Most endurance books tell you how to train. This one exists for the moments when training almost ends.
Sh*t I Wished People Told Me When I Started Endurance Racing is a practical field guide for adults entering beginner endurance sports without burning out or quitting early. Whether you're training for your first triathlon, marathon, gravel race, cycling event, or distance running challenge, this book addresses the psychological realities of starting endurance racing later in life.
Designed for the emotional moments around training-the parking lot before a group ride, the drive home after feeling slow, the days when everyone looks fitter and faster-this guide provides grounded, research-informed insight into endurance mindset, racing anxiety, comparison spirals, pain confusion, and early-stage doubt.
This is not a performance manual. It does not include training plans or race strategy. Instead, it addresses overtraining impulses, burnout patterns, group intimidation, and the silent pressures that push many new endurance athletes out of the sport within their first year.
Structured as a state-based reference guide, readers can turn directly to the section that matches what they are experiencing in the moment.
This is an on-ramp to endurance racing-not a finish line manual.