The Ironman World Championship is one of the most grueling tests of mental and physical endurance and athleticism in the world. Its competitors have 17 hours to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run a full marathon, 26.2 miles. Chris McCormack has dedicated his life to training for-and winning-- this race, a feat he has accomplished twice, along with winning the Australian Ironman five years in a row and coming in first at both the Triathlon World Championships and the International Triathlon Union World Cup.But his journey to athletic greatness is more than one of just physical endurance. I'M HERE TO WIN is McCormack's account of everything it takes-mind, body and spirit -- to become a champion.In 2010, McCormack silenced his critics when he won the Hawaiian Ironman Championship at 37. He ran the race not just for himself, but for his late mother and the charity he founded in her honor to fight breast cancer. He now had a purpose, a passion, and something to drive him beyond himself. While Macca gives much credit to his physical performance, he believes his success comes from what he does before and after the race as much as during. In I'M HERE TO WIN he will share some of his most important training tips and Macca-isms, short bits of wisdom such as: Know yourself, listen to your body and mind, do the right thing today and trust the results without worrying about tomorrow.In addition, Macca's practical advice will help readers develop their own training routines, diet, exercise programs, and race strategies, sharing his secrets with those training for their first marathon, bike race or triathlon or those who want to achieve their personal best in the next race. From weekend warriors who casually compete, to seasoned veterans who race every weekend, to armchair athletes who need that extra push, I'M HERE TO WIN provides riveting insight into the mind of a great champion with excitement and inspiration on every page.

About the Author

Chris McCormack "Macca" was born in Sydney, Australia on April 4, 1973. He won titles and awards for his participation in sports during his school years, but initially chose education over a pro sports career and became an accountant after graduating from the University of New South Wales. He began competing professionally in 1996, and most recently, won the 2010 Ironman World Championship in Honolulu.Tim Vandehey is a professional ghostwriter, book collaborator and "book doctor." Since 2004, he has ghostwritten or co-written more than 30 books in the self-improvement, memoir, sports, spiritual, health, business, and financial genres. They include Produced by Faith with DeVon Franklin, Running on Faith with Jason Lester, and How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life with Mark Victor Hansen and Art Linkletter. Tim lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

Chris "Macca" McCormack's autobiography covers his racing history and quest to win the elusive Ironman Triathlon World Championship. Though the time line is scattered, listeners hear of the Australian's quick early successes, maturation on the world circuit, and adaptation to long--distance triathlon. A consummate racer with a bulldog focus on defeating opponents ("My job description is simple: win race"), Macca openly craves winning to the point of detailing the alpha-dog psychological tactics he uses to beat opponents. Whether it shows candor or betrays arrogance, this audio provides listeners with a glimpse inside the mind of an unusually combative athlete. Inconsistencies (the early emphasis on achievements and results is replaced with the cliched "performing your best, not winning, is the goal") distract, but narrator Howard Brunner excellently conveys the immediacy of racing. Advisory content is decent, but listeners are better served with established primers (e.g., Joe Friel's Triathlete's Training Bible). Recommended for large public libraries, special collections, and fans.-Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Middletown (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.