Books are obviously something we love gifting to people, between the books that we’ve written, books by authors at Strong Girl Publishing, and books that are written by favorite podcast guests we’ve had on, and of course, books written by people we would love to have on the podcast! So, here are the ones we’re sticking in stockings this year.
Becoming a Consummate Athlete for New Athletes
Tired of training and not getting wins? Feeling a lack of motivation, or that there just isn’t enough time to do it all? Missing when sport felt fun? If you’ve been training for an endurance sport like cycling or running but find yourself feeling stuck or not getting the results that you want, your daily habits might be to blame—but we’ve got you! Being an all-around athletic, healthy human capable of tackling any outdoor adventure—a Consummate Athlete, if you will—takes smart training and thoughtful lifestyle choices. In this book, you’ll learn new ways to look at your recovery, fueling, training, record keeping and even your gear in order to help you reach your athletic goals while actually enjoying your healthy lifestyle. Remember: You are an athlete, and you owe it to yourself to start living like one! Get it here
In Defense of Big Dreams by Mackenzie Myatt for Cyclists
Molly’s publishing house, Strong Girl Publishing, focuses on books for girls in sport, but this coffee table poetry book is for everyone. Nova Scotia-based elite multi-discipline cyclist Mackenzie Myatt’s first book of poetry, In Defense of Big Dreams, is all about life as an athlete and a creative soul. In Defense of Big Dreams contains more than 50 of cyclist Mackenzie Myatt’s poems along with gorgeous layouts with photos shot by Artúr Sagát. The design elements were carefully chosen to enhance each poem, and the collection focuses on topics ranging from self-confidence to sport to body image, and everything in between. While the target demographic is young women, people of all ages will appreciate the stories contained in these pages. Get it here
Sprinting Through Setbacks by Micha Powell for Runners + Young Women Athletes
Great for any teen AND any runner! Commonwealth Games gold medalist Micha Powell’s memoir-slash-workbook showcases stories from Micha’s decade of professional racing experience, including vulnerable stories of growing up in the shadow of two Olympian parents, navigating injury, and finding the courage to embrace an Olympic mindset. Micha is a world-class Canadian Olympic sprinter specializing in the 400m, currently running for New Balance. She is also a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Born in Montreal to three-time Olympian Rosey Edeh and Long Jump World Record Holder Mike Powell, athletics is a part of her DNA. The collection of essays covers 10 pivotal races and the lessons learned and will include workbook-style sections so that young readers can apply Micha’s learnings to their own lives. Topics include things like finding balance, personal style, a sense of belonging, imposter syndrome, finding your spotlight, and more. Get it here
Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully by Juliet and Kelly Starrett for Any Athlete
We cannot stress how excited we were to have the Starretts on the podcast this year—and how much we love their book, Built to Move. It is the best book option for any athlete who’s concerned about aging and longevity, but still also cares about performance goals. It’s also the best laid out book—in our opinion—when it comes to practical tips and actionable advice for aging well. Get it here
The Athlete’s Guide to Sponsorship for Young Athletes
The book for the teen in your life who dreams of going pro… but also needs some help getting those college applications in! This book will teach athletes how to find sponsorships, from finding the right brands to approach to developing a racer resume and website to cultivating your own personal brand identity through your social media, real life and racing. If you want a thriving career in sport, this book is for you…. And parents will be thrilled by the life skills your athlete develops in the process! Get it here
Running as Fast as We Can by Molly Hurford for Young Women Runners
This young adult novel (by me!) is a fun one for any teenager, whether or not they’re into sports. About the book: Juniors Krista and Elle might have been best friends once. Not anymore. But they do have one thing in common: A distaste for school sports, and need for an athletic extracurricular on their college resumes. When they both show up to the first cross-country practice of the season, it’s a surprise to both of them. Writer and wannabe punk Krista wants nothing to do with preppy go-getter Elle, at least not anymore. But what caused the rift between the former childhood friends… and what will happen when the reason for their mutual dislike shows up with swagger? Competitive sparks will fly, but it’s going to take the two girls finding common ground if they’re going to make it through junior year and fight back against the real enemy. Get it here
Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond by Stacy T. Sims and Selene Yeager for Women Athletes
OK, this one might be a little nerve-wracking to give as a gift, but OHMYGOD is it an important book and one that is a fantastic gift for women in your life who might be coming up on menopause, which if you recall our podcast with author Selene Yeager last year, can start even in the mid-thirties (seriously). We love both Selene and Stacy, and both have been regular guests on the pod for good reason: They have a ridiculous amount of wisdom to share. This book really helps you be prepared for that point in life, and makes you realize that so much of life is left during and after menopause. Get it here
How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald for Any Athlete
An oldie but a goodie, this book by one of our fave podcast guests, Matt Fizgerald, is a great “sports psych that isn’t actually sports psych” book for the cyclists and triathletes in your life. Rather than being dry and entirely you-centric, it’s packed with stories and case studies that demonstrate principles of sports psychology without feeling as though you’re hinting too much. Get it here
The Shred Girls Series: Books for Young Cyclists
Obviously, I have to mention that books make EXCELLENT stocking stuffers. If you have a young girl (14 and under) in your life that you’re hoping will get into cycling or who’s already a Shred Girl IRL, make sure you’ve gotten her all three books in the Shred Girls series: Lindsay’s Joyride, Ali’s Rocky Ride and Jen’s Bumpy Ride. You can visit the Strong Girl Publishing web shop for all the books plus Shred Girls themed tshirts, hoodies, beanies and more!
Read Books, Ride Bikes Tote
An easy stocking inclusion or a gift bag in its own right. This tote from Strong Girl Publishing fits your helmet and shoes, or all of your library books. Get it here
