Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Good for overall approach, not for specific training plans
If you're looking for a specific training plan, this is not the book for you.This book mostly teaches about how you should approach your training but doesn't really give you any of the standard charts that you usually see.This book would probably be good for coaches but for someone, like me, who is trying to figure out a general guideline of what to do, this book falls short.

Brief Comments about The Perfect Distance
A good addition to a library of distance 'how to' books but not one I would suggest for anyone new to the sport who seeks specific instructions of what to do. This book provides a very good overview of the philosophy the half-iron distance training but is lacking in specific progressive training acts to undertake during each training phase.

The First Book Dedicated to Half-Iron Training
Any triathlete or those interested in Ironman competitions will want to check out the invaluable tips in this book.Specific exercises are included.

All workouts, nutritional guides and training tops are focused on this
Any avid sports person involved in triathlon courses will find THE PERFECT DISTANCE: TRAINING FOR LONG-COURSE TRIATHLON the first book dedicated exclusively to the half-Iron distance category. All workouts, nutritional guides and training tops are focused on this, but you needn't be a competitor to benefit from the tips in THE PERFECT DISTANCE. Anyone racer who wishes to race farther and faster will find the author/coach's tips an essential ingredient for success, making THE PERFECT DISTANCE a recommendation for both personal libraries and any public lending library strong in sports and games.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

GOOD FOR BEGINNER OR ADVANCED, GREAT FOR LONG-COURSE TRIATHLETE
I was thinking of moving up to the half- or full-ironman distance triathlon, and this book seemed a logical choice. As far as I know, it's the first volume dedicated to half-iron training and racing. The author spends the first few chapters going through the basic theory of training and "design science," but then dives right into the specific detail of the three sports and training for this distance. The individual chapters on swim, bike and run are as useful and detailed as any other triathlon book, with some later advances in bike aerodynamics, power metering, and running technique.

But the best and unique aspect of the book are the specific workouts, case studies and race strategies for the half-iron distance, including categories for beginner, veteran, and elite triathletes. What works for one group may not work for others. He does give separate examples for different levels, and beginners should stay with the simpler stuff in the book.

If you have read either Friel's TRAINING BIBLE or Byrn's GOING LONG, you'll feel at home with Rodger's similar approach, but his style and emphasis are different. His writing style is clear like Friel's, but he has more personal anecdotes and humor to go along with the scientific training principles. He used to train astronauts at NASA, so there is plenty of science and technology in the book, but also a lot of heart. Since he started later in life, he has more sympathy for beginners and the average or aging athlete than a pro triathlete or someone who coaches mostly pros. But make no mistake: he's a hard-racing, top-ranked age grouper with lots of world championship racing, especially Ironman and ultradistance, so some of the material can be quite challenging, but also inspiring.

Nice photos of famous folks at Kona, as well as good drawings and diagrams to illustrate swim, bike and run technique. About the only thing that could have been better would be to use the larger page format of the TRAINING BIBLE books, especially for tables and graphics, though for the money this is a well-printed publication.

... Read more

Product Description
Ironman Kona, Hawaii. Inspiring. Daunting. Stunning. Humbling. Exhilarating. The greatest triathlon in the world. The Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

It all starts in Kona. Ask any triathlete why they took up the sport, and they will reply with one word: Kona. Ask if they want to compete there someday, and the answer will be: yes.

Each year, more than 50,000 triathletes race for the chance of qualifying to compete in Kona. Competition is fierce and getting tougher each year, but if you want it bad enough, you can achieve the dream: you can earn the right to Race Kona.

If you aspire to go to Kona, here's what you want to know: where can I qualify? What does it take to qualify? How can I do it with a full-time job and family? What kind of training plans are effective? what is it like to race and qualify? What is it like to race in Kona? Again and again and again?

This book has it all, and more. Detail about racing, qualifying times. Thorough exploration of three racing seasons where the author qualified for Kona, including training plan strategies, details and results. Beyond theory: this book is defined by real data, real performance, time-tested training and racing perspective.

Do you dream of qualifying for Kona? This book shows how the dream comes true. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Think Kona's out of reach? Think again. Read this book.
I guess I'm like a lot of triathletes who want to get to Kona, but it just seems impossible. Or at least it seemed. Britt's a regular guy triathlete just like us: busy job, family, kids, not enough training time. He was like me, probably a solid 60 minutes from a qualifying time. But with the same constraints I have, he made it happen. And he shows how he did it, training log data and all. The book proved to me that Kona's actually possible, even if you're not superhuman. Now I really think I can do it. I think I can do what it takes to get to Kona, soon. If you think Kona seems way out of reach, think again, and read this book. It'll change your mind, training and attitude. It'll make you think you can do it, too!

Invaluable, helped me qualify for Kona!
'Qualifying for Kona' gave me the extra edge I needed to finally qualify for Kona -- a life-long dream.

Training and racing advice, training plan details, practical racing tips, and more. And I really needed it. Really glad I bought this. Wish it had been available sooner.

Want to get to Kona? Start by getting this book.

Great book if you are striving for Kona, or if you just want to be a better triathlete
There are many solid triathlon training books out there, but this one breaks new ground when it comes to delivering real information, real training and racing data, and real performance experiences. Not theory or generic training viewpoints, it's a practical guide of a Regular Triathlete's path to Kona.

From the basics (which races offer qualifying slots, how many, what times are required, by race, by division, e.g.) to the extensive detail for each of the three years in which the author qualified for Kona (training plans, strategy and details, race reports and analysis, e.g.) and essential tips for any triathlete (planning your training and racing season, how much training time, training log secrets and racing execution detailed advice), this book fully illustrate a compelling, practical and achievable approach to qualifying for Kona.

This book should be part of your triathlon library, even if Kona's not on your mind this year. The contents can help any triathlete improve their performance. But after you read it, it's likely that you may want to earn a slot to Kona more than ever. This book will help you believe you can make the dream come true. ... Read more

Product Description

Achieve your best results

Whether you are doing your first triathlon or your tenth, Teach Yourself Triathlon is appropriate for all levels of experience and commitment. With training advice from an experienced Olympic triathlon coach,your journey from practice to finish line will be a successful, satisfying one.

Product Description
Triathlon 101 helped thousands of athletes take the guesswork out of multisport training and racing. Now, this best-seller returns, updated with more top-notch information and solidifying its status as the essential guide for multisport success.

In this new edition, you'll learn these techniques and strategies:

• Choose the best equipment for your goals, terrain, and budget.
• Create your own triathlon program for various distances and events.
• Know how, when, and what to eat and drink when training or competing.
• Prevent overtraining and recover from common injuries.
• Swim and navigate in open water.
• Smoothly and quickly transition from one leg of the race to the next.
• Taper your training for peak performance on race day.

Sample training programs, the latest recommendations on equipment, correct technique, and expert advice from pros and coaches Terry Laughlin, Lauren Jensen, and Troy Jacobson will help you improve your skills and times in every event.

Spare yourself the trial-and-error experiences that can lead to injury or discouraging results. Be a smart triathlete from the start. For developing multisport athletes, the best course available is Triathlon 101. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Looking for more
I bought this book looking for technical training insight. I have already completed two triathlons and this book was written for someone with less experience. With the exception of a few tips, the book is written for someone who has no knowledge of triathlon.

Excellent guide into the world of a Triathlete
This book is excellent!!!I did my first triathlon this summer and thanks to this book, I was prepared and successful.This book had all the answers for a first time triathlete.From training plans, to proper equipment, to transition issues, to what to eat, nutrition during training,and for me most importantly, how to approach the swim.This book outlined approaches to each component of the triathlon both mentally and physically. Plus, a few motivational stories to help reinforce the points. A really worthwhile book.My highest recommendation.

Great book. Tells you all you need to know.
Bought this for my first tri. Seems to have all the aspects I need to get through it.

Great Info!
This is a great book! learning lots and how to improve my swim and bike! Worth getting for the beginners who never tried a Triathlon.

A winning survey
The second updated edition of the best-selling guide TRIATHLON 101 is a winning survey offering more updated information and tips on choosing equipment for both budget and terrain, creating your own triathlon program for different events and distances, preventing over training, and more. Packed with sample training programs and the latest equipment options, this is a pick for any library strong in sports. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (22)

Full of information for the beginner and the more advanced
I am entering my first triathlon this year at the age of 32 and I have been an avid runner since the age of 8, only recently gotten into endurance cycling for the past 2 years, and just started taking swim lessons so I could learn actual technique. This book is great about breaking down all the information you could possibly need to know along with workout plans, equipment that is absolutely necessary for the first timer, recommendations, as well as understanding the discipline. I had read a couple other books for the female triathlete but I thought this book was concise, straight to the point, and full of needed information.No fluff here...in fact it was hard to put it down.
What I really liked was how to build yourself physically for that first triathlon and the steps you can take after that point, if you're so inclined, to pursue better times or longer distances.

Should be a free pamphlet
I was very disappointed in this book.Much of it was basically a commercial for Danskin and her Heart Rate Monitor company, padded out with somewhat pointless stories of her triathlon experience- will the average beginner triathlete gain much by 3 pages of her experience on a particularly brutal bike leg of Ironman Kona?Um, no.There was some useful information sprinkled throughout but not enough to train competently for a triathlon of any length.It was also riddled with typos.I think if you knew nothing about triathlons and just wanted to find out what they involve and maybe have some inspiration that a woman can actually complete one (gasp! they can also have jobs outside the home, didya know?) then this book would be OK for you.Otherwise, buy something else!

awsome inspiration
this book has been a great insipiration for my decision to get fit.. I read it avidely and now that I finished I have a better idea of how to actually get myself trained for a triathlon, but really It helped me to change my point of view regarding my ability to excersise... Great book Sally!

Dissapointing
This book was a bit dissapointing and hard to follow. The writing style was straining and I felt it was a big advertisement for Danskin. I'm a newcomer to triathlons but have extensive competitive athletic experience and as much as I tried to appreciate the advice, I felt bound and gagged by repeated Danskin references.

great learning tool
I am a beginner triathlete in every sense of the word. Although I have swam biked and ran before I had never done any competitively until my first Danskin triathlon. I bought this book after that and have gotten some really great tips and realized a lot of the things I was doing wrong. Great How to's on all three sports as well as nutrition, training and gear. I love it!! ... Read more

Product Description
In the busy pace of our modern lifestyle, athletes, whether a neophyte or an erudite, want the latest information on sports nutrition and they want it Now! But with sensationalist media headlines, endless advertising, and growing Internet information, what is the athlete to believe? Clearly, the need for the qualified health professional to disseminate scientifically, substantiated sports nutrition information is not just desirable, it's critical. This book is a guide to healthy eating for everyone who wants to lead a healthier life. Part one is an introduction to basic nutrition and shows you how to go from eating a poor diet to a healthy diet, while part two transitions the reader into what needs to be done to actually eat for training and competition. ... Read more

Product Description
The Total Triathlon Almanac-5 is a comprehensive logbook and a basic training primer. Building on the four earlier standard-setting editions, it is light weight and "pared down to the bones"-a flexible year-long training companion.

The almanac saves time for the experienced athlete. For the newer participant, it is a foundation for establishing a successful program which conforms to current advances in exercise physiology, training and race preparation. For all, it's an indispensable year-round organizer, record keeper and information source.

The weekly log pages now have twice the room to write.

Includes motivational full-page color pictures of world-class triathletes in full racing action by the Official Ironman Triathlon Photographer.

You will learn from world class triathletes and triathlon authorities how to:

Prevent burnout and injury
Live healthier and race faster
Train with a heart rate monitor
Improve your strength, speed and endurance
Assemble the building blocks of a training program
Prepare, taper and peak for a race of any distance
Develop a mental training program called "Mind Power"

Contributors providing training and racing information for this edition include:

Mark Allen, a six-time winner of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship
Eric Bean, an Ironman Triathlon World Championship age group winner from 1998, a 2003 Collegiate National Champion and the current Stanford University Triathlon Team coach
Thomas Hellriegel, a multiple Ironman Triathlon winner, including the Ironman Triathlon World Championship
Joy Leutner (nee Hansen), a former world-class Olympic distance triathlete
Dr. Phil Maffetone, nutrition coach to numerous top athletes
Paula Newby-Fraser, an eight-time winner of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship and the only woman to break nine hours in Kona; has achieved an incomprehensible 24 career Ironman victories across the globe
Seppo Nuuttila, former coach of the Finnish National Track & Field Team and several Olympic and professional endurance athletes, including rowers, runners and triathletes
Dave Scott, a six-timer winner of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best I've used
So far of all the logbooks that I've used I like this the best.It is simple, logical and easy to use yet gives me something to quickly find past training history from.While I've looked around at others I still can't find one that I like better, so highly recommend this one.Hopefully they follow this one up with another one just as good this.

The Total Triathlon Almanac-5
The Total Triathlon Almanac-5 is the best training log I have used in my 30 plus years as an endurance athlete and coach. It is actually much more than just a training log. It's a valuable training tool, packed with training and racing tips from Mark Allen, Dave Scott and several other all-time triathlon greats. This information, combined with Tony Svensson's inspiring photos, make the Almanac-5 a great source of motivation as well. This is simply the most comprehensive training logbook and resource available.

Don Fink, Author of "Be IronFit: Time Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness."

WOW! Just when you thought it couldnt get better!
I have intensively used the Almanac 3, 4 and now just got 5 off the presses! It is truly an amazing work. I was thinking of sending the author suggestions but all my suggestions have made it into the new book! Unlike a lot of other triathlon resource guides, the info is easy to understand but provides enough depth to make it really useful. Also, you can tell that a great deal of thought - from a real athlete - has gone into the structure of the log pages.

I am a VERY picky user and I must say that this log is a home run. I highly recommend it. It will keep you focused, informed and inspired for your triathlon training and racing.
... Read more

Product Description
A training manual for beginners, with training schedules for all levels of competition. The book offers tips on diet, mental preparation and choosing the right equipment for the Triathlon. ... Read more

Product Description
Lehenaff interviewed many of the world's best coaches and triathletes - Simon Lessing (Great Britain), Karen Smyers (USA), Luc Van Lierde (Belgium), Isabelle and Beatrice Mouthon (France), Lothar Leder (Germany), Eduardo No Sanchez (Spain), Brett Sutton (Australia), Susanne Nielsen (Denmark), Philippe Martin (Switzerland), Gr goire Millet and Laurent Chopin (France) - to find out what makes the difference between them and the also-rans. ... Read more

Product Description
Triathlon: A Triple Fitness Sport ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GO GO GO!
This is the first book I ever read about triathlons and it got me kick-started into the sport.It is clear, precise and exceptionally motivating. What helps me the most is the advice on how to divide up the workouts by week and how much emphasis to place on each sport.When this book was first published, LSD (long, slow distance!) was the keyword and this book helped me to develop that in my training and not get discouraged.It made me, an average middle-of-the-pack athlete, feel like a winner! ... Read more

Product Description

The definitive guide to the swimming, cycling and running event.

According to Triathlete magazine, there are more than one million multi-sport athletes in America, and this number is growing. Some triathlon clubs report that membership is doubling year after year. Triathlon is the complete guide to training for and participating in this extreme sport.

Sam Murphy helps the triathlete through every flutter kick, pedal stroke and stride along the way to completing a triathlon, whether it's the elite Ironman competition or a local qualifying event.

The book gives expert guidance and shows how to:

• Improve overall fitness and design a personalized training program
• Work on techniques and performance in each of the three sports
• Master smooth transitions between each sport
• Choose the right races, tailored to specific expertise and fitness levels
• Fuel performance
• Stay injury-free and motivated.

Charts, checklists and dozens of sidebars feature drills, give pointers on technique and provide tips on everything from improving endurance and staying focused to choosing the right equipment. Color illustrations throughout highlight the important performance elements of each sport.

Triathlon is the best and most comprehensive guide for the growing number of triathletes.

Product Description
For both novice and experienced triathletes, this is the definitive manual for a multi-sport lifestyle.

Whether just getting interested in triathlons or a multi-sport veteran, readers of this new handbook will get tuned up and stoked to reach any performance goal! Author Terri Schneider explains how to train for a first triathlon, as well as how to formulate an ongoing experience or a longer-term race regimen. Basic techniques for building a foundation of success are accompanied by lessons in heart-rate levels and suggestions for how to integrate a training schedule into daily life. From the early stages of training and making decisions on what gear to buy through to race day and beyond, Schneider covers everything from nutritional information to endurance issues, mental strategies, stretching, setting up transition areas, off-season training, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Must Read
After having reviewed Triathlon revolution. And consultation with ex-navy seal I would highly recommend Triatholon Revolution to any body interested or training to become a better competitor.

Finally a triathlon book you WANT to read!
I have owned many triathlon books throughout the years and have NOT finished them all.Mostly I lose steam in the mumbo jumbo and the reason I love doing the sport in the first place evaporates.This book is not only filled with readily accessible information, it has pictures (oooohhhh pictures), stories, and quotes from the big guns to newbies.It captures the various aspects of the sport in depth in a to-the-point written-for-me manner. It not only informs, but inspires.

This one is a keeper. ... Read more

Product Description
The 24-week training program is laid out in four six-week increments. This represents the day-by-day, week-by-week work to be done in preparing for a successful Ironman. ... Read more

Product Description
Train Hard, Enjoy Yourself, and Excel!Congratulations! You've reached the starting line for achieving the physical and psychological triumph of your life training for a triathlon. Whether you're training for your very first triathlon or simply looking to improve your performance, this book has it all. Inside, 19-time Ironman finisher Sally Edwards coaches you mile by mile through the exhilarating sport of triathlon. You'll learn how to work out at a pace that's perfect for you and discover the wonderful physical and mental rewards of regular training and exercise. Triathlons are for everyone, including you! This book will help you prove it by teaching you how to: ·Overcome the mental and physical barriers ·Train properly and improve steadily in each sport ·Find the equipment suited just for you ·Develop a performance-enhancing nutritional and workout strategy ·And much, much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fantastic book
The positive reviews on this book say it all - it's a great book if you're looking into training for a triathlon.Wonderful.

All you need to know to "complete a triathlon!"
For both the novice and the experienced, this book offers triathletes all they need to know to finish the race ahead of the pack. There's detailed information on how to rate yourself physically in swimming, bicycling, and running and refine your skills at each; how to improve fitness for peak performance; develop a training program; keep a training log; cope with hazards and avoid injury; select the right apparel and equipment; eat properly in training and during the race; and condition the "mental muscle" as well as your heart--There is a great section on training using your heart rate monitor that is particularly informing for those just getting started with a heart rate monitor--all in all, I thought it was very complete, precise and to the point--Lots of good tips and helpful information for the Newbie and more experienced.I keep it handy for referencing and recommend it to those who are new to the sport or looking for ways to improve.

Great reference and motivation inside
I became hooked on this book when I did my first Triathlon last autumn.I felt it gave me the information I needed and the upbeat way it was presented just added to my excitement.I can tell that the author is completely in love with triathlon and wants to see others have the same kind of fun she does.I keep this book handy and have referred to it several times this spring as I train for the three tri's I plan to do this summer.The book is my main triathlon reference and I very much recommend it.

Overview of the basics to get you into Triathlons!
As a newby to the sport it was nice to read a book that gave me an overview of what I could expect.I had only done 2 races when I read this book and it really helped me understand what I was doing right and wrong.If you want an overview of the sport and are planning to do your first race this is a MUST BUY!!

Sally does a great job of explaining all the ins/outs of the sport and provides a good base of knowledge.She provides resources to more information on specific subjects which is helpful.

Dissapointed
I was fooled when I read the back cover and Scott Tinley's recommendation.The book is total fluff.Ms. Edwards tries so hard to cover everything, she ends up covering nothing in any worthwhile detail.I spent less money on the Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Freil and it was worth so much more.For beginner triathletes, there are much better books. (Swim/Bike/Run by Wes Hobson and even Triathlon 101)For current triathletes looking to improve, stick with Joe Freil's Bible. ... Read more

Product Description
Triathlon Training Basics contains all the information that new triathletes need in order to successfully complete a sprint or an Olympic distance triathlon.Written by Gale Bernhardt, Triathlete columnist, member of the USA Triathlon 2004 Olympic Team Selection Committee, and certified Elite Level Triathlon and Cycling Coach trainer, the book contains detailed training plans that are tailored to different levels of fitness in each of the swim, bike, and run categories.Strength training and stretching portions are included to illustrate proper form and the last chapter deals with injury prevention and treatment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not bad but.....
This book is OK but is certainly padded with a lot of irrelevant info.The main problem is that there are too many training plans with little to distinguish them.The criteria for "fit" vs. "unfit" are almost identical and the plans themselves seem very conservative.A previous reviewer mentioned the "team" training plans, and I agree that these are redundant.

Another issue is that there is minimal emphasis on swimming; for beginners, swimming is probably the most difficult discipline to get comfortable with, so this seems like a poor approach. There are some useful tips on bike fit and nutrition, yet probably far too much info for a beginner.I strongly recommend the training plans, info and general style of the "Complete Idiot's Guide" ahead of this book.

Not much substance...
I found this book very easy to read...in fact it only took me about 1.5 hours to get through the whole thing.I don't consider this an attribute.So much of this book is dedicated to the training plans!There is really no reason to waste so many pages on training plans when each person only needs to pick one.The other big waste of pages was the overly long and descriptive chapter on equipment.The book is called "basics" - why does it need to go into such detail on equipment that most beginners won't want to invest in anyway?

I was very disappointed in the amount of good substance in this book.Glad I didn't buy it but instead checked it out from the library!

good plans and detail, factually incorrect
This book is good for beginners and does provide several different training plans. While using it to prepare for my first Olympic-distance race I ended up running a Sprint-distance race *slower* than I had before. You race like you practice and this book didn't suggested enough intensity.
That and there is no errata. The "Fit Beginner Plan for an Olympic Distance Triathlon" plan has a couple mistakes in it that can be found by cross-referencing the table to the text.

Disappointing training plans
The training plans in this book for "fit" (there are two sets of plans for each distance: "fit" vs. "unfit") are way too conservative.I found myself using the Olympic distance plan to train for a Sprint distance triathlon.There is no way following the "fit" Olympic distance plan I could have completed that distance.It's suitable for training for a Sprint however but that's not what is intended by the author.

I also find it annoying that so much of the book is dedicated to these different flavors for both individuals and for teams.It began to feel like me that the author was padding the book to make it longer.

Since most folks (like me) would buy a beginner book for the training plans I cannot recommend this book to a beginner to formulate a plan unless you feel like under-training and slogging through your first event.

Exactly what I needed...
I've found other triathlon training books to be either too detailed, or too simplistic.This book really covers a lot of necessary information in an easy to follow manner for the beginner or intermediate athlete. ... Read more

Product Description
Triathlon and Ironman Training Journal is a traditional workout log and more. In the Journal, you, the athlete are able to not only record your daily training routines, but also keep a personal diary, track the diet, and plan the rest of your day.The Journal has enough pages to last you a whole year and, as the dates for each day are filled in by you, it may be started at any time of the year. ... Read more

Product Description
Have you always wanted to give triathlon a try? Well, here's the best book on the market to get you to the starting line. Roch Frey and Paul Huddle are the two most respected names in multi sport coaching. They cover all the bases in the first book of the Ironman training Series. Besides running, cycling and swimming, you'll find information on everything from weight training to flexibility to nutrition. Don't sit on the sidelines any longer. With Roch and Paul at your side, anyone and everyone can do a triathlon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

NOT an Ironman training guide
I bought this book because It looked like a book that was designed for the first time Ironman runner.The title "Starting Out Triathlon: Training for Your First Competition (Ironman Edition)" is very misleading.It appears to be a good trainig book for other triathlon distances like a sprint or Olympic, but it does not touch on the Ironman distance at all.

I am returning it.

Good Introduction for a first timer
This is a good and understandable introduction to triathlon and nothing more.The workouts got me through my first one with a pretty respectible time but if you are looking for more info, other books such as Triathlon 101 are a better bet.In defense of this book, I don't believe it was written to be more than an introduction to the sport.Good workouts in the back.

Basics - for your first tri
If you are training for your first triathlon, and/or you think you might only do one triathlon and don't want to invest too much money, this book might do it for you.It has basics on everything from work-out schedules to weight training to nutrition.It was okay for what I wanted at the time and the price, but I wish I would of invested a book that will help me more in the future.It was an easy read, I read most of it on my lunch hour one day.It was a comfort to have and help me visualize what the race would be like. ... Read more

Product Description
Most books written about the sport of triathlon are pretty serious-Triathlon 101, Triathlon Training for Women, or Triathlon Training on Four Hours a Week. When I began training to become a triathlete, I looked for books that related to my life situation but could find nothing like Triathlon Training for the Married, Sleep-Deprived Father of Three or How to Do an Ironman without Training at All. When I decided to write a book about the sport of triathlon and the Ironman experience, my goals were simple: 1. Provide myself with another excuse to skip some long training runs.2. Address significant questions that a triathlete contemplates when sitting in a porta-potty before an Ironman race: Is it really necessary to put Vaseline on my nipples before the run? How can I tell if my kidneys have failed? What should I say to the people just coming out of T2 as I'm finishing the race?3. Give something back to the sport, which has given me an appreciation for the delicate art of leg shaving, the joy of getting up at 5:00 a.m. on a regular basis, and that persistent feeling that no matter how much training I have done, I haven't done enough. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Refreshing approach
This was a refreshing approach to triathlon. I read a lot of scientific books geared towards the 'type A' personality athlete, (which I am not). It was great to read someone's take on preparing for an Ironman who seemed to take the experiences as they came with out too much pressure. Great read! I lent it to an athlete I coach who lent it to someone else too.

Not funny at all
I think the other reviewers must be related to the author.I bought this book on a whim and haven't so much as chuckled once.Save your money - or better yet, write your own book based on your personal triathlon experiences... that's all this is.

Swim, Bike, Run, Laugh!
If you are looking for what runs in the soul of an Ironman to be...you have the right book.I read this book on my way back from finishing the San Diego 1/2 marathon and could immediately feel the training pains of the author.The training, explaining to my wife the increasing cost of harware I "must have," and the time invested to support my next phase of the triathlon building block - the duathlon hit home.I am where Dave was on "do I swim or drown thoughts".Turning the switch to become a Triathlete let alone a Ironman is a mighty switch to pull. Dave-good for you!Keep it up and one day you may see me - probably at the second transition when you are finishing.Just smile and urge me on; I know it was from the heart.
PS:I hope my laughing did not keep the other passengers awake!

Laughed all the way to being inspired.
Funny!!I don't believe that I turned a single page prior to burst-out-loud cacklings.

This book MUST UNSHACKLE ITSELF from the confines of only those interested in the sport of triathlon.In fact, I highly doubt that any one-dimensional triathlete would find it all that funny.But for the husbands and fathers of the world, this should be required reading - even if you have no interest in this sport whatsoever.

Yes, the predominant theme is the sport, but creatively woven throughout are hilarious portraits of family, marriage, parenthood, and friendship.This guys natural knack for good, clean storytelling is evident, and just about perfectly skewed.

For those who would never consider doing something so "silly" as swimming 2.5 miles, biking 112 miles, and finishing the day by running a marathon; don't be tempted to believe this book is not for you.If you already struggle with too many commitments and not enough time, then you'll find common ground with this author.... Where you might not find common ground is that he augmented his life's schedules with that little bitty goal of finishing one of the most grueling endurance races that this world has ever known - and this makes for the comical magic of this read.

Great Job, Dan.

If you hate laughing....don't read this book!
Whether you are a multi-sport enthusiast or not, this book is for you.Everyday so many people do "multi-sport" activities in their daily lives.If you juggle work and kids, if you juggle being a stay at home mom with kids, if you juggle career and volunteer activities, or if you are an amateur or elite triathlete, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
Dan Madsen has a way of making you look at yourself through his trials and tribulations of becoming an Ironman and laugh out loud because whether you're racing in your car to pick up the kids or racing in a triathlon, we all think the same basic things."How dumb do I look right now?", "How do I know if this headache isn't a disease?""People just don't understand why I do the things I do.""I am my own entertainment for others laughing greed!"Regardless, you won't be able to put this book down.I read it on a business trip while flying up the east coast.I was trying so hard to contain my laughter that I actually snorted out loud!!The guy sitting next to me begged me to share what I was reading.By the end of the flight we were laughing so hard the flight attendant (jokingly) threatened to take my book (probably for her own entertainment).
If someone read this book and didn't laugh then he is either dead, illiterate, or a total drip that needs to buy a sense of humor and go make some friends.
Outside of owning a home and a car (2 very important needs), you need this book (your 3rd need).Then your life will be complete.
Get ready to laugh out loud. ... Read more