How Bad Do You Want It?

Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle

By: Matt Fitzgerald

Narrated by: Matt Fitzgerald

The greatest athletic performances spring from the mind, not the body. Elite athletes have known this for decades, and now science is learning why it's true. In his fascinating new book, How Bad Do You Want It?, coach Matt Fitzgerald examines more than a dozen pivotal races to discover the surprising ways elite athletes strengthen their mental toughness.

Fitzgerald puts you into the pulse-pounding action of more than a dozen epic races from running, cycling, triathlon, XTERRA, and rowing with thrilling race reports and revealing postrace interviews with the elites. Their own words reinforce what the research has found: Strong mental fitness lets us approach our true physical limits, giving us an edge over physically stronger competitors. Each chapter explores the how and why of an elite athlete's transformative moment, revealing powerful new psychobiological principles you can practice to flex your own mental fitness.

The new psychobiological model of endurance performance shows that the most important question in endurance sports is: How bad do you want it? Fitzgerald's fascinating book will forever change how you answer this question and show you how to master the psychology of mind over muscle. These lessons will help you push back your limits and uncover your full potential.

©2015 Matt Fitzgerald (P)2016 Recorded Books

Lots of good stories, little info.

The book is about 95% stories of athletes competing in races and overcoming adversity. These are well told and I found them motivating. But I was hoping for more instruction and insight that I could apply to my own running. There are maybe a scant 10 pages where factors that can boost performance are directly discussed--things like having an audience, being part of a group, or compensating for being an underdog. I wanted to hear more about this, and was left wanting. Also, I did like that the author narrated, which adds personality. He's a decent narrator.

Perfect book and perfect timing.

I'm doing my first Ironman in a month. This book was so helpful to add to my mental training for race day.

Very interesting

very informative and reads like a series of short sports stories to illustrate the principles outlined by the author

Long Distance Races are told as riveting stories

Great stories and insight for endurance athletes. But it felt like the narrator was yelling at me the whole time.

Motivational Book

This book was inspiring and made me want to jump on my bike, to for a run, or get some laps done in the pool. At one point I did throw my running shoes on and run when I was listening to it. Definitely recommend

earthshaking experience

The change in perspective that comes with understanding the psychobiological model will help elite coach and athlete see where to apply the majority of their future training.

Inspirational!

I loved this book, specially the Cohen & Sullivan story (new Zealand's sculls rowing team in 2012 Olympics) it was really inspiring. I've just started to practice running in a regular basis and this book has a lot of beautiful stories that will help you to stay motivated to pursue your goals and grow as an athlete.

Very helpful!

Great stories and how they can apply to you and your sport throughout the book. We'll read and easy listen.

Principles illustrated with case studies/ athlete stories

A relatively concise number of principles are explained and illustrated through athlete’s stories. They are good stories and help make the principles more memorable. Fitzgerald is a great writer and storyteller; he’s a good, not great, narrator.

How Bad Do You Want It?

If you like endurance sports and pushing your limits this is the book for you. Great examples. Matt did a really nice job in reading as well.