If you're eager to explore the science and psychology of athletic performance, We've selected five game-changing books that blend cutting-edge research with practical wisdom to help elevate your training to the next level.
1. "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance" by Alex Hutchinson
Few writers can match Alex Hutchinson’s clarity and insight when it comes to explaining sports science. In Endure, Hutchinson delves into the science of the limits of human endurance, from pain to the mind, and the athletes who strive to break those barriers.
2. “Daniels’ Running Formula” by Jack Daniels
Arguably the most popular book on running and training. In the book, Coach Jack Daniels explains his training method and provides scalable plans for distances ranging from 800m to the marathon. Who knows how many marathon finishers have crossed the line thanks to Daniels' plan — probably enough to fill a small country!
3. “Supertraining” by Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff
This might not be the easiest book to read, but it covers everything you need to know about strength and conditioning, including advanced training principles and theories, biomechanics, adaptation, stress management, and more. A true reference book for any strength coach.
4. “Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers” by Steve House, Scott Johnston, and Kilian Jornet
As its title suggests, this book is for mountain adventurers and peak-seeking spirits, but its lessons can be extrapolated to any endurance athlete. It presents scientifically backed training principles, workout guidelines, and inspiring stories from some of the top uphill athletes, including the GOAT, Kilian Jornet.
5. “How Bad Do You Want It? Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle” by Matt Fitzgerald
When we think about training, we often focus on the body, but the mind is just as crucial for achieving top performance. In How Bad Do You Want It?, renowned endurance sports journalist Matt Fitzgerald explores the "psychobiological" model of athletic performance, examining how triathletes, cyclists, runners, and other elite athletes push past physical limits through mental strength.
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