ThePADDLER
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REVIEWS
Athlete Agenda book review
By Sarah Thornely
I am a big fan of paper and a physical book rather than digital – maybe it ’ s my age , but I love the feel and weight of a book , the cover shot and even the paper quality . A Kindle girl , I am not !
Having had my eye on this publication , I was kindly gifted a copy of April Zilg ’ s Athlete Agenda in return for some taxi work when she was recently in the UK . A fair swap .
April has been developing her online coaching since becoming an absolute world-class stand-up paddleboarder , marginally missing out of the APP world title by points but almost dominating recent racing seasons . This is due to major changes in her training with a scientific slant , more of which can be heard in her recent chat with Simon on his SUPfmpodcast . It ’ s very enlightening for anyone who loves ‘ nerdy ’ stuff .
She has learnt that physically writing points down , be they affirmations , training plans for the week or beliefs in your ability , can really help an athlete . It ’ s a bit like writing a list , I know that stuff will get done rather than just having it in my head , so this definitely appeals to me .
The Athlete Agenda has a lovely weight and feel , and wherever you order from , the book is printed in that country and not flown halfway around the world – very clever !
The chapters at the beginning are all about your journey , not someone else ’ s , and are personal as you complete the book like a diary , writing down how you feel daily . This being what you have achieved or not , milestones , weekly refocus sessions , daily reflections , and a whole lot more ! I have seen a friend ’ s ; hers is packed with all she does and feels – she has found it incredibly useful .
This book would undoubtedly compliment your online training schedule or maybe encourage you to start your own in this very journal .
April knows what it is like to be a ‘ couch potato ’ ( her words , not mine ), with little energy and unfocused . Here she is ten years later with a great story behind her , and she wants to encourage us all to write our book and find our ‘ inner athlete ’ – move , grow , reflect and reach our goals , be they a gold medal or running for one mile without stopping .
Like a diary , the Agenda is intended to last a year , and it would certainly be interesting to look back over it after the year is up – will you have found your inner athlete ? I am certainly looking forward to getting stuck in – I guess it will make me more accountable , but only to me – I ’ ll let you know how I get on !
Buy April ’ s Athlete Agenda here :
www . athleteagenda . com / 64373883104 / checkouts / f5c0d6001031a 99e92e967372a0ed4ef ?_ ga = 2.137573299.205594271 0.1659447590-96328600.1659447590 & channel = buy _ button