Slaying the Dragon

Michael Johnson is not only an athlete, but an intellectual as well. He spells out how it took him six years to improve his 200 meter race 1.7 seconds. What is 1.7 seconds? It is the difference from being a good athlete and a world class athlete. This book teaches everyone how to improve themselves in order to achieve their dreams, whether it is in athletics, business, or education. I read this book in a matter of hours, it is a quick read and has invaluable insight into how to slay your dragon--a term Michael coins referring to how to reach your goals. If you have a dream and want to reach it, but have fallen short of victory, this is a must read. I am a high school English teacher and plan to use bits of this book in my classroom to help my students learn to establish goals and achieve them. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

When I bought the book at a used book store, I had no idea what it was like. I just wanted a book for my 13 year-old son to read and maybe enjoy. We had been to the '96 Games and had seen the 200M race so I thought he could relate even though my son hates to run. I had him read a few pages out loud each day so I could hear his pronounciation but within a few days I began to realize what this book has to offer. I also noticed a change taking place in my son as he read the words. I really can't do justice to the book but I can tell you the message Michael Johnson has for young people has the power to change lives. I am grateful to Mr Johnson for what he has given my son.

I've got to admit, Michael Johnson is my all time hero. I'm a big track and field enthusiast, and I just had to get my hands on this book. I want to take my track and field career to Michael Johnson's level of greatness. I was surprised when I started reading "Slaying the Dragon." I was ready for some great training techniques to improve my physical strength and endurance; but this book goes so much deeper then that. It's really a counselor in disguise as a book. It helps you improve your everyday life from all aspects. It gives you good ideas on how to set goals, and achieve your objectives. I found that you can apply this book to just about anything and it will produce results; whether it is on the track, in the classroom, or at the office. I will use this book to help me balance my sports career with the classroom. After reading this book I now have a direction and destination to strive for. No matter what your "dragon" is, this book can help you overcome it. If you give this book a chance, I gaurantee success in all aspects of your life. It's a must read book.

This book was first recommended to me my freshman year in high school by my band director. He used it often for inspiration. It became sort of a joke in the band room when he referred to it. Well I finally read it and I now know why he talked about it so much. It was a great book. The way Michael Johnson referred to little things in life such as asking someone out, studying for a test and facing all the other dragons that are in our way is what I liked about it. I thought it would be only about running so it was a nice surprise the way he enterwove the running and life experiences. So I highly recommend this book because it does inspire you to never let go of your dreams. Even the big ones that seem like only "a ten year old's fantasy". So to all the dreamers out there, read this book and keep dreaming. :0)

This book not only gives you guidelines for track, it also helps you in the real world. He tells you how to slay your own dragon and how to commit yourself to something. He helps you to deal with distractions and failures(if you come upon any). This book is a must get cause it helps you in life as well as track.