Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete

by Jane Booth

Follow Jane Booth's humorous, honest and surprising journey from a woman who couldn't tell the front from the rear of her bike helmet to an athlete capable of competing in an Olympic-distance triathlon. Celebrate her every victory, from a skirmish with a wayward wetsuit to conquering her fear of falling off her bike. Race alongside her as she battles to finish a race that lies at the outermost edge of her abilities. And share Jane's unexpected discovery of how endurance sport changed her attitudes, her aspirations and her whole approach to life.

Genres: Memoir, Sports

290 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2007

Reviews

[Leila]

Halfway through the book I wasn't sure what to think. I expected a how-to, or a cheerlead-triathlon book. What I got was the story of a woman compelled to conquer a challenge she didn't quite understand. I expected everything to go wonderfully and that triathlon would be represented as the most amazing experience ever. Surprisingly this was not the case. Jane shares every grueling struggle including a bad leg injury resulting in bouts of physical therapy and multiple brutal falls from her bike. What I loved was that the story was so real. In the end, she was not transformed into a world class athlete. Instead she found new friends, new confidence, and a new sense of self that gave her strength. Triathlon is not about how you place or your time, its about the accomplishment, and the camaraderie.

This book helped answer the question many of us ask ourselves; why am I doing this? Jane makes the answer so clear.

[Zelsea]

This is the second triathlon book I've read, so naturally I started out comparing this book to the first triathlon book I read (Jayne Williams' Slow Fat Triathlete, a very hilarious and very informative read about her experiences in the world of Triathlon). Besides the fact that they're both about improbable triathletes, the books can't really be compared. The first third of the book felt slow to me, but as Jane progressed in her training, I got in to it more and stopped expecting another Slow Fat Triathlete story. The focus of this book is less information and humor but a lot more introspect and inspiration. It will make you think about why you want to do triathlon, what it can bring you, and why we we all need to push ourselves out of the ruts we so easily settle in to.

[Steph]

This book is about a woman in her early 40s who decides that she wants to compete in triathlons. I read this book a couple weeks ago, as I was sitting around waiting for our first baby to be born (and I'm still waiting). I hoped it would inspire me to great athletic feats once I've had the baby or at least get in shape - we'll have to wait and see :) However, it was inspiring how she pushed herself to her physical limits and made me wonder if I'm pushing myself to my limits, physical or otherwise. But then I thought about the advantages and disadvantages of pushing yourself to the limit and what you and those around you really gain from such a thing. Inconclusive...

[Susan]

Inspiring and funny. For those who are contemplating doing a triathlon... or really any other challenge in life.

[Rachel Biello]

She's no writer, but I'm interested in the subject so that keeps me reading

[Christy]

Very good book about becoming an unlikely triathlete. I enjoyed the author's perspective and appreciated her honesty about her experience and her innner monologue.

[Linda Wayerski]

Loved this story!!! It is about an average mid life crisis story that makes an extraordinary turn of self reflection. Anyone who wants to push themselves physically; this is a must read.