I’m Here to Win by Chris McCormack – Book Review
A World Champion’s Advice for Peak Performance
In I’m Here to Win published by Hachette Book Group, Chris “Macca” McCormack tells the story of his rise to the top as a triathlete and shares his strategies for success, including some of his most important training and motivational tips. His most recent (and probably greatest) accomplishment was winning the 2010 Ironman World Championship in Honolulu (for the 2nd time). For those who are not familiar with the Ironman: it’s a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a FULL 26.2 mile marathon! He has earned the title of the “World’s Greatest Athlete”. In I’m Here to Win he tells the story from the roads of Australia to the front of a Wheaties box (the first time a non-American has been featured).
A little background on my personal running story. I ran cross country and track and field in high school. There were quite a few runners on our team who had what people call ‘natural talent’ (to some degree). I knew for a fact that I wasn’t one of those, although I did have slightly more speed than others (which made the last couple meters in a finish exciting). But what I did was just keep running and improve from the previous year. Flash forward a couple of years later when I decided to get back into running again. I was not the biggest fan of longer distance races (we’re talking about 2-3 miles here). I always questioned why we had to run so much more during training runs when we only raced a few miles. So when I talk to people I ran with in high school about me running half marathons and even full marathons, it baffles them. It just shows what hard work and dedication can do to change a person.
I am by no means comparing myself to Chris “Macca” McCormack. He is probably more like one of those ‘natural talent’ athletes that I grew up wishing to be like. Macca is a world-class athlete, a fierce competitor, and has made triathlon history with the most Ironman distance victories. His list of victories includes:
- 2-Time Ironman World Champion
- ITU Olympic Distance World Champion
- ITU World Cup Series Champion
- 7-Time World Cup Champion
- 12-Time Ironman Champion
- GoodWill Games Gold Medalist
I’m Here to Win revolves around Macca’s performance at the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. After winning his first championship in 2007 and two disappointing performances the following two years, no one expected Macca to win 2010. Many called the 2010 race the most dramatic finish in the race’s history. A game plan containing a new strategic approach to winning brought him first across the finish line. Although the book does go into great detail about this race, watching it helps illustrate how close this race was and how Macca went head to head with fellow athlete Andreas Raelert.
It was around this time last year that I started considering a triathlon. I felt that I had enough experience in the running arena and I had always enjoyed cycling. My obvious weak point was the swim. I learned how to swim as an adult, (more or less) on my own. I knew that I had terrible form, if you can even call it that. So I know if I really decide to compete in one, I will need some real (professional) help on the swim. I’m Here to Win does offer some very helpful tips for someone like me who is just trying to get started. But the book is great for the more experienced triathlete as well, who is looking for advice from a real professional with the success to back it up.
I don’t see myself participating or completing an ironman triathlon in the near future, although it’s definitely on my bucket list of things to do before I die (or die while doing..). But reading I’m Here to Win by Chris “Macca” McCormack is definitely a good first step to get to pumped and motivated to at least attempt a (sprint) triathlon. And once I do get to that level, I will have the tips and strategies to succeed as Macca has done in his prolific athletic career.
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