How Bad Do You Want It?

Exploring some of the most extraordinary moments from the history of endurance sports, this unique sports book shows how mental strength allows some athletes to perform at a level way beyond their physical limits – to will their body to do what was previously thought biologically impossible. Revealing habits and tactics you can use to cultivate your own mental strength, this unique book describes a new 'psychobiological' model of endurance performance connecting the mind, body and brain. Compelling accounts from triathlon, cycling, running, rowing and swimming are viewed through the lens of this model shedding new light on what science has to say about mental fortitude in sports. Drawing on cutting-edge scientific research it suggests concrete tactics for cultivating mental strength, whilst providing thrilling accounts of some of the most inspiring and astonishing feats in sporting history, such as Sammy Wanjiru who, in 2010 entered the Boston Marathon suffering from injuries to his knee and his lower back, a stomach virus that prevented him from training and a lifestyle that meant he spent more time in nightclubs than on the track. He shouldn’t have even been able to finish the race, and at times he seemed as if he literally had nothing left to give, yet in an epic battle he crossed the finishing line first. How did he manage it? Find out in this sports book like no other and prepare for your own test of endurance! Featured athletes include: Sammy Wanjiru, Jenny Barringer, Greg LeMond, Willie Stewart, Cadel Evans, Joseph Sullivan, Paula Newby-Fraser, Ryan Vail, Thomas Voeckler, Ned Overend, Steve Prefontaine.

MATT FITZGERALD is a certified sports nutritionist and the author of numerous books on running, triathlon, nutrition, and weight loss. His most recent books are Racing Weight Cookbook, Racing Weight Quick Start Guide, RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel, Racing Weight, and The Runner's Diary. Matt is a regular contributor to Competitor, Men's Fitness, Men's Health, Outside, Runner's World, Bicycling, Running Times, Women's Running, and other sports and fitness publications. Fitzgerald is a featured coach on Training Peaks, Pear Sports, and Active.com. He is a certified sports nutritionist (CISSN) licensed by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. He lives and trains near San Francisco, California.

Introduction A Race Is Like a Fire Walk Brace Yourself Time Is on Your Side The Art of Letting Go The Workaround Effect The Gift of Failure Today’s Weakness, Tomorrow’s Strength The Answer Is Inside You The Group Effect What Do You Expect? Passion Knows No Age Is It Worth It? Selected Bibliography Index