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You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend Warriors Chased Their Dream of Finishing the World's Toughest Triathlon
A New York Times bestselling author takes readers inside the Ironman triathlon. As he did so masterfully in his New York Times bestseller, The Gatekeepers, Jacques Steinberg creates a compelling portrait of people obsessed with reaching a life-defining goal. In this instance, the target is an Ironman triathlon-a 2.4-mile open-water swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride, then finally a 26-mile marathon run, all of which must be completed in no more than seventeen hours. Steinberg focuses not on the professionals who live off the prize money and sponsorships but on a handful of triathletes who regard the sport as a hobby. Vividly capturing the grueling preparation, the suspense of completing each event of the triathlon, and the spectacular feats of human endurance, Steinberg plumbs the physical and emotional toll as well as the psychological payoff on the participants of the Ford Ironman Arizona 2009. His You Are an Ironman is both a riveting sports narrative and a fascinating, behind-the scenes study of what makes these athletes keep going..
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
106 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Jacques Steinberg
3 books7 followersJacques Steinberg is the author of The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College, a New York Times-best seller. He has been a staff reporter for The New York Times for more than two decades, and is currently a national education correspondent for the paper. Steinberg also moderates The Choice, the Times college admissions blog, which he created for the paper in spring 2009. He graduated in 1984 from Dartmouth College, where he majored in history and edited the student daily, The Dartmouth. He can sometimes be seen swimming and biking in and around Westchester County, New York, though slowly, and not at any distance approaching that of an Ironman. He has two school-age children and is married to Sharon Weinstock, a lawyer."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
October 13, 2011
I read this book one month after my husband completed Ironman Madison, so I still had Ironman on the brain! Steinberg's profiles and characterizations really rang true to what I witnessed my husband going through. Steinberg captured authentic emotions in this report. If anyone is thinking of doing an Ironman, this book is a must-read. As the author is quick to point out, it's not a "how-to" book. But getting inside these people's minds and seeing the obstacles they faced is enlightening. And for people who don't plan on doing an Ironman (me included!), it's still a highly inspirational book. I run and do short triathlons, and reading about the endeavors of these people really inspired me to continue to do my best and push myself to whatever I define as my limits. This is also a must-read for couch potatoes--I can guarantee you'll get off your duffs after reading this!
July 5, 2012
I've done one Ironman and am training for another. Plus, I read this book during a training weekend in Mont Tremblant (the site of this year's Ironman). So, clearly I'm biased to like it, and I did. I do have to admit that following 6 different people made it difficult to keep them straight at times. And the author jumped between people's stories pretty rapidly, so that didn't help matters. I think better organization would have helped keep the narratives clearer.
There were a few things in the writing that seemed to be focused on disproportionately. For example, one women was apparently kind of clumsy. The author wrote about it SO MUCH that I was sure this was some kind of foreshadowing - that she'd go in for a doctor's appointment and find her clumsiness was really a brain tumor or something. Nope. Apparently we just talked about her tripping a lot.
Not a bad book by any means, and certainly enjoyable if you're into tris. I'm not sure how much broad appeal it has, and while there was a lot of detail about injuries and such it seemed like there could have been more detail about the emotional side and the little things you have to figure out during training.
There were a few things in the writing that seemed to be focused on disproportionately. For example, one women was apparently kind of clumsy. The author wrote about it SO MUCH that I was sure this was some kind of foreshadowing - that she'd go in for a doctor's appointment and find her clumsiness was really a brain tumor or something. Nope. Apparently we just talked about her tripping a lot.
Not a bad book by any means, and certainly enjoyable if you're into tris. I'm not sure how much broad appeal it has, and while there was a lot of detail about injuries and such it seemed like there could have been more detail about the emotional side and the little things you have to figure out during training.
June 13, 2012
Obviously this book appealed to me since I am training for an Ironman, but I have to say I was disappointed. The author is not a triathlete and so although he made a valiant effort to immerse himself in the subject, there were things in there that really bugged me (like when he said a 10 minute pace was impressive for a marathon - not an Ironman marathon - just a marathon). And it felt like he focused way too much on all the various illnesses and ailments of the participants he followed. Endurance athletes complaining about random injuries annoys me enough in real life. I don't need to read about it. I also had a hard time keeping the 'characters' straight because of the way he jumped around. All in all, a fun read since I'm training for it and can't really help to think about anything else, but not sure I would give it a rave review or reccommend it to anyone not training for an Ironman.
June 12, 2016
I liked this for some strange reason. I'm not a runner anymore, but I kind of felt a longing for it (my knees are not what they used to be.) I think the one thing I liked the most was this one simple message: We all will find time in our lives for the things that we deem to be important.
The normal, ordinary people that this book follows through their ironman training found time for this sport and this is not an inexpensive sport. So even though money was tight, they and their supportive families, made it work. I admire that kind of dedication to love something and then to actually take the time to make if a part of your everyday life because sometimes that is easier said than done.
The normal, ordinary people that this book follows through their ironman training found time for this sport and this is not an inexpensive sport. So even though money was tight, they and their supportive families, made it work. I admire that kind of dedication to love something and then to actually take the time to make if a part of your everyday life because sometimes that is easier said than done.
June 9, 2012
5 STARS FOR YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
On June 4th 2011 I completed a the deuces wild half ironman triathlon in Arizona (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile trail run). After jumping in the water for the 1.2 mile swim I quickly found my fingers hitting the dirt, I was heading the wrong way into shore. The women jumped in the water 5 minutes after the men and most of them passed me at the first turn. It took me 57 minutes and some help from a Kayaker to keep me going the right way. Need to learn how to site out of the water. As they stripped off my wetsuit and I ran to T1 it was very easy to find my bike as it was all alone. I came in ranked 100 out of 107 men. I was in T1 for 5 minutes and 29 seconds (ranked 89) as my hands were very cold and it was hard to put on my bike shoes. The 56 mile bike ride time in at 3 hours 39 minutes (ranked 89). I was improving and I remembered to put on my bike helmet (you can be DQ'd if you leave Transition area without it). Sore feet forced me to take a short break heading up a steep hill and into a headwind. Could have done better if I learned how to use aerobars. I spent just 2:26 seconds in T2..took the time to take off my spandex and put on some comfortable running shorts..it was getting hot. I finished the half marathon in 2:26 minutes doing combination of walk/run as most were just walking. I thought I was slow, but it ranked 60th. Running must be strongest of the three events.
I finished and said I would never do that again..and for sure never a full ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run).
You are an Ironman follows 5 weekend warriors as they take on IMAZ (Ironman Arizona)...extra tempting as it is so close.
A businessman on the verge of a heart attack
an Airforce man who survived cancer
A woman inspired by her triathlete husband (they don't train well together)
A double-lung transplant man
An overweight california mother
Many of these people don't claim to be athletic. But they signed up, clicked submit, payed their registration, and committed to giving it their best. This book inspires because triathlons have changed the life of so many people. Weight loss, decreased BP, confidence, more energy, better spouses, better parents. I was caught up in their stories and their desire to cross the podium and hear, "John Smith you are an Ironman."
A few themes that resonated with me...
Many triathletes fear the swim..choppy water, people kicking your face, goggles getting fogged up, trouble siting your way. Most just want to finish, The cut off is 2 hours 20 minutes.
Spending so much time training can be selfish.
The biggest challenges are mental..fighting the boredom..right, left repeat...pedal,pedal, pedal...stroke, stroke, stroke.
When it is all said and done...its done. You go get your bike and go home.
My final time in the 1/2 ironman was 7 hours and 9 minutes. The ironman cut off is 17 hours (assuming I could replicate the first half--which would be hard to do..I would have a spare 3 hours to finish). I came in 79th out of 109. 10 DNF.
Who knows....maybe IM is doable?
On June 4th 2011 I completed a the deuces wild half ironman triathlon in Arizona (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile trail run). After jumping in the water for the 1.2 mile swim I quickly found my fingers hitting the dirt, I was heading the wrong way into shore. The women jumped in the water 5 minutes after the men and most of them passed me at the first turn. It took me 57 minutes and some help from a Kayaker to keep me going the right way. Need to learn how to site out of the water. As they stripped off my wetsuit and I ran to T1 it was very easy to find my bike as it was all alone. I came in ranked 100 out of 107 men. I was in T1 for 5 minutes and 29 seconds (ranked 89) as my hands were very cold and it was hard to put on my bike shoes. The 56 mile bike ride time in at 3 hours 39 minutes (ranked 89). I was improving and I remembered to put on my bike helmet (you can be DQ'd if you leave Transition area without it). Sore feet forced me to take a short break heading up a steep hill and into a headwind. Could have done better if I learned how to use aerobars. I spent just 2:26 seconds in T2..took the time to take off my spandex and put on some comfortable running shorts..it was getting hot. I finished the half marathon in 2:26 minutes doing combination of walk/run as most were just walking. I thought I was slow, but it ranked 60th. Running must be strongest of the three events.
I finished and said I would never do that again..and for sure never a full ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run).
You are an Ironman follows 5 weekend warriors as they take on IMAZ (Ironman Arizona)...extra tempting as it is so close.
A businessman on the verge of a heart attack
an Airforce man who survived cancer
A woman inspired by her triathlete husband (they don't train well together)
A double-lung transplant man
An overweight california mother
Many of these people don't claim to be athletic. But they signed up, clicked submit, payed their registration, and committed to giving it their best. This book inspires because triathlons have changed the life of so many people. Weight loss, decreased BP, confidence, more energy, better spouses, better parents. I was caught up in their stories and their desire to cross the podium and hear, "John Smith you are an Ironman."
A few themes that resonated with me...
Many triathletes fear the swim..choppy water, people kicking your face, goggles getting fogged up, trouble siting your way. Most just want to finish, The cut off is 2 hours 20 minutes.
Spending so much time training can be selfish.
The biggest challenges are mental..fighting the boredom..right, left repeat...pedal,pedal, pedal...stroke, stroke, stroke.
When it is all said and done...its done. You go get your bike and go home.
My final time in the 1/2 ironman was 7 hours and 9 minutes. The ironman cut off is 17 hours (assuming I could replicate the first half--which would be hard to do..I would have a spare 3 hours to finish). I came in 79th out of 109. 10 DNF.
Who knows....maybe IM is doable?
January 30, 2013
I’ve never hidden the fact that one of my goals prior to my 40th birthday (although still a ways away) is to do an Ironman. And after meeting up with a few Ironmen at a reading conference I went to in October (hang on, they find time to work and read/write)…it just sealed the deal. So my goal for 2013 is to do a half-ironman (Beach 2 Battleship in October), with a full Ironman in 2014 (still trying to figure out which one)…and then I came across this book in an audible sale and for 4.95, I figured why not. I have to say that this is probably the best and emotional 4.95, I have ever spent on an audiobook – I was a complete and utter blubbering mess by the end of it. Thankfully, I was sitting in the car by myself, so no one could see.
There was just something about the stories of each individual competing in IMAZ 2009 (held in Tempe, Arizona) that made me feel like I knew them. From listening to entries on their blogs (I even went and looked a few of them up), to their trials/tribulations as they dealt with training, injuries and also life in general. From Scott, the recipient of a double-lung transplant (I mean, seriously – I couldn’t believe it when I heard that), to Bryan, who got into working out and then triathlons after a scary medical diagnosis. Listening to their stories made me realize that yes, I could do it.
Kirby Heybourne’s narration was pitch perfect – I really have nothing to complain about after listening to the audiobook. I loved his narration in Gone Girl, and this just sealed him as a narrator to look for in the future. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t necessarily want to do an ironman, but just as a motivational read. I can only hope that my journey towards an Ironman is as successful. Oh, and make sure that you have a box of tissues for reading/listening.
There was just something about the stories of each individual competing in IMAZ 2009 (held in Tempe, Arizona) that made me feel like I knew them. From listening to entries on their blogs (I even went and looked a few of them up), to their trials/tribulations as they dealt with training, injuries and also life in general. From Scott, the recipient of a double-lung transplant (I mean, seriously – I couldn’t believe it when I heard that), to Bryan, who got into working out and then triathlons after a scary medical diagnosis. Listening to their stories made me realize that yes, I could do it.
Kirby Heybourne’s narration was pitch perfect – I really have nothing to complain about after listening to the audiobook. I loved his narration in Gone Girl, and this just sealed him as a narrator to look for in the future. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t necessarily want to do an ironman, but just as a motivational read. I can only hope that my journey towards an Ironman is as successful. Oh, and make sure that you have a box of tissues for reading/listening.
March 27, 2012
The best part of this book is also it's biggest weakness: it follows six ordinary people in their quest to become an Ironman. Having so many different people to follow was great in giving the book depth and interest, but having so many characters made it hard for this reader to follow. I kept forgetting which character was which and distinguishing details about them were spaced throughout the book. Because the book kept jumping back and forth between all of them, it was hard to remember which one had which injury, which one was the teacher, which one was following which training method. A short introduction with biographical information and a photo of each participant -- even just a few pages at the beginning -- would have been very helpful.
I found this book very interesting. I've run a marathon so I understand what kind of training goes into that, but an Ironman is a bit more involved -- a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride and concluding with a 26.2 marathon run. While I question the wisdom of spending so much of one's life in training for something like this (and wonder if you have to have an obsessive personality to want to do it), it is amazing to consider what the human body is capable of.
I found it especially interesting the note at the end that of all the participants who started Ironman Arizona in 2009, 94% of them finished, showing that with a decent training base, this really isn't as impossible as it seems to those of us looking in from the outside. I appreciated also that the book showed the perils of training, though, as one of its characters never made it to the start line because of an injury and others had some injuries and difficulties along the way.
I found this book very interesting. I've run a marathon so I understand what kind of training goes into that, but an Ironman is a bit more involved -- a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride and concluding with a 26.2 marathon run. While I question the wisdom of spending so much of one's life in training for something like this (and wonder if you have to have an obsessive personality to want to do it), it is amazing to consider what the human body is capable of.
I found it especially interesting the note at the end that of all the participants who started Ironman Arizona in 2009, 94% of them finished, showing that with a decent training base, this really isn't as impossible as it seems to those of us looking in from the outside. I appreciated also that the book showed the perils of training, though, as one of its characters never made it to the start line because of an injury and others had some injuries and difficulties along the way.
January 12, 2012
I love reading stories of how other people have fought and trained and overcome great odds to accomplish a goal. I am a runner and it is truly inspiring to hear the trials that others go through, not just in their training, but in their personal lives as well. Nobody trains in a bubble, so life will inevitably take a turn that you weren't expecting and push your goals further away. In this book we see several people who didn't let that stop them from achieving something amazing. Ironman is a title that I will never take lightly because, through this book, I have been allowed to glimpse every grueling step along the road to hearing those word "You are an Ironman."
I enjoyed the way the author incorporated the blogs and personal messages from the athletes. Hearing their worries and frustrations in their own words gave the story a personal touch. At times Steinberg spent a little too much time relating the athletes' day to day training regimens, but once he got to the actual race he handled it beautifully and I read it straight through without stopping. A great read for any endurance athlete or anyone who needs a good dose of inspiration.
I enjoyed the way the author incorporated the blogs and personal messages from the athletes. Hearing their worries and frustrations in their own words gave the story a personal touch. At times Steinberg spent a little too much time relating the athletes' day to day training regimens, but once he got to the actual race he handled it beautifully and I read it straight through without stopping. A great read for any endurance athlete or anyone who needs a good dose of inspiration.
October 18, 2011
I just completed my first marathon and have been thinking about entering the world of triathlons. This big goal of mine is the Ironman despite the fact I don't currently own a bike and can barely swim. I have started to read up on the sport and while at my library I came across this book.
This book was just what I needed. It follows the journey of six normal people who all have obstacles and challenges of their own. Through reading their journey of committing to the race, training, and finally getting to race day, the reader is able to catch a glimpse into the busy lives of those who train. I walked away from the book with a sense of appreciation for families, loved ones, and the dedication of the human spirit when pushed to the limits.
I really found this to be the perfect read at the perfect time. As I contemplate this sport I need reminders that when you believe in yourself anything is possible. These are all amazing people in this book. However, at the end of the day they are regular people with regular lives of jobs, marriage, kids, and all the chaos that life brings us.
This book was just what I needed. It follows the journey of six normal people who all have obstacles and challenges of their own. Through reading their journey of committing to the race, training, and finally getting to race day, the reader is able to catch a glimpse into the busy lives of those who train. I walked away from the book with a sense of appreciation for families, loved ones, and the dedication of the human spirit when pushed to the limits.
I really found this to be the perfect read at the perfect time. As I contemplate this sport I need reminders that when you believe in yourself anything is possible. These are all amazing people in this book. However, at the end of the day they are regular people with regular lives of jobs, marriage, kids, and all the chaos that life brings us.
November 17, 2018
I've had this book on my "To Read" list for nearly seven years, and I'm glad I finally made time to finish it. I don't know what it is about the Ironman race, but I've been fascinated with it ever since I was a teenager. Something about it just pulls at my heart, and I found myself tearing up several times as I read this book. The personal struggles of these people are just so raw and real.
I don't have any plans to complete my own Ironman anytime soon, but I know that one day I'm going to do it. This book gave me the confidence that an average guy like me really does have what it takes as long as I work hard enough for it. I found this book motivational and uplifting.
I don't have any plans to complete my own Ironman anytime soon, but I know that one day I'm going to do it. This book gave me the confidence that an average guy like me really does have what it takes as long as I work hard enough for it. I found this book motivational and uplifting.
March 7, 2015
Loved reading these stories about everyday Joe's going to work, raising kids, stretching the check book and fighting through crazy training commitments to compete in their first Ironmans. Inspiring and very real and raw!
October 3, 2011
Terrific book about ordinary people training for the ironman. My favorite section was their stories about the actual competition and how they completed the race.
December 12, 2011
Basically a narrative pulled from the triatheles' blogs. The information about Ironman itself was interesting.
August 16, 2024
I loved seeing the experience of doing an Ironman, from making the decision and onto the grueling training, then the anxious line up to swim, and finally the euphoric finish. It was especially cool that the big day took place in my hometown. The competitors we got to know were rock stars and inspiring for sure! I did have a hard time keeping track of who was who from the way the author jumped around. And there was something missing in the writing style—obviously these people had lots of heart, but I couldn’t always feel it. Still, if you’re thinking of undertaking such a big goal, I think you’d get a lot out of this book.
February 12, 2022
This was an amazing read. Having run a marathon and cycled a century, I have no urge to complete a full Ironman, but it offered the inspiration I needed as I start training for triathlon season.
October 12, 2013
Not the best but not the worst. If you want to train for any endurance event it will still get up and motivated.
You are an Ironman by Jacques Steinberg is a journalistic look at what it takes to become an ironman when you are just a regular person. The story follows six people over one year as they train for the Arizona Ironman. It is their first time training for the full distance but they are all relatively seasoned athletes who have run marathons, half-ironmans, and other races. I typically enjoy any story about endurance challenges. I always find them motivating for my own running.
Overall, I liked the book and how he wrote about each person's training, challenges, and motivations, but I didn't like he quoted their blogs so much. I wish he had written more in his own words rather than theirs. I also wish he had focused more on tips or advice they learned from their training. I think that could easily have fit in without making the story becoming a training manual. I also think it could have been interesting if he had followed someone training in a slightly non-traditional way, like a vegan or someone who trained without following a strict plan or someone who ran without shoes. Something that was unique, rather than six people who essentially followed the traditional training plan.
You are an Ironman by Jacques Steinberg is a journalistic look at what it takes to become an ironman when you are just a regular person. The story follows six people over one year as they train for the Arizona Ironman. It is their first time training for the full distance but they are all relatively seasoned athletes who have run marathons, half-ironmans, and other races. I typically enjoy any story about endurance challenges. I always find them motivating for my own running.
Overall, I liked the book and how he wrote about each person's training, challenges, and motivations, but I didn't like he quoted their blogs so much. I wish he had written more in his own words rather than theirs. I also wish he had focused more on tips or advice they learned from their training. I think that could easily have fit in without making the story becoming a training manual. I also think it could have been interesting if he had followed someone training in a slightly non-traditional way, like a vegan or someone who trained without following a strict plan or someone who ran without shoes. Something that was unique, rather than six people who essentially followed the traditional training plan.
May 4, 2025
This book fascinated me. I'm sure that's partly because I'm into fitness and running and know how tough it is to run a marathon. It intrigues me to learn about everyday people with the courage and determination to complete something like the Ironman triathlon. I was also able to take away some tips and tricks for my next marathon.
July 22, 2018
Although fitness buffs might get more out of this book than others, you don't need to be a triathlete (I'm not - yet) to appreciate the stories of these six otherwise normal people who embark on a seemingly insane quest to complete an Ironman. The story of their year of preparation and performance at the big event is well told by Jacques Steinberg. It was an engaging and inspiring book.
October 5, 2017
I enjoy hearing about people exercise. This book didn't inspire me to train for an Ironman (I would never want to have to deal with the costs of the bike and the gear and the logistics). However, it did inspire me to start training for a 5K. So I've started up on my couch to 5k app. :)
March 31, 2013
BEYOND inspiring. I absolutely LOVED this book.
February 21, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. If you're thinking of doing an Ironman and don't know what you're getting yourself into then this is a must read. Especially because you get to see things through the eyes of six people.
I agree with others, that at times the characters' stories can blend together. I also think that these people seem a little bit more accomplished than the "weekend warrior" title before they began their Ironman quest.
Lots of positive things to say about the book. Yes, real people can do it if they find the time to train. Training has challenges such as scheduling and dealing with injuries. To overcome the cold of an open water swim before biking is quite an accomplishment. I felt happy for those who completed the event and became and Ironman. Even those who didn't complete it got the benefits from so much training.
I admire those who tried to complete this challenge, but don't think I'd ever try to be an Ironman myself. To me the prize of the Ironman title and the accomplishment isn't worth the risk of injury.
I agree with others, that at times the characters' stories can blend together. I also think that these people seem a little bit more accomplished than the "weekend warrior" title before they began their Ironman quest.
Lots of positive things to say about the book. Yes, real people can do it if they find the time to train. Training has challenges such as scheduling and dealing with injuries. To overcome the cold of an open water swim before biking is quite an accomplishment. I felt happy for those who completed the event and became and Ironman. Even those who didn't complete it got the benefits from so much training.
I admire those who tried to complete this challenge, but don't think I'd ever try to be an Ironman myself. To me the prize of the Ironman title and the accomplishment isn't worth the risk of injury.
February 5, 2017
So, my goal for my 50th birthday is to do a half Ironman. Yes, I am intimidated by it. I'd be lying my butt off if I didn't say I was. I have been trying to read any type of motivational "you aren't crazy for having that on your bucket list" material and this book was the logical first choice. What this book did was to show me through people, who had far greater challenges than I have, not only competed in one FULL Ironman, but made it part of their lifestyle. It helped to curb that intimidation. What it didn't do was keep me engaged. I found myself putting it down and picking up other books instead.
August 10, 2017
I want to be an Ironman; that is no secret. This book fed the fire by telling the stories of a bunch of regular people who set out to do Ironman Arizona (or IMAZ) in 2009. It told the stories of their training, their struggles along the way, and that long, long 10 to 17 hour day that was Ironman. I don't know why reading about how difficult Ironman is -- not only the event, but the training! -- makes me want to do it even more, but that is definitely how it works. The fact that the book was about IMAZ made it even better. I was disappointed when this book ended -- being immersed in Ironman world is a great place to be!
May 28, 2018
Someday, I may read or watch something about Ironman that doesn't make me cry at the finish line scenes. But it wasn't during this one. I wish Steinberg hadn't relied so heavily on the participants' online accounts of their journeys--it honestly felt a little lazy to me at point. I realize there were six of them and that several kept very detailed blogs and that I DID appreciate hearing their own voices. But sometimes it read like a collation of material rather than a synthesis. If only I hadn't been quite so miserable during the bike...
May 3, 2018
This book took forever for me to get through. I listened to it and the reader wasn’t a good fit for this book. I do always prefer the author to read her own book because you get all the right emphasis. Something just felt off. But perhaps it was all the reading of journal entries that made it awkward. Or maybe it was all the jumping around from person to person. I don’t know, I just couldn’t get into it until race day. Then it was engaging and inspiring. I was choking up while running myself.
July 24, 2019
Enjoyed the accounts of ordinary people rising up to the near-impossible. Thought it was a little frustrating how many of the typical training/prep traps the characters fell into; felt like I was reading an online forum at times...but I suppose that just means it was accurate. Also in the end it wasn't very relevant to my Ironman race day experience. Might be fun to re-read now that I have the perspective of having done an Ironman though.
February 4, 2024
Speaking my truth: mid all around. Although the stories were individually inspiring, I found the overall flow of the book difficult to follow. I felt like the moments chosen to dive into great detail were oddly selected and I lost track of who was who. I appreciated the epilogue as a satisfying ending. Perhaps the fact that it was written by a journalist and not a triathlete influenced what was considered relevant.
September 23, 2025
This was a decent, albeit mundane story, that is hard to not find inspirational. Grabbed this book on a whim after completing my first triathlon, and while it isn't exactly an instructional, it still gives the reader a glimpse into the training, trials, and tribulations of competing in one of the world's most difficult races. Anyone whose wondered what it might be like to do an Ironman, would find this both interesting and helpful.
March 20, 2022
Minus two stars for the sheer volume of religious mentions in this one and the obvious lack of personal investment in the sport. I want to read about sports, not people's religious views. Every chance the author got he seemed to throw in God or Christianity. The author unfortunately wasn't able to convey the achievements and set backs that the participants experienced.
October 4, 2022
Meh, author is not an Ironman, and although the stories of people from the book were interested none went deep enough to make it really interesting. It was also hard to follow, as author was jumping between different athletes, and I quickly lost track who is who.
On the bright side, it touched on all the struggle Ironman athletes go through: injuries, balancing work, life and training, etc.
On the bright side, it touched on all the struggle Ironman athletes go through: injuries, balancing work, life and training, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews