The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training

This book is excellent. The book is easy reading and has easy to apply mental techniques to improve racing and training. Swimming in open water is my "weakest link". This book offers many mental training techniques that should be helpful.

I saw the author at the Velo Swap in S.F. in December 2006. Gave a great presentation and his way of thinking fit my training regimen for my bicycling. The style and presentation fit my mindset and when it is rainy, snowy, blowing or just don't care. You realize you are not alone and gives the tools and techniques that get you going. Not your average mental training guide but new stuff and odd angles make you approach your workout and mind in a different way

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.

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!

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.