Jen and I met 23 years ago this month while running in opposite directions on a frigid morning in Connecticut. Normally a bit shy around girls, I got a wild hair, turned around and tried to chat her up, poorly I might add, but I must have done something right. We hit it off quickly, and the rest, as they say is history.
23 years later, she continues to amaze and inspire me and others. She currently works as a senior civilian in an extremely challenging position for the US Coast Guard, and is a highly regarded leader in government information technology. On top of that, over the last 3 years she has worked extremely hard in her free time to become an accomplished author under the pen name J.B. Rockwell. To date, she has several short story credits to her name and 4 novels, each one receiving good reviews and seeing increased popularity as she continues to hone her craft and works to grow her audience. She has left competitive running behind, but she still runs nearly every day, often in conditions that would make even the hardiest competitors think twice.
In honor of the positive influence Jen has had on my life, and the recent release of her latest book Serengeti, here are 5 books that that have influenced me as an athlete and coach, some through education, and some through inspiration. Maybe they will influence you or someone you know as well.
The Wormburners by John Craig

The Cyclists Training Bible by Joe Friel

The Self-Coached Runner: Cross Country & the Shorter Distances by Allan Lawrence

Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan

Once A Runner by John L Parker
