I've been borrowing a few running and triathlon books from my local library in the past few weeks. The second edition of Steven Jonas book Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals; And Doing the Duathlon Too (W. W. Norton & Company, 2006) is a revised edition of the book which was first published in 1986.
Basic Triathlon Book
This is a good basic book, for anyone considering getting into the multisport of triathlon or duathlon. Although I've only done 3 sprint duathlons so far, I found this book to be a bit too simplistic for my needs. I have been a long distance cyclist for a number of years, and have done a few half marathons, so even though I am new to the sport of duathlon, I already have a bit of experience as a runner and cyclist.
But if you haven't been doing any kind of workout routine, and aren't currently swimming, biking and running, Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals is a good basic, entry level book to the sports of triathlon and duathlon. I have plans to do a few more sprint duathlons this season and have even signed up do to my first long distance event. I'll be doing the half ironman duathlon, on November 8th, at Miami Man. That's a 1 mile run-56 mile bike-13.1 mile run.
Miami Man Anyone?
I wouldn't recommend signing up for a long distance triathlon or duathlon, after only doing a few sprint distance events, but I'm not exactly the poster child for proper training techniques. I am stubborn, and a couple of my triathlete friends mentioned there was a duathlon option at Miami Man, so they have sucked me into the cult of long distance multisport.
I will be doing another 6-8 sprint duathlons before Miami Man, and a few long distance biking events, so I should be properly trained in time for Miami Man. I'm also training for a couple of half marathons, which take place after Miami Man, so I'll be getting in lots of training before then.
Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals Table of Contents
- An Introduction to Triathlon and Duathlon
- The Road to Sag Harbor
- Choosing Your First Triathlon or Duathlon
- Run, Pacewalk, Bike and Swim: Technique
- Training Basics for Triathlon and Duathlon
- Starting from Scratch: The Basic Aerobic Fitness Program
- The Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals Training Program
- Equipment
- The Race
- Going Long
- Some Final Thoughts, Nearning a Quarter-Century in the Sport
Chapter 9 is especially good for anyone that hasn't competed in a race. Jonas takes you step-by-step through his first triathlon experience, and what to expect at your first race. I haven't been able to interest my husband in duathlons, so I went to my first race by myself. Interesting experience, I was a bit nervous to say the least, but managed to get through it. I've also been lucky to win a trophy at each of the three duathlons I've competed in, so that has kept me REALLY motivated!
I'd like to hear about your favorite multisport training books and magazines.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva
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