Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now

She's funny, she's devoted and she's fat. And she's not young, either. So if you're a woman, no longer a teenager or a 30-something, you will find this book funny (sometimes hilarious) and refreshing. It will answer all the questions you'd be afraid to ask a seriously competitive athlete. (Not Ms Williams is not competitive, but she sees it from the light of a person who's happy she can move, much less win.) I'm 53 and getting ready for my first paddle/bike/run (I hope!) While I'm sorry there isn't a simliar guide for paddlers, I'm just as happy I won't have to wriggle in and out of wetsuit. This book was just the guide I was looking for to give me some idea of what my first event will be like. And since I too tend to injure myself a lot, due to back issues, I was happy to see that others are just as willing to risk that as I am... gave me perspective. (However I'm more likely to injure myself carrying my boat or bike than riding and paddling!) Enjoy the book and enjoy your race.

This summer, I decided to find a goal that would really challenge me, and after a lot of searching, I decided that a triathlon would fit the bill. Next thing I did was look for books about triathlon training. Everything scared me. Then I saw Jayne Williams' book and said, "Ahhhh, now we're talking." I love love love this book. It is on my nightstand, and I've read it twice. The title was funny to me, but it could be confusing to other people. (For example, I told a friend about it and she said, "But you're not fat ... or slow, for that matter.") So if you're skinny or not quite fat, don't let the title put you off. This is a book for people who want and need to get moving more, no matter what their size. Now that I've devoured the book, I have to get as serious about training! Williams has the right tone between serious athlete who'll push you and a good buddy who'll laugh with you as you struggle out of your wetsuit. You just want to sign up for a triathlon TODAY as you're reading it because she makes you feel this is something you can absolutely accomplish. I highly recommend this book if you dream of achieving your triathlon goals but worry how you'll actually go about doing it. This book will cheer you on the whole journey. Go for it! (1/13/06 update) I completed my first sprint-distance triathlon in July 2005 -- woo-hoo!-- and I'm training for two more in summer 2006. And yes, I'll be reading this book again. And again.

After reading this book, I am also proud to call myself a Slow, Fat Triathlete! Jayne gives inspiration and motivation on every page in a warm, good humored style. This is not a book filled with training logs, nor does it supply technique, or go into equipment in depth. However, it is choc-full of laugh-out-loud personal accounts from training and racing, and makes you want to get up and get moving! It is definately geared toward getting people motivated to do their 1st triathlon, not people trying to take their performance up a notch. And to that end, this book does its' job beautifully. I loaned my copy to my sister who is gearing up for her 1st tri in the Spring and she keeps her hubby up at night laughing while reading in bed. She loves it! This is a great, funny, warm, and inspiring book for anyone looking to do their 1st triathlon, or us "back of the pack-ers" to know we're not alone! Great book Jayne!

I bought this book on a whim, and found it to be an absolutely delightful read. I'm an inactive 45-year old guy who sometimes thinks of doing something inspiring like trying a triathalon, but am always stopped by the embarassing realization that I have developed the body of an inactive 45-year-old. In this book the author - using a light, witty, and enjoyable writing style - encourages us to let go of such silly excuses. As the author says "Absolutely nothing good ever comes from worrying about what other people think of you." With that, she encourages us to get out there and "Live your athletic dreams in the body you already have", instead of sitting on the couch and waiting for your body to somehow improve on its own. Hard to argue with that. All in all, I found this to be a enlightening and inspiring book. Highly recommended.