Reviews (52)

disappointing for beginner
I had read all the rave reviews so was disappointed by my own experience.I am a new-comer to multisport competition.I found this book to be too much theory and not enough practicality; what was practical was presented in an incohesive way.I could see this being good for the serious triathlete, but for me, I found better use out of Eric Harr's book and on the internet.

Like reading a scientific paper
This book went above and beyond everything that I expected. The author gives references for virtually every point that he makes. He is clear about his standpoint when it comes to a lot of issues, such as POSE running, and explains his reasoning.
Good for someone wanting to progress
This is the only pure triathlon book I own, so I can't compare, but it answered 95% of the questions I had about how I go about improving from being a bunch finisher. The other 5%, well I suppose the author has to draw the line on detail somewhere. For example, the section on swimming skills is a 3-4 page summary of the total immersion swimming book.
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Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Training    5. Triathlon    6. Multidiscipline sports    7. Reference works   

Reviews (8)

No detail left unexplored
An impressive level of detail, covering absolutely every aspect of training for a full ironman.This will serve as a constant reference for me as I embark on my training, and I highly recommend this as a reference guide for those even enagaged in a 1/2 iron or shorter-distance triathlon.

Highly recommended!
This was very helpful for my first triathlon.Good and useful information.

A little confused
First of all let me say that this is about the best ironman training book out there.However, there are several severe flaws.First, the authors are confused about their audience.It is never clear when they are talking to novices and when they are addressing elites. They float around willy-nilly first addressing one then the other.Warnings are given to beginners right in the middle of long spiels obviously addressed only to pros.I believe this book is probably meant for novice to intermmediate triatheletes. But the authors are inconsistent in their approach to this.Second, most of the equipment information is very shallow but nevertheless useful to novices.However, once again the intended audience is unclear.Thirdly, the training bricks, many workout, and much of the advice are clearly geared to triatheletes who are very advanced.Any first-timer is going to overtrainand many advanced atheletes will as well if they utilize some of these workouts.They authors recommend no more than two breakthough workouts per week!!Is anybody else reading this?So once again the audience is unclear.If the authors are going to address novices then they need to do so in a consistent way throughout the book.The same with elites and intermmediates etc.Despite these flaws I managed to extract a great deal of useful information from this book and will continue to use it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletic Sports And Games    2. Ironman triathlons    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Triathlon    8. Fitness training    9. Multidiscipline sports   

Reviews (30)

The starting line for triathlon training
There are bigger triathlon books, and there are books with more detailed training schedules.There are books to hone your swimming, and books to make you run faster, but there is probably no better book for starting the sport of triathlon than Eric Harr's
Triathalon Training
Great guide for someone trying to get their feet wet in this sport.
Great Training Schedule
I really liked what Eric had to say about the training schedule and heart rate zones. I have been training in target heart rate zones as he says, and I have seen a lot of improvement versus just putting miles in. It was also a fun and inspiring read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Track & Field    5. Training    6. Triathlon    7. Sports coaching    8. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (3)

thanks
I never thought I could or would run a triathlon, but this book really helped me train.It was a great guide and plan for the winter, and hopefully I'll be able to compete in the spring.Without this I'd be lost.

Helpful workout program
The triathlon program was thorough and easy to follow.I started the program less than 2 weeks ago and I can already see results.Highly recommended.

looks good
This book looks very good.Other books concentrate on total fitness for triathlon with only limited emphasis on weight training, while this book puts all of its emphasis on weight training and is the perfect supplement to any other triathlon book.The programs appear to be very easy to follow. I look forward to putting it to good use. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training    5. Sports & Recreation / Training    6. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon    7. Training    8. Triathlon    9. Athletic Training And Conditioning    10. Exercise    11. Health & Fitness    12. Physical education and training   

Reviews (5)

Good variety for your workouts
I've been fitness swimming for several decades which usually means go to pool, swim a mile. I recently started working through the workouts in this book with some triathlon friends. Still manage to get my mile but every day takes a different focus, my swimming has improved and I enjoy it more. Each page is something fresh and different. While the pages are waterproof, you do need to spend a few minutes and wipe EVERY page dry when you get home, not a big deal. Or stick the book in a ziplock bag and avoid the wet pages problem in the first place.
Great Training Tool
I have been using this book now for 2 months and I have enjoyed the variations in the works that I get each time I go to the pool, it can not replace the value of a coach, but as a training tool it can't be beat.
A good tool, but with one serious flaw..
The workouts and the book overall are good, and for the self-coached athlete, much better than trying to think up a workout every day.There are two main sets for each workout, one longer than the other, but they could use more differentiation - one may be 2600 meters and the other 2300 meters.It should be more like 2600 and 1900.Or slip a third option in the middle.Of course, if you are reasonably experienced, it's not had to extrapolate whatever distance you plan to do for the day.Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Swimming    4. Training    5. Triathlon    6. Multidiscipline sports    7. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (9)

Great Book
Great book. The author is an experienced writer and triathlete. He covers everything you need to know about triathlons and then some. Subjects include training methods, equipment, nutrition, swim training, bike training, run training, staying healthy, preparing for the race, what to expect on race day.
Book review
Excellent entry point for the beginner and intermediate athlete interested in triathlon training. Offers insight to equipment and training, saved me a bunch of money on my most important equipment.

It really is a Complete Triathlon Book!
This book is fabulous! I used it to successfully train for my first triathlon, the Half Ironman at the Grand Coulee Dam, WA. Those who say there's not a training schedule in this book must have read it upside down. Most of the entire book is coaching you to adapt many time proven tactics to your own style and ability. The chapters are loaded with examples of different training techniques and drills. I used the many suggestions and created an individualized complete training plan. In addition to this book I also ordered Eric Harr's Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week. While Harr's book was wonderful, I found this book from Triathlete Magazine to be far superior in detail and explanation on what and how to train for race day. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Training    4. Triathlon    5. Multidiscipline sports    6. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon   

Reviews (18)

Excellent guide for training
This book is an excellent reference for specific plans for designing a training schedule. For beginner triathletes like myself, it has helped me get a good idea of what should go into training and how I should train for the 3 sports. I recommend this book especially for those, also like me, who have very little time to train.

Great Training Asset!
This is an excellent book for anyone looking for training plans that are completely laid out.There are plans for all distances, from sprint to ironman triathlons, as well as nutrition and resistance training guidlines.

First Duathlon - 3rd Place!
I had been running for about 2 years prior to purchasing this book, training with a running club.I wanted to try my first duathlon but could not find a local club to help me with a program.I bought this book, followed the Runner-to-Duathlete plan faithfully for 10 weeks.I did my first triathlon and placed third in my age group!
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Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Physical education and trainin    3. Physical education and training    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track And Field Athletics    7. Training    8. Triathlon    9. Fitness training    10. Multidiscipline sports   

Reviews (16)

Mis print on book cover
The book actually contains 3 different training programs based on a 30 week training cycle.The book cover refers, incorrectly, to 12 week programs.

Inspiring and Informative
I've read a dozen or so books on triathlon. Some are more informative (like Complete Triathon Book by Matt Fitzgerald and The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel) and some are more inspiring (like Becoming an Ironman by Kara Douglas Thom), but this book strikes a nice balance between being informative and inspiring. I especially like the many tips on time management--how to work your full training program around demands of work and family. So why not 5 stars? I think the book should have been 50 pages longer and included more depth in some of the important subjects that all triathletes need to know about.
Closest thing to a shortcut
It took me years of injuries, online training plans, and ill-spent money to learn what Mr. Fink has consolidated into 280 pages. If you are an Ironman or aspiring Ironman, this book belongs in your training library.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Ironman triathlons    7. Training    8. Triathlon    9. Fitness training    10. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon   

Reviews (4)

Not Friel's Best
I followed Joe Friel's cycle training bible to successfully prepare for a 200+ mile one-day competitive cycling event.I appreciated Friel's straightforward writing and forewarning about what it takes, both physically and mentally, to compete as an endurance athlete (by the way, be prepared to give up the spouse and kids for a few months).
Good for motivation....that's all
This book is great to help you get motivated and mostly teaches you that attitude is key to success.It will not teach swim, run or bike techniques, so don't waste the money if, like me, you are looking for actual instructions.Basically, the swim section tells you that you shouldn't learn alone, to go find an instructor. Thanks...I sure wouldn't have thought of the obvious without paying $20 for Joe to tell me!Hopefully his other books are better, but I sure won't pay to find out.

All you need to begin.
This is not the "athlete's bible" and this is not the resource for Ironman. Therefore the author accomplished his mission : to provide the newbies with the most information available to begin a new life as triathlete. Pay attention i said a new life, that's it. It's not a list of training plans or a generic line to follow, it's the first step to change your life with fun. Really recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Triathlon    8. Multidiscipline sports    9. Sports & Recreation / Cycling    10. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (19)

Amazing, Inspiring
This book is written in a very humorous, conversational tone.I read straight through, not wanting to put it down, and passed it immediately along to a friend.
Great book
As an out of shape 40 something, I decided to try a sprint triathalon. I registered for a Labor Day sprint in February to allow myself plenty of training time. I looked at a few triathalon books and was almost frightened off the idea. As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew it was for me. It was full of very helpful information and is laugh out loud funny. I felt the author was having a conversation with me. I have attended a womens triathalon training seminar and recommended this book to the group, it's that good.

A beginner's Bible
She's funny, she's devoted and she's fat. And she's not young, either. So if you're a woman, no longer a teenager or a 30-something, you will find this book funny (sometimes hilarious) and refreshing. It will answer all the questions you'd be afraid to ask a seriously competitive athlete. (Not Ms Williams is not competitive, but she sees it from the light of a person who's happy she can move, much less win.)
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Cycling    3. Cycling - General    4. Exercise    5. Healthy Living    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Swimming    10. Swimming And Diving    11. Triathlon   

Reviews (14)

very inspiring stories, but it can get repetitive
"Becoming an Ironman" is a collection of personal stories of the first experience of many athletes attempting their first Ironman Triathlon.An Ironman Triathlon is a race consisting of a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride followed by a marathon (26.2 miles).Some runners may consider the marathon to be the ultimate endurance event and with good reason, the marathon is not to be taken lightly, but Ironman only lets you run a marathon after one has traveled 114.4 miles.Since "Ironman" is actually a trademark of the World Triathlon Corporation, the "Ironman" name can only be used for a race sponsored by the WTC.But any triathlon of 140.6 miles can be considered an "Iron" distance race and the finishers are no less an Ironman as those finishing a sponsored race.140.6 miles is a long, long way to go, and typically there is a 17 hour time limit.In "Becoming an Ironman" many athletes will tell of their experience in their own words.
Flawed, but well worth reading.
I'm not training for an ironman and never have, but a friend who's done one gave me this book to read and I rather feel inclined to do one now. I'm training for my first marathon now and, at the risk of getting ahead of myself, I'm already looking to bigger and better things.
Ironman inspiration!
This book is filled with the inspiring first-person accounts of Ironman participants. It provides a personal insight into the struggles and aspirations of a wide variety of competitors, from first-time amateurs to seasoned professionals. The stories are compelling and personal - the writing is not edited much at all, allowing the voice of the writer to come through strongly, so that each story offers a unique perspective. I found the book consistently moving and inspirational, and although I'm just starting to train for my first triathlon, I can't help but dream of one day becoming an Ironman myself! If you have any interest in triathlons, or endurance sports in general, or if you just enjoy reading about personal athletic triumph, read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. General    3. Ironman triathlons    4. Physical fitness    5. Psychological aspects    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Triathlon    9. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (3)

The greatest mind strengthening book for any endurance athlete
I started reading this book because I was struggling with my bike racing and ironman training.With racing criteriums it involved getting myself ahead in the pack, being worthy of staying in front and preparing physically and mentally for the training load of an ironman triathlon.
A must read for all athletes!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to become a better triathlete.This is the most comprehensive triathlon mental training book I have read and it can benefit triathletes of all levels.This book will help you become a "Prime Triathlete" and gives you important information that you can apply to your training in topics such as motivation, goal setting, positive self-talk, pain management, and making sure triathlon is a healthy part of your life.The quotes,insight, and advise from professional triathles throughout the book are also very effective.This book is a must read for any triathlete!

Not your ho-hum "in the zone" book.USEFUL STUFF.
FINALLY....a book that DOESN'T dwell on the "zone", "left brain/right brain", visualizations, etc.... That's all pertinet info and great for technical sports (golf, bowling, target shooting, etc...), but when you're turning your guts inside out under the hot summer sun, and you have demons in your head screaming to stop....you need a bit more mental ammo than that.
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Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Track & Field    5. Training    6. Triathlon    7. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon   

Reviews (1)

Not only great running tips, but excellent diet advice too
As a triathlete going on my 15th season, I have seen most of the stuff out there. This book is great in that it starts by teaching running technique, which most people ignore. Sure we all know technique is crucial in swimming, but it is in running as well. The author also has a video on his "Evolution" run technique which I have on order.
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Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Running    3. Running & Jogging    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Track & Field    7. Training    8. Triathlon   

Reviews (9)

Author Comment
Mr. Zohar is correct that The Waterproof Coach is more helpful to the beginning swimmer or triathlete than to the competitive swimmer.The workouts are mostly freestyle because most fitness swimmers are not proficient in the other strokes.The book is a bit pricey at $29.95 but that is because it is printed on completely waterproof paper. The paper costs three times as much as regular paper.In addition, the workout pages are cut into thirds so that the swimmer can mix and match workouts.This is an expensive part of the manufacturing process.Most of the fitness swimmers and triathletes who have purchased the book since 1997 have been happy with it.

A Waste of Money
In all fairness, I must begin by stating that I am not a triathlete. I am a swimmer.There's a difference. Maybe that's the reason I expected a book that would supply me with some new training ideas. Nada! This book offers the most basic sessions imaginable. Any swimmer can think up better sessions. In fact, you can freely download better training sessions from various internet sites. No drills to speak of in the book. Also, it is assumed that the reader is only swimming freestyle, so there is no stroke training. Lastly, the price is high - $30!
A must-have poolside companion
Let's preface this review with the fact that I'm a neophyte "fitness swimmer" . . I've swam before, but only recently had begun swimming for fitness.This book is exactly what I was looking for . .an easy-to-use book with a great variety of workouts.Because it is waterproof (as the title suggests), I can take it to the pool with me to instantly refer to its contents.Sure, if you're a Master's swimmer, or have swam competetively with a coach, this book may be superfluous.But for the rest of us, it's wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Sports & Recreation / Swimming    3. Sports & Recreation / Training    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Exercise    6. Health & Fitness    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. Training    11. Triathlon    12. Water Sports   

Reviews (17)

Long on Redundancy
This book is easy reading, chock full of anecdotal evidence from the arena of ultra-competitive triathletes.And while it acknowledges that the reader is probably more of a casual athlete, the book offers little concrete advice.Rather, Kearns prefers to let you go your own way, using overarching (vague) advice streams.
Breakthrough Triathlon Training
I highly recommend this book to anyone participating in triathlon.Brad gives an interesting perspective that provides a contrasting view to the more is always better attitude prevalent in the sport.This book is particularly useful for newcomers, time challenged athletes or anyone stuck in a performance rut.Additionally, I found the Attitude and Philosophy section to contain some very helpful ideas on motivation that can be applied to both triathlon and life in general.

Training for Life - A must read for any endurance sports person
Most training books and articles in magazines are very regimented formulas, i.e. if you are so old and have such and such goals then follow plan x. While this seems terrific for many type A endurance athletes who like to follow a very specific plan, many of us never figure out why all the hard work often only leads to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and poor results. Brad Kearns steps outside the box to explain that 1.) We are not all built the same and cannot expect that there is only one "overall perfect training plan", 2.) As humans there is a huge interdependence on mind, body and spirit which is often neglected, and 3.) We need to calm down, step back and figure out how to enjoy this sport we loved at least at one time and the results will follow.
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Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Training    4. Triathlon    5. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon   

Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Physical fitness    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Triathlon    8. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon    9. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (1)

Great Book for training
This bookhave all the information you need for have a good training you can choose whatever your condition, there arevery goods training plans for everyone, this book do not have 5 stars,because i did not found any measure to see my performance, i mean time, so if i run 10 km in 30min. or 40min. or 1 hour, i would like to receive a status of my training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Sports (General)    4. Training    5. Triathlon    6. Multidiscipline sports    7. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon    8. Sports training & coaching   

Reviews (2)

Very helpful to keep track ofyour training
I started using this log book and everything made total sense. It was easy to use and very helpful. However, I received Bodylink from Timex as a gift which basically replaced this book.
The Triathlon Log
This has everything I need to track my journey and stay motivated. I purchased it expecting a simple place to record my hard work. I ended up with a tool that tracked my adventure. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Triathlon   

Reviews (2)

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.

Good for beginners
This book had lots of good starter information.It gave me a good foundation to really start planning for my first triathlon.The training routines were well divided into fitness levels.This is a good starter book to build a knowledge base on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Swimming And Diving    5. Track & Field    6. Training    7. Triathlon   

Reviews (1)

Good Book, But Misleading Book Description!
I purchased this book based on the description that it was for beginner or intermediate triathletes ready to move from sprint distance races to olympic or half-iron distance races.The book actually presents a 24-week training plan for an Ironman distance race.There is a lot of great information in the up-front chapters - descriptions of different types of workouts, etc, but if you are not planning to train for an Ironman, the rest of the book may not be very helpful to you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Triathlon    4. Multidiscipline sports