Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the Ultimate Endurance Event

This book is filled with the inspiring first-person accounts of Ironman participants. It provides a personal insight into the struggles and aspirations of a wide variety of competitors, from first-time amateurs to seasoned professionals. The stories are compelling and personal - the writing is not edited much at all, allowing the voice of the writer to come through strongly, so that each story offers a unique perspective. I found the book consistently moving and inspirational, and although I'm just starting to train for my first triathlon, I can't help but dream of one day becoming an Ironman myself! If you have any interest in triathlons, or endurance sports in general, or if you just enjoy reading about personal athletic triumph, read this book.

This book is a must-read for those wanting to do an Ironman. It serves as an inspiration (I can do this too, if they did...) as well as a reference for a "how-to" on things to do/not do in training for/completing your first Ironman. Every first Ironman experience was different and unique and inspirational in the book..... from the Pros (wow - they had some of the same problems as age-groupers) to the Physically Challenged, to the Middle-of-the-Packers, to the Over 50 (they are truly admirable in my mind) to the DNF-ers.I have done my first Ironman and it was a great read to see other first experiences. This book, Becoming an Ironman, makes me want to do another...

As a long time triathlete (16 years), I found this book to be a much needed breath of fresh air. Since I have been involved in the sport, triathlon has evolved from a rough and tumble gunslinger's kind of challenge to a much more refined and scientific undertaking. There is almost nothing in this book about lactate threshold, bladed spokes, or the merits of the electrolyte-replacement-drink-of-the-moment. There is a lot about peanut butter, which I for one, am glad to see.This book, and the stories inside, return us to the true nature of triathlon. The fundamental reasons we all race; to challenge ourselves, to be healthy, to have FUN, and to find out what is really out there for us to experience in this short life.I am returning to the sport after a somewhat lengthy sabatical. I can honestly say that I think I lost sight of why triathlon is important to me. I think I forgot about the roots of this great sport. I never really had a burning desire to do an Ironman, although I always thought I would do one eventually. A couple of halfs had helped to fuel the "long-distance" fire. I am back on my bike, ready to go, and this book has been a gas can.Inspiring!

I got into triathloning (is that a word?) because I no longer wanted to do marathons. I've completed 3 marathons, and after each one, I said that was the last one. But I really meant it after the third, and took up triathlon as an alternative. I just completed my first Olympic distance triathlon, and had a blast. I love triathlon! I bought this book because I know several people that have done an Ironman, and I have always thought they were crazy! But after reading the stories, I now have an overwhelming desire to do one. This has actually made me very angry! I stopped doing marathons because they hurt! Now I want to add a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride in front of it?!?! I've lost my mind! I never envisioned the Ironman as an adventure, but to read the thoughts of each participant, it seems like the Ironman is more about the journey, and not about the race. Each athlete has their own approach and outcome, and I could relate to each. The book is divided nicely into different sections. I liked to read about the ones that barely made the cutoff of 17 hours. I will be one of those people! And to know that some professionals actually DNF'd their first attempt is somewhat comforting. The book is just a great compilation of life stories - knowing who you are and where you are going. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves triathlon. But if you've ever said "I'll never do an Ironman", you better watch out!

This book has described an event to me that has always been something I have aspired to trying someday, yet I have never been able to get the right answers that I needed in terms of very basic "how did it feel" questions, from the few friends I know who've actually done an Ironman. I was moved to tears and now, after reading these wonderful stories, I can say to myself that yes I can do an Ironman, and more importantly, that I WANT to do an Ironman.