firstoffthebike.com - Tri 101

Book Review - 'Going Long'

GOING LONG. Training for Ironman-distance triathlons. 2nd Edition.
Joe Friel & Gordon Byrn

In a relatively new sport like triathlons, it's saying something for a book about training for triathlons to reach a 2nd edition. It's a testament to the knowledge of the authors, the quality of information written, and the relevance and popularity of the topic - training for an Ironman-distance triathlon. I can back that up by saying this is the best triathlon training book I've ever read, from cover to cover.

So after that endorsement, let's look a little closer at why this book is such a good book!!

For many triathletes, Joe Friel and Gordon (Gordo) Byrn need no introduction. Joe has been coach of numerous international class athletes since 1980 in a wide range of sports, a renowned author of the "Training Bible" series of books (and others), speaker, coach educator and much more.

Gordo has been a triathlete since 1998, posting an 8:29 time in IM Canada and other podium finishes. Gordo is perhaps better known for this blogs, covering a topics from triathlons to finance, and over time has learned - and demonstrated - a huge wealth of knowledge and experience in triathlons. The co-authors know their stuff!!

This is far, far more than just a manual about how to swim, bike and run - that's the easy part. The opening section is a gold mine of information on its own, covering The Iron Journey, Approaches to Training, Understanding Fitness and Equipment. I found myself frequently nodding my head in agreement with the advice, statements and perspective they offered on the fundamental approach to triathlon and training. The authors avoided hype and tell it as it is - for some the truth might be hard to acknowledge, but in my opinion it's far better than glossing over what is involved in undertaking an Ironman distance triathlon.

The book is aimed at a wide audience - athletes of many abilities (it does assume some existing experience and knowledge), coaches, self-coached athletes - and I found it meets the needs and questions that many in these audiences would have. It is detailed and suited to people with a thirst for detailed information.

The opening chapters cover basic questions like Can I do it?, Traits for Success, Essential Attributes of a Coach, and further to the degree of training athletes may undertake - Training to Finish, Training for a Personal Best, and Training to Qualify. The explanation offered to describe components of fitness is a great introduction to a complex topic, discussed in a way understandable by real-world triathletes than a scientists. Topics like Limiters and Critical Success Factors include great information. The chapter on Equipment cuts through hype to what's important.

The chapter on Training Overview may need to be read several times to really grasp the depth of information provided, but for coaches and self-coached athletes it is a fantastic resource of information that you'll be referring to over and over.

The chapters covering swimming, biking and running not only discuss the fundamentals of the sport, but go into detail about skills, drills, exercises, sample sessions, and training approaches.

In the section called Beyond the Basics the book covers three topics which are often neglected but that can make a critical difference to your performance - Strength Training, Nutrition ("The Fourth Discipline"), and "Training the Mind". Upon reading these chapters you realise what a significant contributor these aspects of training are to performance. The quality of information is equal to that in the chapters covering physical preparation, with information you can take and use immediately to help your performance.

A series of Case Studies are interesting, covering a season training plan for "Nick the Novice", "Rachel the Runner" and "Kona Ken". These studies put into structure the theory covered earlier in the book.

The final section of the book continues the exploration of complete performance in covering Recovery and Wellness, Peaking for Your Ironman and Racing Long. These chapters provide well-rounded, complementary information to the book, but by no means less important. They demonstrate the extent of aspects an athlete needs to consider if they are really striving for their best performance.

In conclusion, this is an excellent book for anyone with a real thirst for knowledge, information, tips, advice and more about achieving their best performance in triathlons. It does assume an existing involvement and experience with the sport, so is perhaps not all that suited to beginner triathletes - it may be overwhelming.

I highly recommend this book. Cambell Maffett