Kurt Madden’s 2013 Hardrock Hundred

Throughout the years, I continue to reflect on the quote: “The most important step in any journey is the first step.” A triathlon is very similar, and depending upon the swimming ability of a triathlete, the first step of the swim can be exciting and something to look forward to. Or it can be the phase of the event that you dread, dislike, and find most unpleasant. (That’s not a great way to start the day.)

Have you thought about getting a triathlon coach? Some triathletes prefer to design their own training programs and stay in a routine, while other triathletes are looking for someone they can trust, someone who can guide them, and someone who can serve as a sounding board while keeping them accountable and on course.

How many times have you played a card game with friends and asked for a few new cards in hopes of winning? It’s a simple, bullish exchange.
As you think about triathlons and racing, wouldn’t it be great to be able to exchange the percentage of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers in preparation for your “A” race? Think about it. You could load up on more fast-twitch muscle fibers for your next sprint event or go for a higher percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers for your next Ironman distance event.
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up, it knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.
- Grit, Angela Duckworth
- The Way of the Seal, Mark Divine
- Presence, Amy Cuddy
- Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
- Gold in the Water, P.H. Mullen
- Run or Die, Kilian Jornet
- I’m Here to Win, Chris McCormack
- Never a Bad Day, Bob Babbitt
- Stronger, Jeff Bauman
- Running on Empty, Marshall Ulrich
- Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand
- Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
- As the Crow Flies, Craig Alexander
- Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger