IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE by Lance Armstrong
Addendum: I appreciate that here in November 2012, after the recent drug scandal, this book recommendation may appear out of place. However, regardless of how any of us feels about drugs in sport and the mentality of cheating this book remains a powerful insight in to the premise of mindset, and, how we each approach the challenges we are faced. Let us not forget that however the championships where won, this is the story of a man who fought death and cancer to come back to life from a 2% chance of survival. What he then did with his life is not for me to comment on or judge.
Lydia x
Here we are, month 9 of the year and this is my 7th book of the month recommendation. So this month, what will I be mostly reading?..well I am pleased to tell you it’s a real life tale of survival and overcoming odds. ‘It’s Not About The Bike. My Journey Back to Life.’ by Lance Armstrong.
Whilst I’m sure many of us are already aware of Lance Armstrong’s battle and triumph over testicular cancer, what this book also does, is share an insight into the power of mindset and, how we, each and every one of us, have it within our power to change our thinking, and, in so doing, change our lives. However, don’t mistake this for a fairytale either. In his own words, Lance says, “I’m asking you now, at the outset, to aside your ideas about heroes and miracles, because I’m not storybook material. This is not Disneyland, or Hollywood” (Armstrong, page 3).
Turning adversity into triumph is an absolute passion of mine and at the heart of why I’m spending my time writing this blog and changed my career to one of Empowerment Coaching. But enough about me, Mr Armstrong has a very honest and candid writing style which is both addictive and to my mind, refreshing.
Here’s the back of the blurb so you can decide for yourself if this will be your read for the month as well. I do hope you enjoy finding out about this fascinating and inspiring, yet realistic and grounded individual.
Lydia x
www.yourvelvetevolution.com
Back of the Book Blurb:
‘At twenty-four, Lance Armstrong was already well on his way to becoming a sporting legend. Then, in October 1996, he was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer 0 doctors gave him a 40% chance of survival. On that day Armstrong’s life changed for ever and in typical fashion he met the challenge head on – this was one fight he was determined not to lose.
As he battled against the cancer invading his body and the chemotherapy that threatened to sap his soul, he focussed on his training and drew strength from the people around him who never gave up. Just sixteen months after Armstrong was discharged from hospital, he entered the Tour de France, a race famed for its gruelling intensity, and won, in the fastest ever time. Just a few months after that, he became a father.
It’s Not About the Bike is the story of one man’s inspirational battle against the odds, charting his progress through triumph, tragedy and transformation. This is an awe-inspiring tale of immense courage and will.
Click here to buy your copy of It’s Not About The Bike: My Journey Back to Life
