I'm Here To Win: A World Champion's Advice for Peak Performance

by Chris McCormack, Tim Vandehey (Primary Contributor)

In I'M HERE TO WIN, Chris "Macca" McCormack opens his playbook and reveals everything it takes-mind, body, and spirit-to become a champion. Now he shares the story of his triumphs and the never-say-die dedication that has made him the world's most successful triathlete.

In 2010, at the age of 37, Macca beat the odds and won the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii for a second time in what many called the most dramatic finish in the race's history. Macca's journey to athletic greatness is more than just one of physical perseverance. After coming in fourth in Hawaii in 2009, Macca returned to the island on a He was there to win. A game plan containing a new strategic approach to winning brought him first across the finish line.

Chris McCormack has dedicated his life to training for-and winning-the Ironman Hawaii, one of the most grueling tests of mental and physical endurance in the world. The race challenges athletes to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run a full marathon, 26.2 miles, using all their strength and willpower to overcome the incredibly harsh conditions.

In I'M HERE TO WIN Macca provides concrete training advice for everyone-from weekend warriors who casually compete to seasoned veterans who race every week to armchair athletes looking for an extra push-and provides insight into the mind of a great champion with excitement and inspiration on every page.

I'M HERE TO WIN is also available as an enhanced e-book with embedded video and audio.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Fitness, Inspirational

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

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.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A avut incredere in calitatile sale fizice si tactice.
O alta viziune asupra sportului.
Bravo lui !

[Dennis Mix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Macca's take on racing and appreciated his honesty on what it took to beat Crowie. Must read for every triathlete.

[Mihail Zamkovskiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

В общем довольно интересная книга о спорте и жизни героя, есть что подчеркнуть и для спортивных тренировок и образ мышления.

“Необходимо разделить большую мечту на маленькие шаги, чтобы она тебя не пугала. Тогда ты сможешь поставить перед собой одну маленькую цель, до- стичь ее и заняться следующей.
Очень полезно делать записи. Определите свои намере- ния и заявите их вселенной. Выйдите к людям и расска- жите им о том, что вы намереваетесь сделать. Скажите: «Я буду участвовать в Ironman летом 2013 года и поеду в Кону в 2014 году». И теперь это уже не мечта или фантазия. Это — цель. “

«Добавьте в расписание больше силовых тренировок. С воз- растом вы начнете терять скорость и гибкость, но можете компенсировать это за счет повышения силы и мощности. — Посвятите больше времени разминке и расслаблению мышц. Используйте упражнения по развитию гибкости, на- пример асаны из йоги.»

«Советы Макки для победы
Дайте ногам отдохнуть перед бегом
Вот несколько подсказок, которые могут помочь вам сохра- нить ноги отдохнувшими при езде на велосипеде — это по- зволит показать куда лучшие результаты в марафоне:

Если вы участвуете в гонке с разрешенным драфтингом, то будьте готовы к движению в группах. Это может оказать- ся для вас преимуществом, поскольку на некоторых этапах трассы вы сможете ехать без напряжения. Не пропустите свою очередь, когда придет время возглавить группу!
— Выберите передачу, которая позволит вам поддерживать каденс на уровне около 90 оборотов в минуту. Это позволит ехать достаточно быстро, но не утомит вас.
— Подумайте о своих целях. Если вы намереваетесь просто дойти до финиша, то попытайтесь сохранить максимум энер- гии, даже если для этого вам придется ехать с более слабой группой. Если же вы намереваетесь установить личный ре- корд или посоревноваться с другими спортсменами, то спро- сите себя, стоит ли вам ехать со слабой группой и поможет ли это показать вам более хорошие результаты в беге.
— Если вы хороший бегун, то попробуйте ехать на более низкой, легкой передаче. Это позволит вашим ногам от- дохнуть, и вы сможете лучше бежать на следующем этапе. Если же вы не очень сильный бегун, то используйте более высокую передачу и постарайтесь обеспечить более высокую скорость при том же каденсе. Даже если ваши ноги отдохнут во время велоэтапа, вы не сможете воспользоваться этим преимуществом в случае средних навыков бега.
— Не стоит автоматически переключаться на более высокую и тяжелую передачу при преодолении подъемов. Чем больше времени вы проводите вне седла, тем тяжелее будет вашим ногам при беге. Так что, преодолевая подъем, имеет смысл увеличить каденс без повышения передачи.»

«Моя основная сила состоит в том, что я общаюсь с людьми, до боли честными в своих мыслях. Это позволяет мне кон- тролировать свое эго. Процесс начинается с общения с моей женой Эммой-Джейн. Она способна сказать мне, как все выглядит на самом деле. В тот момент, когда я развешиваю уши и начинаю вестись на лесть, она легко возвращает меня в реальный мир. Она обладает уникальным вйдением спор- та со стороны. Самому мне такое видение недоступно.»

[Joey O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. I stayed up many a late night (which is not good when you're in training and my body needs rest!).

I devoured the stories and loved the helpful information. Macca was near the finish line at the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship cheering on my buddy Scott Rigsby, the first double-amputee to complete the Kona Ironman (2007). Scott was finishing his second Ironman and like Macca, offers true inspiration for overcoming setbacks and obstacles.

Macca tells some wonderful stories about what it means to be a true competitor. He doesn't pull any punches, so I do appreciate his honesty because he backs it up with action. When he makes a mistake, he owns it and accepts the humility that comes with it.

For a completely different read and inspiring story as well, check out Scott Rigsby's Unthinkable: The Scott Rigsby Story.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I felt this to be self indulgent and was overwhelmed by the hefty dose of Chris McCormack's enourmous ego. However for what ever reason I perserved and am damn glad I did! He tells his story in round about way and slowly the real Chris emerges who demostrates humility and grace whilst acknowledgin gthat to achieved what he has takes ego and arrogance. There is a lot in here that can be transfered to ones own life to improve and tweak ones weaknesses. I have found myself inspired and motivated to work on the things that require work. To help provide others with some of the insights gained along the ironman path.

I enjoyed his realism, obvious love for those close to him and the understanding that we all need to look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves.

[Marc Geraldez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book and often found myself laughing out loud every time he talked about the mental games with the other athletes. He really opened up a lot in this book and cemented the fact that he is my favorite athlete.

[Pennylope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I *wanted* to like this. I really wanted to walk away from this book thinking that Macca is misunderstood. But, the book just further solidified Macca's image as an cocky asshole. I am and will always be Team Crowie.

[Mitch Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great listening while I worked out. Even when I was commuting to work, it encouraged me to get out for a run as soon as I got home. In my opinion, it's close to the ideal audiobook.

[Christy Keeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, pro athletes are there to win. And, as McCormack states, mind games are not common in triathlon. Triathlon for me has always been a gentlemen's sport. Regardless of competitive level, triathletes have always been respectful with an inherent level of humility. Those are some of the reasons so many of us love the sport—we can compete against each other while encouraging and supporting one another. While McCormack shows that he ultimately feels this, his behaviors do not always evidence this. His relationships with other male professional triathletes seem to be calculated. For example, he befriended colleagues for the purpose of getting them to attack on Kona crosswinds. His whole plan for their first meetings was to become friends SO he could convince them to ride HIS strategy.

McCormack is an incredibly talented athlete who certainly puts in the work to win at the most elite levels. And, he has taken a wholly different approach to professional triathlon racing by adding the component of intentional and, in some ways, cruel mental tactics to beat his colleagues. What he does when racing, while legal within USAT and other triathlon body's rules, I feel is unethical and has no place in this sport.

Autistic? Nacissistic? That might explain the lack of appreciation of the feelings of others.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

p212
How you deal with pain has everything to do with whether you take a positive or negative mind-set into a race. I'm not much for affirmations, but the one thing I say to myself before every race is, “Embrace the suck.” Because no matter how much you love being a triathlete, at some point a race is going to really, really suck.

p214
So pain is like an old friend to me. When it shows up I think *There you are. I was wondering when you'd get here. * It's not that I'm looking forward to suffering, but I accept it as a sign that I'm pushing myself and overcoming something. I'm doing it right, because I hurt. I shake hands with the pain and keep going.

p222
Our sport should be about more than winning races. It should be about overcoming limitations, conquering fears, and inspiring other people.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for Triathletes / Ironman

I’ve been an avid triathlete for 19 years and have sat on this book for some time. I decided to read it on vacation and am glad I did. If you followed Macca’s career and are a triathlete (the Macca/Alexander era), I think this book is a worthwhile, engaging, interesting read.

You need to gloss over or roll your eyes at the very frequent self-promotion and hyperbole. Although Macca will not be remembered in the same caliber as a Jan Frodeno, he is still one of the greats to grace the sport and imparts a lot of wisdom, some humility and interesting anecdotes that make the book an entertaining, quick read.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. The key that was given to me was to read this book as a book about doing business. “Dream, believe, succeed”. You need to really like what you do and enjoy the process and every step toward your goal. You may not reach your biggest dream but you would enjoy the trip. Be prepared to face the pain. It will come. Just smile and welcome your friend. It doesn’t mean that the pain should be your goal but be prepared to face it and smile is extremely beneficial. And many other great stories about a curious person travelling the world in pursuit of his dream.

[Alexa Petre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book about the journey of a triathlete through an impressive number of Iron Man feats. I appreciated Macca's honesty in his approach towards the other competitors, as well as his authenticity in acknowledging the fact that he is not always the goodie goodie. There is value in that honesty.
An admirable sportsman with a tremendous story to tell. One can only wish to accomplish such difficult competitions as the ones he approached, and with such great success. A tale on endurance, grit and mental prowess.

[Shannon Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and the insight it gave into the Triathlon world and the mindset of a champion. However, the whole notion of finding other people’s weaknesses and calling them out was not relatable for me. I understand where he is coming from, but I cannot see myself doing that. Overall, I enjoyed the book and leaned a lot about the power of confidence in racing.

[Karla Ticona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macca's book is really awesome for triathlon fans, it contains a LOT of history, as well as tons of personal insights from the Champion himself. The mind tactics are gold, but what I loved the most about this book was the personal reflection Macca went through, discovering a new source of personal power within after each breakthrough. Really a nice read and a super exciting one for triathletes.

[Darragh Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macca’s story is a cracking read. Yes, he does come off as a bit, well, confident, but he’s got the results to prove that he was a top top triathlete. Weirdly, I really enjoyed his thoughts on the mental side of triathlon – a lot of them are very relevant to situations outside of swim/bike/run. Very enjoyable and one of the better sports biographies I’ve ever read.

[Mario Rogulj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong book with some unexpected lessons and motivations hidden inside (or maybe not hidden but somewhat unexpected)
Even though it is a sports book, IMO it should be used as a motivator (or advice pool) in every aspect of life

Ending was a bit stretched, could have been shorter (parts after race)

Overall, worth of reread

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

Being new in the sports, I have tried to find some insights from one of the greatest, and this book gave me more than I was looking for. It has inspired me to continue and never get back!

[Shannon Enloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read with lots of fun mental insights and triathlon tips (including a 16 week training block example). Dude was kind of a cocky asshole but apparently that was all a part of his racing strategy and mind games. Still, cool to hear his side of things and his game plans.

[Lynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Chris was way too narcissistic for my taste. While he should be commented for all of his athletic accomplishments, I could not get past the disregard for his competitors and lack of being a team player.

[Odreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daca practici un sport, nu neaparat triatlon, Macca are cateva sfaturi pentru tine care, cu siguranta, ti se vor parea interesante. Eu personal, am avut ceva de invatat din abordarile lui. Un om cu adevarat interesant. O poveste motivationala!

[Octavian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it, especially the “winsights”, but a bit too much talking about how unique he is and how he sees himself as the Mohammed Ali of triathlon. I doubt anyone else sees him as this but, like he says, what they see/say doesn’t matter. Still worth the read.

[Eduard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book after a surgery and all I can say is that it gaved me a lot of strength and helped me get out of the bed after it with the same huge desire to complete a triathlon as I had before. Macca is maybe not the youngest athlete but it has the most powerful mind and tactics since Dave Scott and Mark Allen.

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drink coke while racing and create doubt in your opponents by relentlessly trying to retire them from the sport. Good sport psychology tidbits.

[Jonathon Schuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting to look into the mind of a champion triathlete

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

[Steve Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, loved it from cover to cover.

[Luke Res · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st triathlon in a couple weeks for me. This was good prep and pretty entertaining at times

[Rachelle Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally awesome book! First time I ever seen Macca was on a Wheaties box. His grinning face was on our breakfast table for over a year. Don't know why they're doing the old Mary Lou Retton, Bruce Jenner and Ali boxes nowadays. I want Macca back!

This book is a great introduction to triathlons by the greatest triathlete on the planet. What I admire about Chris McCormack is his honesty. That's right. He talks about his failures as well as his glories and doesn't sugarcoat his mistakes.

The chapter about his mate Sean Maroney's death and later his mother's short fight with breast cancer was a real tearjerker. But he was able to persevere and dedicate his first Ironman World championship to them.

This book is more than a book about athletes, but a treatise on life experiences. Since I'm writing a novel with a triathlete as the male main character, I found this book invaluable with diving into the mind of a world class athlete. My character had doubts about his biking ability. His father was an Olympic swimmer and his mother an Olympic sprinter. Yet he was a big man. Although before I read this book, I didn't know 175 lbs is considered heavy. My guy is 6'2" and 179 lbs. His girlfriend encouraged him to attack on the bike and he'd been training with uphill mountain biking and sprints to build is leg power. He'd always been confident about his marathon abilities, so hanging back on the bike had been his biggest obstacle.

All this was written before I came across Chris McCormack's book. Imagine my surprise when Chris outlined the exact strategy for my character to win. Obviously my character made mistakes such as attacking on the uphill close to the summit and losing it when he almost fell on the downhill [I mean, in fiction you have to pull out the bunny rabbit ran across the road moment], but Macca's descriptions of his races helped me with the realism of my race scene.

My editor may still cut it out, but at least I enjoyed writing it, and I am going to cheer for Macca to beat Crowie for the 2012 Ironman World Champion.

At the end of the book, Chris talks about honesty and not cheating. I immediately thought of Lance Armstrong and John Locke. What good is temporary glory when it is bought off the back of underhanded methods? I'm really glad he tackled this taboo topic, because at the end of the day, each person has to look inside themselves and like what they see.

I also love the relationship Chris has with his wife, Emma-Jane. Theirs is an undying love, close friendship and emotional consideration that all romance novels aim to achieve.

Macca said if you're too focused on the results and not on the process you'll burn out. The same can be said for writing. Enjoy and love the journey and savor the destination, but never cheat or take shortcuts.

[Stephen Redwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable although hard to get past the repeated self-aggrandizing without it grating. McCormack is without question has been/ is one of the top triathlete's in the world and his journey to get there is interesting and eventful in all sorts of ways that have tested his fortitude and character. He comes across as a somewhat complex character: he puts energy into doing many worth things in the world, but seems to fear us not appropriately ranking his good and great deeds, and spends a lot of time self describing himself with all sorts of superlatives. He seems to place a lot of importance on what he describes as his mental game, which he clearly sees as somewhat unique - but really it's a lot of fairly standard competitive psychology that, most people understand, but which many wouldn't deploy so explicitly because it can be so crass. The '(w)insights' (yes, really) are a mixed bag and largely repetitive of what is in the text. There is frequent reference to the press being all over events in his career - hard to imagine in a sport as small as triathlon. It barely makes the sports pages of national papers in countries I visit. Despite the irritations, he still manages to come across as a energetic and somewhat magnetic personality. The kind of guy who is fun to be around - although one wonders how much that depends on him being the center of attention. A book only for triathletes, I'm guessing.