With peaceful summer days finally here and weekend getaways scheduled, the following beach reads can provide activity for your mind while your body takes a respite from training.
Whether you prefer page-turning biographies or light material, you will find the book that fits your reading fare:
“WHY WE SLEEP: UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SLEEP AND DREAMS”
By Matthew Walker, PhD
Genre: Nonfiction
This New York Times best-seller uncovers one of the most significant aspects of an athlete’s life: sleep. The author, a leading neuroscientist and sleep expert, enlightens you about recent scientific discoveries and answers frequently asked questions about the most vital part of your day — going to sleep.
“ROAD TO VALOR: A TRUE STORY OF WORLD WAR II ITALY, THE NAZIS, AND THE CYCLIST WHO INSPIRED A NATION”
By Aili McConnon and Andres McConnon
Genre: Historical Biography
A celebrated athlete, Italian cyclist Gino Bartali won the Tour de France twice. But instead of sitting back and relishing in his achievements, he engages in dangerous liaisons to help targets of World War II. This includes sheltering Jews and smuggling documents on his bike.
“THE RUNNING DREAM”
By Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: Young Adult
Jessica loses her leg in a car accident, but thankfully receives a prosthetic one, allowing her to keep pursuing her true love of running. Throughout this tragedy, she receives support from her team, friends and family and rehabs with positive energy all around her.
“MARATHON WOMAN: RUNNING THE RACE TO REVOLUTIONIZE WOMEN’S SPORTS”
By Katherine Switzer
Genre: Memoir
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer ran the all-male Boston Marathon and got attacked by one of the event directors who tried to expunge her from the race. She fought him off , crossed the finish line, and went on to enjoy an illustrious running career, including winning the 1974 New York City Marathon.
“NATURAL CAUSES: AN EPIDEMIC OF WELLNESS, THE CERTAINTY OF DYING, AND KILLING OURSELVES TO LIVE LONGER”
By Barbara Ehrenreich
Genre: Nonfiction
Another New York Times best-seller from a famed author, this book delves into the cellular basis for aging and how much control we have, or don’t have, over it. You might learn to appreciate the life you still get to live and look at training in a novel way.
“A WALK IN THE WOODS: REDISCOVERING AMERICA ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL”
By Bill Bryson
Genre: Travel
Although more than 10 years old, this book remains a best-seller. For anyone considering a hike on the Appalachian Trail, which covers scenic landscape from Georgia to Maine, you should take this engaging guide with you. Or, simply read it for pure entertainment value.
“STAY FIT & HEALTHY UNTIL YOU’RE DEAD”
By Dave Barry and illustrator Jerry O’Brien
Genre: Comedy
Penned by one most famous comedic authors in recent history, this fitness manual provides meaningless advice no one should follow. Recommending anything from chilling your body to 325° below zero to swallowing a preposterous amount of vitamins, you can at least have a laugh because you will not learn anything of value — and that is totally OK.
“KID ATHLETES: TRUE TALES OF CHILDHOOD FROM SPORTS LEGENDS”
By David Stabler and illustrator Doogie Horner
Genre: Middle Grade
For children with an interest in sports, this book illustrates how even the elite athletes of today faced kid-sized problems back in the day. Featuring Danica Patrick and Muhammad Ali, among others, the stories will amuse you and your children.
“FAIL UNTIL YOU DON’T: FIGHT GRIND REPEAT”
By Bobby Bones
Genre: New Release
From a New York Times best-selling author, you will not find self-help content as the title might lead you to believe. Rather, you can glean inspiration from the author’s creative and funny stories on how he turned life losses into positive life lessons.