Of Every Second Counts

From the cover of the book:

Since the release of his megabestseller, It's Not About the Bike, Lance Armstrong has enjoyed a new series of thrilling rides, including the birth of his twin daughters, being chosen as Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, and extending his string of Tour victories to a record-tying fifth in 2003. Continuing the inspiring story begun in his first book, Every Second Counts captures the mind-set of a man who has beaten incredible odds and considers each day an opportunity for excellence. 

Armstrong's previous book recounted his journey from a grim diagnosis of testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain, to a stunning recovery that culminated in his winning the 1999 Tour de France - the ultimate evidence that he had also won a daunting battle with death.

His new book addresses the equally daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of this experience and making the most of every breath of life. Armstrong canddily discusses his prickly relationship with the French and the ultimately disproved accusations of doping within his Tour de France team, and he writes about his recent achievements, including celebrating five years of cancer survival and how he restored a magnificent chapel in his beloved Spain.

A fresh perspective on the sprit of survivors everywhere, Every Second Counts will invigorate and enthrall Armstrong's millions of admirers.

As I was browsing around for some biographies to read, I found this book. I thought it would be interesting to look into the world of someone who seems to have such strong determination and passion for life. And truly, I was not disappointed.

I guess this phrase from the first page of the book sums up pretty well what Armstrong think of his life - "It seems only right that a place called Dead Man's Hole should belong to a guy who nearly died - and who, by the way, has no intention of just barely living".

The whole book is actually a summary of his life post-1999 win of the Tour de France. It summarizes his belief, his point of views and offers snippets of his life. Without a doubt, the most interesting part of the book was when he is describing his race when competing in Tour de France. I have no interest whatsoever in bicycle race before reading the book ... but after reading Armstrong's passion and his description of the sport, I think I begin to understand why there are people who would adore this sport to the point of being a fanatic. 

One very interesting thought I picked from the book is this;

"I swept up the hill. I hadn't just trained my legs for this push up Hautacam, I'd also trained my expressions. I wanted the other riders to see strength in my attitude on the bike, because there was something dispiriting about watching another rider move past effortlessly while you suffered."

I can't help but feel inspired by that kind of determination and boldness. Perhaps some would say it is arrogance. But, I think it is a good tactic. And to be able to train yourself to that level ... I have nothing but pure respect for it.

More than the race however, this book also offers some insight how a life can be destroyed in an instant with a disease and in this case - cancer. The pain of going through the chemo, the sheer shock of finding out you're struck by cancer ... and how your world just changes with that ...

I have always thought that it is troublesome to be sick. But, to be able to read so descriptively how it affects people ... it was something that made me really think about my own life.

One cancer-survivor however, gives hope with this beautiful phrase;

"My house is burned down, but I can see the sky".

All in all, I would think this a really good read. It offers some insights to how a person can be so determined, so ready to embrace pain and move past it and to reach the stars. Not once. But five-record tying times. I think it shows us that beneath the flesh and blood, there is something else. Something more.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0