The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) [Paperback]

Ph.D. Jim Taylor (Author), Terri Schneider (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2005 | Series: Ultrafit Multisport Training Series

Triathlon is certainly physically demanding, to say the least, but most triathletes would agree that it is the mental aspect that can determine whether or not they achieve their competitive goals. Resources addressing this key aspect have been hard to come by — until now. In The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training, the authors — both accomplished sport psychologists and Ironman triathletes — offer readers in-depth, practical information and skills they can use to build mental muscle. Readers learn first how to assess their psychological strengths and weaknesses, and then discover the six mental factors that most affect triathlon performance. The book includes essential tools for training and competition, such as routines, mental imagery, and tips on getting organized and setting goals, and also explores what it takes to be an Ironman, the unhealthy side of triathlon, and valuable lessons to be learned from the world's best triathletes.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Taylor, a Vancouver-based, nationally syndicated sports columnist for the "Calgary Sun," has covered the Canadian sports scene as writer and columnist for 45 years. He is the author of eight previous books, including biographies of hockey stars Wayne Gretzky and Igor Larionov, and the epic round-the-world wheelchair journey of Rick Hansen.

Gordon Kirby has written about motor racing for 30 years. He is the American editor for the British publication, "Autosport," His most recent book is "Bobby Rabal: The Graceful Champion," He is also working on a book about Mario Andretti's career.

Dan Proudfoot has covered motor racing since 1966 for numerous media outlets and since 1984 has written about the sport for "The Toronto Sun," A hobby racer in the 1980s in vintage and amateur F2000 classes. Proudfoot ranks Greg Moore's astonishing CART debut in 1996 with Gilles Villeneuve's winning the Grand Prix in Montreal in 1978 among his most memorable moments in racing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: VeloPress (August 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931382700
• ISBN-13: 978-1931382700
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Triathlons
  • #95 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Triathlon

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your ho-hum "in the zone" book. USEFUL STUFF., January 7, 2006

By 

L. Dobbs (Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

FINALLY....a book that DOESN'T dwell on the "zone", "left brain/right brain", visualizations, etc.... That's all pertinet info and great for technical sports (golf, bowling, target shooting, etc...), but when you're turning your guts inside out under the hot summer sun, and you have demons in your head screaming to stop....you need a bit more mental ammo than that.
As a competitive cyclist, it was imperative I learn how to control my thoughts & emotions, eliminate my mental limitations, overcome mental weaknesses, endure the physical discomfort, etc.... From the most fundemental level, to the "how to" details, this book would help any athlete (regardless of discipline) in turning mental weaknesses into strengths. This is THE ONLY book that I've found that discusses such topics. Well written, and highly recommended.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest mind strengthening book for any endurance athlete, April 19, 2006

By 

Kaarin (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

I started reading this book because I was struggling with my bike racing and ironman training. With racing criteriums it involved getting myself ahead in the pack, being worthy of staying in front and preparing physically and mentally for the training load of an ironman triathlon.
Step by step the book slowly guides the reader through numerous stages of fear/suffering/pain management/human emotions under stress--all the wild head games we go through as we walk through our lives. The reader is automatically comforted by the normalcy of human emotion and feeling "okay" with oneself as author Jim Taylor uses direct quotes and examples from professional triathletes who have also suffered the same mental games.
After two weeks of reading the book, I had my first cycling time trial. It took most of my mental patience and mind control to visualize myself hurting, suffering and pushing through the race. On race day I played positive dreams over and over again in my mind (realistic of course.) I practiced the ways of the book and used up every ounce of my physical energy during the race, repeating phrases like "Focus Forward" to drive the energy ahead and ended up winning the race. I truly believe that Jim Taylor's book helped me get in touch with the real competitor inside myself. Not only has it helped my racing and training, but it has helped me accomplish numerous goals in my everyday life.
A wonderful and insightful read. It's been a lot of fun!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for the endurance athlete, January 11, 2007

By 

M. P. Simons "triathlon addict" (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

This book was inspiring and a key to my race successes last season. Dr. Taylor enlightens the reader by introducing how the mental aspects of training and racing are integral to success. The reader will learn not only how to approach sports, but also many of the topics discussed apply to all aspects of one's life. Analysis of mental skills and techniques to improve areas of weakness are key points that are discussed. This book was instrumental in my development as an athlete and I often reread sections prior to key races.