The Lance Armstrong Performance Program: Seven Weeks to the Perfect Ride

This was the first cycling/training book I picked up when I started trying to get myself back in shape. After dropping 50 pounds and being in the best aerobic shape of my life I can honestly say that this book got me going in the right direction in regards to training routines and nutrition. It is simple and a must read for beginners. More advanced cyclist might find it a little dull but there is still useful information no matter your skill level. Chris's other book, "The Ultimate Ride" is a great follow up to this book.

This just might be the best book ever written on cycling. The problem is, Armstrong and Carmichael have exposed one of cycling's darkest, dirtiest little secrets: we all overtrain. In simple, clear terms, thankfully absent the mind-numbing details of other cycling books, Armstrong and Carmichael destroy the myth that training harder means going faster. Anyone who thinks that huffing and puffing until your thighs throb and burn is the way to grow stronger, is going to be outraged by this book. "How can you become stronger when it does not feel like you are working out? How can anyone reach ultimate fitness unless they pedal until it hurts?", they will wonder.In a book that covers every aspect of cycling important to a rider, Armstrong and Carmichael lay out is a program for riding slower and riding less, but gaining strength and fitness you cannot reach the old fashion way of continually pushing beyond your aerobic limit. What Lance has proven beyond all doubt by his fitness level is that the key to expanding your aerobic limit is to stay within it. Forget the burn: if you burn you are lactating and if you do so every time you ride then you are loosing fitness, not gaining it.It is a wonder that they decided to publish this book before Armstrong retires. We could have watched him perform for years and never guessed his secret. But his now open secret is safe, because it contradicts decades of training practice, so it is doubtful his opponents will use and capitalize on it. You may not be a world-class rider, but this is certainly a world-class book that will benefit any rider who applies its lessons.

I think this book is one of the best examples of what cycling and training is all about. Too many cyclists form beginners to pros are constantly looking for that magic workout of secret training plan that will make them the next superstar. The fact is, and what this book demonstrates superbly, is that in order to be a better/stronger cyclist you need to "train smarter". Contrary to popular belief, its not the quantity of your training, but the quality. This book helps more than any other I've read in detailing a QUALITY training program complete with everything you need from specific workouts to nutrition to weight training for cyclists. I am an elite level cyclist who for years has been training as hard as my body will allow. Now, because of this book, I have refocused my energy on quality workouts and a balanced program. The results have been amazing. I recommend this book to all levels of athletes, to anyone who wants to get the most out of their training.

Although I have read and pedaled a fair amount, I found this book interesting as it revealed the specifics of the work and training that produced Armstrong's remarkable accomplishments in cycling. As with any book, it provided bits and pieces both known and new. Simple, clear, and direct, it outlines a comprehensive program that can serve as a "preflight checklist" -- for newcomer or veteran. The book pulled together information that I had read or heard here and there. The weight training program is good for off-season cross-training and is clearly cycling specific. The dietary information and recommendations have the ring of common sense about them. As well the techniques and tactics for cycling are precise and easy to understand. The book does not provide too much info but simply gets to the matter at hand. Reminds me of the Greg Lemond "Complete Book of Bicycling" brought up to date. And as with Lemond, Armstrong and his story are inspirational -- an aspect of the book that can provide just that little extra push in training -- "Hey, if Lance can..." The Armstrong tale is extraordinary by any measure and this book affords us an inside look at the actual program that was hinted at in his book, "It's not About the Bike." (Aside re. "It's not About the Bike": the book is from the "gee whiz" school of sports writing but the story is so powerful that it compels ones attention and admiration -- esp. the portion dealing with what the Armstrongs went through to have a child). In sum, we all need more from guys like Armstrong to inspire our best efforts -- on the bike and off.

I highly recommend this book. It provides some personal information about Lance which is interesting. More importantly, however, it contains specific training advice with detailed training programs for all levels of riders. The book also discusses nutrition and strength training for cyclists with more attention to detail than I have seen in other books on this subject.