Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals

By Steven Jonas

Book Overview

The explosion of interest in physical fitness that has sent Americans running, bicycling, and swimming by the tens of thousands now extends to the fitness competition that combines all three ?triathloning. Steven Jonas, a former nonathlete who began endurance sports in middle age, offers an accessible program for anyone from beginner to experienced jogger.Dr. Jonas's own experiences are the basis of this user-friendly book, directed to the person who wants to do more than just run. He sets forth basic recommendations on equipment necessary for triathloning and outlines a three-phased training program that will take the untrained beginner to a state of fitness where he or she can complete a triathlon of moderate distance. The book includes a chapter on nutrition and a stretching program. Dr. Jonas has revised and updated the work to include information on how to run longer races, how to train for the increasingly popular duathlon (run/bike/run), and new tips from his further fifteen years of experience.Techniques, fitness, training, equipment, nutrition, pre-race, the race itself ?a readable introduction for the aspiring recreational triathloner.A new chapter on duathlons and how to run longer races, and updated appendixes on the latest magazines and books of interest to triathloners.Dr. Steven Jonas has participated in 100 multi-sports events.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393318966
• ISBN13: 9780393318968
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Programs for Beginners

If you've been wanting to get into triathlon, but you don't know where to start, this book is full of programs for you to get started on.

ALL YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

The book delivers as promised!When I finished the plan (taking you from SLOW running gradually increacing intensity over weeks and weeks), I was ready for my first Triathlon - The San Jose International - a 3/4 mile swim, 20 mile bike and a 6 mile run. No, I didn't win of course, but I finished! The process was so gradual, I KNEW I could do it every step of the way...What a great feeling! I lost ove 30 pounds of fat in the process, too! This is the ONLY kind of training I have ever STUCK with!I am about to do a HALF Ironman his weekend (TBF Half Ironman in Sacramento). None of this ever would've happened if it weren't for me picking up this book...

Wonderful book for the first timers!!!

This book is just wonderful for those who wonder whether they can do their first triathlon. Author gives very useful advise for buliding up aerobical base and then prepare to the first olimpic distance triathlon.

A perfect book for the first time recreational athlete.

I am about to race in my first triathlon. I used the training program and advice offered in this book to prepare. I feel ready to race. The book helps the first time recreational triathlete train in a low stress and managable manner. I highly recommend it.

Excellent guide to fitness as a lifestyle

I first saw this book when I bought my first bike in college- I wanted to get into shape so I could ride longer. I've used his basic premise for over 7 years now through four cities, three schools, and two jobs to stay fit and keep workouts fun. Why does it work so well? Because it's flexible. If I feel like rollerblading for three days in a row, I "just do it". If I'm tired or sick, I rest up to two days in a row knowing that I can adjust my schedule accordingly. If friends invite me to go hiking or skiing on the weekend, I'm not tied down to a particular routine- I just play hard and count it into hours exercised per week. Another important component is measuring aerobic intensity against your current fitness level. If walking gets your heart rate up, you can stay at that level until your condition allows you to move on to something faster. Finally- a book on fitness that realistically acknowledges the demands of jobs, unexpected illnesses, family, friends, and fun!