How Bad Do You Want It?
by Matt Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's psychobiological model of endurance: performance is limited by perceived effort, not muscle, and the mind's coping skills, bracing, acceptance, group effect, pre-race routine, determine how close you get to your physical limit. Twelve athlete stories illustrate each skill. It is the best book on the mental side of endurance.
Read it if…
you run, cycle or compete in endurance events and plateau mentally.
Skip it if…
you do not compete; the principles transfer but the context is sport.
Three things you will actually use
- Perceived effort is the limiter; train the mind.
- Expect pain; braced athletes suffer less.
- Groups and routines reduce perceived effort.
Do this first
In your next hard session, notice the moment you want to quit and stay with it thirty more seconds.
Our verdict
Scientific and motivating.
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