Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance Triathlons

by Joe Friel, Gordon Byrn

The complete training handbook for long-distance events

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Fitness, Health

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Edward Whittle]

Basically a rehash of the training bible with antipodean slang thrown in. Maybe read this or the triathletes training bible - you dont need both and the former is a lot more comprehensive.

[Douglas Lord]

While it’s tough to describe ‘going long’ briefly, here’s the deal: if you had to choose one book to help you go 140.6, this is it. These two acknowledged experts present ‘traditional,’ baseline training advice covering the business of the swimming, biking, and running – and so much more. See, the longer the distance you race, the trickier it gets. This covers pretty much everything from developing mental prep/toughness to nailing the taper – the period of physiological peak fitness you achieve prior to race day. Advice on selecting gear, preventing common injuries, optimal diet, strength training, and for race day itself (“…control your arousal and avoid riding too hard” when taken out of context is pretty funny) is solid. Entries make you a stronger, healthier, smarter competitor and are completely realistic: “…lack of sleep is probably the single greatest challenge facing most working athletes.” Many athletes coach themselves using this one book, and while some might disagree with components, or even with this traditional, volume and periodization training approach in general, I bet every one of them began racing long using these strategies.

[Erik]

Friel is a very calculating author and if you follow his program, you will see excellent results. The only problem is trying to follow his rigorous schedule. While more experienced Triathletes with fairly flexible schedules may not have a problem, those who work long hours or are not very strong may have a tough time following it. Either way, I think this is a good read for any Triathlete, especially if you have read the "other" books and are thinking about doing some longer distance races like half or full Ironmans.

[Jon]

Apparently I didn't put this on Goodreads the first time around? A solid piece of work with a heavy focus on form/economy and building endurance, as expected for Iron-distance training. I also find some of the strength work more useful that than in Triathlete's Training Bible (the overlap between the two is small). I have incorporated several things into my training: some of the strength exercises, the hip flexibility routine, using run/walk in training, lots of balance/posture work.

[Rick]

If you are going to do a half-ironman distance or longer race, you have to read this book and stick with the guidance therein. I attribute the nutrition tips in the book with assisting me in finishing my Ironman. It's quite dull in many parts, but it has everything you need opther than a bike, wetsuit, and sneakers.

[David Weir]

Very good book for training for Triathlons and an Ironman. It gives great insight on what it takes to get there, what you need to do, what to eat, how to train, etc. It's a very easy read and very easy to pick up and learn new things each time.

I wouldn't recommend it unless you're actually training for something, otherwise it'd be a little ridiculous.

[Noito]

As a novice triathlete with only a few years experience I was able to access everything that I needed to start on my journey training for an Ironman. I would recommend that you have at least a half Ironman under your belt before buying this book. But I know I will be coming back to this time and time again as I progress in this sport.

[Anna]

Excellent resource for understanding what is involved in the longer distance triathlons. I am not racing these distances yet but am counselling athletes who are, and this will help a great deal to grasp the complexities and details of these race lengths.

[Jeremy Jaramillo]

I use this as a great reference book and view it as one of the gold standards for Triathlon training. I knocked off a star because I didn't read it like a normal book, but jumped around a lot to the sections I was working on or referencing at the time.

[Folkert Wierda]

Reread this very complete guide for training for multi-sport. It has obviously a lot of overlap with Friel's Triathlon Training Bible, but adds a lot, with a specific focus on what it takes to finish or race a full IM distance. Must read for all aspiring Ironmen and Iron Ladies!

[Pat]

Five stars for teaching me a new passion.

I've believed in Joe Friel's methods for over a decade and was joyed to find that he wrote about triathlon. His book taught me about training, nutrition, and pacing for an event that takes me five to six hours to complete.

[Greg]

mandatory Ironman training book

[Jennifer]

Another great book to read while needing to concentrat on my triathlon training. I love reading about what I'm doing so I can keep it in the frot of my mind all the time.

[Heidi]

good training book I have a long way to go and it's good to be able to read about some of the other training programs, injuries people sustain, and other ways to go

[Martin]

Very common sense approach to training

[Jennifer]

This is my main training and advice book! Some bits too technical for me, but I keep finding more to learn each time I pick it up.

[Kevin Coady]

Excellent book re: training for the IM distance. If you're training for your first Ironman and don't have a power meter, the chapter describing how to race an Ironman is a must read.

[Scott Morrison]

Joel and Gordie get it right and my coach knows them and confirmed. They all got me across the Ironman finish line strong!

[Jake Johnson]

This book is fantastic! Very in-depth.

[Peter]

Great introduction book to Ironman training.

[B. Thomas]

The best resource for Ironman.