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The Perfect Distance: Training for Long-Course Triathlons
Long course triathlon -- a pivotal step toward the sport's ultimate challenge, the Ironman -- is rapidly growing in popularity. Packed with techniques and drills, "The Triathlete's Guide to Half-Ironman Training is the first book to equip triathletes for the long course. Every facet of effective preparation for the event is thoroughly outlined. There are sport-specific chapters as well as instruction on selecting equipment, making smart nutrition decisions, strength training, and overcoming injuries. Extensive appendices with workouts for swim, bike, run, key training sessions, and indoor training make this book the ultimate resource.
- GenresSports
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 2, 2011
If you're considering doing your first Half-Ironman, this is the book for you! It's aimed squarely at this distance, unlike many other books that tend to generalize over all distances.
The author breaks down the theory of triathlon in a way that is easy to absorb. His explanation of the three aspects of training was very useful in determining the appropriate training plan. Note that he doesn't provide any detailed training plans, but offers high-level examples for different levels of athlete. What he provides is the basis for creating your own plan, or customizing one (like I did).
I especially liked his section late in the book about the peak, taper, and race periods. His taper strategy of shorter and shorter brick workouts leading up to the race was very successful for me. When I started the run leg of my first Half, they felt great -- even better than in Sprint and Olympic distance races I'd done before.
He also offers excellent advice for each race leg individually. He encourages negative splits in the bike because he claims it allows the body to settle into fat-burning mode during the first, slower half of the bike. I didn't actually do that in my race, but I like the concept.
The author breaks down the theory of triathlon in a way that is easy to absorb. His explanation of the three aspects of training was very useful in determining the appropriate training plan. Note that he doesn't provide any detailed training plans, but offers high-level examples for different levels of athlete. What he provides is the basis for creating your own plan, or customizing one (like I did).
I especially liked his section late in the book about the peak, taper, and race periods. His taper strategy of shorter and shorter brick workouts leading up to the race was very successful for me. When I started the run leg of my first Half, they felt great -- even better than in Sprint and Olympic distance races I'd done before.
He also offers excellent advice for each race leg individually. He encourages negative splits in the bike because he claims it allows the body to settle into fat-burning mode during the first, slower half of the bike. I didn't actually do that in my race, but I like the concept.
April 29, 2013
Very interesting read. Many great facts and advice.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews