Inspirational Reading Matter

Here are just a few of the variety of reads that have helped motivate and inspire me over the past months:

1. Don't Stop Me Now - 26.2 Tales of a Runners Obsession by Vassos Alexander

2. The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel

3. Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr Kelly Starrett

4. Swim, Bike, Run by Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee

5. Get Into Cross Training - Multi-Discipline Fitness (a magazine published by Immediate Media Company)

6. Cyclist's Britain in a Box - A Duncan Petersen Guide, contributors Arnold Robinson & Chris Hutt

1. Don't Stop Me Now is one for the joggers, runners and wanna-be runners out there. This is an autobiography of how Vassos came to start running, his experiences during his various events and the stories of the many and varied famous international athletes associated with running. I just dip in and out of this book, each time it really does make me want to get outdoors and run.

2. The Triathletes Training Bible is in depth guide. It is the go to for those wanting to know how to train for any level of triathlon from super sprints to Ironman. It methodically takes you through how to plan and carryout your training, addressing those tricky questions of what exercises and workouts to do, what to do if you miss one or more sessions, how to eat and how often to strength train. www.velopress.com/books/triathletes-training-bible

3. Becoming a Supple Leopard is another detailed how to. You start at the beginning to test your body, then this comprehensive book guides you through what exercises you need to do to mobilise your stuck joints and to strengthen your weak muscles. This is massively detailed and may be slightly over-whelming, but thoroughly worthwhile taking time over. The pictures accompany pretty much every exercise and are really helpful.

4. Swim, Bike Run is just beautifully easy to read. The brothers explain how they honestly feel about running, swimming and cycling. They dispense tips and advice in an easily digestible form, even giving a few drills. Highly motivational but not heavy going and accessible to all. You don't have to be a triathlete to read this, but watch out, you may be inspired to become one.

5. Get Into Cross Training magazine. If you are like me and you enjoy many sports, this one is for you. You will be surprised by the variety here, both in types of exercise, but also in nutrition, technique advice, flexibility work. This is another dip-in-&-out resource that I just can't throw away because I keep coming back to the useful articles.

6. Cyclist's Britain in a Box - 50 laminated guided rides in Britain with map and route plan. This is brilliant and so handy. It includes useful information such as where to stay nearby, public transport to the ride start and advice of both ride duration and whether it has off-road sections. Also look out for Cycle Escapes London in a Box.