly. He gives you the science behind the ideas as well as practical ways to implement his plan. I love how he has interviewed other endurance athletes to show how they train and fuel.  The training plans are great and doable for a newbie triathlete as myself.
2832042
If you only have one Racing book this is the one to have.
Read it, Read it again, and then again. It shows you what to think to go racing and winning.
3831950
I'm an avid runner and I bite almost everytime a new book comes out about the ultradistance. Unfortunately most of these books are humdrum accounts of a runner's life of racing which I guess is probably exciting until you've read 50 of the same thing (the sacrifice, the pain, the halucinations..) Born to Run is different. If I could sum up my excitement about distance running I would hand someone this book because McDougall gets it. He understand that ultrarunning is more than just running adnauseum, more than just stunts, and more than just a crazy hobby.
I got busy recommending this book to everyone around me when I was less than half finished with it. I would read a chapter and want to make a copy to show someone but then after the next chapter realize I would be busy copying all day (I didn't do it, copyright police!). Instead I went around cornering people (runners and non-runners alike) to tell them something new I'd read in this book. I learned so much about everything from fixing my running style to hunting down African animals empty handed!

I can't say enough about this book and I wish I could halfway emulate McDougall's excitement about running which flows through every sentence. He's literally saved my running life with this book.
3109381
Dear fellow triathletes:
I would highly recommend this training guide to all levels of triathletes.  I've been competing in tris for 5 years and am always looking for new and exciting workouts.  Look no further than this easy to follow, WATERPROOF, training book.  I've used many books for assistance over the years and this one is one of the best.  This book goes everywhere with me.  To the pool, on a stand next to my bike trainer and beside me on the treadmill, I'm never without my Waterproof Triathlete.  If you are new to the sport or a tri vet pick this book up and you won't ever have to search for ideas of workouts again.
Keep TRIng!
Luke Witkowski
1142951
As a widow of a thoroughbred Jockey (he rode for 30 yr. before his death) Eddie's book is right on the money. Very easy to read and said in his own words which mades everything flow smooth. His definitions of racing terms peppered thru out the book are done quick and not a lot of wordy words so you can continue with the great but sometimes very scarey and sad story. I could not put it down and had tears in my eyes with memories of my times with some of these riders and ooh so many more who had to reduce to ride (make riding weight) and what it did to thier bodies and lives,famlies and children. My father-in-law was a rider too and when I married my mother-in-laws first words to me were "It's not easy being married to a jockey" and than explained. But I loved my man and stayed. Than also found my Lord and Savior thru those trials and very bad times. He stays with me aways. I raise Eddie up for his "hang in there" faith and let God do His work on him and the very important work he is doing as a chaplain for the racing industry which has been forgotton for years. Men and women workers who live on the backside and don't stray far from there have been a "lost" generation for generations. GOD KEEP SANDI AND EDDIE IN YOUR PALMS AND HOLD THEM TIGHT AS THEY DO THE HUMAN IMPOSSIBLE AS VESSELS OF YOUR WORK. AMEN
2298092
Is this book worth reading? YES!  Prepare For Rain is the story of a pastor and a church who encounter the living God.  Michael Catt challenged his church to change the world from a small town in South Ga. and then believed Him for the impossible.  Only now, it is not the impossible because God has allowed them to do just that.  This book will encourage you to step out in faith and serve God with expectation.
1662582
I feel like I have grown up watching Darrell Waltrip, first as a NASCAR driver and then currently as a commentator for FOX Sports. When I think of him a couple of things come to mind. The first is his classic, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, Let's Go Racin' Boys". The second thing would have to be his obvious love for his family and fellow drivers.

If you've ever listened to him call a race while his brother Michael is driving you know without a doubt that he loves his family. Just by listening to him you also know that he has a deep love for his NASCAR family. After reading the book The Race, I am even further convinced that that love comes from his deep abiding faith in God.

Darrell is joined by Kyle Froman and Billy Mauldin of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) to bring you a winning strategy for running the race we call life. Many of the analogies appropriately relate back to racing, which is fitting since we are told in Scripture that we are to run the race set before us. We have each been given a mission in this life and it is up to each of us to live out what God has placed before us.

At the end of the very first chapter, Kyle Froman sets the tone for the rest of the book with the following quote:

Racing is exhilarating and thrilling. Racing is also dangerous and exhausting. Without preparation we will have a hard time finishing the race, much less winning. We have to take time at the shop to prepare ourselves for what a life on mission looks like.

The book is divided up into three sections, Preparing for Mission, Receiving Your Mission, and Living on Mission. Within those three sections are chapters that go deeper into how we as Christ followers can not only prepare for this race of life, but also come out winners.

I particularly enjoyed the different voices in this book. It was interesting to hear Darrell's perspective as a driver and also Kyle and Billy's perspectives as ones who minister to the NASCAR personnel, drivers and their families. The gospel is clearly presented and a plan for implementing the spread of the gospel in our own lives is lined out in detail. If you are like me you will come away from it with an even bigger appreciation for the sport and especially the ministry of  Motor Racing Outreach.
3407793
I am a big fan of Bart Yasso's book, `My life on the run: the wit, wisdom, and insights of a road racing icon.' His stories of running with a burro in Colorado, running in Death Valley in California, and dodging wild animals in India are funny and a testament to the exciting life a long distance runner can lead. Perfect read on the couch for that snowy day when you can't get out and run.
2800189
In writing Simple Marathon Training, Jay Johnson has provided a great service to the running community for the simple reason that the vast majority of us are "busy adults with hectic lives." What is included in his training plan is elemental; any of us busy folks can comprehend and easily incorporate the essential components. And those components have the virtue of reinforcing fundamental tenets of all good running (and life?) philosophies, like learning to do things by feel, making sure easy days are easy so hard days can be hard, and the importance of listening to your body. Furthermore, Jay deserves credit for developing innovative ways to serve those who buy the book after the purchase has been made and the book has been read. You will not regret adding this book to your running library.