Jef Mallett's Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete

In some ways I approached reading Jef Mallett's book, Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete similarly to how I approach a triathlon. I ordered it (registered), I was prepared for his writing style through reading his columns in Triathlete Magazine and one of his Frazz books (trained), then when I read it, I enjoyed the experience (raced). Ok, that's a little dramatic, but I'm just sayin'.
If you are a triathlete, reading this book is a no brainer...do it because you'll like it. If you are not a triathlete but have even a remote interest in triathlon reading this book is still a no brainer...do it because you like it AND you will learn from it. If you are related to or involved with a triathlete reading this book is also a no brainer...do it because you will like it, you will learn from it, AND you will laugh because Mallett is talking about your significant other in a way you thought nobody else would understand.
According to dictionary.com, an addiction is "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma". Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that my self-proclaimed addiction to triathlon results in "severe trauma" but my belief that it is some form of socially acceptable "neurosis" is supported by Mallett's own observations and experiences which he shares throughout his book.
There are many great passages that struck me upside the head because they were painfully obvious. By the way, have a highlighter in your hand when you read this book. I didn't and wish I had. Anyway, here is an example which speaks very loudly to me regarding my current reality in the sport I love. It is in reference to motivation for racing and participating in triathlon:
"I don't believe any one person races for any single reason, nor does anyone's motivational matrix match the next one's, nor even his or her own a day later. But there are a few common threads at the more important seams, none so strong as pure force of habit. I've been doing this so long I can't imagine not doing it, and when my other motives fail me, that's the cable that holds it together."
I could go on and on and note my "That's what I'M talkin' about" moments, but you will certainly find your own. If you are a triathlete, don't get this from the library, buy it, highlight in it, share it, and enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing our world Jef. Well done!

Sources:
www.dictionary.com
Mallett, Jef, Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete (2009, Velopress)
For information on purchasing: www.velopress.com