Top Five Books for the Athlete on Your Holiday List

Earlier this week, I woke up before my alarm. It was one of those wake ups where you could go back to sleep, but I thought of my book and instantly snapped awake. I made a hot cup of coffee and settled in for an hour of reading. That is right – I chose to read over an hour of sleep. 

I have always been the biggest bookworm and it has only gotten more so the older I get. In an effort to disconnect before I go to sleep, I switch off my phone and pick up a book. If you are looking for a little something for the athletes on your list, I have pulled together my list of absolute favourite books that I have read in 2016. To be completely upfront, most of them are geared for that female athlete on your list, but I left bit out because I think everyone would benefit from each of these books.

ROAR by Stacy Sims 

Read this one with a highlighter in hand. If you are a female that wants to know how to race to your top potential, a coach that wants to better train your female athletes or a male who simply wants to better understand the plight of the female athlete, read this book. Stacy tackles topics that are not covered in most sport books that are a one size fits all – she addresses the stages of a female life including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause and gives scientific advice on how to be a top performing athlete through it all. There are real life stories, recipes and lots of real talk to make this book one of my favourites.

Rusch to Glory by Rebecca Rusch

INSTANT girl crush. Rebecca is one of the most bad ass athletes out there. She started out as an adventure racer and became a professional mountain biker for Red Bull which she is still crushing today. She routinely smashes existing records and is one of my athletic heroes with her relentless determination.

Daughters of Distance by Vanessa Runs

This was a gift from one of my female running mentors and it was one of the most inspiring reads of the year. Vanessa delves into what it means to be a female endurance athlete and does so with humour, wit and grace. I cannot recommend this book enough.

A Life Without Limits: A World Champions Journey

Chrissie Wellington tells her life story. You know, the one where she qualifies for KONA on her first ironman and then goes on to win KONA on her first go. Absolutely mindblowingly amazing story about a real female who makes extraordinary athletics look easy because barriers were just an opportunity for her. Read this book.

Rocket Fuel by Matt Kadley

Every week, I choose a different recipe from this book to make for pre workout, training fuel or post workout recovery. I have made a goal to make every single recipe in this book – it is that good. Geared towards athletes with tonnes of substitution options and a careful description of why he suggests each recipe, Rocket Fuel is my most recommended sports nutrition cookbook, especially as I am making a conscious effort to eat more real foods while training.

 

What are the best books that you have read recently?