Not sure what to trust
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At first glance this book seems very helpful and certainly succeeds in making Ironman seem possible, assuming you start out reasonably fit. However, then you start to read more details, and some of it is bizarre. The chapter on nutrition is basically nonsense (I am a lecturer in sports nutrition); it includes factual inaccuracies and goes against the recommendations of the IOC and others. The section on bike handling gives some dangeoursly bad advice and fundamentally misunderstands the function of brakes. Which leads me to wonder how much of the other areas, in which I don't have specialist knowledge, contain similarly important errors?
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A good comprehensive guide
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As someone who has competed at duathlon, and running, but not yet triathlon (weak swimmer) and is contemplating whether it would be possible to complete an ironman I found this a pretty good guide, and picked up some useful (I hope) tips. Like most books of this nature, it was a bit "dry", but it was better than many training guides I have read. I really liked the way that it focused on the important aspects, and put the swim, bike and run into perspective. Without this, I'm sure I would have approached training in a different way, probably spending too much time running (and too fast), and worrying much more about the swim. And I'm sure I would have ended up overtraining. Now I know I should put the majority of my focus into the bike, and getting in the 3 key weekly sessions. I actually feel like the training could be manageable.
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First Time Finisher (2005 Ironman UK)
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Excellent book full of all the information you need to complete the distance. I did the get you round schedule and completed Ironman UK in under 16 hours. It can be done, I agree with some other reviews everyone will think you are insane...you will think you are insane yourself at times but Going Long explains how to deal with these doubts and turn them into positive energy to complete the challenge. So don't be affraid start a truly wonderful journey.
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Required reading for budding ironmen (and women)
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If you're thinking of doing an ironman this is an invaluable guide. It guides you through every aspect of planning, training and finishing your first (and subsequent!) ironman race. The sample training plans are very useful in giving you an idea of the volume and type of training you need to do. Importantly stresses the pointlessness/danger of doing too much running. The author also offers a "contact me" facility. I thought "yeah right", but tried it and got a prompt and useful response. Probably the best piece of kit you'll buy.
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Go the distance
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This book gives you a great insight into how you can do it. I often read and then re-read at weekends after long workouts.
A must for those fed up of super-sprinting and feeling a bit left out.
Go long, give it a try.
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