Comments on: Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:48:38 +0000

Pascal: I’m in the same position as you. 6′ 0″, 130 lbs. My weight hasn’t changed since 8th grade. Racing Weight won’t teach you how to gain weight. However, Matt does bust a bunch of myths and addresses useful vs. useless supplements, etc. so there is still some use for us rail-thin types. The book is full of good nutrition advice, and it’s not entirely about losing weight.

One myth I found very interesting was that for the average American, protein supplements are completely useless. Body builders don’t need all that whey – it’s a waste. Protein is, however, quite useful as part of a during workout sports beverage. Just one example of what’s in there.

(Disclaimer: I work for VeloPress.)

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:37:03 +0000

Brilliant, brilliant read. Whether you need to lose weight or change body composition or not, the chapter on the importance of timing your food intake and what processes the body are undergoing and how they route and store those nutrients is the key to understanding this book.

By: Padraig

Padraig — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:47:05 +0000

Pascal: While I’m completely unfamiliar with your plight, I can say that the book addresses the bigger issues regarding nutrition, body composition and weight. The principles behind “right-sizing” your body will apply should you determine that you really ought to be, uh, more. Think of it not as an instruction manual to weight loss but an examination of the issues regarding weight and athletic performance. You won’t find a more appropriate book relative to your needs.

By: Pascal

Pascal — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:19:27 +0000

I was wondering if the book addresses those of us that fall way below the bell curve. I can’t gain weight to save my life. (5’10″, 143lbs all year round, even x-mas) In fact, before I started cycling in my mid-twenties, I weighed 20 lbs less. So does that mean I’m always at “race weight”?

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:10:24 +0000

A small point … it is extremely “reader friendly.” Fitzgerald has a nice style of writing that keeps readers from getting bored/bogged down in the research that is presented. As one who has gained 15 pounds from last Halloween (poor kids, never stood a chance at getting anything the first three bags of candy!) despite logging 1,000 miles a month on the trainer, I have begun to use what Fitzgerald has shared.

By: Jonny

Jonny — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:39:15 +0000

I just finished reading this book last week and can say it is worth the read.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:11:49 +0000

Thanks for the review Padraig. I´ve found the book to be really extensive, to the point of being overwhelming at some parts. Loads of info about everything, but with attention and dedication it can be extremelly useful indeed. Even to riders with some knowledge and experience on the subject. I guess there´s always some new piece to be learnt and that´s a good thing. I love books.

By: Souleur

Souleur — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:38:49 +0000

great review/advise Padraig!

By: Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:36:14 +0000

I’ve purchased this book myself and found it to be extremely helpful. The DQS strategy Matt F. puts forth is both easy to follow, and a boon to anyone’s diet (lest you have some sort of allergy or otherwise that would inhibit typical consumption).

Personally, I’ve dropped about 18 to 20 pounds thanks to his work, as well as long distance, easy pace riding. I’ve never been A.) A ‘skinny’ individual and B.) A ‘fit’ individual, so that this book, as well as some helpful guidance from my fellow riding buds, has provided me with a path to both is a testament to his writing.